Here’s the ultimate list of indoor activities on the Gold Coast, for kids and the young at heart!
While the Gold Coast lives up to its name for the majority of the year, this sunny pocket of the world is also prone to rainy days and weeks from time to time. And given our love for the beach and all things outdoors it can leave the locals (and visitors expecting clear skies 24/7!) feeling a little out of sorts, especially if you had theme parks visit planned.
But the good news is that whether it’s a rainy day on the Goldie or you simply want to beat the summer heat or winter chill, when it comes to indoor activities on the Gold Coast the options are many. Instead of Netflix and chill, grab your ‘brolly and visit one of these venues for fun family times.
Popular Gold Coast indoor activity options for all ages
Doodlebugs – Miami
Doodlebugs playcentre in Miami caters for kids from 1 – 12 years old with a main play area for all ages and a separate toddler area. With lots of tables inside and out and an onsite cafe offering a great mix of food, Doodlebugs is a great spot to meet friends or bring the laptop if you work from home.
https://goldcoastplaycentre.com.au
Bounce – Burleigh Waters
Bounce Trampoline Park is a massive indoor centre in Burleigh Waters featuring a variety of jumping zones with wall-to-wall trampolines for all ages and a ninja obstacle course for aspiring ninja-warriors (Must be minimum 125cm tall for the ninja course). Parents can jump with kids or relax at the mezzanine cafe with a birds-eye view of all trampolines.
Level Up Arcade
Similar to Timezone but on a smaller scale Level Up is located in The Oasis Shopping Centre in Broadbeach. Featuring all your favourite arcade games this is a super fun 80’s inspired amusement centre that could be considered a less-overwhelming alternative to Timezone for families with younger children.
https://www.leveluparcade.com.au/
Timezone – Coolangatta, Surfers, Robina
Timezone features loads of family attractions with arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, bowling, snacks and drinks under one roof. With long opening hours and attractions suited to all ages from kids to adults it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. The Surfers Paradise location also has glow in the dark mini golf.
https://www.timezonegames.com/en-au/surfers-paradise
On Belay Climbing Gym – Burleigh Heads
On Belay is a family-friendly indoor climbing gym in Burleigh Heads that caters to beginners through to experienced climbers. With auto-belay systems, top-rope climbing, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a safe and fun way for kids (and adults!) to burn energy indoors. Casual passes are available, and staff are on hand to help first-timers get started.
https://onbelayclimbing.com.au
Gold Coast Libraries – Multiple Locations
Local libraries aren’t just about books. Many host free workshops, storytelling sessions, and craft activities, especially during school holidays. A calm (and free!) indoor option for families across the Coast.
https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/libraries
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre – Southport
With heated pools and indoor swim options, the Aquatic Centre is perfect when the kids want to splash about but the weather isn’t cooperating. They also run lessons and family-friendly programs.
Inflatable World – Arundel
One of the largest inflatable playgrounds on the Coast with giant slides, obstacle courses, and jumping zones. Great for kids to burn energy indoors.
https://inflatableworldoz.com.au/stadiums/arundel/
Indoor Activities with Action and Adventure
Slideways Go Karting
For adrenaline-loving kids Slideways Indoor Go Karting in Nerang is the place to be. Described as the ultimate go-karting experience, the track is split over 3 levels and a special track surface allows karts to drift ‘slideways’. Kids from 4 years old can join an adult in the kart, and 7 years + can drive solo. Be sure to check the minimum height and maximum weight requirements before you book.
https://gokartinggoldcoast.com.au
Game Over – Helensvale
Game Over indoor adventure centre is the perfect place for indoor fun with 5 attractions in one. Kids can let off some steam challenging themselves at Clip’ n Climb indoor climbing walls, compete at mini golf or lazer tag, ride the zip coaster or compete on the go kart track. While mini golf and clip’ n climb are suitable for ages 4+ other activities have a minimum age of 7 years and height restrictions also apply for some attractions.
Top Golf – Ormeau
Book a bay at Top Golf and hit micro-chipped golf balls into giant targets, competing with your tribe to get the most points. Top Golf is an all-weather, family-friendly venue with food and drinks available and each golfing bay fits up to 6 people.
Padlockd Escape Rooms – Surfers Paradise
For families with older kids who love a good challenge, an Escape Room will be experience you’ll never forget. An Escape is a themed room that you and your crew will be ‘trapped’ and to escape you must unlock clues by solving puzzles and riddles within an hour. These rooms are designed for ages 10+ and scary rooms have a minimum age of 15 years.
Zero Latency – Virtual Reality
Whether you’re a hard core gamer or have rarely touched a Playstation, it’s pretty likely you’ll love interacting in Zero Latency’s mind blowing virtual universes. Suited to ages 13+, with a VR headset, backpack and controller you will become fully immersed in another world while still being able to communicate with your fellow gamers. Up to 8 players join the 200 square meter state of the art arena and are transported into a new world of zombies, killer robots or aliens.
https://www.zerolatencygc.com.au
Indoor Activities at the Shopping Centres
EMF Pacific Fair
EMF Junior at Pacific Fair has casual and affordable free-play sessions every day for kids aged 2-13 years. The play area is loved by kids of all ages with huge ball pits, slides, tunnels, climbing walks, giant building blocks and more. There is a zoned toddler area and if you need a moment to yourself there are also supervised shop and drop sessions available during specific hours for ages 2+.
https://emfpc.com.au/clubs/emf-jnr-pacific-fair/
Event Cinemas – Robina, Pac Fair and Australia Fair
While we watch Netflix or Stan anytime we please, it’s simply not the same as watching a movie on the big screen. Event Cinemas at Robina Town Centre, Pacific Fair or Australia Fair provide food, comfort and entertainment for all ages and an ideal place to escape bad weather!
https://www.eventcinemas.com.au/
Bowling and Timezone – Robina Town Centre
Zone Bowling Robina has gone next level with Timezone now under the same roof. It ticks all the boxes for the whole family with laser skirmish, bumper cars, loads of games and an indoor/outdoor cafe and bar.
https://www.zonebowling.com/venues/qld/zone-bowling-robina
Learning Activities
HOTA Art Gallery
The HOTA Gallery in Bundall offers a program jam-packed with events, workshops, live music, shows and exhibitions for all ages. The dedicated Children’s Gallery has a different installation every six months, with interactive art.
https://hota.com.au/family-kids/
Gold Coast Motor Museum
Only 10 minutes from Movieworld, the Gold Coast Car Museum showcases a huge range of vintage and collectable motorbikes and cars from 1900 to 1988 along with a selection of historical memorabilia. In a picturesque setting with a bar, restaurant, kid-friendly menu, this attraction is referred to as a hidden gem that the whole family can enjoy.
https://goldcoastmotormuseum.com.au
Indoor Activities in Surfers Paradise
And we can’t forget Surfers Paradise, our tourist mecca… the locals may not venture here as often, but there’s plenty of indoor activities to fill up a day (or five!) Here’s the low down:
Strike Bowling – Surfers Paradise
https://www.strikebowling.com.au/locations/strike-cavill
iFly Indoor Skydiving – Surfers Paradise
Check out our iFly experience here as part of a fun day out in Surfers Paradise – the kids absolutely loved it!
Infinity Attraction
Ripleys Believe it or Not
https://www.ripleys.com/surfersparadise/
Holey Moley
https://www.holeymoley.com.au/locations/surfers-paradise
Hope you found a rainy day activity to keep your family entertained!
