Cool off at Logan Gardens, with a free splash pad, shady water play, a brilliant treehouse playground and plenty of space to picnic and play. Perfect for an easy, budget-friendly family outing.
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Farm & Co, Cudgen
Sunflowers, a playground, wide open spaces and the happiest free-range chickens. Farm & Co at Cudgen is the perfect slow-down spot for families — wander the farm, meet Hank and Peppi, then finish with coffee, cake or a long lunch under the trees.
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Kings Forest Playground, Cudgen
If you’re happy to venture a little south of the border, Kings Forest Playground at Cudgen is a Tweed playground that truly delivers. With an impressive multi-level play tower, a thoughtfully designed toddler area and a brilliant pump track for bikes and scooters, this park caters beautifully to kids of all ages. It’s the kind of playground that makes the drive completely worthwhile.
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Bamboo Down Under, Wongawallan
Bamboo Down Under at Wongawallan is a garden centre with a difference. The perfect weekend outing, here you can explore a species garden, meditation garden, labyrinth, sensory garden and bamboo tunnel, and get bamboozled in the bamboo maze!
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Icy Spicy, Pimpama
Icy Spicy Cafe Pimpama serves up 28 ice cream flavours inspired by Indian street food and global favourites — all pure vegetarian, egg-free and gelatine-free. From adventurous scoops like Pink Guava with Salt & Chilli (my absolute favourite!) to kid-approved classics like bubblegum and popping candy, there’s something for every palate. Add in momos, falooda, chaat, a kids corner and plenty of seating, and you’ve found a family-friendly Gold Coast gem worth visiting.
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Kids Eat Free – Gold Coast
I've searched high and low and compiled a comprehensive list of all the kids eat free restaurants and cafes on the Gold Coast for you!
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Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
A short rainforest walk with a big payoff, Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park is one of the Gold Coast hinterland’s most family-friendly adventures. This easy one-kilometre circuit winds through ancient Gondwana rainforest before revealing a stunning rock arch carved by a waterfall. It's perfect for curious kids, relaxed parents, and a memorable nature escape that doesn’t require a full day.
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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.
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CSi Club Southport, Southport
CSi Club Southport has taken family fun to the next level. With two playgrounds, a fully fenced splash pad, and a modern bistro where parents can relax (or even get a coffee while a robot delivers lunch), it’s the ultimate destination for kids and families. Whether your little ones want to climb, jump, or splash, there’s something here for every age — all in a safe, covered, and welcoming space.
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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.
