• Free to do,  Nature play,  Playgrounds

    Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

    The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens have something for everyone! Free to visit, you can smell, touch and taste plants in the Sensory Garden; discover butterfly friendly plants in the Butterfly Garden; check out the Bush Tucker gardens; grab a coffee in the cafe or let the kids play on the playground!

  • Family adventures,  Free to do

    Mulch Minion Trail 2025, Northern GC Canefields

    The Minions are in town! The Mulch Minions, that is. If you're unfamiliar, the northern Gold Coast cane fields host a popular Mulch Minion Trail each September to coincide with school holidays and the cane harvest. In 2025 the trail will run from Monday 29 September - Monday 6 October. These cute creations can be found on the Exit 38 Tourism coordinated trail that takes you through Yatala, Stapylton, Alberton, Jacobs Well and Norwell.

  • Eating out,  Family life

    Food, Fun & Family Time These School Holidays

    I've found a fab little high tea for the kids! Turn a simple outing into a family experience to remember, head down to Harbour Town Gold Coast where you can catch a movie at Reading Cinemas, play a few games at iPlay, then step into Cayman Café  for a special Kids high tea and let the holiday vibe take over.

  • Free to do

    Free School Holiday Fun at Tweed Mall

    Calling all young artists! Let your child’s imagination run wild at Tweed Mall’s School Holiday “Little Picassos” Workshops. These fun and interactive sessions are the perfect way for kids to discover their inner artist. Best of all – every child will get to take home their very own masterpiece to proudly display!

  • Playgrounds

    Macintosh Island Park, Main Beach

    Macintosh Island Park is a real oasis in the midst of all the glitz and glamour of Main Beach! With big shady trees, cascading streams running through the park, pathways perfect for little ones to ride their bikes on, and many birds including the beautiful peacocks that are popular in their own right. You might even spot Big Foot!

  • Animals,  Eating out,  Family life

    Holy Ship, Main Beach

    Family-friendly dining, but make it fun for the adults too! Holy Ship Restaurant is a unique floating restaurant located on two retired ferry boats docked at Marina Mirage. Parents will love the waterside vibes, with a great bar list and fresh menu. Kids will love the special kids menu, wildlife spotting and fish feeding!

  • Family life

    How to see movies for free on the Gold Coast!

    Remember when it only cost $7 to see a movie? Now, we're looking at up to $30 a ticket and even once budget-friendly options such as the drive-ins are hitting the hip pocket hard. However, did you know that there are still a few ways to see movies for FREE on the Gold Coast? I've found 2 great ways to catch a movie (a good movie, even a new release!) for FREE.

  • Playgrounds

    Lions Park, Helensvale

    Tucked alongside one of the main streets of Helensvale, many drive straight past Lions Park at Helensvale without realising what this gem has to offer! Families with kids ranging in ages will love this spot, as there is enough equipment to occupy the youngest through to the eldest of children. Got a ninja warrior on hand? This will also be the park for you, with it's parkour inspired equipment keeping even the most skilled climber occupied for hours!