23 Things to do in Surfers Paradise with Kids

Are you looking for things to do in Surfers Paradise? You’ve found the right article! We can tell you what to do in Surfers Paradise and this article provides a huge list of the best things to do in Surfers Paradise for adults and kids!

Home to a beachside getaway alongside a bustling city; it’s no wonder families are jumping at the chance to enjoy an escape to the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise attractions for kids and adults are numerous. Surfers Paradise offers both parents and children an endless list of things to do, whether you’re simply looking to relax by the pool at your Surfers Paradise accommodation, embark on a thrilling adventure or just looking for a family-friendly Surfers Paradise restaurant.

With beautiful beaches for surfing and swimming, amusement parks, cinemas, museums, arcades, markets, accommodation, and restaurants, we will give you everything you need to know in our detailed article.

Not sure where to start? Here are the best 21 things to do in Surfers Paradise with kids.

1. The Surfers Paradise sign

The Surfers Paradise Sign is a simple icon of the Gold Coast that many tourists flock to for photos. Many people battle their way through the crowds just to get their perfect shot, which proves to be a challenge. For the perfect shot, consider heading over early in the morning for fewer crowds and views of the sun rising over the ocean to accompany. This is a simple attraction to enjoy that also won’t dent your travel budget. A visit to Surfers Paradise with kids is not complete without a photo under this iconic sign!

• Address: 2 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
• Price: Free

2. Swim at Surfers Paradise beach

There’s nothing more refreshing than a swim off Surfers Paradise’s pristine beach. Offering visitors golden sand to stroll along accompanied by clear, crystal water, it’s no wonder this beach is so popular. Head over with the entire family, lounge on the beach, play some games, build a sandcastle, take a dip between the flags, and embrace the calm energy of Surfers Paradise. Not to mention, with a collection of stores and cafes located just across the road, it’s effortless to transition from beach-life to city-life.

• Address: 2 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
• Price: Free

3. Infinity: Surfers Paradise

Step into the future with a visit to Infinity, Surfers Paradise. At your own pace, stroll through 20 diverse environments, including special effects, sound fields, aromas, music, and maze-like illusions. It’s often described to be an indescribable venture that must be experienced to understand. Infinity also offers a gift shop and can host various groups and parties. This fun experience is suitable for all ages over 8.

• Address: G31 Chevron Renaissance Centre, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
• Price:
  • Adult $28.90
  • Child $19.90
  • Senior $19.90
  • Student $22.90
  • Family (2 Adults and 2 Children aged 4-13 years) $82.90

We found a discount to Infinity here.

4. The 7-D Cinema

Take the movie-viewing experience to the next level with a visit to the 7-D Cinema. The facility uses various pieces of technology to deliver an entertaining experience in a safe environment. With a variety of movies to choose from and unique experiences such as interactive gaming, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.

Some movies include Adrenaline Rush, Da Vinci’s Touch, The Weird Race, Santa’s Legend, Panic House, Temple Of Egypt, Snow Race, Surfer’s Coast, and many more.

• Address: Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre, Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
• Prices (for 7D Moving Theatre):
  • Adult $17.90
  • Child (ages 4-12 years): $12.90

5. Strike Bowling

Hosting an impressive collection of activities that both parents and children can enjoy, a visit to Strike Bowling proves to be an entertaining outing for the whole family. The facility offers plenty of bowling lanes to enjoy, as well as putt-putt golf, karaoke, interactive darts, and a variety of thrilling escape rooms. What’s not to love? To top it off, from Monday to Thursday, Strike Bowling hosts a collection of promotions, making a visit all the more affordable.

• Address: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

6. Holey Moley Putt Putt

Also located within Strike Bowling, Holey Moley offers an entertaining range of unique putt-putt courses to tackle. Choose between a 9 or 18-hole game, comprised of unique challenges and pop-culture-themed courses that won’t be seen anywhere else. For example, some popular holes draw inspiration from icons such as The Simpsons and PacMan. Offering a collection of courses to suit every skill level, a trip to Holey Money offers a little something for every member of the family. It’s important to note that kids aren’t allowed into Holey Moley after 8.00pm.

• Address: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
• Price:
  • Monday – Wednesday
    • 9 Holes: $17
    • 18 Holes: $30
  • Thursday – Sunday
    • 9 Holes: $18
    • 18 Holes: $32
  • Kids/students $12

7. Archie Brothers Cirque Electro

Archie Brothers Cirque Electro is an indoor arcade brimming with all the flashing lights and excitement that kids love. You will find dodgem cars, carousels and thrill rides, arcade games, indoor bowling, laser tag, and prizes to be won. We wrote about our trip to Archie Brothers (Brisbane location) here and added our Instagram Reel to help you see how awesome this place is for families!

• Address: 3197 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4127

8. The Gold Coast Wax Museum

The Gold Coast Wax Museum is an entertaining venture that the whole family can enjoy. Initially established in 1968, the museum has become one of Surfers Paradise’s longest attractions. The facility houses a spectacular collection of wax figures, including celebrities, characters, and notable people of history. Some of the museum’s exhibits include the Chamber Of Horrors, The Famous People, The Crown Jewels, and more. Information about how the wax figures are handled and made is also available.

• Address: 56 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

9. iFly Indoor Skydiving

This is one of the most exhilarating things you can do in Surfers Paradise with kids. Enjoy the thrill of skydiving without the heights or the need to jump from a plane at iFly Indoor Skydiving. The attraction is very inclusive for the entire family, with an experience available for everyone.

This includes an introduction class along with a collection of other packages with different inclusions to suit a variety of needs. The sessions include a set number of flights (depending on the package), a flight suit, helmet, goggles, and a flight certificate.  For a full list of products or to book a session, head over to the iFly website.

• Address: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

10. The Sling Shot

Those in the mood for a much more thrilling attraction can may their way over to The Sling Shot – a frighteningly acclaimed ride of Surfers Paradise. The Sling Shot, shoots guests from the ground at 160 km per hour to an altitude of 80m. Let’s not forget, what goes up, must come down.

This ride isn’t for the faint-hearted. Before visiting, check the website for more details and any age restrictions.

• Address: 6 Palm Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

11. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Marvel the various wonders of the world at the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum. The facility hosts a collection of fascinatingly mysterious exhibits to explore, ranging between a Tibetan Skull to a wedding dress made of toilet paper. The facility stretches over 9,000 square feet, offering the entire family plenty of odd sights to ponder.

Otherwise, guests seeking a bit more challenge can test their skill at Ripley’s Impossible Laser Race. Duck and weave your way through a variety of moving lasers without breaking any to pass the course. A trip to Ripley’s delivers an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. Ripley’s is one of the most famous venues to visit in Surfers Paradise with kids.

• Address: Cavill Mall, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

12. TimeZone

Delivering an array of games and activities to enjoy; TimeZone proves to be a highlight of Cavill Avenue. Both parents and children can enjoy the endless stream of arcade games, with dodgem cars, laser tag, and putt-putt also on offer. Earn tickets from the arcade games and choose a prize on your way out to remember the experience. If you’re looking for a spot to entertain the kids for hours on end, TimeZone is a slam-dunk – especially if the weather is not great!

• Address: Level 1, Paradise Centre, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

13. Q1 SkyPoint

Admire sweeping views of The Gold Coast from above at Q1’s SkyPoint observatory. The lookout is located on the 77th level of Q1, offering guests panoramic views of the city, ocean, and hinterlands. While appreciating the views, grab some food from the SkyPoint Bar And Bistro. So, if you’re looking for a different perspective to admire the Gold Coast, you may want to consider a visit to the Q1. The tower is an 18+ venue on Friday and Saturday nights from 8.00pm.

• Address: Level 77, q1 building/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

14. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

Head over to the Surfers Paradise Sign on either Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday for the chance to take a stroll among the acclaimed Beachfront Markets. Walk among countless stalls, hosting various handmade goods and delicious treats to taste.

While you’re enjoying the walk, you can admire the afternoon vibes of the Surfers Paradise Beach, glowing as the sun sets over the skyline. Proving to be an entertaining venture for the entire family, the markets also include treats for the whole family to taste. After all, who doesn’t love the opportunity to explore some markets?

• Address: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
• When: Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 4.00pm – 9.00pm

15. The street performers

Scattered along Cavill Avenue is a line-up of impressive street performers showcasing their talents. While you’re moving along the strip, be sure to stop and admire some of the shows, often including singers, statue-people, and more. Not only is this activity often free (depending if you decide to give a few dollars to the performers to show your support), but it also proves to be a great photo opportunity. Keep your eyes peeled for some talented acts.

16. Mini-golf at Carrara

The course at Carrara has 36 holes – 18 indoors and 18 outdoors, and is an awesome family day out for adults and kids alike. There are 3 themed areas including a Medieval Castle, where your family can practice under the watchful eyes of a huge dragon, and Jurassic Forest, where animated dinosaurs shake and roar while players putt their way through this prehistoric wilderness. In the outdoor course, The Ancient Temple, sees players learn about ancient Asia as each putt provides you with interesting facts and trivia during the game. 

17. Planet Chill Ice Skating Rink

Planet Chill is one of Queensland’s newest ice skating rinks, located in Paradise Point above Penguins Restaurant. It’s the perfect all-weather activity where children aged from 3 and up can chill-out on the ice. There are skating aides to help novices, and music and lights to give a real party vibe to the occasion. As numbers for each session are limited, it is recommended to pre-purchase tickets to avoid disappointment.

• Address: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

18. Holoverse Dinosaur World

Have a dinosaur adventure at Holoverse! You will go through ten different scenes where the dinosaurs look real, but that are actually made of laser light. They are real world sizes so some of them are very big. Pick Hologram Grass to feed a Brontosaurus, fly through the air with the Pterodactyls, visit the ocean – but beware of what could be down there! 

Dinosaurs are not the only thing you can experience at Holoverse. There’s also a holographic aquarium and holographic escape rooms. Duration of each experience is around an hour.

• Address: Shop 059/8 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
• Price: $29 per person, but after three people have been paid for your group, the rest get in for free (up to three additional people).

19. Paradise Jet Boating

Experience the thrill of a Jet Blast Jet Boat Ride or a Jet Boat Adventure Ride in the waters off Paradise Point with Paradise Jet Boating. 360° spins, high-speed drifting, power slides, beach-buzzing, and all the adrenaline you can handle await in this high-speed adventure, suitable for children ages 4 and up.

• Address: Mariner’s Cove Marina, 60 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, QLD 4217
• Price:
  • Jet Blast Jet Boat Ride from $46
  • Jet Boat Adventure Ride from $59

20. Visit HOTA – Home of the Arts

HOTA is the place where art, entertainment and culture meet. At HOTA you will find exhibitions, shows, workshops, concerts, cinema, dining, markets, parklands…something for everyone!

• Address: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

21. Coffee, cake, and cats!

The Crazy Cat Cafe is the Gold Coast’s first cat cafe. Enter the cat lounge for real cat cuddles, followed – or preceded – by coffee and cake at the cafe. You can book a 25-minute lounge session, or snuggle in for a full 50 minutes.

• Address: 63 & 64 Centre Arcade, 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, QLD 4217
• Price:
  • Full session (50 mins)
    • Adults $25
    • Kids (12 and under) $20
    • Infants (0-12 months) free
  • Half session (25 mins)
    • Adults $20
    • Kids (12 and under) $15
    • Infants (0-12 months) free

22. Quack’r’Duck

To provide the best in sightseeing on the Gold Coast, Quack’r’Duck have created a unique land and sea experience with their modern, environmentally friendly amphibious vehicle, the Quack’rDuck duck bus.

The special 1-hour sightseeing adventure takes you and your family on a stunning land and sea tour of Surfers Paradise like no other. During the tour, you’ll venture through some of the roads surrounding the main attractions of Surfers Paradise. You’ll then drive down a boat ramp, splashing into the water where your duck bus seamlessly becomes a duck boat. As you sail through the Gold Coast canals and the Broadwater, you’ll experience some of the best sights that Surfers Paradise has to offer. This is the ultimate land and sea adventure, suitable for the whole family! Do not miss out and book the tour, here today.

*Check out the discount offer here.

23. Hang by the pool

Despite all the attractions scattered throughout Surfers Paradise, sometimes it can be just as entertaining to lounge by the hotel pool. Sit back and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation while the kids swim in the water. Take some time, relax and unwind as a family, and appreciate this opportunity to lounge about. It’s a holiday after all.

Things to do in Surfers Paradise

There’s an endless list of things to do in Surfers Paradise with kids, often making a trip to the Gold Coast all the more memorable. Ranging from putt-putt and arcade games to indoor sky diving and amusement parks, the area can accommodate for any experience you desire.

Whether you seek a tranquil beachside getaway or a never-ending, action-packed adventure, Surfers Paradise can deliver. Next time you’re looking for something to do with the whole family in Surfers Paradise, consider a few of these options.