No need to keep your eyes peeled for school holiday activities in Gladstone anymore, this list of things to do in the summer school holidays in Gladstone is your pocket guide to the best of the best school holiday ideas this December & January 2024.
Turn up the heat with summer school holiday activities that keep the adrenaline rushing. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to school holiday activities in Gladstone. Discover hidden school holiday fun with kids’ summer school holiday activities you didn’t know existed in Gladstone.
Below you will find our complete guide to the best school holiday activities in Gladstone over the December & January school holidays to help make your life so much easier!
State schools finish on Thursday 28 March and return to class on Monday 15 April 2024.
Easter school holidays in Queensland are Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024.
Fun things to do for the Gladstone school holidays
We have broken our list of Gladstone school holiday activities into sections to help you:
- Fun things to do for the Gladstone school holidays
- 10 fun free school holiday activities
- 10 fun cheap school holiday activities
- 10 BIG days out in Gladstone these school holidays
- 5 things to do at home these school holidays
- Theatres with kids shows on in Gladstone these school holidays
- Gladstone kids holiday ideas
- Even more QLD school holiday ideas:
As with everything at the moment, please check with the venue directly (either by their website or social media pages) to ensure they are open during the times you wish to attend. You should also check their current policy around advanced bookings, entry requirements and timings.
10 fun free school holiday activities
These free and best things to do in Gladstone with kids don’t sacrifice on the fun. Free things aren’t cheap, they’re precious. If you agree, then why wait? Visit these destinations now!
Gladstone Skate Park
You can find fun things to do in Gladstone on Yarroon Street’s famous skate park. Choose between a shaded area or skate under the warm sunshine. Bring a skateboard, rollerblades, a bike or if you’re not a fan of the wheels, there’s a rock-climbing wall that you give a shot at. Surrounding fast food restaurants and takeaway means no empty tummies on this fun-filled day!
Find out more about this skate park here.
William Golding Memorial Lookout
Remembering former mayor William Golding’s contributions to the development of Gladstone, this lookout looks out and around Gladstone central and the shores. While you’re there, grab a bite at The Outlook Café for the full experience.
Learn more about Mr Gladstone here.
Auckland Point Lookout
Enjoy the panoramic views of the Gladstone Port, where businesses run, and communities are built. Bring a camera to keep this memorable sight handy.
Round Hill Lookout
Take a moment to appreciate the gifts of Queensland in the form of nature’s best. Breath in the fresh air and soak in the sun. Help kids get to know the city and take pleasure in simple things.
Read more about the location here.
Gladstone Regional Library
Comfy couches, friendly librarians and wonderful resources makes Gladstone city library the best place to kill time and gain knowledge. Situated at the heart of Gladstone, this library is walking distance to shops, parks and public transport. So be it reading in the library and borrowing something for on-the-go reads check out their website.
Gladstone City Library is highly recommended.
Gladstone Mountain Bike Trails
Are you and your kids’ devout cyclists? This bike trail is not for the faint of heart. There are multiple trails ranging from 2 to 6 kilometres long to choose from. Journey through the creeks and rustling trees for an expeditious adventure.
For trail start locations and maps, click here.
Lions Park
Just next to Stockland Gladstone shopping centre, Lions Park is one of Gladstone’s biggest and most interesting parks that go above and beyond in terms of architecture, playground facilities and learning. The jaw-dropping play elements and interactive sculptures makes this place more than just a playground. This Park won the Queensland Park of the Year 2017 and we’re not wondering why.
Read the story behind the design.
Bray Park Skate Park
We believe one skate park is never enough. This sleek and modern skate park is the state of the art in skate parks. Smooth wooden ramps and attractive teal metal rail bars surrounded by the soothing greenery; this skate park will make you stay longer than you should. Just watching? No worries, bring a picnic mat to lay out on the field overlooking the skate area.
Learn more about the design story.
Gladstone City Family Fitness Area
Ready to bond over outdoor activities in Gladstone? Get the family together for a self-lead workout session at the Gladstone City Family, Fun Fitness Area located at Glenlyon St, South Gladstone. Listening to the sound of the fountain while doing some routines on exceptional gym features.
For similar parks like this, click here.
Spinnaker Park
Hold Gladstone kids’ activities at a family favourite local park at the Gladstone harbour. Admire the glistening water, take a walk, lay out a picnic, visit the nearby Café, play on the sand, and be sure to stay after sunset to catch the magical tree of lights. A great day out for some good family quality time.
Check out this website for more ideas.
10 fun cheap school holiday activities
Stretching your bank and shuffling your pockets to find funds for a fancy summer holiday? Pause your paws because we’ve got the top places to visit in Gladstone that are affordable and cheap!
Gladstone Cinemas
Cosy up in the ambient movie theatre seats and enjoy your favourite movies on the big screen. Family-friendly shows in all genres available all year round. Find the perfect fit for everyone. Make your day complete and book your tickets now at Gladstone Cinemas.
Gladstone Maritime Museum
Open every Friday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm, tour the HMAS Gladstone ex-Australian navy and learn about its history. Adult ticket of $10 and child tickets for only $5, your family can view their extensive collection of boat models and other informational stories of the Gladstone shores. Check out the Little Sea Lighthouse right next to the Museum too!
For more information, visit their website here.
Gladstone Aquatic Centre
Whether you’re after you regular laps or a thrilling time at the SplashZone equipped with a gigantic tipping bucket, Gladstone Aquatic Centre has got it all in one place. Open all days of the week, you spend nothing over $5 for a great afternoon chilling in the pool or at the café.
Visit their website for more details.
PCYC Queensland
Looking for recreational activities to break a sweat during the holiday? At PCYC Gladstone, you can swim, workout, shoot hoops, dance, box, kick, climb and more. Facilities are safe, secure and high quality for the use of people of all ages.
Check out their website to see facilities available in Gladstone.
Gladstone Kart Club
Race or Watch. Day or Night. Member or visitor. You can hire a kart from Gladstone Kart Club for $25 per session with complete safety equipment included. Bring your friends for a group race! Racetracks and karts are ensured safe for kids so you can play at ease. Join in the fun now!
Above & Beyond Swim School
New to the waters? Don’t fret, the qualified, patient and friendly trainers make sure to provide your family with kid friendly things to do in Gladstone. Tight-knit small swim groups minimises fear and maximises fun. Got a holiday to spare?
Learn to swim now and enrol at Above and Beyond Swim School.
The Way Out Escape Room
Think you have what it takes to crack codes and solve puzzles to make your way out from this escape room? For top things to do in Gladstone, The Way Out Escape Room will blow your minds. Immerse yourself in a whole other universe of 60 minutes play, figure out strategies to free yourself and your family. The more the merrier and the cheaper the tickets become.
Browse their escape rooms here!
Gladstone Tennis & Squash
This summer holiday is the perfect opportunity to pick up a sport. Learn or sharpen your tennis or squash skills over the break. Hire a court for a family tournament or enjoy a better deal by becoming a long-term member. Don’t have a racquet? Hire one for only $3. Court hires are affordable and reasonably priced too.
Gladstone Centre Plaza
Feeling up for a breezy weekend? Bring your shopping bags and trolleys, from kebabs to burgers, retail to salons, you can get everything you can ever think of all here at Gladstone shopping centre. Not a fan of shopping? Quirky activities like shopping roulette or secret Santa can spruce up any ordinary day at the mall.
Find out what’s on these school holidays at Gladstone Centre Plaza here.
Gecko valley winery
Eat, drink and enjoy a wide collection of wines, jewellery, refreshments and coffee. Multi tourism award winner, Gecko Valley Winery is everyone’s favourite place to stop by and have a conversation. Think wine and food is all they do? Think again. You can find local art pieces and even gifts and merchandises to purchase for a friend. You don’t want to miss out on this one.
Click here for more information.
10 BIG days out in Gladstone these school holidays
Running out of vacation ideas and the kids are begging for more? Pack your bags because this list of places to visit in Gladstone and attractions near Gladstone will satisfy everyone’s holiday essentials and cravings!
Agnes Water and 1770
While you’re at the Geraldton region, take a leisure drive down to the Agnes Water coastal tourism town full of activities. Whether you’re deciding on a full-on beach resort vacation or just a short visit for fun activities, you are sure to enjoy and indulge in this rich spot.
Find the best things to do in Agnes Water & 1770 here
Cedar Galleries
Prepare for a day (or two) of family-fun at a quaint and lovely site. Get up close and personal and fluffy alpacas that are ever ready to cuddle. There are also tutors who teach arts & crafts for only $5. Did we also mention there’s laser tag? Yes, you heard us right, for approximately $30, you get a 2-hour session of thrilling laser tag and complimentary refreshments. What a deal! This gorgeous vintage-themed farm/gallery/café is open every Friday and Saturday only, so don’t miss your chance!
Visit their website for photos and updates!
Gladstone Region Tours
Follow long-time locals, Darryl and Jenny Branthwaite on a tour to explore a list of attractions near Gladstone that will open your eyes to the wonders of this city. Choose from a variety of food, culture, city, beach, Gladstone or Tannum tours. Meet new people on a social tour or book a private family tour for half a day or full day.
Heron Island
Get “stuck” on the stunning Heron Island of the Great Barrier Reef. A priceless getaway with truly unique things to do on this 29-hectare island includes turtle watching, snorkelling, submarine experience, UQ research station tour, and an on-island resort stay. Bring your togs and thongs, diving gear and sunnies for a spectacular paradise vacation unlike any other.
Lake Awoonga & Dam
If you’ve never seen a dam, then this is your opportunity to bring the family to Lake Awoonga. Remember to pack sufficient for a supreme picnic at the shaded picnic area overlooking the beach views. Remarkable scenery for photo opportunities and crisp water for a quick dip.
See what else to do at the Lake here.
Boyne Island and Tannum Sands
Take a short 30-minute drive for things to do near Gladstone at the Boyne Island and Tannum Sands area. Live like a local, eat like a king, play like a child while you’re here. Fishing and kicking your feet up on the beach are common practices in this town. Want to know more about these sister cities?
For more information about Boyne Island and Tannum Sands click here.
Tondoon Botanic Gardens
Open from 7am to 5:30 pm, Tondoon Botanic Gardens’ spacious land includes various top attractions in Gladstone to visit. A must-do is to tick off every attraction in the garden, starting from sculpture spotting, the Japanese tea house, Lake Tondoon, Herbarium, the café, and even a research library.
For more information of facilities and features, visit this website.
Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum
There is a tonne of things to see and do in Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum! With more than a handful of colourful exhibitions in the gallery and fruitful collections in the museum, try not to get overwhelmed when touring the place. Kids’ arts and crafts activities like Art Play and Experimenting with Collage are held weekly for the little ones.
Learn more about the GRAGM here.
East Shores Precinct
Find an array of Gladstone family attractions here at the bright, loud and vibrant East Shores Precinct! Impressive art installations paired with a big-screen theatre and waterfront café, what more can we ask for! Shoot some hoops while the barbeque heats up.
Watch a virtual tour on this website.
Gladstone Harbour Cruise
Take a Port of Gladstone Harbour Tour seated on the spacious 30-metre Curtis Endeavour II cruise. Savour canapes and jam to live music with fellow on boarders. Choose to hop off the cruise at the Facing Island pit stop, camp on island, or stay overnight snuggled on the cruise, the choice is yours.
Check out services they offer here.
5 things to do at home these school holidays
Staying at in doesn’t have to be boring. Make some time and memories at home these school holidays.
Portrait Puzzle
Have a photoshoot at home and capture everyone’s portrait. Print out your portraits at a local printing store in a puzzle piece. Exchange puzzles to complete those happy faces!
Homeless Care Pack
Get together as a family to prepare care packs of essential items, food and caring messages. Distributed them at a homeless shelter to make a difference to a local person’s life
Oobleck Experiment
Did you know equal parts corn flour mixed with water makes Oobleck? The name sounds weird and so does the sensation feel weird. The more movements you use on the mixture, the more solid it is. A fascinating experiment waiting to be tried out!
Egg Shell Family
Collect eggshells in their complete form to create a homemade eggshell family and home. Wash eggshells thoroughly and dry overnight. Use marker pens to draw faces on each eggshell and keep the eggshell carton as a home to place them in.
Hopscotch & Handball
Got chalk and creativity? The neighbourhood pedestrian path is a limitless canvas for your child’s imagination. No vandalism with chalk, just excitement in your own front yard. Draw a hopscotch or handball grid and get ready for a day of competitive fun. Alternatively, write a greeting message to cheer passers-by.
Theatres with kids shows on in Gladstone these school holidays
Theatres shows are great indoor activities in Gladstone for families. Support a local performance and possibly create a new hobby.
Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre
Treat the young ones with these kids’ activities in Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre. Expect entertaining shows, spectacular performances, and music like honey to your ears. Support the community cultural initiative now and book your tickets!
Gladstone kids holiday ideas
If you’re looking for more things to do in Queensland, click here.
There you have it. A huge round up of the most excellent school holiday ideas for you over the next break. There are plenty of Gladstone days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays. These Gladstone holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.
Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!
Even more QLD school holiday ideas:
If you are heading north these Queensland school holidays check out our related articles:
- Cairns school holiday activities
- Townsville school holiday activities
- Mackay school holiday activities
- Rockhampton school holiday activities
