The best things to do with kids on the Gold Coast in 2026 are the theme parks — Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild — plus Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for koalas and lorikeet feeding, the SkyPoint observation deck, and free days on the patrolled beaches and Tallebudgera Creek.
The Gold Coast is Australia's family holiday capital. The big theme parks cluster north of the city around Oxenford and Coomera; multi-park passes save money if you plan several visits. Balance them with free days on the beach — swim between the red-and-yellow flags at patrolled beaches — and a wildlife park. For more, see our Gold Coast attractions guide.
Australia's biggest theme park, with thrill rides and a wildlife area.
Dreamworld combines thrill rides and family rides with Dreamworld Corroboree, a wildlife experience with koalas and kangaroos, and a dedicated area for small children.
WhiteWater World water park is next door.
Good to know: Arrive at opening to ride the most popular attractions first.
Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209
Marine animals, shows and rides on the Broadwater.
Sea World on the Spit at Main Beach combines marine animal encounters and presentations with rides and a young children's area.
It suits families with younger kids especially.
Good to know: Check the show schedule when you arrive and plan around it.
Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Movie-themed rides and characters.
Warner Bros. Movie World is a movie-themed park with roller coasters, character meet-and-greets with superheroes and Looney Tunes, parades and stunt shows.
It suits school-age kids and teens best.
Good to know: Go on a weekday outside school holidays for shorter queues.
Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210
Water slides and wave pools.
Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast is a large water park of slides, a wave pool and a lazy river, with a children's water play area.
It is best on a hot day; some parts close in cooler months.
Good to know: Bring sun protection and arrive early to secure shade.
Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210
Koalas, kangaroos and famous lorikeet feeding.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a long-running native wildlife park with koalas, kangaroos, a wildlife hospital and the famous lorikeet feeding, plus a treetop ropes course for older kids.
It is near the beach at the southern end of the Gold Coast.
Good to know: Time your visit for lorikeet feeding.
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Views of the whole coast from the Q1 tower.
SkyPoint, near the top of the Q1 tower in Surfers Paradise, has panoramic views of the beaches, hinterland and coastline, with a café and an outdoor climb for older kids and adults.
It is a good activity for a rainy or very hot afternoon.
Good to know: Go at sunset for the best views.
Q1 Building, Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
A native wildlife park focused on conservation.
David Fleay Wildlife Park, run by the Queensland government, is a calm wildlife park with boardwalks through bushland and wetlands and native animals including platypus, koalas and cassowaries.
It is smaller and quieter than the big attractions.
Good to know: Look out for the daily wildlife presentations.
Loman Ln, West Burleigh QLD 4219
Calm, shallow water perfect for little swimmers.
Tallebudgera Creek, beside Burleigh Heads National Park, has calm, clear, shallow water and sandy banks, making it the favourite free swimming spot for families with small children.
The walk around the Burleigh headland is nearby.
Good to know: Visit at high tide for the best swimming.
Tallebudgera Creek, Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Sea World and Dreamworld both have dedicated areas for small children; Movie World suits school-age kids and teens; Wet'n'Wild is best for confident swimmers.
If you plan to visit two or more of Sea World, Movie World and Wet'n'Wild, a multi-park pass usually saves money. Check current offers before booking.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and David Fleay Wildlife Park both have koalas, kangaroos and other native animals; Currumbin's lorikeet feeding is a highlight.
Swim at patrolled beaches, paddle at calm Tallebudgera Creek, walk the Burleigh Heads headland and visit the parks and playgrounds along the beachfront.
Outside school holidays the parks are much quieter. The weather is warm year-round; summer brings storms and the busiest crowds.