Looking for easy ways to fill the long summer school holidays on the Gold Coast? Whether your kids are into sport, sparkles, science or snuggles with animals, there’s plenty happening on (and just beyond) the Gold Coast this summer.
We’ve rounded up our top picks of things to do for kids in the school holidays on the Gold Coast – from Christmas events and live shows to sporty camps, STEM fun and farm adventures.
Christmas events & festive shows
Circus Fun House – Christmas Edition
Where: The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub, Broadbeach
When: 13–17 December 2025
Santa hits the stage at this high-energy circus spectacular, packed with dazzling costumes, daring aerial stunts, acrobatics and laugh-out-loud comedy. A fun, glittery night out for the whole family. MORE INFORMATION >>
The Greatest Christmas Show
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts
When: 12 December 2025
Master Illusionist Anthony Street leads a huge Christmas production featuring breathtaking illusions, soaring vocals, a cirque aerial act, dancers and a special visit from Santa. Think big-stage magic and warm-and-fuzzy festive feels. MORE INFORMATION >>
Varsity Carols by the Lake
Where: Varsity Promenade, Lake Orr
When: 13 December 2025, from 4:00pm
Pack a picnic and enjoy a lakeside evening of live entertainment, Christmas carols, Santa appearances and fireworks over Lake Orr. A relaxed, community-style celebration with something for everyone. MORE INFORMATION >>
Active & sporty holiday fun
Gold Coast Aqua Park
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
When: Summer season (check timetable)
A giant inflatable playground on the Broadwater with slides, obstacles and splashy challenges for confident swimmers. Great for burning off energy on a hot day. MORE INFORMATION >>
MyFirstGym Robina Summer Holiday Camps
Where: MyFirstGym, Robina
When: 3 December 2025 – 22 January 2026
High-energy camps featuring Ninja challenges, parkour, gymnastics, games and creative activities. Professionally coached sessions help kids 4+ build strength, confidence and social skills in a fun, supportive environment. MORE INFORMATION >>
Little Lifesavers
Where: Various locations – see program for Gold Coast sites
When: 6 December 2025 – 24 January 2026
Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Little Lifesavers program keeps kids active while teaching essential water safety skills. Designed for ages 5–12, it’s a fantastic intro to surf lifesaving and beach safety. MORE INFORMATION >>
Holiday Cheer, Dance & Tumble Camps
Where: Infinity Athletics
When: 15 December 2025 – 21 January 2026
Cheer, dance and tumbling activities, plus games and challenges, make these full-day camps (9am–3pm) perfect for energetic kids aged 5–12. Beginners are welcome, with early drop-off and late pick-up options available. MORE INFORMATION >>
Game On Summer Sports Camps
Where: Ashgrove Sports Ground, Brisbane
When: 8 December 2025 – 16 January 2026
Multi-sport holiday programs led by teachers and experienced coaches, tailored for ages 6–12. Ideal if you’re happy to travel up to Brisbane for a big day of sport and social fun. MORE INFORMATION >>
Creative, STEM & cultural adventures
Cloudy with a Chance of Art
Where: Children’s Gallery, HOTA
When: 8 November 2025 – 1 February 2026
A dreamy, sky-themed exhibition where kids can look up, daydream and explore artworks by Australian artists who are inspired by the clouds above us. Hands-on and wonderfully imaginative. MORE INFORMATION >>
Ken Done: No Rules
Where: HOTA
When: 12 September 2025 – 15 February 2026
Celebrate colour with one of Australia’s best-known artists. This exhibition shows Ken Done’s bold, joyful paintings – perfect for budding young artists who love bright, optimistic art. MORE INFORMATION >>
Skill Samurai Summer School Holiday Program
Where: Skill Samurai, Ashmore
When: 15 December 2025 – 23 January 2026
A tech-lover’s dream: Minecraft Creator, STEM Camp, YouTube Creator, coding, robotics, game design and 3D printing for ages 6–14. Kids learn real-world tech skills through fun, project-based activities with expert coaches. MORE INFORMATION >>
Welcome to ParadICE – The Ice Skating Show
Where: Paradise Resort, Surfers Paradise
When: 12 December 2025 – 23 January 2026
Planet Chill’s ice show mixes fierce skating, acrobatics, clowning and variety acts for a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly performance right in the heart of Paradise Resort. MORE INFORMATION >>
Southport Military Heritage Museum Open Day
Where: Southport Military Heritage Museum
When: 4 January 2026, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Step inside a heritage-listed naval drill hall and discover stories of Australian service men and women through uniforms, medals, photos and memorabilia. A fascinating morning out for history-loving kids. MORE INFORMATION >>
Astra Lumina Gold Coast
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
When: Nightly (check session times)
Walk through the bush at night and be surrounded by light, projection and a moving soundscape in this immersive, multi-sensory trail produced by Moment Factory. Magical and memorable for older kids and tweens. MORE INFORMATION >>
Animal encounters & farm adventures
Historic Rivermill – A Must-Do These Summer School Holidays
Where: Historic Rivermill (Gold Coast Hinterland)
When: Open daily (check website for times)
Meet horses, alpacas, turtles and goats in a stunning riverside setting. Kids can enjoy the new Mini & Me horse and pony rides, while parents relax with a coffee overlooking the water. MORE INFORMATION >>
Summer School Holidays at Trevena Glen Farm
Where: Trevena Glen Farm
When: Open daily
Just 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD, this family-owned farm offers hands-on animal experiences with one of the largest ranges of farm animals around – plus a very friendly herd of ponies. MORE INFORMATION >>
For more school holiday activities across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, be sure to check out our FULL SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE!
