School holidays tips for kids over aged 10
The Best Things to Do with Kids Over 10 on the Gold Coast Right Now
From brain-busting challenges to adrenaline-pumping experiences—here’s how to keep your pre-teens entertained on the GC.
The Gold Coast has endless activities for kids of all ages, but once they hit double digits, their interests often turn towards more engaging, challenging, and exciting experiences. If you’re looking to keep your over-10 crew entertained with something a little more interactive, thrilling, or creative, here’s your go-to list for the best Gold Coast activities right now.
1. Escape Room Adventures – Unlock the Fun
Perfect for groups, families, and friends, escape rooms offer a thrilling challenge. Puzzle-solving, teamwork, and a race against time—Escape Room Games in Surfers Paradise is an excellent choice for kids over 10 who love a mental challenge. Whether you’re deciphering clues, cracking codes, or exploring themed rooms like “The Heist” or “The Lab,” it’s a unique, interactive way to bond as a family.
Why kids love it: Problem-solving, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment when you escape!
Why parents love it: Great teamwork, communication skills, and a fun, screen-free activity.
2. Art Classes – Unleash Their Inner Artist
Kids over 10 who are into creativity and art can take their skills to the next level with a class at places like The Craft Parlour or the HOTA Gallery. From painting and pottery to sculpture and drawing workshops, kids get to create their own masterpieces. It’s a fantastic way for them to tap into their imagination while learning new skills.
Why kids love it: Creative freedom, personal expression, and the chance to make something unique.
Why parents love it: It’s a peaceful, screen-free activity, and they get to bring home their creations!
3. Sports Experience – Hands-On Fun for Active Kids
For those sporty kids, the Sports Experience at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre offers a range of activities from basketball and netball to tennis and AFL. It’s perfect for kids who want to try a new sport or improve their skills in a fun, relaxed environment. You can also find specific sporting experiences like rugby or cricket lessons at local clubs or community centres.
Why kids love it: They can try a sport they’ve never played before and get active!
Why parents love it: It’s a great way to get kids moving and have them discover new interests.
4. Driving Range – Hit the Green
If your kid’s got energy to burn (and a budding interest in golf), the Driving Range at Royal Pines Resort or The Glades Golf Club is the perfect place for them to practice their swing. They’ll have a blast trying to get that perfect shot, and who knows? They might just be the next Tiger Woods. It’s a great way to introduce them to a sport that requires precision and focus.
Why kids love it: Hitting golf balls is fun and challenging!
Why parents love it: It’s relaxing for them, and kids can learn a new skill in a cool, outdoorsy setting.
5. Surf Lesson – Ride the Waves
What better place than the Gold Coast to introduce your kids to the world of surfing? There are loads of surf schools such as Learn to Surf at Kirra Beach and Get Wet Surf School at Currumbin where kids over 10 can learn to catch their first wave. With instructors trained to make it fun and safe, this is an unforgettable experience for kids who love the ocean.
Why kids love it: Catching their first wave is pure joy.
Why parents love it: It’s an exciting, life-changing experience, and who doesn’t love seeing their kid conquer a wave?
6. Surfers New Experience Place – VR Meets Surfing
For something totally new, the Surfers New Experience Place (SNEP) is bringing virtual reality and surfing together. It’s an interactive experience where kids can surf in a virtual world that feels just like the real thing. With high-tech simulations and an immersive setup, it’s a cool way to let kids experience the thrill of surfing without even getting their feet wet.
Why kids love it: Virtual reality combined with the thrill of surfing.
Why parents love it: Safe, exciting, and a great introduction to surfing without the need for waves.
7. Jet Boat Ride – Thrills on the Water
For kids with an adventurous spirit, a jet boat ride on the Broadwater is a must-do. Companies like Jetboat Extreme offer heart-pumping, high-speed adventures where kids can experience spins, slides, and speed on the water. It’s fast-paced and a total adrenaline rush.
Why kids love it: Speed, spins, and a huge adrenaline boost.
Why parents love it: It’s a thrilling activity that’s safe and exhilarating for kids over 10.
8. Go-Karting – Race to the Finish Line
For kids who love speed and competition, Go-Karting at Kingston Park Raceway offers a chance to race against friends or family on a real track. They’ll feel like real race car drivers, and it’s a fantastic way to engage in friendly competition while having a blast.
Why kids love it: The thrill of racing and beating the clock!
Why parents love it: It’s a safe, fun way to test their driving skills and burn some energy.
9. Trampolining at Bounce – Jump Like You Mean It
For a fun way to burn off energy, Bounce is the ultimate destination. This massive indoor trampoline park offers wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, parkour courses, and even a foam pit to jump into. It’s a great way for older kids to have some high-flying fun.
Why kids love it: Trampolines everywhere, plus dodgeball and parkour!
Why parents love it: It’s a great way for kids to have fun and burn energy in a safe, indoor environment.
10. Holey Moley – Mini Golf with a Twist
Mini golf just got a whole lot cooler at Holey Moley in Surfers Paradise. With themed holes, interactive elements, and some quirky challenges, it’s a fun and exciting experience for kids over 10. Plus, it’s indoors—so rain or shine, the fun doesn’t stop.
Why kids love it: Fun themes, wacky challenges, and an interactive experience.
Why parents love it: A relaxed, low-stress outing that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
11. HOTA Play Lab – Creative Minds at Work
For a creative twist, the HOTA Play Lab offers immersive, hands-on art and craft experiences for kids. From interactive installations to art-based workshops, kids can explore their creativity in a totally unique and fun environment. Plus, it’s located at HOTA, so while the kids are creating, parents can enjoy the artsy atmosphere or grab a coffee.
Why kids love it: Interactive, hands-on, and totally immersive.
Why parents love it: Creative, engaging, and fun for the whole family.
12. SUP Lessons at Budds Beach – Stand Up and Paddle
For something a little different, why not try SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) at Budds Beach? It’s a beautiful and serene spot to get started with paddleboarding, and there are lessons available for kids over 10. With the calm, protected waters of the river, it’s the perfect location for learning this exciting water sport in a relaxed, fun environment.
Why kids love it: Paddleboarding is fun, easy to learn, and gives them a chance to be on the water.
Why parents love it: It’s an outdoor, active activity with a peaceful backdrop and great for building balance and coordination.
The Gold Coast offers an awesome mix of activities that will keep kids over 10 entertained and engaged. Whether your kid is an adrenaline junkie, a future artist, or a budding athlete, there’s something here for them. So pack up and get ready for a day full of unforgettable adventures—because memories are made when you try something new.