Here on the Gold Coast, we're lucky to have a number of different options available to us for our kids to join in on messy play. Each week you'll find new themes and tray set ups, each carefully thought out and designed to excite and engage all of your children's senses. So what are you waiting for - get those old clothes out, pack the towels and head on over to one of these great Messy Play options!
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Mighty Mess Kids sensory play
Do you love the idea of messy play, but just can’t bring yourself to have to deal with the clean up at home? That’s where messy play sessions come in and boy are they popular! Have all the fun of messy play, without any of the work involved – that’s a win! Mighty Mess Kids are one such business offering sessions across the northern Gold Coast, so that children can safely and freely explore their world through touch, sight, smell, sound and taste.
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Making Rainbows GC – music, movement and sensory classes
Making Rainbows GC is a fun music, movement and sensory program for kids aged 0-5yrs, designed to excite their natural love of music! Let the kids join in with singing, dancing and playing instruments, and watch as they engage in imaginative play and stimulating social, emotional and physical development.
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Ipswich Nature Centre, Queens Park, Ipswich
Queens Park in Ipswich might be a bit of a drive from the Gold Coast, but it is worth it for the perfect weekend drive. Here you'll find a free (gold coin donation appreciated) nature centre packed with native animals to see, a great cafe and a huge playground.
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Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
The Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm caves are a great opportunity for the family to get up close and personal with thousands of tiny little glow worms! Usually only seen at night, their purpose built sanctuary on Tamborine Mountain means you can support glow worm conservation and see them during day light hours.
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, 27-hectare outdoor space connecting wildlife and nature with the community. There is so much to see and do: Cuddle a koala, pat a kangaroo or book a hospital tour - whether paid or free, there are so many opportunities to interact with the animals and see the Sanctuary in action up close. Don't miss the Extinction Trail where you can get up close with dinosaurs, and the Wild Island water park and playground!
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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.
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Home of the Arts (HOTA), Surfers Paradise
HOTA is the Gold Coast's home for all things creative! Formally known as Home of the Arts, HOTA is a cultural precinct bringing people together. Here you can experience shows in the theatres, performances on the outdoor stage, exhibitions in the Gallery, immersive events, workshops and more. If the arts aren't your thing, the parklands around HOTA are hugely popular. Whether you're visiting the Farmers Market each Sunday, swimming in Evandale Lake, playing on the playground or relaxing with a picnic under the trees by the river, you're bound to enjoy a day out at HOTA.
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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.
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AquaDuck Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
The iconic AquaDuck has been seen driving or cruising around Surfers Paradise for many years now. While it's touristy, don't let that stop you - it's really a great family day out!
