14 Free Activities for Kids on the Gold Coast

Looking for fun and budget-friendly activities to entertain your kids on the Gold Coast? Look no further! Here are 14 free activities that promise endless entertainment for your little ones, tweens, and teens so you can create beautiful memories in paradise, without breaking the bank.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin

Immerse your family in the beauty of nature at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. At the front area of the Sanctuary, anyone can access the twice-daily bird feeding at 8 am and 4 pm and witness a mass of colourful lorikeets up close and personal. The kids will love the flurry of feathers as the friendly birds feed off their plate, for only a gold coin donation.

Superbee Honey World, Currumbin

Delve into the fascinating world of bees at Superbee World, where children (and you!) can learn about these essential pollinators and even taste some delicious honey. There’s a free film to watch, and the kids will love exploring the bee hives. And it’s right across the road from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also visit Surf World for a small entry fee while you’re here, only steps away.

Pirate Playground, Palm Beach

Ahoy, matey! Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they explore Pirate Playground, directly on the little bay where kids can swim. Complete with ship-themed playground equipment and treasure hunts, you can spend a whole day here, so pack a picnic and park yourselves beneath a shady tree. If you forget to bring goodies, there’s an exceptional café in walking distance.

Alpacas, Canungra Valley 

Enjoy a picturesque picnic surrounded by adorable alpacas at O’Reilly’s Alpacas and Picnic area, offering breathtaking views and plenty of furry friends to meet. These creatures are too cute to miss, and the lush green surroundings are worth the drive.

HOTA Children’s Gallery, Bundall

Unleash your child’s creativity at HOTA Children’s Gallery, where they can engage in various arts and crafts activities under the guidance of skilled instructors. The exhibitions, created by prestigious artists, are fun, thought-provoking, and creativity-inducing. And they’re free! Follow your experience with a walk around the green gardens.

Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park

Take a short hike through the lush rainforest to discover the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge, a stunning rock formation with a booming waterfall and glowworms illuminating the cave. The kids will love exploring nature and being immersed in the moment as they walk along this easy and safe trail. Bring a few coins with you if you’d like to purchase produce from the honesty stalls along the road to Springbrook.

Botanic Gardens, Benowa

Explore the tranquil Botanic Gardens in Benowa, where families can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. There’s a playground, café, and nature walk with signage so you can mindfully explore and name the flora throughout the gardens, a peaceful activity for any age.

Pelican Feeding, Labrador

At Harley Park in Labrador, the kids can experience a pelican feeding every day at 1:30. Not something you do every day! Cool off on a hot day with a refreshing swim at the waterhole, and roam around the beach exploring. There’s also a playground for the kids, and the iconic Charis Seafood if you fancy dining on delicious local seafood.

Broadwater Parklands, Southport

Dive into adventure at Broadwater Parklands, where kids can splash around in the water playground, ride scooters along the promenade, or enjoy a family barbecue by the water. The playgrounds here are next level, with multiple levels, climbing facilities, splash zones, and more. And if you pack your lunches, it won’t cost you a dime. Plus, you’ll be right along the Broadwater if you decide to take a dip in the water.

Country Paradise Parkland, Nerang

Experience the charm of Country Paradise Parklands, offering vast open spaces, water zones, a creek, and mega slides for kids to run and play. Surrounded by scenic beauty, tables for lunch, and picnic areas, you’ll have everything you need for a fun morning out in nature.

Currumbin Rockpools, Currumbin Valley

Escape the heat and take a dip in the refreshing waters of Currumbin Rockpools, a natural oasis nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast hinterland. This natural playground is like Wet ‘n Wild without the price tag and set in Mother Nature’s lush surrounds. Slip and slide down rocks but stay safe as they can be very slippery.

Tallebudgera Beach

Discover the wonders of Tallebudgera Beach, locally known as ‘Tally’, where children can explore rock pools, chase seagulls, collect shells, watch fish swim, and enjoy a leisurely walk along the sand. Visit Jellurgal for an indigenous cultural lesson that the kids will love while you’re here. We may be biased, but, with its lush headland backdrop and calm waters, we think this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Curtis Falls, Tamborine Mountain

Embark on a family-friendly hike to Curtis Falls, located in the lush Tamborine Mountain rainforest, and marvel at the tranquil waterfall and surrounding wildlife. You may even see a rainbow above the waterfall! It’s only a short walk, so spend the rest of the day exploring the quaint village of shops and cafes at Tamborine Mountain.

Burleigh Head’s Beach

Enjoy a scenic coastal walk along the beach, have fun at the playground, and let the kids explore the marine life in the rock pools for hours. Then walk up to the top of famous Burleigh Hill, where you can watch surfers catch waves like a real-life surfing film. If you’re up for a little more walking, there’s a gentle hike around the headland that will give you even more beautiful vantage points as the incredible and vast views unfold in front of you. This is one for the back pocket of beautiful family memories.

Visiting the Gold Coast

From exploring nature’s wonders to enjoying beachside adventures, the Gold Coast offers a plethora of free activities to keep your kids entertained and create lasting memories without reaching into your pocket. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your hats, and get ready for a day of fun-filled exploration with your minis! Contact a friendly My Queensland Expert to book your perfectly packaged family holiday today!

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Categories : Travel