10 Things To Do With Toddlers At The Gold Coast

When people think of the Goldie they might think of hanging out in one of the many bars or restaurants along Cavill Ave, laying on the beach sunbaking or doing some adrenaline fueled water sports. But what about families with young children? There are only so many sandcastles one can build and (unbelievably) there is actually a limit to how much ice cream you can consume.  

Luckily, the Gold Coast has loads of entertainment and adventure options for families with young children. Here are 10 things we think your little ones are sure to love:

 

Movie World

What kid doesn’t love Bugs Bunny? At Movie World there are heaps of kid-friendly rides and attractions including the Looney Tunes Splash Zone, Carousel and Junior Driving School. They’ll also love the Stunt Car shows, Looney Tunes Dance Party and The Lego Movie 4D Experience. Don’t miss the street parade where they can get up close with some of their favourite characters. The best part? Entry for kids under 3 are free!

Where: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

Learn more: https://movieworld.com.au

 

LilliPutt Mini Golf

Even your littlest golfer will love teeing off on Lilliputt’s Ice Age themed mini putt course. Situated in Robina Town Centre, this course is complete with sabre-tooth cats, cave men and other creatures from the the Pleistocene Period. It has 18 holes broken into three zones, including a glow-in-the-dar area. The course is air conditioned and fully licenced.

Where: 1014-1017 Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Contact: (07) 5593 3842

Learn more: https://lilliputt.com.au 

 

image credit: https://www.facebook.com/currumbin.wildlife.sanctuary/photos/a.171889104585/10157115415504586/?type=3&theater

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Your whole family is sure to love meeting all the amazing animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Their residents include one of the largest collections of Australian native species in the world such as dingos, echidnas, Tasmanian Devils and a crocodile. There are also some amazing exotic animals such as lemurs, red pandas and tamarins. The highlight of the sanctuary however, is the extensive walk-through aviary with over 80 different species. Currumbin also offers animal encounters so your little ones can experience the wildlife up close. Bonus: Kids under the age of four get free entry!

Where: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223

Contact: (07) 5534 1266

Learn more: https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au

 

Aquaduck

Would your little believe there is a vehicle that goes on land AND on water? The Aquaduck does just that. You start out with a tour around the Gold Coast’s landmarks and beaches then hold onto your hats as your driving tour becomes a cruise! The “Duck” takes to the water at the iconic Broadwater and cruises past opulent mansions and through the Gold Coast’s flourishing waterways . Kids even get a chance to drive!

Where: 36 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Contact: (07) 5539 0222

Learn more: https://www.aquaduck.com.au

 

 

Sea World

No visit to the Gold Coast is complete without a trip to Sea World. Your kids will marvel at the amazing sea life such as seals, dolphins, sea jellies, sharks, penguins and polar bears. Then take in the awesome Jet Ski show, have a splash around at Castaway Bay and go for a spin on one of the many kid-friendly rides at Nickelodeon Land. They will even get a chance to meet some of their favourite Paw Patrol characters. And entry for kids under 3 is free here too!

Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Learn more: https://seaworld.com.au

 

Laguna Park

There’s a good reason locals claim this to be the best park on the Gold Coast. Located at Palm Beach, the huge area includes playground equipment to suit all ages, including an adventure playground, pirate ship, heaps of slides and rockers, a pedal power monorail, funny faces interactive boards and more. The playground is fully fenced and overlooks a picturesque lake. Don’t forget to take a picnic lunch or some snags to through on the BBQ and take some time to relax under the shady trees.

Where: 117/119 Laguna Ave, Palm Beach

Learn more: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/laguna-park-27330.html

 

Fire4Hire

What kid doesn’t love fire trucks? Your kids are sure to love seeing the sights of the Gold Coast from aboard a real fire truck. Plus you all get a chance to use the fire hose and wear real fire helmets. Departing from Cavill Ave, your tour will head to the the Spit via Surfers Paradise, along the beachfront / Esplanade, via Narrow Neck, and past Sea World. They may even put the siren on. Don’t forget to take your camera!

Contact: 048 888 3473

Learn more: http://fire4hire.com.au/gold-coast-tours/

 

Pelican Feeding - Labrador

At 1.30pm every day, behind Charis Seafoods an enormous group of pelicans gather to be fed scraps from the shop. This is an amazing experience as you see hundreds of these giant birds fly in over the water and land on the beach. You can take photos and watch as they gobble their lunch. This is a great free activity for the family and with a park nearby, it’s also a great place to stop and have some lunch of your own!

Where: 371 Marine Parade, Harley Park, Labrador

Learn more: https://www.weekendnotes.com/pelican-feeding-at-labrador-gold-coast/

Broadwater Parklands (Washington Waters Park)

An expansive parkland located along Southport’s Broadwater, this is a great place to spend the day with the family. There are plenty things to entertain the littlies, including playgrounds, a jumping pillow, mini bike circuit, monorail peddle bikes and flying fox. The Parklands is also home to The Rockpool water playground which features a man-made creek, water jets and waterfalls. The area is perfect for toddlers and big kids alike and is patrolled by lifeguards through the day.

When it is time to refuel, have a picnic, use the barbeques or grab a snack at The Fish Shak or Cafe Catalina. Also keep an eye out for one of the many local events that get hosted in the Parklands.

Where: Marine Parade, Southport

Learn more: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/broadwater-parklands-24656.html

 

 

Dreamworld

Another awesome theme park where kids under 3 are free! And with live shows like The Wiggles, Trolls and Madagascar, what toddler wouldn’t love it? Plus there are heaps of great rides for littles in the ABC Kids World, Wiggles World and The Trolls Village! Then there is the Dreamworks experience which brings some of your children’s favourite movie characters to life. Dreamworld also has some amazing animal experiences as well such as Tiger Island and a wide range of Australian native animals that you can get up close and personal with. Oh, and They are also home to the Lego Store.

Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

Learn more: https://www.dreamworld.com.au

 

Love day tripping? Check out these ideas:

• 5 Outdoor Experiences You Can Have In One Day At Tangalooma
• 6 Things To Do On A Day Trip To Redcliffe
• 6 Of The Best Family Day Trips From Brisbane

 

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