Fun and affordable things to do with kids on the Gold Coast

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Fun and affordable things to do with kids on the Gold Coast

On our doorstep, yet a world away from the stresses of city life, the Gold Coast is the perfect getaway for Queensland families. And with plenty of fun and affordable things to do with kids on the Gold Coast, why would you go anywhere else?!

Get back to nature

There’s no better antidote to city life than to spend a weekend reconnecting with nature. Home to some of the region’s most stunning national parks and hinterland, the Gold Coast and the Scenic Rim is the perfect location to rest and rejuvenate. Springbrook National Park, Lamington National Park and Tamborine Mountain all have a bunch of walking tracks for families. And, costing nothing more than a packed lunch and a spring in your step, bushwalking is affordable for everyone! [caption id="attachment_32517" align="alignnone" width="696"] Sunset at Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park[/caption] For a short yet stunning walk, try Natural Bridge Circuit in Springbrook National Park. At just 1km long, with a magical waterfall tumbling through the ceiling of a cave, it’s ideal for little explorers. On a hot day, another great walking track for families is the Curtis Falls Track in Tamborine Mountain’s cool and lush rainforest, where you can enjoy an enchanting walk through the wet eucalypt forest. And for something totally different, try the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. The boardwalks take you high into the rainforest canopy for a unique and fun way to explore life at the tops of the trees. [caption id="attachment_32518" align="alignnone" width="696"] Natural Bridge Circuit bushwalk on the Gold Coast

Natural Bridge Circuit bushwalk on the Gold Coast

Natural Bridge Circuit[/caption] There’s plenty of nature-inspired activities within a stone’s throw of the beaches too. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a jam-packed day of animal encounters in a family friendly and affordable setting. Meet the crocodiles, wander through the aviaries, and hand feed the lorikeets. Make sure you pack your togs as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone is the perfect place to cool off, and the kids will love it!

For the water babies

Whether its tranquil rock pools or epic surf breaks, the Gold Coast has something for water babies of all ages and abilities. For those who love the ocean, learn to surf with Get Wet Surf or Go Ride a Wave. A couple of lessons is all it takes for the groms to be carving it up in the surf. For a unique adventure ideal for older kids, grab a paddle and explore the Gold Coast waterways with Seaway Kayaking Tours. If you have a tiny bubba in the family, you can still enjoy the gorgeous waters of the Gold Coast without getting your feet wet! Hire a boat and cruise the canals in leisure with Duffy Down Under Boat Hire, Cruises and Tours. Or hop around the waterways of the Gold Coast on Hopo. This popular Gold Coast ferry service is a fun and affordable way to cruise around the Gold Coast waters. Buy a day ticket to hop on and off as much as you like. Single tickets start from just $5 adult ($4 child). Yep, it’s totally pram friendly too. Need to cool off without spending a cent? The Gold Coast has some stunning kid-friendly swimming spots. Head to Currumbin Rock Pools or Tallebudgera Creek for gorgeous crystal clear waters without the sway of the surf. [caption id="attachment_32520" align="alignnone" width="696"] Tallegbudgera Creek is one of the many affordable things to do with kids on the Gold Coast

Tallegbudgera Creek is one of the many affordable things to do with kids on the Gold Coast

Tallebudgera Creek[/caption]

Places for families to play on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is Australia’s favourite playground and it’s bursting with affordable fun for families. Hire electric bikes with Crooze Electric and ride along many of the scenic bike tracks along the coastline. Challenge yourself and the family on the ultimate mini-golf challenge at King Tutt’s Putt Putt, Putt Putt Mermaid Beach, or Holey Moley. Or create your own trick-art photo collection at Artvo Illusions. Visit the Broadwater Parklands and take advantage of all the family friendly activities on offer, including BBQ facilities and an awesome playground. It’s here you’ll also find the Rock Pools – an exciting, sculptural water playground with water fountains, vibrant marine-themed equipment, a creek bed and several tidal rockpools for children to splash and explore. For those keen for a swim, the Broadwater Parklands is home to the GC Aquatic Centre, or you can tackle the region's only inflatable waterpark, GC Aqua Park (seasonal). If you're looking for something for everyone, Thunderbird Park is one of the best places for families to play on the Gold Coast. Here you can dig for thundereggs, play laser skirmish in the jungle, tackle the high ropes course at TreeTop Challenge, boost the adrenaline with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer, enjoy a horse trail ride, or play a round on the championship mini golf course. [caption id="attachment_32515" align="alignnone" width="696"] Kids playing at GC Aquatic Centre