There are a ridiculous number of things to do in Surfers Paradise with kids, that there is no chance you will find yourself wondering what to in Surfers Paradise.  From swimming and building sandcastles on the stunning Surfers Paradise beach, to mini golf, exhilarating rides and spectacular 360 degree views of the Goldie from the SkyPoint Observation Deck, there are numerous Surfers Paradise attractions kids absolutely love.  Not only are there numerous things to do in Surfers Paradise for families, but there are plenty of excellent family accommodation Surfers Paradise has on offer, as well as some great family friendly Surfers Paradise restaurants.

Surfers Paradise holidays are perfect for families that want plenty of action and this guide will provide everything you  need.  Keep reading for a comprehensive list of things to do in Surfers Paradise kids will love, along with my pick of family friendly Surfers Paradise accommodation and hot tips on where to take the kids to eat.

In this guide I cover the following:

• The best things to do in Surfers Paradise with kids
• Where to stay in Surfers Paradise with family
• Family friendly restaurants
• Getting to and from the Airport
• Getting around in Surfers Paradise

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Best Things to do in Surfers Paradise with Kids

Throughout the family things to do in Surfers Paradise section, I have tried to provide as much information as possible to make your planning for your family friendly Surfers Paradise trip super easy. I have provided locations, opening hours and ticket prices.  I’ve also included a map below to make it easy for you to plan your itineray.

You’ll see that I often recommend you purchase your tickets in advance from Klook. Yes, I will receive a small commission if you do purchase from Klook – but as you will see in most cases you will save yourself a stack of cash if you book through them. I use them myself to book tickets – sometimes I have been known to sit outside the ticket booth of an attraction and book tickets on my phone from Klook as they are sooooo much cheaper. Taking the kids to loads of Surfers Paradise can be expensive so any savings you can make is well worth it.  Find out more about Klook here.

Sometimes it is cheaper to book tickets elsewhere and I will let you know under each attraction if that is the case.

Of course all the prices and information in this post are correct at the time of publishing and are in AUD.

 

Surfers Paradise Beach

A visit to the beach has to be one of the top things to do with kids in Surfers Paradise, right? It ticks so many boxes, perfect for families with kids of all ages, perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Surfers Paradise with toddlers or teenagers, and it’s free!

There are numerous activities you can do at Surfers Paradise beach; swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, building sand castles, go for a beach stroll or read a book. Spend an hour here or spend the entire day. In fact, visit here just one day or spend your entire holiday here and do nothing else! The choice is completely yours… and will help stretch your budget as it’s one of the things to do in Surfers Paradise for free.

My top tip – no matter how calm the water looks or how excellent a swimmer you or the kids are, ALWAYS swim between the flags! And my second top tip – apply LOTS of sunscreen! You will burn fast, even on a shady day.

Infinity Surfers Paradise
 

If you’re looking for family things to do in Surfers Paradise that are a little different, then check out Infinity, Surfers Paradise. Activities such as this will definitely leave a lasting impression! Infinity is an absolute mind blowing experience into a futuristic and spectacular maze-like world of wonder and fun. It is made up of around 20 multi-sensual environments where you’ll be transported into another world altogether.

The unique special effects, ultra groovy music, atmospheric sounds, and illusions make it a fantastic out-of-this-world experience. This is certainly one of the more unusual things to do in the Gold Coast with the family.

Anyone from age 8 can experience this awesome sensory overload and enjoy the special effects fun house which will be like nothing you have ever experienced before! Just a word of warning though – it is pitch black inside and so little ones may not like it. It’s also not recommended for anyone a little claustrophobic. Whilst I absolutely loved it, and so did our 12 year old international student, Kenny, who was travelling with us, Myla didn’t.

It would have to be one of the most unique experiences I have ever had – I’ve never done anything quite like it! Add it to your Gold Coast to do list.

Location: Towers of Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 10 pm
Price: $28.90 per adult | $19.90 per child (4-13) | $82.90 per family (2A+2C) – Click here to book tickets online.

Sunset Kayak Adventure

One of the hidden things to do in Surfers Paradise for kids is going on a sunset kayak adventure. Why it’s hidden is – it’s off the beaten track, or should we say canal. As you paddle from Budds Beach to Macintosh Island past the homes of the rich and famous.

Kids will love getting their photos taken with the local peacocks on Macintosh Island and everyone will love the stunning skyline as the sunsets.

Definitely, one of the Surfers Paradise things to do that is less ‘touristy’ and will give you lasting memories – both in your mind and also some great photos!

Location: 15 River Drive, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Tours depart daily at 4 pm
Price: $69 per adult | $59 per child (5-13) | $236 per family (2A+2C) – Click here to book tickets online

Timezone

Another awesome activity for the entire family is a few hours at the Timezone arcade. No matter if you have tiny tots or teenagers, kids of all ages will absolutely love this activity – definitely fun stuff to do on the Gold Coast with the family. And on a side note – if it’s raining, Timezone is one of Surfers Paradise indoor activities that will keep you entertained, and dry!

Here you will find the latest interactive games and rides. Games include old favourites such as pinball machines and Pac Man as well as car racing games, dance games, air hockey, shooting hoops and a zillion more! There are also dodgem cars, ten pin bowling, mini golf, laser skirmish, and a little kiddies area.

There are heaps of options to play. You can pay as you go or purchase a package deal. We did the package deal which I think is the way to go with a family. You can look through the pricing options here – from loading up cards and gaining credit, to timed play, or you can buy one off sessions at the dodgems, bowling, mini golf, laser tag.

We went through the tickets pretty quickly, and at the end, of course, the kids will love going and cashing in their tickets for a little trinket. Myla still rates this as one of the best kids activities Surfers Paradise has.

So, for some fun activities & games in Gold Coast – head to Timezone.

Location: Level 1, Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 12am

Ripely’s Believe it or Not – Surfers Paradise

Ripley’s Believe it or not is the most unusual and unbelievable Surfers Paradise entertainment on offer. They guarantee that you will see something that you have never seen before and it’s up to you if you believe it… or not!

Ripley’s is full of amazing stories of history and adventure, magic, illusions, mystery and life-size figurines. There are over 300 hundred exhibits and there are plenty of interactive displays as well that the kids can get involved in. You can compare your height to the tallest man, walk through the spinning vortex or just like the movies make your way through the laser room without being touched by a laser beam.

Ripley’s is one of the touristy things to do on Cavill Avenue – that you won’t want to miss. I wasn’t sure if Myla would be interested in it, but she really enjoyed reading about all the strange and interesting things. It’s also perfect if you want to escape the sun for a bit and are looking for one of the Gold Coast indoor attractions.

Location: Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Price: $46.90 per adult | $36.90 per child (4-12) | Under 4s are free

Holey Moley Putt Putt

Another one of the great Surfers Paradise kids activities is mini golf at Holey Moley Putt Putt – Putt Putt with a difference. The whole family will love having a game of putt putt with these 18 unique and crazy holes. Swing your club through shark infested waters and have fun identifying the pop culture references such as the Sampsons Couch and the Nine Iron Throne.

There is also Bowling, an Escape Room and Karaoke at the same venue. So if you’re looking for some of the best activities for a rainy day in Gold Coast – you just may have found them!

With 9 holes of putt putt starting from $14 per adult and $10 per child, this is one of the relatively cheap things to do in Surfers Paradise.

Location: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours*: Mon-Wed 12pm-9pm | Thu 12pm-10pm | Fri 12pm-12am | Sat 10am-12am | Sunday 10am-8pm
Price: Prices start at $17 for Adults and $12 for Kids for 9 holes

* Under 18’s are permitted in the venue till 9 pm Sunday – Thursday & 8 pm Friday – Saturday.

Q1 SkyPoint

Top things to do in Surfers Paradise include a visit to the top of Q1 at the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Here you can stand on the Gold Coast’s highest building at 77 floors and 322 metres in the air to get the best possible view of the city. It’s certainly a Surfers Paradise must do if you have never visited the Gold Coast before.

You will get to go on one of the world’s fastest elevators that takes only 42.7 seconds to get to the top of the building! There are cafes and bars at the top for you to enjoy if you feel like having a drink or a bite to eat.  A perfect family fun Gold Coast attraction for the whole family.

For those that are super brave and want to take their Gold Coast adventures further, you can even get outside level 77 and climb even further to a peak height of 270 metres above sea level. Here you will have uninterrupted 360 degree views of the greater Gold Coast region. Children from the age of 12 can join the climb.

Location: Level 77, q1 building/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Daily 7.30am – 9pm
Price: Entry to observation deck: $36 per adult | $28 per child (3-13) | Under 3s are free – Click here to book tickets online
The SkyPoint Climb starts at $92 and is available on selected days and times – Click here for further details

Gold Coast Wax Museum, Surfers Paradise

If you need even more stuff to do in Surfers Paradise, how about a visit to the Gold Wax Museum, Surfers Paradise. This Wax Museum is home to the largest collection of authentic wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Wax figures include famous faces the whole family will recognise as well as other features like the gruesome and gory Torture Chamber.

There are also pint sized dioramas featuring characters from famous Nursery Rhymes, this is one of the Surfers Paradise toddler activities they will love!

Location: 56 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 6pm
Price: $35 per adult | $28 per child (3-12) | $112 per family (2A+2C) | Under 3s are free – Click here to book tickets online

Aquaduck Tours

Not sure whether to explore Surfers Paradise by land or sea? Why not both?! Aquauck let’s you do so with it’s amphibious build.

Aquaduck tours are one of the perfect Gold Coast tourist activities for the whole family. On this tour you will experience the Gold Coast on both land and water and pass by a range of Surfer Paradise tourist attractions. Tours last an hour and during that time you will be able to see gorgeous views of the Gold Coast from every possible angle.

You begin by driving through the streets of Surfers Paradise and then drive to the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast, passing Gold Coast tourist places such as Versace and Marina Mirage Resorts. Then the Aquaduck will ‘duck dive’ onto the Broadwater where you will be able to take in the beautiful sights of the Gold Coast from the waterways.

Once on the water, kids are invited to see what it’s like to be the captain. They will love driving the Aquaduck in the captains seat and will even be awarded their very own Aquaduck Captain’s Certificate!

If you’re wanting to discover Surfers Paradise outdoors… what better way than on land and sea!

Location: Aquaduck Safaris Gold Coast, 36 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Opening Hours: Multiple cruise departure times from 9.45am to 4.45pm.
Price: $50 per adult | $40 per child (2-16) | $169 per family (2A+2C) | Under 2s are free – Click here to book tickets online
Alternatively, if you’re going to do the iFLY (below) as well, check out these combo passes where you can save some $$$ – Click here for Aquaduck & iFLY combo pass

IFLY Indoor Skydiving

iFly Indoor Skydiving offers one of the awesome Gold Coast adventure activities where you can experience the thrills of skydiving without having to actually do the terrifying jump! You will basically get to experience what it feels like jumping 14,000 feet free fall only, you are in the safety of a glass wind tunnel with experienced and talented flight instructors.

This is the perfect activity for beginners or people who have always wanted to sky dive but haven’t managed to work up the courage to jump out of a plane yet! Anyone over the age of 3 years old can fly.

If you’re looking for adrenaline packed things to do with kids, Surfers Paradise iFLY is your freefall ticket!

Location: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 6.30pm
Price: Starting from $124 – Click here to look at ticket options
Alternatively, if you’re going on the Aquaduck (above) as well, check out these combo passes where you can save some $$$ – Click here for Aquaduck & iFLY combo pass

Sling Shot 

If you’re looking for activities to do in Surfers Paradise that will really get your heart racing, then the Sling Shot is for you! Get ready to be strapped in and sling shot at 160 kilometres per hour with this thrilling and exciting ride!

Over 40 tonnes of energy is stored in a gigantic box called the Spring Machine, this tension is needed to catapult you vertically in the air – so make sure you don’t eat just before the ride!

If you’re looking for Cavill Avenue things to do, the Sling Shot is perfect for the adrenaline junkie family… also if you’re out late, this is one of the things to do in Surfers Paradise at night – as it’s open until 10 pm!

You must be at least 125cm tall to go on this ride – so obviously not one of the suitable things to do with toddlers Surfers Paradise has on offer 🙂

Location: 32 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise 
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 10pm | Friday & Saturday 10am to 12am
Price: $40 per person

Strike

Strike down at Surfers Paradise is so much more than a tenpin bowling alley. The bowling alley has the lights turned down and the music turned up as well as a cocktail bar and pizzas available. Children are welcome too but not after 8 pm.

As well bowling there are also multiple escape rooms, where you are locked into a room with your family and you have to find hidden objects and clues to escape.  Escape rooms start at $39 per person. There are also karaoke rooms available from $100 per hour.

Conveniently all under the one roof these activities are all super fun things to do in Surfers Paradise for kids…and adults!

Location: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu 10am to 10pm | Fri & Sat 10am – 12am | Sun 10am to 9pm
Price: Bowling starts at $20 for adults and $12 for kids/students per game

Visit the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

Wondering what things to do in Surfers Paradise at night? Well, you’re in luck, because every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night over 100 stalls open up along the Surfers Paradise beach Esplanade. Here you will find a range of items such as fashion jewellery, art, homeware as well as various street entertainers.

Provided you can resist all the wonderful items on sale, a stroll around the Surfers Paradise beachfront markets is perfect if you’re looking for free things to do in Surfers Paradise! Or perhaps one of the cheap things to in Surfers Paradise anyway!

Family Accommodation Surfers Paradise

There is a huge range of fantastic family friendly Surfers Paradise accommodation no matter your budget. From inexpensive to luxury and everything in between you will definitely find what you are looking for in Surfers. Click here for our full guide on where to stay in Surfers Paradise with kids.

The Novotel Surfers Paradise          

We recently spent the weekend down at the Novotel Surfers Paradise (click here for the full review) and highly recommend it as the best place to stay in Surfers Paradise for families. It is perfect for families who visit Surfers Paradise, particularly if you want to be within walking distance to all the things to see in Surfers Paradise.

All the Surfers Paradise attractions are within 2-15 minutes walking distance, with plenty of family friendly restaurants and cafes just outside the hotel. The gorgeous Surfers Paradise beach which is fully patrolled is also only a few minutes’ walk away. Before you head to the beach, see the hotel staff as they hire out beach balls and boogie boards if you didn’t bring your own.

Families can either choose to stay in a family suite or a room with 2 double beds. The family suites are great, with the main room having a a large king bed, while the smaller room has two single beds for the kids. Both rooms have their own flat screen TV and the bathroom is tucked away in the middle. All rooms have satellite TV, small fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.

The Novotel offers first class facilities. There is a tennis court, swimming pool, spa, gym, laundry and restaurant which serves a great daily breakfast. There is even a child friendly roof top bar!  Whilst the hotel itself doesn’t have parking, you can park next door in the Secure car park for a fee.

We absolutely love staying at the Novotel and highly recommend it for families. 

Click here for the latest prices or to make a booking at the Novotel.

Paradise Resort Gold Coast

 

For the ultimate kids’ resort in Surfers Paradise, you can’t go past the Paradise Kids Resort – one of the very best Surfers Paradise resorts for families.  This place has so much to entertain the kids.  While a little out of the action of Surfers Paradise it’s still only a 10-minute walk along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade to Cavill Ave and around 300m to the beach.  Plus, the resort is surrounded by entertainment galore for kids young and old.

There are some awesome facilities here for kids of all ages.  Here you’ll find a fabulous water park, lagoon pool and spa, an ice-skating rink, playground and rock climbing.  There is also live entertainment, including a magician and trivia night. Plus there is a kids club!!!  You won’t find any other Surfers Paradise kid friendly hotels with as many facilities as the Paradise Resort.

Other facilities on-site include a bistro, café and bar and a small shop for those last-minute items.  There is also onsite parking, a BBQ area, self-serve laundry facility, a gym, and an adult-only spa and bar area.

There is a range of different rooms for families to choose from, accommodating four people right up to a family of 7.  There are also interconnecting rooms for larger families.  Most rooms are simple studio rooms, while some even have a second bedroom for families that prefer more privacy.  All rooms include a private balcony, air conditioning, WiFi and TV. Some of the bigger rooms have the addition of a kitchenette and gaming console for the kids.

If you’re looking for Surfers Paradise accommodation with kids club, where you can relax and enjoy yourself too, the Paradise Kids Resort is a great option.  Rain, hail or shine, everyone in the family will be having fun.  No wonder it’s always voted as one of the best Surfers Paradise kid friendly resorts.

Click here for the latest prices or to make a booking at the Paradise Resort

voco Gold Coast

 

The Voco Gold Coast is in a great location.  It is right across the road from the Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck, one of your must-see attractions Surfers Paradise, as well as being a ten-minute stroll to Cavill Avenue and a five-minute stroll to the endless golden sandy beaches. 

One of the best things about this hotel’s location is having a tram stop just outside.  This is convenient if you have smaller children who might not like the walk to the heart of Surfers Paradise or if you don’t have your car with you and want to visit some of the other beaches on the Gold Coast.

The hotel has plenty of facilities to keep the family busy.  Onsite, there are two swimming pools, a gym, a games room, Waves Buffet Restaurant for breakfast or dinner, Clifford’s Grill and Lounge for gourmet pizza and Social House café and bar for cocktails.

Family rooms include two double beds, and if required, there is a small charge for an extra fold-out bed.  The rooms also include a TV, air-conditioning, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities and great views. 

With its proximity to the Gold Coast Tram Line and only minutes to the beach and shopping hotspots, the Voco Gold Coast is a great choice for your family holiday to Surfers Paradise. 

Click here for the latest prices or to make a booking at the voco Gold Coast

Getting to / From Airport

 You can easily reach Surfers Paradise from either the Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport.

From Brisbane Airport

From the Brisbane Airport the best ways to reach Surfers Paradise is either by car hire, shuttle or public transport.

Car Hire

If you are going to be renting a car whilst you visit Surfers Paradise, I recommend you pick up your car from the Brisbane Airport as a shuttle can be quite expensive for a family. However, if you are spending your time just in Surfers Paradise, or with a few additional day tours, it is not necessary to rent a car.

Shuttle

Numerous different operators provide transport from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast.

Con-X-ion has return transfers from the Brisbane airport to your Gold Coast accommodation from $55 per adult, $40 per child.

Train

The cheapest option to get from the Brisbane Airport to Surfers Paradise is by train.

The Air Train stops right outside both the International and Domestic Brisbane Airports. The train departs every 15 minutes during peak hour and 30 minutes during off peak.  

Take the Air Train to the Helensvale Station; this journey will take around 90 minutes. From Helensvale Station take the G:Link train to the Gold Coast, this journey will take approximately 40 minutes. There are stations at Broadwater, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. If you are staying at any beaches further than this, you are better off using one of the other above options.

If you purchase a Go Card at the Airport station, the entire trip will cost $33.73 per adult and $26.62 per child. Without a Go Card, it is $40.10 per adult and $29.80 per child. If you decide to purchase a Go Card, you will need to buy one for each person in your group, which will cost $10 per adult and $5 per child. This is refundable when you return the card.

I’d recommend purchasing a Go Card if you won’t have your own car as you can then use this on the G:Link for discounted tickets.

Use the Journey Planner on TransLink for more information about timetables and journey times.

From Gold Coast Airport

The Gold Coast Airport is about a 30 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. The best way to reach Surfers Paradise is via hire car, shuttle or taxi.

Car Hire

If you are going to be renting a car whilst you visit Surfers Paradise, I recommend you pick up your car from the Gold Coast Airport as a shuttle can be quite expensive for a family. However, if you are spending your time just in Surfers Paradise, or with a few additional day tours, it is not necessary to rent a car.

Shuttle

There are numerous different operators that provide transport from the Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise.

Con-X-ion provides transfers from the Gold Coast airport to your Surfers Paradise accommodation from $25 per adult, $15 per child (1-13) or $65 per family (2A+2C) – Click here for more information or get discounted pricing.

Taxi and Ride Share

In my view, the best way to get to your Gold Coast accommodation is by taxi or ride share such as Uber. It will cost between $20 to $60 for ride share depending on demand and where on the Gold Coast you want to go.

Getting Around Surfers Paradise

You could easily spend a week in Surfers Paradise and never leave, but if you do want to visit nearby beaches or attractions, the easiest way to get around is by the G:Link Train.

As mentioned above for discounted tickets on the G:Link you will need a Go Card. If you have travelled from the Brisbane Airport by the Airtrain, you should already have one of these cards.

If you decide to purchase a Go Card you will need to purchase one for each person in your group, which will cost $10 per adult and $5 per child, which is refundable when you return them.

Use the Journey Planner on TransLink for more information about timetables and journey times for the G:Link.

When to Visit Surfers Paradise

The short answer is anytime is the perfect time to visit Surfers Paradise. With an average of 300 sunny days a year, you will generally experience gorgeous weather year round.

If you want to come when it’s nice and warm and perfect for swimming visit during the Spring (September to November) or Summer (December to February). In fact even March and April can be warm enough for swimming. People from colder climates may even find the weather warm enough to swim year round.

Keep in mind Surfers Paradise can get super busy during both the Queensland and New South Wales school holidays, particularly from the end of December to mid January. During this time expect long queues at attractions and higher prices on accommodation.

For me, my favourite time of year to visit Surfers Paradise is during February where the ocean is at its warmest, the days are warm and there are no school holidays.

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I hope you found this guide on all the best things to do in Surfers Paradise with kids super useful. If you’re looking for a more in-depth guide on where to stay, check out this best family accommodation in Surfers Paradise article. And if you’re looking to explore further afield from Surfers, our ultimate guide to Gold Coast Family Holidays would be helpful.