The Gold Coast is a great destination, popular with tourists and those that venture there daily. However what happens when the sun goes down – what can you do with the family? We all have busy lives these days. Trying to balance work and lifestyle can be tricky. The working world no longer stops at 5pm. Families are having to get smart about how and when to spend time together.
What does this mean? What can you do in the Gold Coast at night? Well, in some cases trying to find time with the family means thinking outside the box. Why not try nocturnal activities? There is PLENTY of fun to be had later in the day. Why not find time with your kids to enjoy the activities that the Gold Coast can offer when the sun goes down.
If you find yourself on the Gold Coast visiting places, the public transport is a great way to get around the city and explore. A tram ride in itself is good fun, but there are also trains and buses that run around the area making life easier if you want to ditch that car! As the online world becomes ever popular, families are having to become smarter about the time in which they spend together.
Looking for things to do in the Gold Coast this weekend or over the upcoming school holidays? Look no further – we have organised an adventure list for you of things to do at night in the area. We have broken our list into ages groups, but of course this is not a hard and fast rule. I know teens who would love to play mini golf and toddlers who would be bang up for some of the ideas on the teens list…
Grab the family. Gear up for some fun in the dark. No matter the age and no matter the preferred activity – there is sure to be something on this list that will be worth a go!!
10 Best things to do in the Gold Coast at night with toddlers
If you want to entertain toddlers with activities at night, then these are the ideas we recommend:
SkyPoint Observation Deck
See the Gold Coast by night with a quick trip to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. This place offers the best views of the Gold Coast at night, with all its pretty lights. Located at the top of Q1 in Surfers Paradise, it has fabulous views.
There is an onsite area to buy food and drink and is a great place to stop in during your stay. The little members of the family will enjoy the ride to the top and walking around being able to see all the sites in the distance and no doubt enjoy some much needed food. The venue turns into an adults only from 8pm so plenty of time for an early evening visit.
Address: Q1, Surfers Paradise
Click here to find out more about SkyPoint packages
Broadwater Parklands
On a budget? No problem, some free things to do in the Gold Coast at night include a walk around one of the many parklands. There are many places to grab a picnic blanket, pack a few food items and chill on an evening with the family. This is one of the best locations in the Gold Coast. There are rockpools to explore, a huge green area (perfect for that picnic spot), playground, picnic tables (if you prefer to be off the ground) and much much more.
Find out more about the Broadwater Parkland here
Open Air Cinemas
Evening activities for families can be difficult to decide. BUT Disney movies on an evening with a picnic and the family together – what more could you want. This is a fabulous way to enjoy those classics (and the newer) Disney movies. Usually open during November and December, check out the programme and see what you fancy catching while they are in town.
Find out more about the films and times available here
Local taverns for dinner
Many taverns now cater for the younger members of the family. A lot have little play areas designed for toddlers and older children so they can have fun and let off a little steam. Menus will also cater to younger kids with their very own children’s options. Often there is a combination which includes drinks and dessert. Designated rooms or play areas are a great way to combine your family meal with a bit of fun and they are literally everywhere. Look up your local tavern, wherever you may be, and see what fun activities are available for your youngsters!
If you are looking for kid friendly restaurants on the Gold Coast check out this great list!
Yatala Drive In Cinemas
If you’re looking for indoor activities – snuggling up in the car and watching a kid-friendly movie – what a way to unwind and enjoy time with the family! Snacks and drinks are available on site. Often double header movies are on offer and regular family movies are played on weekends. If the kids fall asleep – no problem, just bring something comfy in the car for them to relax in and you can enjoy the peace!
Address: Exit 38 M1 – 100 Jacobs Well Road, Staplyton
Check the website for more information about films and showing times
Bounce
A great big warehouse style venue set up with trampolines, and obstacle Ninja-style courses. The gymnasts of the family will certainly enjoy this activity and there is a café onsite serving hot and cold food!
Address: 5 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters
Check out the website for more information
Event Cinemas
One of the top things to do at night in the Gold Coast with kids is a cinema trip! Grab the popcorn and get the group together for a movie extravaganza! There are plenty of cinemas to choose from in and around the Gold Coast. Snuggle up as the sun is going down outside, and enjoy a good movie and some family time.
Address: Numerous in various locations
Visit the website for more details
Putt Putt Mermaid Beach
One of the popular things to do in the Gold Coast at night is a little putt putt! Situated in Mermaid Beach, this brightly coloured putt putt is sure to delight the youngest (and older) members of your clan. You can pop for your evening meal next door at the local tavern and then pop in and putt to your hearts content with light up balls and various animals to negotiate around.
Address: 2492 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Visit the website for more information
Ice Cream
While on your travels, why not stop into one of the many ice cream parlours/shops on the Gold Coast. Go to the beach (one of the best places to see the sun set in the Gold Coast) and enjoy a sugary treat. There are so many but one in particular that stands out is My Gelato at both Broadbeach and Coolangatta. So many flavours and so little time – your toddler will absolutely love trying out some of these.
Check out the flavours available here
10 Best things to do on the Gold Coast at night with young kids 5-12
If your kids are a little bit older and can stay up later than your little toddlers, then we have found that these Gold Coast kids activities are perfect for night time!
Illusions Magic Show
One of the best things for visitors to do in the Gold Coast at night with kids is to pay The Village Theatre, Sanctuary Cove a visit where you will find the Illusions show. The show runs on weekends only from 6.30pm but is sure to be a talking point for years to come. The illusions are mind-blowing and your kids will be stunned as to how they did that! A fabulous way to spend the evening with your crew!.
Address: Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast
Is this an illusion – click to find out more!
Padlock’d Escape Room
With 60 minutes to escape, the pressure is on! With four themed rooms to choose from including the haunted toy store, this is a superb place to try. Open 7 days a week until late, you can enjoy this as a day or night option.
Address: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Find more information by visiting this website
Kingston Park Raceway
Jump straight onto the European style Monte Carlo or Le Mans circuits at Kingston Park Raceway and race Formula Fun Karts or Schumacher Race Karts against your mates or race the clock to set the days best lap time. The tracks have been installed with the very latest AMB computerised timing software in Australia, which means all karts have diagnostic software, enabling screen displays of race times, race positions and the race gap between drivers during an event.
Address: 20 Mudgee St, Kingston QLD 4114
Go karting information and booking details available.
Ice Skating
Located in Surfers Paradise is a relatively new ice skating rink. Great staff are around to help if you fall or teach you the basics to stay on your feet. Why not pop for a hot chocolate afterwards at the inhouse café.
Address: Planet Chill is located inside Paradise Resort Gold Coast, 122 Ferny Avenue Surfers Paradise
More ice skating information and packages available – click here
Australian Outback Spectacular
Fantastic way to spend some time together as a family, you will be in for a great show of stunts, special effects, animal, songs, and FOOD!! Story time has never been so good!.
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford
Why not book a package – tickets found here!
30 Minute Free-Roam Virtual Reality Game
Go head to head with zombies in a world-class free-roaming virtual reality gaming experience in the Gold Coast. Based in Southport, book your 30 minute virtual reality session and choose your desired game package on the day. No matter the weather, a virtual reality game is a Gold Coast activity you can enjoy any time of the day or age group.
The custom-built games come to life in the 200sqm arena with wireless technology, motion tracking and 4K clarity headsets guiding you through the interactive virtual reality games.
Check out more here for the experience
Level Up Arcade
Indoor activities Gold Coast are numerous but this will bring out everybody’s inner child. This is a gaming heaven for those who like a little ‘old school’. From pinball machines, to arcade games, this will keep your children (and the adults) entertained for hours.
Address: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
For more arcade info, click here
HOTA
Home of the Arts is a cultural precinct with cinemas, theatres, workshops, events. They have numerous activities and events ongoing throughout the year, so please checkout their website to see if there is anything that would suit your family or friends during your visit. (Open late on weekends).
Address: : 135 Bundall Rd, Gold Coast Queensland 4217
This website will give you more information regarding up and coming events.
Glow Worms and Rainforest Night Tour
If your family are into great outdoor activities, why not try this evening of stargazing and rainforest walks to a beautiful waterfall. A guide will help you along the way. A flashlight (which let’s face it, the kids will find exciting), waterfall, glow worms and stories along the way – a great experience!
Book your awesome experience here
Timezone Surfers Paradise
Light up golf, bumper cars, mini bowling, over 200 games to play – this is an experience for the senses. Kids will get a kick out of such much choice of activities, the bright colours, the tickets to reward themselves with a prize – what a way to spend an evening!
Address: Level 1, Paradise Centre, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
Check out the Timezone website for more info
10 Best things to do on the Gold Coast at night with teenagers
Teenagers! They are pretty tricky to keep entertained at the best of times, but we have found some awesome ideas that will definitely keep them happy these school holidays. (We have a huge article dedicated to things to do on the Gold Coast with teenagers if these ideas don’t work!)
Ice Skating
Fun things to do in Gold Coast at night are plenty. This great family activity isn’t just for young ones, with an incorporated Chill Zone to please the teenagers! Here you’ll find game tables such as air hockey and snowboarding among many other great things!
Address: Planet Chill is located inside Paradise Resort Gold Coast, 122 Ferny Avenue Surfers Paradise
We have more ice skating info here!
Infinity Attraction
A very different way to spend your evening – into the future with 20 different environments. It is something the whole family can enjoy being transported to different multi-sensual worlds. With special effects, sound fields and illusions why not give it a try.
Address: Chevron Renaissance Centre, corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd and Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Book your Infinity experience here!
iFLY
Skydiving – without a plane in sight!. If your teenager (or you) are looking for a thrill seeking adventure, this is definitely up your street. The feeling of weightlessness and flying is definitely a great way to spend your evening! (open until 6.30pm)
Address: 3084 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
More skydiving information is available including bookings
Strike Bowling
An old favourite for the entire family! Fun night activities don’t get much better than a little bowling! Not just bowling lanes available BUT also laser tag and escape rooms. Something for everybody!
Address: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise
Bowling information including times and booking available here
Core Climbing
This state of the art facility with wall to wall climbing at varying levels is a great activity for those teenagers who are particularly full of energy and looking to blow off some steam. This place not only has walls to climb but boulders and obstacles – café with food and drink also onsite for some downtime if you wish to let the others get into it!!
Address: 122 Eastlake Street, Carrara
Check out the website for the set up!
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
The unusual is definitely on display here! With 300 exhibits over two floors, the odd exhibits will shock and delight. There is also a 7D ride to venture onto. This will definitely keep you entertained!
Address: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Mall, Surfer’s Paradise
For all things strange including information on displays, please check here
Dracula’s
Celebrate all things Mexican in the Day of the Dead extravaganza show. This cabaret venue is sure to impress with a three course meal, ghost train ride and show to enjoy. A great end to a busy day.
Address: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Book here for your Dracula’s experience
Top Golf
Driving range with attitude! Book a package deal at this awesome location for the entire family. No equipment needed, the staff will help you set up your online tally to record your points. The targets will earn you those much needed points. During the game, enjoy a meal and order your drinks from the online service available. Whilst this is a great activity during the week, it will also be one to add to your list for things to do on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening, but worthwhile booking on a weekend day.
Various packages available, check here for more info
Twilight Kayak Tour
Suitable for the older teens in your group, why not enjoy a paddle at sunset. Kayak past the fantastic homes of the rich and famous on your travels. Suitable for all fitness levels on these beautifully calm waters.
Tickets and booking information available here
Spirits of the Red Sand Evening show and dinner
This 2.5 hour experience is authentic in nature and tells of historic events. Looking for places to visit in the Gold Coast at night? This is definitely worthwhile. There is a traditional Australian buffet dinner. The show features how the life of one family navigate through the ever changing experiences of life. A great way to spend an evening with the entire family.
Address: Beenleigh Historic Village
Tickets and booking information available here
Best things to do on the Gold Coast at night with kids
So? What do you think of our suggestions? We hope this helps with a few ideas as a good place to start your night time adventure with your family. We would love to hear from you as to how these worked out or any fabulous ideas to share with others trying out those after dark get together!!
Did we leave off your favourite family activities on the Gold Coast? Or is there something new we don’t know abut yet? Let us know in comments!
Even more QLD school holiday ideas:
If you are heading north these Queensland school holidays check out our other articles:
- Cairns school holiday activities
- Townsville school holiday activities
- Mackay school holiday activities
- Rockhampton school holiday activities
- Gladstone school holiday activities
- Bundaberg school holiday activities
- Hervey Bay school holiday activities
- Sunshine Coast school holiday activities
- Brisbane school holiday activities
- Gold Coast school holiday activities
If you are heading south these QLD school holidays, these holiday ideas might help:
