10 things to do with kids on the Gold Coast

Go wild at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Keen to cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos and lay eyes on red pandas? Step off the sand and into 27 hectares of stunning rainforest at the iconic not-for-profit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary just metres from the beach. Climb aboard the miniature train as it winds past the animal enclosures, catch the vets at work at the wildlife hospital and sit back while the kids burn off extra energy in the huge outdoor playground. Aim to join the other early birds and arrive at 8am. Not only will you beat the crowds, you’ll also be front row for a free feeding of hundreds of rainbow lorikeets as they swoop in for their daily dose of nectar. Book now.

Catch some waves with the pros

Does your family love the ocean and want to learn how to surf? Book this family Gold Coast surf lesson and enjoy private tuition that will have everyone up on their boards catching their first wave with the pros. All surfing equipment is provided for you and your family during your Gold Coast surf lesson including surfboards, sun shirts and wet suits. All you need to do is bring a willingness to learn how to surf. Private family surf lessons on the Gold Coast are available at 10 am and 1 pm at The Spit, a safe haven for beginner surfers. Book now.

Set sail on Aquaduck Cruise

Bragging rights are included with this Aquaduck water safari, where kids get to drive the Duck and take home their Captain Aquaduck licence. The one-hour tour on this unique bus-that-becomes-a-boat ride begins at the beachfront esplanade, weaving along Narrowneck surf beach to the Spit and past Sea World before driving straight into the sparkling waters of Broadwater. Once afloat, you’ll have a front-row view of the yachts, super cruisers and glitzy waterfront mansions on the ocean’s edge. Book now.

Be wowed by the mind-blowing magic

At Illusions Magic Show you'll witness some of the world's most impressive Las Vegas-style grand Illusions with five-time champion of magic and Australian Entertainer of the Year Matt Hollywood. He'll shock, stun and amaze you and the family with an action-packed evening of mind-blowing entertainment. There will be levitation, astonishing disappearance, and mind-reading. You have the option of upgrading to a dinner package. All kid’s VIP tickets include customised magic wands. The show begins at 6.30pm every Friday and Saturday night. Book now.

Be dazzled by Outback spectacular

Sit back and be transported to the Australian outback for an honest look at life on the land. As the immersive arena appears to spin, turn, shatter and transform through hi-tech projection mapping, you’ll be plunged into the story of cattle-musterers Marg and Reg and their battle with a five-year drought on their farm. No need to pack the popcorn – a three-course dinner and drinks are included. Book now.

Tackle the theme parks

Is it really a Gold Coast holiday if you don’t drop by the theme parks? Allocate your adventures to a day of memory-making with a one-day pass to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. Or clear three days on the calendar to make your way around Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild with a multi-park pass. Leave an afternoon free for the latter pass, which also includes a sightseeing cruise. Book now.

Gear up in your flying suit

If you're looking for a new and unique way to experience all the thrills of skydiving without the terrifying jump, iFLY Indoor Skydiving Gold Coast is the answer. Reenact the heart-pumping feeling of a 14,000 feet free fall in the safety of an indoor glass wind tunnel with assistance from an experienced and talented flight instructor. You can learn all the basics of skydiving in a safe environment and experience the feeling of weightlessness without leaving the comfort of land. Book now.

Get creative at ArtVo

Get your Instagram ready – a gallery of happy-hued photo opportunities awaits. Every inch of the floors and walls at the interactive gallery is hand-painted with trick art, creating an enticing world of optical illusions and vibrant murals begging to be the backdrop of your next family photoshoot. Let your imaginations unfold in the eight themed zones, where you can scale rocky crevasses, face off with wild animals or surf massive pipelines. You’ll find scenes from films including Harry Potter and Titanic among the 14,000-square-metre space. Book now.

Lap up Kingston Park Go Karts

Got little – or big – thrill-seekers in tow? Let them burn off steam as they buckle in for a go karting session at Kingston Park Raceway. Choose between the 605m European-style Monte Carlo or the 1100m Le Mans track, and race each other or the clock to set the day’s best lap time. The Formula Fun karts, suitable for riders aged 10 years and over, reach speeds of up to 40kmh, while the Schumacher karts, which can hit 70kmh, will thrill riders aged 16 and above. Book now.

Unwind at RACV Royal Pines Resort

Soak up five-star luxury at RACV Royal Pines Resort, beginning with stunning views of the Gold Coast skyline or the Queensland hinterland. Keep the kids entertained with a water park, tennis courts, playgrounds and in-house movies, while the adults shift into relaxation mode with a wind-down treatment at One Spa, or a challenging round on the 6734m championship golf course. Choose a dining experience to match your holiday mode, whether it be hearty Italian fare at Trattoria Amici, Japanese-style delights at Arakawa, or a relaxed bite by the pool.