What to Do During the School Holidays in Queensland
Discover the best things to do during the school holidays in Queensland, from Gold Coast theme parks to family-friendly experiences and attractions.
Mia Fulton
Published Date: 19 Mar 2026
When the school holidays in Queensland roll around, every parent suddenly becomes the official planner of “things to do with kids”. And while a few quiet mornings at home are nice, most families are looking for experiences that make the holidays feel special.
If you’re visiting the Gold Coast or live locally, you are in one of the best places in Australia for family-friendly adventures. From world-famous Gold Coast theme parks to animal exhibits, water parks and interactive attractions, there are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained and parents happy too.
Here are some of the best ideas for making the most of the school holidays in Queensland, with activities the whole family can enjoy.
Spend a Full Day at a Gold Coast Theme Park
When people search for things to do with kids during the school holidays in Queensland, theme parks almost always come up first. The Gold Coast is home to several world-class parks, all within easy reach of each other.
Warner Bros. Movie World
If your family loves Super Heroes, movie magic and roller coasters, Warner Bros. Movie World is a must.
You can meet iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains, watch live shows, and experience some of Australia’s most thrilling rides. For younger guests, there are family-friendly attractions and character encounters throughout the park.
One of the newest highlights is the recent reopening of the SCOOBY-DOO! Spooky Coaster, bringing back the indoor rollercoaster adventure that so many families remember. You can also catch the new Spy Chase Stunt Show, a high-energy live production packed with impressive stunts, action sequences and plenty of action sequences and a world-saving mission you won’t forget.
It’s an easy way to give kids the kind of holiday day they will talk about long after school goes back.
Sea World
If your kids love animals, Sea World offers a unique combination of marine life, rides and live shows and presentations.
Families can explore fascinating exhibits featuring dolphins, seals, sharks and penguins, then enjoy rides located across different precincts throughout the park. Younger ones will love the colourful, family-friendly attractions in Nickelodeon Land, while thrill seekers can take on rides like Leviathan in The New Atlantis precinct or the high-speed Storm Coaster.
Animal presentations are a major highlight for many families. These educational sessions give you and your family the chance to learn more about marine life, animal care and conservation; while watching dolphins, seals and other animals demonstrate natural behaviours up close. ONE Dolphin Presentation is a standout, offering insights into dolphin behaviour and care in an engaging and informative way. It’s an engaging way for kids to connect with marine life and gain a deeper appreciation for the ocean and the animals that live in it.
Upgrade your day with Animal Adventure experiences*, available if your family wants to get even closer to some of the incredible animals at Sea World. Experiences such as the Dolphin Deep Water Adventure allow guests to learn more about dolphins alongside Sea World’s animal care team while observing their behaviours up close.
Wet’n’Wild
If the weather is warm and the kids want to burn energy, Wet’n’Wild is the ultimate school holiday destination.
This massive water park features everything from high-speed slides to wave pools and relaxing splash zones. Thrill seekers can race down giant slides, while younger children can enjoy dedicated water play areas designed just for them.
Zoom Zone is one of the newest additions, offering four vibrant racing slide experiences where you can compete to see who reaches the bottom first.
If you want a comfortable place to regroup between slides, many families choose to add a cabana to their day. It gives you a shaded base to return for snacks, sunscreen breaks and a quick rest before heading back out for more rides.
For families looking for fun ways to stay cool during the Queensland school holidays, Wet’n’Wild is always a hit.
Add Variety with Unique Family Experiences
If you want to mix things up between theme park days, the Gold Coast offers several experiences that feel completely different but just as memorable.
Paradise Country
At Paradise Country, families can slow things down and experience authentic Australian farm life.
Explore animal exhibits featuring iconic Australian wildlife and enjoy engaging live shows and presentations that share stories about rural life in Australia. Kids also love spotting kangaroos and other native animals throughout the park.
There are plenty of relaxed moments too, like watching the colourful lorikeet feeding, meeting characters around the park, and taking time to explore the grounds at your own pace.
For parents planning a week of things to do with kids, it is a great way to add variety to the holiday schedule and balance the high energy of the theme parks with something a little different.
Australian Outback Spectacular
For an evening activity that feels special, Australian Outback Spectacular combines live entertainment with a delicious dinner and drinks.
Your experience begins before the main show with lively pre-show entertainment, giving you time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere before the arena lights dim. The production itself features skilled horse riders, impressive special effects, music and storytelling inspired by the spirit of the Australian Outback, all while you enjoy a hearty three-course meal served during the show.
If your family is curious to learn even more about how the show comes together, you can also add a backstage tour* to your evening for a behind-the-scenes look at the arena and the incredible animals that are part of the production.
It is the kind of experience that works well for families travelling together during the school holidays in Queensland, especially if you want a memorable night activity after a busy day.
Topgolf Gold Coast
Topgolf Gold Coast is a fun and social activity that works for all ages and skill levels, even if you’ve never played golf before. Think of it as a high-tech mix of bowling, mini golf and a driving range, where the goal is simply to hit golf balls into giant targets and score points.
Players use micro-chipped golf balls that track accuracy and distance as you play. It’s easy to pick up within minutes, making it perfect for beginners as well as anyone who enjoys a little friendly competition. In fact, it is the only Topgolf venue in Australia, which makes it a unique experience on the Gold Coast.
There are also plenty of themed games to choose from, including favourites like Sonic the Hedgehog and Angry Birds, which make gameplay even more interactive and fun for kids.
Beyond the games, Topgolf is also known for its great food and drinks menu, so families can relax, share a meal and take breaks between rounds. Before visiting, it is worth checking the What’s On page to see if there are any special events, promotions or themed experiences happening during your visit.
It’s a great option for a relaxed afternoon or evening activity during the school holidays in Queensland, especially when you want something active that everyone can enjoy together.
Turn Your Visit into a Mini Holiday
If you’re travelling during the school holidays in Queensland, staying close to the action can make your trip much easier.
There are a range of holiday packages available designed to simplify planning, with options that bundle accommodation and experiences together. Many packages include theme park entry, making it easy to organise your accommodation and attractions in one step.
One of the most convenient places to stay is Sea World Resort, located right next to Sea World on the Gold Coast. Staying here means you are just moments away from the park, so moving between your room, the attractions and the resort facilities is simple.
Families can enjoy spacious rooms, a lagoon-style pool, daily buffet breakfast options and easy access to nearby attractions. For many visitors, the biggest benefit is how convenient it makes the entire holiday.
Instead of spending time travelling between locations, you can focus on enjoying more experiences together.
Tips for Planning Your School Holiday Days
The Queensland school holidays can be busy, so a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few simple tips that parents often find helpful:
Arrive early to popular attractions to enjoy shorter ride queues
Book your theme park tickets in advance to save time at entry
Mix big activity days with slower-paced experiences
Pack hats, sunscreen and water for sunny Gold Coast weather
Download the Village Roadshow Theme Parks app to check maps, show times and wait times
With a flexible plan, families can enjoy more of the fun without feeling rushed.
Make These School Holidays One to Remember
The school holidays in Queensland are the perfect excuse to create unforgettable family memories. Whether your kids love rollercoasters, animals, water slides or interactive games, the Gold Coast has something to match every interest.
From thrilling rides at a Gold Coast theme park to wildlife encounters, live shows and family-friendly entertainment, there is no shortage of exciting things to do with kids.
If you are planning your holiday adventures now, explore ticket options and start building your ultimate school holiday itinerary with Village Roadshow Theme Parks.
*Paid experience
