Pirate Park at Palm Beach has long been a family favourite. Located within the Palm Beach Parklands, right on Currumbin Creek, you can easily spend the day here so be sure to pack the swimmers, a picnic blanket and a change of clothes!
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The Messy Place, Ashmore
The Messy Place at Ashmore is the ultimate creative sensory play centre on the Gold Coast, designed exclusively for children under 6 years old. They offer creative and messy play sessions in a safe and enjoyable environment. Here, kids can unleash their imagination and make a mess, while parents relax and connect with not only their children, but other parents too!
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2026 Gold Coast winter school holiday guide
The Gold Coast is packed with family-friendly fun these Winter School Holidays! From free shopping centre activities and council events to hands-on workshops, performances and special holiday experiences, I've gathered all the best activities in one place to help you plan an unforgettable break with the kids.
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Farm & Co, Cudgen
Sunflowers, a playground, wide open spaces and the happiest free-range chickens. Farm & Co at Cudgen is the perfect slow-down spot for families — wander the farm, meet Hank and Peppi, then finish with coffee, cake or a long lunch under the trees.
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, 27-hectare outdoor space connecting wildlife and nature with the community. There is so much to see and do: Cuddle a koala, pat a kangaroo or book a hospital tour - whether paid or free, there are so many opportunities to interact with the animals and see the Sanctuary in action up close. Don't miss the Extinction Trail where you can get up close with dinosaurs, and the Wild Island water park and playground!
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Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah
If you haven't heard about this little beauty just over the NSW border, you need to make visiting it a priority! Tropical Fruit World has more than 500 fruits from all around the world growing, and regardless of the season, you will find a range of tropical fruit varieties to taste and discover. What really makes this place a great attraction though, are all the activities on offer!
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EMF Jnr play centre, Nerang
EMF Junior is a large indoor play centre on the Gold Coast, combining toddler play, trampolines, a jumping castle, multi-level play equipment and a Ninja Warrior course all under one roof. While it's no longer the newest play centre in town, it remains a great-value option for families looking to burn off some energy indoors.
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Eagle Tree Park, Foreshore Coomera
Eagle Tree Park at Foreshore Coomera is jam packed with areas for imaginative play and sensory play, as well as more traditional play equipment. It comfortably caters for all ages, toddlers through to big kids, and provides a range of experiences for all ability levels.
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Celadon Park, The Surrounds Helensvale
Celadon Park has to be by far one of my favourite 0-5 year old playgrounds across the Coast, due to the endless opportunities for imaginative play! The highlight of this park is definitely the bike track, incorporating traffic signs, a petrol station, fire station and small pump track. Don't forget the bikes or scooters on this visit!
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Studio Park, Oxenford
The Studio Village Community Centre at Oxenford is home to two great Studio Park in Oxenford combines a fantastic treehouse-inspired playground with a bike track, basketball court and plenty of open green space for active play. With climbing challenges, slides, swings and facilities for all ages, it's an easy choice for a family day out on the northern Gold Coast., a fenced playground, bike park and community garden.
