Looking for things to do with the kids these September school holidays? I've pulled together the best Gold Coast school holiday activities, events and family-friendly things to do from 18 September to 5 October, including free and low-cost options.
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Boomerang Hills Putt Putt, Mudgeeraba
18 holes of putt putt, lush Hinterland scenery and a little friendly competition — Boomerang Hills in Mudgeeraba is a fun family day out, with breakfast and lunch available onsite to make a morning of it.
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Paradise Point Parklands Playground
Paradise Point Parklands is home to a fantastic playground with a huge climbing tower, slides, toddler play, an in-ground trampoline, balancing challenges and plenty of imaginative and discovery-based play — all set amongst leafy, shaded parklands.
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Summerland Farm, Alstonville
Spend a day at Summerland Farm in Alstonville, where kids can explore the Adventure Park, cool off in the water play area, meet the farm animals and hop aboard a tractor for a tour of the working farm. Add in delicious local produce, a beautiful farm setting and plenty of space to explore, and you've got a lovely family day out in the Northern Rivers.
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Runaway Bay Tavern, Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay Tavern is a family-friendly dining spot on the northern Gold Coast, with coastal-inspired spaces, an outdoor playground and a menu with plenty of options for the whole family.
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Little Oaks Ponies, Chinderah
Discover a hidden woodland escape in Chinderah where childhood magic comes to life. Little Oaks Ponies offers small-group nature play, bunny cuddles, animal encounters, mud kitchen adventures and imaginative outdoor fun — the perfect place for little adventurers to explore, create and connect away from the hustle and bustle.
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ArtVo Gold Coast
Looking for a family activity that's guaranteed to get everyone laughing? ArtVo Gold Coast is an immersive trick-art gallery at Robina Town Centre that lets you step inside incredible optical illusions, creating hilarious and mind-bending images that the whole family will love. Whether you're visiting with toddlers, teens or grandparents, it's a fun indoor activity that's perfect for any weather.
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Pirate Park, Palm Beach
Pirate Park at Palm Beach has long been a family favourite. Located within the Palm Beach Parklands, right on Currumbin Creek, you can easily spend the day here so be sure to pack the swimmers, a picnic blanket and a change of clothes!
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The Messy Place, Ashmore
The Messy Place at Ashmore is the ultimate creative sensory play centre on the Gold Coast, designed exclusively for children under 6 years old. They offer creative and messy play sessions in a safe and enjoyable environment. Here, kids can unleash their imagination and make a mess, while parents relax and connect with not only their children, but other parents too!
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2026 Gold Coast winter school holiday guide
The Gold Coast is packed with family-friendly fun these Winter School Holidays! From free shopping centre activities and council events to hands-on workshops, performances and special holiday experiences, I've gathered all the best activities in one place to help you plan an unforgettable break with the kids.
