The Queensland school holidays are here and you might be wondering how you are going to keep the kids entertained without putting a strain on the family budget. Luckily, there are many budget-friendly experiences to choose from thanks to Experience Oz so you can avoid the dreaded “I’m bored, what can we do” question from the kids.
The overseas holidays may be off the cards this year but with so many extraordinary destinations and experiences available in Australia, you won’t feel like you are missing out at all. If you have always wanted to take a trip to Cairns or are holidaying closer to home at the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, then we have plenty of things to do with kids these school holidays in Queensland.
Here are a few out of the box school holiday activities to try that are perfect for a variety of age groups and family budgets.
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Gold Coast’s most popular family-friendly attractions. Home to a myriad of cute Aussie animals, this is a great place to take the kids for a fun and educational day out. The main drawcard by far are the interactive animals experiences and daily keeper talks.
Children can make some furry new mates at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary cuddling up to koalas or hand feeding kangaroos and lorikeets. Famils should also map out time to sit down and enjoy the schedule of animal talks including a crocodile show, the famous Free Flight Bird Show and the creatures of the Lost Valley.
If that isn't enough excitement for you all, a TreeTop Challenge high ropes course can also be found within Currumbin Sanctuary to get the heart pumping. Spread across three levels, the course features 80 aerial challenges and 11 ziplines including one that will have you zooming over the top of the crocodile enclosures.
Sessions are available every 30 minutes throughout the day and children 8 years of age and above can participate if height requirements are met. To access both attractions at a discounted price, we recommend their Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & Treetop Challenge pass that can be purchased here.
We couldn’t overlook the world-class theme parks on the Gold Coast. With five great Gold Coast theme parks to choose from, you’ve easily got a week of entertainment sorted with a multi-day theme park pass representing excellent value for money.
Movie World tickets guarantee a day full of laughter and magic with a Hollywood Stunt Driver Show even the adults will love plus age-appropriate rides, shows, meet and greets with your favourite superheroes and villains and a 3D cinema.
Wet ‘n’ Wild and WhiteWater World are also a popular choice to cool off from the warm Queensland weather in summer while Sea World is Australia's premier marine park with a variety of animal exhibits and themed rollercoaster rides.
Dreamworld also has a roster of entertaining shows and thrill rides planned including the much exhilerating Steel Taipan rollercoaster.
Multi-day theme park tickets and annual passes include a full day of scheduled shows, unlimited thrill rides, animal encounters and special appearances from all your favourite Nickelodeon characters, superheroes and villains.
Once you’ve purchased your theme park passes, the only thing you need to factor into your budget is food. Don’t worry if you’re overwhelmed by choice, our Theme Park page below breaks down all the information you need to pick the right theme park passes for you and your family.
If you are staying in downtown Surfers Paradise then you shouldn’t miss out on a visit to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at Q1. On a visit to SkyPoint Observation Deck, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the Gold Coast from Level 77 with views of the coastline and the magnificent Gold Coast hinterland. There is even a cafe here so you can enjoy a coffee or lunch with a spectacular view while you are here.
The added bonus here is that entry to the Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck is included in a Dreamworld 3 Day Pass or Dreamworld Locals Annual passes. If you aren’t a Dreamworld passholder, then we suggest you check out our current SkyPoint Observation Deck deals here including the Skypoint Deck and Dine combo that includes an admission ticket and a $20 dining voucher.