School holidays activities on the Southern Gold Coast

It can be challenging keeping the kids entertained over the school holidays, but luckily for us on the southern Gold Coast, there’s always lots happening and we’re spoilt for choice. So ditch the TV and get out and about – whether you’re shopping, catching a movie, or exploring the great outdoors, there’s plenty available to keep the whole family happy!

Hop on in to The Strand this Easter:

• On Thursday 2nd and Saturday 4th April from 10am to 1pm, both the Easter Bunny and Alice in Wonderland will be paying us a visit and handing out Easter eggs to all our shoppers.
• On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April, the fun continues with face painting and balloon twisting from 10am to 1pm. 
• There will also be pop-up shops in the Atrium:
  • An eclectic range of local Gold Coast designers including Sabah Lifestyle, Hey Sista, Raw Treasures, and Abode. 
  • Max Brenner are showcasing their decadent Easter range, including gift sets and popping candy chocolate eggs.
  • Nic Nax is selling a range of Easter decorations and gifts.
• While you’re here, have a bite to eat at any of our gourmet cafés or restaurants, enjoy a movie and grab a delectable treat from Gelato Messina, Max Brenner or Passiontree Velvet to finish off the day. The Strand is open all Easter weekend except for Good Friday, check out our opening hours here.
• If you've overdosed on chocolate, try out some of our ideas for non-chocolate Easter gifts.

Other local free activities:

• Active & Healthy Nature Play School Holiday Program: This free holiday program runs from 4th to 19th April and is all about getting kids outdoors and active. There are loads of fun activities to choose from, including an obstacle course, treasure hunt, bike workshop, yoga, kung fu, surfing and more.
• Take the whole family to Currumbin Rock Pools in Currumbin Valley and explore the beautiful freshwater swimming hole, rock pools and mini rapids. With picnic tables, barbeques and amenities available, it’s perfect for a family day out.
• Bunnings playground: your local Bunnings is more than just a hardware store. Bunnings playgrounds are free and are a great place for kids to burn off some energy, while Mum and Dad can grab a coffee and relax. Bunnings also run kids’ DIY workshops with activities such as craft, face painting, gardening or woodwork. 
• Take the kids skateboarding at your local skate park.
• Visit Cudgeon Creek on the Tweed Coast in far north NSW: this beautiful creek is clean and clear and popular for swimming, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment – you can hire kayaks and paddle boards there.

Rainy day activities:

• There are plenty of family-friendly movies on during the school holidays at Birch, Carroll and Coyle. Grab a Family Pass and SAVE on movies such as Cinderella, Shaun the Sheep and The Spongebob Movie. There’s even an Easter Egg Hunt over the long weekend – just grab a ticket to the first morning session of The Spongebob Movie to join in the fun!
• 10 pin bowling at Coolangatta Tweed Tenpin.
• Iceskating at Iceland in Bundall, the only ice skating rink on the Gold Coast.
• Indoor roller skating at Epic Skate Rink.
• Visit Superbee Honeyworld, Currumbin and watch bees making honey in the hive.
• Time Zone, Gold Coast: with more than 300 games to choose from, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained!