Rainy days are usually few and far between on the Gold Coast, so when the rain does set in, we’re often scrambling for indoor activities for kids to keep occupied. I’ve rounded up some of the best spots on the Gold Coast to eat, activities to do and things to see that are family and kid friendly, indoors and out of the rain!
Family friendly dining
The Wattle Hotel at Coomera has got family friendly dining in the bag! With a huge indoor kids playground and dedicated dining space, modern bistro dining can be enjoyed by all the family.
The Junction GC at Burleigh Heads is a fantastic family friendly cafe, with gated play space and relaxing atmosphere. Grab a coffee to go, settle in for a morning tea get together with your mums group, or catch up on those work emails while the kids are occupied for a few minutes. Service is outstanding, delivered with a smile and zero hassle!
Mini & Me Coffee Shop, Mudgeeraba
This is a small space, but the perfect option for catching up with that friend for a chat. There are 4 indoor tables and 5 outdoor tables, plus a few occasional chairs and side tables on the deck too. That they’ve sacrificed ‘money making’ floor space for a great sized play room is what really makes me love them! The indoor play room is packed with books, toys, bean bags, a kitchen and a little ball pit. There is so much here to explore!
Globe Trotters Café, Mudgeeraba
A kid friendly cafe, allowing parents to relax over their coffee and even plan their next holiday! Kids will love the cubby house and giant chalk board, parents will love the tasty and great value menu, and relaxing atmosphere.
Who doesn’t love a cafe with a play area!? First Harvest Coffee at Nerang ticks all the boxes when it comes to tasty food, great playground and hot coffee. The cafe includes a brew bar, artisan bakes and an all day menu.
The Park at Coomera Westfield is a great family friendly destination for a meal, but also for some fun! Dine in for lunch or dinner and be sure to get involved in a game of bowling or putt-putt!
Get cultured
The HOTA Gallery may be designed to cater for international art exhibitions, but families haven’t been forgotten! The Children’s Gallery at HOTA Gallery lets little artists get hands on in this creative space and discover interactive exhibits that complement the main galleries. Stop by the all-ages exhibits and let the kids see some amazing artists exhibiting on the Gold Coast. Don’t forget to head to the rooftop too, for views out to the ocean!
Tweed Regional Museum, Murwillumbah
This is a small but modern museum, filled with fun and engaging exhibits, including two permanent and one that changes seasonally. It’s FREE to visit, and a great spot to spend a morning with the kids.
ArtVo is a ‘trick-art’ gallery, located at Robina Town Centre. The idea of ArtVo is to explore an interactive art gallery filled with trick or illusion art. You can be creative and come up with your own poses, or follow the instructions to set up your own fail safe shot. There are 6 different zones, each with its own theme and the artwork allows you to come face to face with wild animals, scale rocky crevasses and surf the ultimate pipelines.
Gold Coast War Museum, Mudgeeraba
The Gold Coast War Museum was established in 1975. Over the past 40 years the museum has grown to one of the largest collections of Militaria in Australia. Their Military Museum houses displays from numerous private collectors with memorabilia from all wars, with military vehicles, uniforms, weapons and much more.
Gold Coast Wax Museum, Surfers Paradise
Gold Coast Wax Museum in Surfers Paradise is Australia’s largest Museum of its kind, featuring more than 110 life-size wax effigies, copies of the British Crown Jewels and dioramas of Australian history. Come face to face with Presidents and former Prime Ministers, Entertainers, members of the Royal Family, Dictators, and many others whose lives have all left an indelible mark on their world. You will find dozens of others from the Arts, Politics, Entertainments, Science, Medicine, and the Military.
Gold Coast Motor Museum, Upper Coomera
You don’t need to be a car lover to appreciate the Gold Coast Motor Museum – anyone who enjoys a great view, history and an incredible meal will feel right at home here! This amazing museum has a huge range of cars and motorbikes dating from 1900 to 1988. You’ll find horse-drawn buggies, vintage fire engines, and even a De Lorean!
While the views won’t be your typical clear sunny day views, you’ll get a moody outlook of the GC which makes for great photos! Take the time to stroll through the exhibits and learn more about Surf Life Saving on the Gold Coast, and some of our incredible history and photographs. Entry is free if you have a Dreamworld pass, so it’s a cheap day out for families!
Marine Discovery Centre, Hastings Point
The Marine Discovery Centre is located within the North Star Holiday Resort complex at Hastings Point, and is one of Australia’s largest, privately funded museums. It has world class marine and coastal science displays focused on the local Hastings Point ecosystem, and you have the opportunity to get hands on with rockpool inhabitants.
Burn the energy – play centres
EMF Jnr Pacific Fair & Nerang
Jummps Indoor Trampoline Park, Parkwood
Inflatable World Burleigh and Arundel
Shopping Centre Playgrounds
See the full blog post on shopping centre playgrounds and kids clubs here.
Game time
Planet Chill Ice Skating, Paradise Resort, Surfers Paradise
Holey Moley Indoor Putt Putt, Surfers Paradise
