Things to Do · Families
Kids Activities in Broadbeach
Theme parks, beaches, bowling, water slides and more — the best things to do with kids in Broadbeach.
Broadbeach is one of Queensland’s best family holiday destinations. The beach is the obvious starting point — patrolled, safe, and endlessly entertaining for children of all ages — but the full activity offering around Broadbeach goes well beyond swimming. Theme parks, bowling, mini golf, water parks, and the Gold Coast Hinterland are all within easy reach.
Here’s everything worth doing with kids in and around Broadbeach.
Kids Activities in Broadbeach
- Best free activity: beach days at Kurrawa Beach — lifeguard patrolled, safe, always popular with kids
- Best rainy day activity: Strike Bowling at Harbour Town or Pacific Fair cinema
- Best full-day activity: Dreamworld or Wet’n’Wild Water World (both 30 min from Broadbeach)
- Best for teens: TopGolf Broadbeach — gamified golf with food and drinks
- Best family restaurant: outdoor cafes at Kurrawa foreshore or Oracle Boulevard alfresco dining
| Activity | Age Group | Cost | Distance from Broadbeach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach (Broadbeach/Kurrawa) | All ages | Free | On doorstep |
| Strike Bowling (Harbour Town) | 5+ | $15–25pp | 5 min drive |
| TopGolf Broadbeach | 8+ | $40–60/bay/hr | Walking distance |
| Dreamworld | All ages | $99–109pp | 30 min drive |
| Wet’n’Wild Water World | All ages | $79–99pp | 30 min drive |
| Sea World | All ages | $79–99pp | 25 min drive |
| Pacific Fair cinema (Event Cinemas) | All ages | $12–22pp | Walking distance |
Beach Activities for Kids in Broadbeach
Broadbeach and Kurrawa Beach are the best starting point for any family day in Broadbeach. Both beaches are patrolled by lifeguards from 8am to 5pm, have gentle conditions most days (particularly Kurrawa’s southern section), and have excellent facilities — showers, toilets, shaded areas, and the Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club café nearby.
Children respond to the Gold Coast beach immediately — the water temperature (22–27°C for most of the year), the sand quality, and the general spectacle of the surf make it a place kids are content for hours. Bring a boogie board (hireable near the beach) and sunscreen.
Surf lessons for older kids (8+): Several Broadbeach surf schools run children’s group lessons — an excellent activity for kids aged 8 and up. 2-hour group lessons include board and rash vest and run approximately $55–65 per child.
Theme Parks, Bowling and Indoor Activities
Dreamworld: Australia’s largest theme park is 30 minutes from Broadbeach via the M1. Thrill rides, animal experiences (tigers, koalas), family attractions, and full-day entertainment. Adult tickets run approximately $99–109, children $89–99. Book online in advance for discounts and to skip queues.
Wet’n’Wild Water World: Gold Coast water park — slides, wave pool, lazy river, and toddler areas. Best visited on hot summer days (December–March). Located 30 minutes from Broadbeach. Tickets approximately $79–99pp; book online.
Sea World: Marine park with rides, dolphin and seal shows, penguin and polar bear exhibits, and family rides. 25 minutes north near Southport. Particularly good for younger children (under 10) who are more engaged by animal shows than thrill rides.
TopGolf Broadbeach: Walking distance from most Broadbeach accommodation, TopGolf is popular with older children and teens — gamified golf in climate-controlled bays with food and drinks. Good for ages 8+ and doesn’t require any golf ability. See our TopGolf guide.
Strike Bowling (Harbour Town): 5 minutes drive from Broadbeach at Harbour Town, Strike has bowling, laser tag, and mini golf in a single venue — excellent rainy day option for kids of all ages. Book online in advance for school holidays.
Tips for Families with Kids in Broadbeach
For most families, the beach in the morning is the most consistently successful activity — kids tire themselves out in the water, eat a beach lunch, and are manageable for the rest of the day. Save theme parks for when the beach weather is bad or the kids need a change of scene mid-week.
Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild, and Sea World all offer significant online booking discounts versus gate prices. Multi-day passes across the Village Roadshow parks (Sea World, Wet’n’Wild) are better value for a week-long stay than buying individual tickets. Check Village Roadshow’s website for bundle deals.
Gold Coast summer can deliver afternoon thunderstorms. Have a backup plan: Strike Bowling at Harbour Town (5 min drive, bowling + laser tag + mini golf) and Event Cinemas at Pacific Fair (walking distance, good family program) are the two best rainy day options near Broadbeach.
The cafes at the Kurrawa Beach foreshore are the most child-friendly dining option in Broadbeach — outdoor seating, sand directly nearby, relaxed atmosphere, and kids menus. This is a far more enjoyable family lunch experience than Oracle Boulevard restaurants, which are better suited to adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best kids activities in Broadbeach: beach days at Kurrawa Beach (patrolled, safe, free), TopGolf Broadbeach (gamified golf, ages 8+, walking distance), Strike Bowling at Harbour Town (5 min drive), Pacific Fair cinema (walking distance). For full-day trips: Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild Water World, and Sea World are all 25–30 minutes by car — book tickets online for discounts.
Yes — Broadbeach is excellent for families. The beach is patrolled (8am–5pm), safe for young children on most days, and has full facilities (showers, toilets, cafes) at Kurrawa. Self-contained apartments with full kitchens are the norm in Broadbeach accommodation, making self-catering practical. Pacific Fair shopping centre is walkable for shopping, cinema, and food court options.
Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild Water World, and WhiteWater World are approximately 30 minutes north of Broadbeach via the M1. Sea World is 25 minutes north near Southport. Movie World and Paradise Country are also in the same Gold Coast theme park corridor. All offer online booking discounts versus gate prices — buy tickets before you arrive.
Stay in Broadbeach with the Kids
Find family-friendly accommodation in Broadbeach — self-contained apartments with pools and beach access.
Written and maintained by a Broadbeach local. I update this guide regularly to keep it accurate.