Looking for a family activity on the Gold Coast that’s completely different from the usual? TRICKD Surfers Paradise is an immersive illusion experience where reality constantly shifts around you. With interactive spaces that challenge your senses through optical illusions, sound, touch, colour and mixed reality, every room delivers something unexpected. Best of all, it’s completely hands-on — making it just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids.
-
-
Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, Montecollum
Tucked away in the lush Byron Bay hinterland, Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens is a family friendly spot that feels magical from the moment you arrive. Big crystals, giant geodes, and sparkly mineral displays are everywhere you look. Here, the kids will actually stop and say “wow” without needing to be rushed along!! It is calm, beautiful, and the perfect excuse to just wander around together and take it all in.
-
Dinosaurs Unearthed, Queensland Museum
Discover one of Brisbane’s best free activities at Dinosaurs Unearthed at the Queensland Museum. This immersive exhibit brings Queensland’s prehistoric past to life with local dinosaurs, megafauna and hands-on learning.
-
Home of the Arts (HOTA) Gallery, Surfers Paradise
The HOTA Gallery may be designed to cater for international art exhibitions, but families haven't been forgotten! The Children's Gallery at HOTA Gallery lets little artists get hands on in this creative space and discover interactive exhibits that complement the main galleries.
-
Gold Coast Motor Museum & Stanley’s Barn, Upper Coomera
You don't need to be a car lover to appreciate the Gold Coast Motor Museum - anyone who enjoys a great view, history and an incredible meal will feel right at home here! Next door to the museum, you'll find Stanley’s Barn - where an award-winning chef prepares culinary treats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Very family friendly, the restaurant is set beside a huge lawn - be sure to request a table on the patio! The kids can run around on the grass and visit a few farm animals during your visit.
-
Flipz Academy, Southport
If you’re looking for an indoor activity that keeps kids active, challenged and genuinely excited, Flipz Academy at Southport delivers on all fronts! Combining a trampoline park, ninja course and gymnastics equipment in one space, it’s the kind of venue where kids burn energy and build skills at the same time.
-
Dream Factory, Carrara
If you’re searching for a fun, high-energy activity for kids these school holidays that’s easy, affordable and completely weather-proof, Dream Factory is a must-visit. Located in Carrara, this giant indoor inflatable playhouse is bursting with colour, imagination and non-stop movement.
-
Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends at Queensland Museum
If you’re hunting for an unforgettable, family-friendly activity these school holidays, look no further than Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends at Queensland Museum Kurilpa. We recently spent the day exploring this incredible world-premiere exhibition — and it’s safe to say the kids (and the adults!) were completely hooked.
-
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026 is coming!!
Strap in Gold Coast. Pacific Airshow is soaring back in 2026 with tickets now on sale, for the first time ever prior to Christmas! The blockbuster event is locked in for 14, 15 and 16 August 2026. Ideal for a family day out, kids will love the Family Zone packed with yard games, chill out spaces and family-friendly activations. Young fans will also love the new NXTGN STEM LAB designed to spark curiosity in aviation. With the whole beach to move about on, pack the swimmers, a beach blanket and enjoy a day in the sun with plenty of entertainment for everyone.
-
Dig It, Tamborine Mountain
Dig It Tamborine Mountain is Queensland's first mini excavator park for kids big and small! Here, you will sit in the drivers seat of real excavator machinery and participate in construction-inspired activities. It's fully instructed fun for kids and their parents too! You don't need any experience, just a willingness to give it a go.
