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5 Free school holiday activities for kids on the Gold Coast.
With Queensland and Victorian school holidays only five weeks away and New South Wales following a week later, the Gold Coast is soon to become a hotspot for both local and visiting families looking for things to do to entertain their kids, preferably without breaking the bank. We have put together a list of some great family friendly activities available on the Gold Coast these school holidays, and the best part is… they will also cost you zip, zero, zilch, nothing. That’s right, they are all free.
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Gold Coast Botanic Gardens
- Open from dawn to dusk each day, a visit the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens at Benowa gives parents time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while the kids can run free and explore. There is a sensory garden where you can smell and touch the plants, look for butterflies in the butterfly garden and inhale the subtle aromas as you explore the rose garden. There are also lakes, bamboo forest, boardwalk areas for you to wander through and get lost from the real world for a little while.
Local community organisation Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens host a range of free events in the gardens including weekly guided walks suitable for all ages. Why not take your family along and join the informative “This Fragile World” endangered species walk on 10th July.
Image source https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/rosser-park-image-gallery-28820.html
Burleigh Headland Walk
2. Burleigh headland walk. At the end of Goodwin Terrace in Burleigh Heads you will find the entrance to Burleigh Head National Park. There are various walks up to 2.3km which meander around the headland and through lush rainforest areas. Keep your eyes open for butterflies, water lizards and Aquaduckh turkeys. Bring your camera as there are some great photo opportunities and Humpback Whales can often be seen passing by in season. For everything you need to know before you go, visit the official site here
Picnic at Burleigh Hill
3. Make a day of it. Pack yourself a picnic lunch and sit under a cabbage tree palm on the headland hill taking in the magnificent view across the coastline to Surfers Paradise and beyond while surfers ride the waves in front of you. If you’re up for a swim there is a patrolled beach at Burleigh Heads only 5 minutes walk down the hill. Even if the headland walk isn’t for you, a picnic lunch at Burleigh Hill is an easy way to waste away a leisurely afternoon. There is a great playground for the kids at the base of the hill too.
Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/JellurgalTours/
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
4. While you’re in Burleigh Heads why not call in and visit the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre (www.jellurgal.com.au). Discover the rich culture and history of the Gold Coast’s Yugambeh aboriginal people and see artifacts that were part of everyday life. Walk and learn as you explore the boardwalk storyboard before viewing the gallery of traditional paintings and other artworks. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm.
Broadwater Parklands
5. The Broadwater Parklands in Southport is the ultimate location for letting the kids run free and burn off some energy and only a 10 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. The parklands are located along the Broadwater at Southport. While parents sit back under a tree and take in the stunning view across the water, the kids can enjoy the myriad free play activities available including a jumping pillow, cycle monorail, flying fox, swings, giant lizards to climb on, endless green spaces to run play and kick a footy. Not to forget there is also the ‘Rockpools’ shallow water park featuring water spouting animals and a big bucket at one end, it’s a hit with kids of all ages!
Image source https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/broadwater-parklands-image-gallery-28781.html
For further information on free and low cost school holiday activities within the local community visit the Gold Coast City Council School Holiday Activities page here
If you do have some spending money in the activities budget why not try one of these budget friendly Gold Coast family activities which won’t cost you an arm and a leg…
Bounce
Ready, set, jump! Bounce is an indoor trampoline park located at Burleigh Waters. Kids aged 2 years and older can jump, spin and flip themselves into space on the various trampolines and giant air bags throughout the centre.
A 1 hour session will set you back $16.90 if you’re over 110cm or $11.70 for kids 2 years and under 110cm and booking online is highly recommended.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/freejumping/
Infinity
Located in central Surfers Paradise, Infinity is an attraction unlike any other. A self-paced, walk through adventure that leads you through a series of rooms each with their own special effects, illusions and sensory experiences. The journey takes approx. 30 minutes and is recommended for children over 8 years.
Kids up to the age of 13years old are $16.90 if you book online.
Aquaduck
We couldn’t give you a list of things to do on the Gold Coast without including ourselves. Especially as we are a great family activity. Our 1hour Aquaduck Safari combines an informative city tour with a fun river cruise. When out on the water kids can have a turn at driving the Duck and receive their own Captains Certificate to celebrate their achievement. Suitable for all ages, kids tickets are $30 (babies are free). Check availability and make a booking online.
Children over 3 years can get in touch with their inner Elsa or Olaf at Planet Chill, located within Paradise Resort Gold Coast. They have Penguins to help with stability for younger kids (or the young at heart) who might be new to ice skating. Friday and Saturday nights 6-8pm are family disco nights on the rink including fun games and prizes. It’s the coolest place in Paradise. A 2-hour skate session costs $20pp and you can book online.
Image source: Paradise Resort Gold Coast
However you decide to spend your school holidays, we hope our list of things to do on the Gold Coast helps you fill in the days creating fun family memories. Now you’ll be prepared when your little cherub starts piping up with the ‘I’m bored what can we do?’ … and remember its only 2 weeks and they’re back at school again.
ES DAY
Yes Day is a fun and fantastic way to spend a day with your family. Yes Day started out as a book then ended up a Netflix movie, but now families are joining in all over the world.
Yes Day is a day where the parents have to say YES to everything the kids ask for 24hrs…. What could go wrong?
Check out this fantasticYes Day website to help explain what is Yes Day. Get some Yes Day Ideas, find out the Yes Day Rules, and discover why you should do Yes Day.