The Ultimate Summer Holiday Hit List For Families

The Ultimate Summer Holiday Hit List For Families

22 Dec 2022

Ready to make the most of summer hols on the Gold Coast? Here's our hit list of all the best places for kids to swim, eat and play that parents will love too. From toddlers to teens, here's how keep the whole family having a ball all holiday long.

Swim at Gold Coast's Best Family Friendly Beaches

From the calm, clear waters of our estuaries and creeks, to our pretty sheltered bays, whether you have a first time wader in tow or a wannabe wave rider, the Gold Coast is beach bum bliss – here are some of our personal favourite spots to have a splash with the kids.


Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club

Dine at Family Friendly Gold Coast Restaurants

Meal time will be much more fun if you choose venues that cater for kids and have somewhere to run around... and we all love a kids meal deal!

Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club

Find Freshwater Swimming Holes in the Hinterland

Wander off the beaten track and plunge into some secluded swimming holes in our lush hinterland. Perfect for a refreshing swim, exploring the natural environment and throwing pebbles into. 

Make Some Furry Friends

Whether you want to cuddle a koala, walk a dingo or meet a meerkat, there are all sorts of animal encounters little ones can have here. If you have a little animal lover, here's where to go.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Discover More Ways to Play 

If it's been a while since your last visit to the Gold Coast we've got good news. There's a whole host of new and undiscovered experiences waiting for you to dive into. From theme park rides and unique accommodation options to hidden gems and adventures in nature, check out all the new ways to play.

Take A Short Nature Walk

Getting active in nature is a surefire plan to keep the vibes high, the enorphins flowing and the kids occupied (and off their screens!). These short nature walks are perfect for little legs - take a walk on the wild side.

Walk On The Wild Side 5 Easy Nature Walks On The Gold Coast

Pack a Picnic

Fresh air, nature and good food in the great outdoors. There are few better ways to spend a sunny day than packing a picnic and heading to a special spot to enjoy the simple things. We’ve put together a list of some perfect places to roll out the rug and spend a lazy afternoon.

Keep the Teens Happy

If you want to show teens a good time on the Gold Coast (plus win some cool parent cred in the process) read on. We've scoured the streets, parks and coastline to come up with the ultimate list of activities for teens to try. You're welcome!

 

Warner Bros. Movie World

Theme Park Hacks

With so much choice and limited time to tick off your theme park adventure (it’s a rite of passage for any Gold Coast holiday), we’re here to help. Get the most out of your day with a few handy hacks and tips up your sleeve - get the lowdown here.

 

But that's not all! We've got endless options for fun. Feeling the heat in high summer? Check out how to Beat the Heat on those days where the temps soar.


 

 

 

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Kate Veling
Kate Veling

Travel writer, Kate Veling, came to the Gold Coast for six months and loved it so much she’s still here 20 years later. The laidback lifestyle suits her to a tee and as a mum of three, she knows all the best parks, swimming spots and kid-friendly fun to be had in her ‘hood. She’s often found getting amongst the thriving local arts and culture scene, dancing to live music or kicking back on the beach, but rest assured it’s all in the name of research.

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.