It’s almost winter on the Gold Coast and we all know what that means. Day time temperatures that occasionally dip below 20°C and overheated locals who are crying out for an excuse to wear a cute, knitted jumper or their new beanie.
Winter also means school holidays and from June 25th – July 12th, there are plenty of extra good times to be had. From dining to festivals, sporting events and DIY workshops, the kids will be entertained for days and you might even find time to enjoy a little rest and relaxation too.
Without further ado, here are some of the top activities to get involved in these school holidays on the Gold Coast.
KIDS POTTERY ANIMAL WORKSHOP
The Craft Parlour in Miami is home to all things cute and creative and it’s the absolute perfect place to spend some time throughout the school holidays (and always). On Wednesday June 30th, the kids will learn how to make a cute animal with real clay using the pinch pot technique. They’ll then get to paint their piece in rainbow-coloured glazes and stamp their name on it. All materials are supplied for one piece which will be kiln-fired and food safe ready for pick up in 4-5 weeks. Tickets are $45pp – be sure to book to avoid disappointment.
JELLURGAL LITTLE EXPLORERS
Children can explore the magic of the ‘Dreaming Mountain’, Jellurgal (Burleigh Headland), with Burleigh Heads’ Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Little Explorers is for children from 5 to 12 years of age and includes an Aboriginal art workshop and short guided walk from Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre to Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek. Kids will learn about the numerous significant sites and environmental features that have played an important part in the lives of the Yugambeh speaking people for thousands of years. One parent/ guradian per kid is welcome to come along too. It’s a beautiful, cultural experience and one the kids will absolutely love.
DREAMWORLD’S WINTERFEST
Winterfest is festival dedicated to the chilly season at one of the Coast’s favourite theme parks. It’s the perfect event for the school holidays and this year the event is set to be bigger and better with expanded activities and new entertainment. You and the little ones can enjoy everything from ice skating to tobogganing, European-style food and a few exciting surprises the family will absolutely love. Winterfest is free with Dreamworld entry but ice skating sessions come at extra cost (annual pass holders entitled to one free session). Winterfest will take place from June 26 – July 11.
O’REILLY’S ECO RANGERS PROGRAM
Learning and spending time in nature are the perfect pair this school holidays and that’s exactly what you and the kids can experience at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. There are challenges to complete, creeks and swamps to explore, artworks to create from things found in the rainforest, games, lessons, campfire singalongs, chemistry and a cookout. We might go along too, honestly.
BBQ BAZAAR NIGHT MARKET
Every Friday and Saturday night in Burleigh you’ll find a bustling food market filled with lovers of local eats. It’s called BBQ Bazaar Night Market and it features around 20 market stalls serving everything from beef short ribs to rotisserie lamb and chicken, European sausages, melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, saucy wings, juicy steaks, Brazilian-style grilled meat and plenty more. There’s also lots of dessert stalls and live music and entertainment each night. Perfect for a fun night out with the fam.
CURRUMBIN CREEK FEST
Created by local live music venue, Soundlounge, Creekfest will showcase 20 live music performances across two stages from Friday June 25 – Sunday June 27. Emerging local talent will be bringing the tunes alongside more established national acts like Bobby Alu and Karl S Williams. It’s an all-ages event so bring the kids and spend the day on the banks of beautiful Currumbin Creek at Currumbin RSL.
HOTA CHILDREN’S GALLERY
The Gold Coast’s art and cultural hub, HOTA, has undergone an extensive upgrad over the last 12 months and included in all the exciting newness is a dedicated Children’s Gallery. Over the winter school holidays (and beyond) the gallery will host World Upside Down, a hands-on experience filled with interactive art, creative activities and lots of discoveries. The kids will love the bathing in a pool of light and sounds, rescuing animals in a digital scape and making their very own animal shelter. HOTA also has a cinema, dining areas and plenty for the adults to check out too.
MIAMI MARKETTA
If street food, local artisan market stalls and live music are your thing, look no further than Miami Marketta. Found in the backstreets of Miami, the beloved market offers a good time atmosphere, plenty of dining options (for the fussy ones) and space for dancing once everyone has finished eating. There’s a beautiful (nicely stacked) bar for Mum and Dad and lots of friendly faces to make friends with. Always a fun time.
GOLD COAST MARATHON
Perhaps the family might like a little movement this school holidays. If so the Gold Coast Marathon, on July 3rd and 4th, is the place to be. There’s a 4-kilometre junior dash for the kids and everything from 5kms to a full marathon for the adults. The course ensures the viewing of some beautiful scenery and it’s a good bonding day out for everyone. A little bit of friendly competition within the family never hurt either right?
THE SNOW QUEEN
On Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd of July and with three timeslots available (Thursday 3pm and 7pm and Friday 10.30am), The Brisbane City Youth Ballet brings Hans Christen Andersen’s famous tale to the stage at Home of the Arts. The Snow Queen is a magical winter’s tale of a young girl and her quest to save the boy she loves from the evil Snow Queen. It’s a stunning ballet performance that’s sure to delight the entire family.
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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.