Bill Thomson Park at Elanora is very much loved by locals! With a medieval theme, you'll find plenty of turrets and bridges connecting the playground together to create one large castle. The playground is set in the middle of the parklands, which also includes a lake, basketball court, picnic shelter and public toilets.
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Jabiru Island Park & Phil Hill Environmental Reserve, Paradise Point
Jabiru Island Park and Phil Hill Environmental Park is a great place for a family outing that is all about getting back outdoors. Come prepared to get wet and sandy, pack your lunch and bring the bikes. There is so much to explore!
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Broadwater Parklands Rockpools, Southport
The Broadwater Parklands stretch across three kilometres of the Broadwater in Southport and is a much-loved community space. Splash at the Rockpools, jump on the Bouncy Pillow, check out the many playgrounds or just relax along the waterside, the Broadwater Parklands are popular any day of the week.
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Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens have something for everyone! Free to visit, you can smell, touch and taste plants in the Sensory Garden; discover butterfly friendly plants in the Butterfly Garden; check out the Bush Tucker gardens; grab a coffee in the cafe or let the kids play on the playground!
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Mulch Minion Trail 2025, Northern GC Canefields
The Minions are in town! The Mulch Minions, that is. If you're unfamiliar, the northern Gold Coast cane fields host a popular Mulch Minion Trail each September to coincide with school holidays and the cane harvest. In 2025 the trail will run from Monday 29 September - Monday 6 October. These cute creations can be found on the Exit 38 Tourism coordinated trail that takes you through Yatala, Stapylton, Alberton, Jacobs Well and Norwell.
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Free School Holiday Fun at Tweed Mall
Calling all young artists! Let your child’s imagination run wild at Tweed Mall’s School Holiday “Little Picassos” Workshops. These fun and interactive sessions are the perfect way for kids to discover their inner artist. Best of all – every child will get to take home their very own masterpiece to proudly display!
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Macintosh Island Park, Main Beach
Macintosh Island Park is a real oasis in the midst of all the glitz and glamour of Main Beach! With big shady trees, cascading streams running through the park, pathways perfect for little ones to ride their bikes on, and many birds including the beautiful peacocks that are popular in their own right. You might even spot Big Foot!
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Holy Ship, Main Beach
Family-friendly dining, but make it fun for the adults too! Holy Ship Restaurant is a unique floating restaurant located on two retired ferry boats docked at Marina Mirage. Parents will love the waterside vibes, with a great bar list and fresh menu. Kids will love the special kids menu, wildlife spotting and fish feeding!
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Lions Park, Helensvale
Tucked alongside one of the main streets of Helensvale, many drive straight past Lions Park at Helensvale without realising what this gem has to offer! Families with kids ranging in ages will love this spot, as there is enough equipment to occupy the youngest through to the eldest of children. Got a ninja warrior on hand? This will also be the park for you, with it's parkour inspired equipment keeping even the most skilled climber occupied for hours!
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Robert Dalley Park, Helensvale
Robert Dalley Park in Helensvale received an upgrade recently, and it's such a fun playground now! There are lots of climbing opportunities, and 2 big slides. A musical corner, balancing objects, and swings too! This playground is fabulous for all ages.
