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9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

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Qistina Bumidin •  Feb 22, 2024

Gold Coast is a great destination for all ages - the stunning beaches are perfect for both a relaxing walk along the shore and a thrilling underwater dive.

In fact, there are plenty of exciting things to look forward to when you’re in this thrilling city.

Here’s the breakdown of the best things to do in Gold Coast with your kids and halal food options located nearby when the hunger pangs come!

P.S. Did you know that AirAsiaX is the ONLY international airline that flies directly to Gold Coast from Kuala Lumpur? Look forward to AirAsiaX’s limited-time promo fares to Gold Coast from RM699!*

*Booking period: Now until 3rd September. Travel period: now until 18th Feb 2024.

1. Go on a thrilling adventure at Movie World

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

The Gold Coast is known as the ‘playground of Australia’, and one reason for that has got to be their theme parks. There are 5 unique theme parks in the city that will ensure you and your kids will be spoilt for choice!

The Gold Coast is also blessed with amazing weather all year round, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists to unwind.

Kickstart your family adventure at Warner Bros Movie World, a Warner Bros Studio theme park and interact with Superman, Batman, Bugs Bunny, or his best friend Daffy Duck!

#HHWTip: Don’t miss the Star Parade at 3.30 pm. Wave to all of your favourite Warner BrosMovie World characters, such as the Looney Tunes characters, Tom & Jerry, the DC Super Heroes and Super-Villians, as they make their way down Main Street!

The Star Parade begins from the Scooby-Doo Spooky Castle to allow for additional viewing areas and will continue up Main Street to the Fountain of Fame before returning down Main Street.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

There are a couple of thrill rides around, but for families with younger kids, don’t worry, there’s something for you too!

Head to Kids’ WB Fun Zone, where you can catch some shows and even interact with your favourite characters while riding on the Merry-Go-Round!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

#HHWTip: There’s a Parent Room in the Kids’ WB Fun Zone called the Taz Rest Stop.

It has everything you need - changing beds, a microwave to heat food and even leather chairs for parents who need to nurse or rest!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

For those with older and more adventurous kids, we’d suggest starting with the longest, fastest and tallest hypercoaster in the southern hemisphere!

Yes, we’re talking high speed and crazy heights. Imagine dropping at an 89-degree angle. How’s that for a thrill?

Do note that guests under 130 cm tall and under 7 years old are not allowed to ride the hypercoaster. Don’t forget to try the Superman Escape ride, classic but worth it!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

After all that adrenaline in your system’s faded away, it’s time to refuel!

Rick’s Café Americain and Gotham City Cafe (both within walking distance of each other) are the only two restaurants in MovieWorld that offer halal-certified chicken, however they do serve pork and alcohol.

You can request for separate utensils for the preparation of your meal as well. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Unfortunately, outside food is not allowed into the theme park, so we recommend adding MovieWorld to your day of fun after having a meal!

We’ve also checked with the staff during our trip in July last year on prayer spaces, and unfortunately they do not provide any at the moment. 

Halal food near Movie World:

  1. Deep South Chicken

Cuisine: Western fast food (fried chicken, wraps, burgers)
Halal status: Only serve halal-certified ingredients.
Address: 170 Old Pacific Hwy, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia
Opening hours: Sun-Wed (11am–2:30pm, 4–8pm); Thurs-Sat (11am–2:30pm, 4–8:30pm)

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2. Head to the largest theme park in Australia, Dreamworld

No visit to the Gold Coast is complete without a visit to Dreamworld, Australia's biggest theme park. With more than 40 rides, 5 roller coasters and 9 themed areas, get ready for plenty of fun! You'll be spoilt for choice, thinking about where to start.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

If you've got young children in tow, you can't miss Wiggles World, a Wiggles-themed area that caters to kids (they'll love for sure)!

There are various rides suitable for children under 12 here such as Fun Maze, Fun Spot, Tea Cups and more! 

For families who love a little more thrill, you can’t go wrong with Sky Voyager - a VR ride that’s suitable for families to ride together.

You’ll be taking on an immersive experience through the sky with special effects such as wind, sound, light, mist and scents, while suspended in front of a giant dome screen! 

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

#HHWTip: Right next to the Fun Spot, there’s a giant Parent Room complete with diapers, changing rooms and more.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Whatever you do, a ride on The Claw is an absolute MUST--this huge gyro swing will swing you 240 degrees at speeds of up to 75 Km/h!

On a personal note, I was screaming too loudly, while riders younger than me were having the time of their lives - embarrassing.

But if that’s not scary enough, perhaps their new attraction might be up to your speed. 

The Steel Taipan Rollercoaster is not for the faint-hearted. It’s Australia’s only triple launch coaster, where you’ll snake around 1.2 km of twists, turns and three gut-lurching launches!

With 4 inversions and the world's first "Tailwhip" - a spinning seat at the train's rear- this experience will leave you with an epic adrenaline rush.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Interestingly, their height requirement is only 130cm, and I saw riders younger than me courageously taking the ride - perfect for your older kids!

And that’s not all, there are 6 more equally intense rides that you have to check out! You can click here for the full listing!

Similar to Movie World, food is also not allowed into the theme park (they do random spot checks from time to time at the entrance!), so do come to Dreamworld early in the morning after your breakfast and you can make your way to your next destination by lunchtime!

If your kids are getting a little hangry, you can check out Food Central, which is located next to the Madagascar exhibition. They serve halal-certified chicken, and you can ask for your meal to be prepared using separate utensils.

However, they do serve pork and alcohol on the premises, so do dine with discretion!

#HHWTip: Previously, there was a prayer spot nearby Billabong Restaurant, however it is not available for use at the moment.

If you do wish to do your prayers at the park, just ask the friendly staff at the Guest Services counter, who will unlock the area next to the entrance for you and they even provide praying mats!

Do note that prayer garments are not provided - so have a handy one in your bag. 

Halal food near Dreamworld:

a) Pop’s Pizza & Kebabs

Cuisine: Italian/Middle Eastern
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address:Coomera Village Shopping Centre, 31 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4209
Opening hours: Mon-Tue; 2pm-4pm | Wed-Sun; 11am-2pm, 4.30pm-9pm

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b) Nando's Coomera BP

All of Nando’s chickens are from halal-certified suppliers and their bastings are also Halal. There’s one nearby at Upper Coomera, only 20 mins away by car from Dreamworld. You already know what you’re going to have, so enjoy your meal!

Halal status: Nando’s isn’t halal, however all of their chickens and bastings are from halal-certified suppliers. They do not come into contact with non-halal products on the grill. Do note that some of the outlets serve pork and we recommend that you dine at your discretion.
Address: BP Travel Centre, Abraham Rd, Upper Coomera QLD 4209, Australia
Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily

3. Meet your marine friends at Sea World

If you’ve ever dreamt of meeting sea animals up close and personal, Sea World is THE perfect place for you!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @seaworldaus for Instagram

Whether you’re a young couple or one with kids, Sea World boasts plenty of activities for you to enjoy, like at Penguin Point, where you get to learn more about the adorable penguins and watch the keepers feed them!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @seaworldaus for Instagram

And if you can’t get enough of the dolphin show, you can always catch the next big thing – Seal Presentation! Watch the seals in action as they fill your heart with joy and laughter with their wittiness.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @seaworldaus for Instagram

#HHWTip: Sea World also houses a cute polar bear, so while wandering around the premise and see for yourself what their daily routines are like!

You can even catch the water sports show, where 4 professional jet skiers get into action and show you their best stunts!

It’s best to wear a poncho as you’re bound to get splashed! You can also go on a helicopter ride around Surfers Paradise from AUD65 and see the natural beauty of the Gold Coast from above.

Choose between a 5 or 10 minute ride, and be prepared to be in awe.

BONUS ACTIVITY NEAR SEAWORLD: WHALE WATCHING!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @seaworldaus on Instagram

If you've ever seen an Australian humpback whale nonchalantly leap out of calm waters, you're one of the lucky ones!

A seasonal activity that many look forward to, the whales migrate from freezing cold Antarctic waters to warmer waters for breeding and to give birth.

The season runs from late May to early November and depending on the time, you'll get to see other species like Orcas or Killer Whales, as well as adorable little calves, swimming alongside their mothers!

Join a whale-watching tour (like Whales in Paradise) for a chance to snap pictures of these gentle creatures bobbing their heads out of the water and waving a friendly fin at you! What’s even cooler is you can hear the whales sing via underwater hydrophones!

Don't worry about scaring the whales with your cameras, they absolutely love the attention! They'll energetically flap their tails and playfully shoot up huge spouts of mist from their blowhole.

Don’t just turn off those cameras once you’ve got your shots of the whales; you might get to spot other amazing marine life such as dolphins, green sea turtles and migratory birds! 

Halal food near SeaWorld

Le Star Cafe & Restaurant

Cuisine: Lebanese
Halal status: Only serve halal-certified ingredients. Alcoholic beverages may be served on the premises, do dine with discretion.
Address: 4/9 Nerang St, Southport QLD 4215, Australia
Opening hours: 10am-9pm daily; closed on Sundays

Website

#HHWTip: Want to get a bang for your buck? Why not get a multi-attraction travel pass? Check out Klook’s Multi-Day Pass for Movie World, Sea World & Wet n' Wild, which gives you unlimited entry! You can also purchase the Klook Gold Coast Pass, which covers more than 11 of your favourite attractions all over Gold Coast!

P.S. Here’s another hack to make your Gold Coast trip within your budget - AirAsiaX is currently offering special time-limited promo fares to Gold Coast from Kuala Lumpur from RM699, so don’t miss out!*

*Booking period: Now until 3rd September. Travel period: now until 18th Feb 2024.

4. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Want to know more about Australian wildlife? There’s no better place than Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary!

Take a break from the city and head over to this spot for a diverse range of Australian animals! A day at the sanctuary will allow you and your family to do fun activities like catching the pelican feeding show, and even cuddle a koala.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

P.S. ​​Did you know that Queensland is one of two states in Australia that offers a chance to cuddle a koala?

A photo with the cuddly koalas would make the perfect souvenir! You can book your entrance ticket to the sanctuary and the Koala experience in one pass from Klookhere!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

The sanctuary is pretty huge, so hop on the train to get from one place to another. It’s pretty convenient, especially if you have your little ones with you. The driver is fun to talk to as he has stories to share while bringing you around.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Stop at the Kangaroo Sanctuary to get up close and personal to the roos. You can also feed them with the kibbles around the park - it costs about AUD2 per cup!

With such a vast space, you’ll surely see many of them hopping around. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a baby kangaroo.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on Instagram

#HHWTip: You can feed lorikeets for FREE outside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at 9am or 4pm. They have no qualms about landing on your head; your kids will have loads of fun! Do note that you might feel light scratches due to their claws.

The Sanctuary Cafe near the entrance sources meats and ingredients from halal-certified sources, however, they do serve pork.

Nonetheless, you can ask the staff to prepare your meals separately. Alternatively, you can also choose to bring in your own cooked food!

Do note that all commercial food items are not allowed into the sanctuary so head down to any convenience stores near your accommodation or location, and make some sandwiches to go!

Halal food nearby: 

a) Rumi Persian Restaurant

Cuisine: Iranian
Halal status: While it is a halal-certified establishment, do note that alcohol is served on the premises, so we advise that you dine with discretion.
Address: 8/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Opening hours: 12pm-9pm daily

Website

b) Rocket Grill House

Cuisine: Turkish
Halal status: While it is a halal-certified establishment, do note that alcohol is served on the premises, so we advise that you dine with discretion.
Address: 203 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Australia
Opening hours: 10am-8pm daily (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

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5. Reconnect with nature through a farm stay experience

Ever wanted to experience outdoor life the Queenslander way?

You’re in the right place. Travel a little further from the CBD and book a stay at Cedar Glen Farmstay, a family-owned farm that has worked the cattle property for over 100 years!

Today, it’s one of the most popular farms in Queensland that offers farm activities for families.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: Cedar Glen Homestay on Facebook

Be sure to go horseback-riding with your little ones and marvel at the natural beauty that is Queensland! It’s the best way to bond with each other over the gorgeous mountainous view.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: Cedar Glen Farmstay on Facebook

Once you’re done, spend some quality time with the horses, alpacas and other farm animals. You can even feed them too!

We cannot confirm the halal status of the food, so we recommend you dine with discretion. However, we’ve seen many Muslim guests who mentioned that they do offer halal food options, so do check with the staff beforehand!

If you do intend to stay overnight, we recommend bringing light snacks for those late-night hunger pangs. Alternatively, you can make it a day trip and return to your accommodation!

6. Take the adventure to the top - literally

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

If you and your kids are the rugged, adventurous type, you should take a drive up to the Hinterland, and head to Thunderbird Park on Tambourine Mountain!

It’s Australia’s largest high ropes adventure park with more than 120 treetop activities, including 10 flying foxes!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete the park, designed for everyone ages 8 and above.

There are also other fun activities to check out such as finding treasure-filled thunder eggs, play laser skirmish in the jungle, go on a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer, play a round of mini golf, pony rides, and jumping castles - your kids will be entertained all day!

Designed for kids aged 8 and above, this park is filled with countless fun activities that will take you a good 3 to 4 hours to complete.

From finding treasure-filled thundereggs, playing laser skirmish in the jungle, going on thrilling rides on the Canyon Flyer and so much more, your kids will be entertained all day long. 

While there are no halal food options nearby, many cafes and restaurants serve vegetarian options.

You can consider going on a 4WD tour with Klook, where you’ll get a special itinerary for you based on what you like to do and your dietary needs! We recommend this for larger groups. 

Leisure alternative: Walk your alpaca at Mountview Alpaca Farm

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Here’s another fun place we recommend bringing your kids to - Mountview Alpaca Farm! You’ll get to walk with your own alpaca around the dedicated areas, plus feed them too!

They do get a little stubborn, but they’ll come chasing (and posing) if you feed them well.

7. Cruise around Gold Coast (plus your kids get to be captain!)

You’ve seen the Gold Coast from above, now it’s time to head out into the waters around Gold Coast! Sign up for a tour with Aquaduck Safari and you’ll be treated to both a city tour AND a river cruise.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @aquaduck_gold_coast for Instagram

The “amphibious” vehicle can operate on land and water, and it’ll be fascinating to see it move from land to sea.

The 1-hour guided tour will tell you more about the history and landmarks of Surfers Paradise as you pass by one of the world’s famous surf breaks.

Then it will make its way into the water where you’ll get awesome views of the Gold Coast’s canals before cruising by glitzy waterfront mansions of the rich and famous!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @aquaduck_gold_coast for Instagram

Your child can try driving the Aquaduck and get a certificate from the Captain too. Pretty cool, right?

P.S. Here’s what’s cooler - AirAsiaX is the ONLY international airline that flies direct to the Gold Coast from Kuala Lumpur! And they are now offering amazing prices, from RM699*

*Booking period: Now until 3rd September. Travel period: now until 18th Feb 2024.

BONUS ACTIVITY FOR OLDER KIDS: Jetboating!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

For those travelling with older kids looking for some thrill, we recommend jetboating. The jet boat will manoeuvre on the waters of the Gold Coast and you’ll be able to experience full 360-degree spins and high-speed drifting.

With so many twists and turns, you might just feel like you’re on a roller coaster on the water!

Halal food nearby 

You can choose to go to Surfers’ Paradise, which is a haven for halal food – from Middle Eastern to Indian, Thai and even Indonesian food.

8. Go hiking, and build sandcastles by the beach - free kid-friendly activities!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @crafty.pug for Instagram

You don’t always have to spend to have unforgettable experiences with your kids -  there are plenty of free ones for you and your kids to check out!

For instance, why not get your heart pumping and go on a short hike at Burleigh Heads National Park?

The trails are perfect for beginners (I’m not the fittest, trust me) and can be completed within 30-45 minutes!

Plus, the park boasts amazing views of Surfers Paradise in the distance - try getting your kids to spot the iconic Gold Coast skyline!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

If you’re coming from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, take a 10-min walk to the nearby Currumbin Beach and enjoy an afternoon by the waters.

There’s a FREE lookout point at Currumbin Beach called Elephant Rock, where you might be lucky enough to spot whales in seasonal migration between June and October!

If you’re still around the area, how about having a dip in the Currumbin Rock Pools, a natural spa set in the lush Currumbin Valley?

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @tailor.kilford for Instagram

Or head to shopping malls such as Pacific Fair Shopping Centre - check out the EMF Jnr Pacific Fair, an indoor playground complete with ball pits, bouncy castles, slides and more!

There’s no time limit, just pay a one time free of AUD10, and let your kids play to their heart’s content. It’s perfect even for toddlers too! If you want to join in, you don’t have to pay - it’s free entry for adults.

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: @ixl1503 for Instagram

Perhaps this fun activity will keep your little ones occupied while you sneak in a little shopping - yup, you can actually drop your kids off here; the friendly staff will supervise your kids at all times! Do note that you’ll have to pay beforehand.

#HHWTip: You can also find Muslim-friendly restaurants like Origin Kebabs and Pide Istanbul! There's also a prayer room located at the Pacific Fair Visitor lounge.

9. Get crafty with your kids at the free children’s gallery!

Caught in the rain and not sure what to do? There are plenty of indoor activities that promises endless fun in the Gold Coast!

For starters, bring your kids to the Home of The Arts (HOTA), home to some of the best arts and culture activities in Gold Coast!

9 Best Things To Do With Your Kids In Gold Coast (With Halal Food Nearby!)

Credit: HOTA Gold Coast on Instagram

We also recommend Home of The Arts (HOTA) for families! There’s a park, playground and a lake all for your child to burn off their energy!

Be it swimming or playing in the sand by the lake, or letting loose in the fully fenced playground, it’ll be a fun day out for the kids! You can lay out a mat and picnic nearby too. You can find out more about HOTA and its kid-friendly facilities here!

Halal food nearby:

You can choose to take the HOPO from HOTA to Surfers’ Paradise, which is a haven for halal food – from Middle Eastern to Indian, Thai and even Indonesian food.

So there you have it - the best kid-friendly activities you’ll need for a great family vacay. It’s not that hard to say no to this majestic city, and honestly, we could go on and on about it but we’ll let you get to know the city yourself! Time to book that flight ticket with AirAsiaX to Gold Coast from Kuala Lumpur from RM699!

This article is brought to you by Tourism & Events Queensland, Destination Gold Coast and AirAsia X.