Keeping kids busy during the School Holidays (Family-Friendly Activities in Coolangatta: Fun for All Ages)

It can be tough for parents to continually come up with fun things to do with kids over the school holidays.

Fortunately, keeping your kids busy during the school holidays is easy when you live on the Gold Coast! In fact, some of the best school holiday activities can be found right here in Coolangatta.

From the beautiful beaches to exploring local parks and attractions, Coolangatta has no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep kids (and adults!) of all ages busy and entertained.

To help you make the most of the holiday break, here are our top things to do in Coolangatta for kids and families.

1. Exploring Coolangatta’s Beautiful Beaches

Even if you have lived in Coolangatta all your life, it’s impossible to get enough of Coolangatta Beach and the surrounding coastline! A sprawling sandy shoreline and turquoise water make Coolangatta Beach a top spot for kids to paddle and play in. For kids wanting more action, beginner surf lessons are held at the beach every day at 10am. Other nearby beaches worth mentioning include Greenmount Beach (a very fun and safe beach for younger kids), Kirra Beach, and Currumbin Creek Inlet.

2. Fun at the Local Parks

One thing there’s no shortage of in Coolangatta is its parks!

Along the Coolangatta foreshore is the Oceanway path, where families can walk, bike ride, scoot or rollerblade along to soak up the scenery, stop by at the local waterfront cafes and kiosks for ice cream and make their way to nearby Coolangatta Beach Park playground. This beach playground has everything – rope nets, climbers, a slide, and a swing. Keep walking along the Oceanway and you’ll come across Queen Elizabeth Park with another well-equipped playground overlooking the beach as well as picturesque walking trails. Pack a picnic or bring a BBQ lunch and make use of the amenities at RT Peak Memorial Park where the whole family can enjoy panoramic views of Coolangatta Beach, Snapper Rocks and nearby Kirra.

3. Discovering Local Wildlife

Experience local wildlife up close and personal at the famous Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Not only is it a short 10-minute drive from Coolangatta, but the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is voted one of the top things to do on the Gold Coast! The sanctuary boasts 27 hectares of rainforest and is home to more than 12,000 animals including the beloved kangaroo and koala. Kids can even feed the animals and enjoy a koala cuddle photo to remember the experience. After a long day of exploring and learning about animals, conservation and the environment, kids can cool off in the Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone – a fun water park surrounded by wildlife. For those feeling brave and adventurous, why not try the TreeTop Challenge including 14 insane ziplines?!

4. Creative Workshops and Classes

For an educational experience that kids and families can enjoy, make use of the various school holiday workshops and free activities at the Coolangatta.

About a 10-minute drive away is the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum. This is the ideal destination for kids of all ages to learn about local culture. From an Aboriginal cultural walk led by local guides to cultural performances and workshops – you’ll find museum exhibits, Aboriginal art and a rich history that will leave the whole family immersed.

Other classes and workshops that will keep kids entertained include Popstarz Kidz where kids can channel their inner popstar through singing, dancing, stagecraft, and recording workshops. Nearby HAPY Studio offers classes in aerial skills, aerial hoop and trapeze – allowing kids to have fun while building their confidence. For budding artists, Think Purple Hartspace offers intuitive painting classes and workshops for kids, teens and adults.

5. Exploring the Twin Towns: Coolangatta and Tweed Heads

One thing that makes Coolangatta so unique is that it’s right on the border of New South Wales! Just a hop, step and jump away is Tweed Heads, which is bursting with family-friendly activities including Cape Byron Lighthouse Conservation area, Tropical Fruit World, Epic Skate Rink and Hosanna Farm Stay where families can camp or glamp in the rustic rural setting and enjoy the fresh air, explore nature and feed the farm animals. Visit two states in one day without leaving the water by renting a boat along the Tweed River. Make sure to first stop by The Strand for picnic supplies, sunscreen, fishing equipment, or save tons at Truckloads!

6. Family-Friendly Dining in Coolangatta

With all that holiday fun, you and the kids need a break to eat! Luckily for parents, there are plenty of family-friendly eateries in Coolangatta to choose from. If you love Mexican food, visit The Jungle Mexican Cantina on Marine Parade. With great food and plenty of room to move around in, this Coolangatta establishment has always been a fun family restaurant. If you fancy sweet treats, you can’t go past Pancake Diner (Pancakes in Paradise) right here in The Strand! Offering yummy milkshakes and all-day pancake breakfasts, the kids will want to return for more! If you’re looking for an eatery with a kid's menu, the Coolangatta Hotel will help to satisfy those fussy eaters! Sit indoors or outside and soak up the Cooly coastline.

7. A Day Trip to the Shopping Centre

The Strand Coolangatta is your one-stop shop for things to do in Coolangatta over the holidays. Filled with a range of retail stores, dining experiences, and entertainment for the whole family, you can really spend all day at The Strand! For kids, we recommend popping into Concrete Lines Skate Shop where they can shop a huge range of skateboards and street-style clothing/shoes. Next stop would be Inverted Bodyboarding for all your core bodybuilding supplies including wetsuits and accessories from all the leading brands. Parents can also pay Kids Inc a visit. This supportive hub provides psychologist-led programs to help parents cope with behavioural problems as well as deal with common issues like bullying and sleep difficulties. Don’t feel like leaving the house, don’t worry! You and the kids can enjoy some games and crafts, Sandy Crab Toy Store has everything you need to keep the kids entertained for hours.

A Golden Winter

If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination, Coolangatta is your answer! From the fantastic facilities, beautiful beaches, gorgeous parks and local culture, Coolangatta is guaranteed to keep kids of all ages entertained during the school holidays. Also, if it’s raining we have your back! Check out Cinebar, and enjoy a first-class cinema experience. And unlike many other neighbouring towns on the Gold Coast, Coolangatta provides a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that isn’t overly “touristy”.