Summer has arrived on the Gold Coast! That means there’s six weeks of school holidays ahead and luckily there’s plenty on offer to keep the kids entertained this Christmas break. Whether you’ve got yourself a wildlife warrior or a budding crafter, there’s a tempting array of indoor and outdoor activities to suit all ages. Here’s a colourful list of things to do from December right through to the end of January – presenting your Gold Coast guide to the school holidays!
ROLLER RINKING
The Gold Coast is getting its own roller rink for summer! The pop-up rink can be found at HOTA with the Surfers Paradise skyline as the backdrop. Make a day of it with a pop-up snack bar, lawn games, giant sprinkler and an array of exhibitions and kids workshops to explore at the nearby HOTA Gallery. If it’s hot, take a dip in Evandale Lake to cool off. Or go on a Sunday and combine a skate date with a visit to the HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets. Running from December 10 – January 23, it’s $15 for kids under 16, or $60 for a family. Skate hire is included in the price.
Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
DECORATE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE
The festive spirit is in full swing at The Oasis Shopping Centre, with daily activities on offer. Book the kids in to decorate a take home gingerbread house, sure to be the talk of the table on Christmas Day. Madisons Café and Patisserie (a Broadbeach institution) will bake the gingerbread houses and the kids will decorate them, while sipping on a frosty milkshake. This festive activity costs $20 per child and runs from December 12 – 23. Bookings essential – call 5592 6933 to secure your spot.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
MOVIES ON THE BEACH
The sands of Surfers Paradise beach will light up with a big screen and a festive program of outdoor movies by the sea. Films are set to roll from the December 17 – 24 daily from 7pm and on the first night, there’ll be an exclusive screening of the Mayor’s Christmas Carols presented by Village Roadshow Theme Parks. Other movies include Christmas classics like The Grinch, Santa Claus and Elf. Grab a bite to eat at the array of family friendly eateries along the beach front and be entertained by the carollers and stilt walkers dotted around Cavill Mall.
Where: Surfers Paradise Beach
RANGER FOR A DAY
There’s a myriad of things to do at the heritage-listed David Fleay Wildlife Park, just five minutes’ drive from Burleigh. Little animal lovers can become Junior Rangers for the day. There are two programs available. One for ages 5-7 years (December 20 and 27) and another for 8-12 years (December 21 and 28, plus January 4, 11, 18 and 25). They’ll get to help rangers care for animals, while getting up close to a few, learning all about native critters as they go. Fresh air, rainforest surrounds and the wildest of life – what more could the kids ask for? Take them for a swim in Tally Creek afterwards and you’ll have very happy little Vegemites.
Where: Loman Lane, West Burleigh
BEE STORY
A Bee Story at Home Of The Arts is all about the humble bee – a lauded live performance of dance, music and acrobatics that explores the importance of bees to our environment and how we can sustain into the future. Created by esteemed performer Robbie Curtis (Circa, Cirque du Soliel, Australian Ballet) this performance will bring you into a fabulous floral world and make kids giggle as the Queen Been teaches her worker bees how to build a hive and thrive. Keep little ones buzzing and book an accompanying bee-themed workshop before the show. Book now until December 18.
Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
SKATE DATE
Whether your little ones are skateboarders, BMX or scooter riders, the Level Up Skatepark holiday program has something for everyone. Their full-day school holiday programs deliver a six-hour skate session, including an hour of guided coaching with an experienced team and a trip to the local skate park to bust some moves, under their dedicated supervision.
Where: 8 Coghill Dr, Currumbin Waters
Or take your little lady to Kurruawa Park on January 9th for the Yeah Girl Cruiser Skate Workshop. It’s a free, all-girl event where chicks who charge (or want to learn how) can make friends, build their confidence, and hone their skating skills. No experience needed – you can BYO gear or use the boards and helmets provided. An active, healthy and safe way to roll into the school holidays.
Where: Just north of Kurrawa Surf Club, Broadbeach
ANIMAL ANTICS
The Animal Welfare League of Queensland are offering a one-day holiday program for kids who can’t get enough of cats, dogs and other cute creatures. Created for children aged between 6-10 years, the day will be filled with hands on experiences, teaching them how to care and interact with animals. Included is a behind the scenes tour of the AWLQ rehoming centre and a take home pack with colouring sheets, magazine and more. Tickets are $50 per child and bookings are essential as numbers are strictly limited.
Where: Shelter Road, Coombabah
With such an awesome line up of activities available, there’s absolutely no excuse to be bored over the Christmas holidays. Get amongst all the cool kids stuff happening on the Gold Coast this summer!
Like this article? You might like Things To Do With Teens on the Gold Coast.
Planning a trip? Subscribe to our email list below to receive holiday inspiration and exclusive deals straight to your inbox!
THE LATEST
News
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.