Family fun under $100 in Gold Coast

School holidays mean one thing – it’s time to keep the kids occupied.

Trying to entertain the kids can be tricky, especially when you're on a budget. Luckily the Gold Coast is filled with a bunch of fun attractions that’ll keep the kids busy without costing a bomb.

Whether you’re local or just visiting, get out and explore the beautiful Gold Coast this school holidays with these activities you can do for $100 or less.

Not your average art museum, ArtVo Illusions Gold Coast will get the creative juices flowing these school holidays without stretching the wallet. An experience that’ll engage all ages, this place takes art to the next level. Full of optical illusions, become part of the art as you jump into scenes straight out of storybooks, movies and more. With over 80 photo-opportunities that’ll have you questioning your eyes, make sure to bring the camera as there are plenty of Insta opportunities!

Hot balmy days on the Goldy call for some water fun. Keep the kiddies cool these holidays with a visit to the Gold Coast Aqua Park. One of the largest inflatable water parks in the country, you’ll jump, climb, slide and bounce your way around this floating obstacle course. Spread across 600 metres, there’s plenty of fun for kids and adults, but even better, the price tag won’t break the bank either. While little ones under the age of five can’t enter the main park, they can go to ‘Fun City’ for some jumping castle-like fun.

A must do tour, the iconic Gold Coast AquaDuck is one unique ride no one will forget. Starting in the iconic Surfers Paradise, you’ll experience the famous “splash down” as you move from land to water. A great way to see the Goldy in all its glory, you might even encounter the local marine life, like the playful dolphins. The kids will also get the chance to take the helm of the amphibious vehicle, receiving their own captain’s certificate as a souvenir. For under $100 each, this is an exciting way to keep the whole fam occupied.

Give the older kids something to brag about back at school with the Skypoint Climb. Reaching the highest point on the Gold Coast, you’ll find the best view from up here – exactly 270 metres above sea level. The ultimate sightseeing experience for less than $100 each, you can take in the stunning view and check out the highlights as your guide points out some of the landmarks. Have a family of daredevils? Get a real thrill when you walk along the edge of the building and look down at the massive drop. Just know there is a 130cm height requirement, and if they’re 12 – 15, they’ll need to be accompanied by an adult.

School holidays mean a ton of energy to burn. Our biggest tip? Let it all out in the trees at Currumbin Treetop Challenge. A guaranteed fun day out for all abilities, this course is great for most ages. There are several courses to choose from that’ll help build your confidence as you jump, climb and pull yourself across 100+ challenges. And don’t get us started on the insane zipline! Suitable for kids eight and over, you’ll appreciate the price just as much as the experience.

Magic, comedy and stunts? What more could you want for under $100 each. An action-packed evening that’ll get the whole family excited, the Illusions Magic Show needs to be seen to be believed. Settle in and get comfortable as you’ll witness these Las Vegas style illusions performed by Master Illusionist Matt Hollywood, featuring levitation, mind-reading and more. Trust us when we say that the adults will be as equally entertained as the young ones!

Gather the gang and learn the true Aussie pastime – surfing. Consider this your sign to flock to one of the well-known surfing spots these holidays and learn to ride the waves with Main Beach Surfing Lessons. Protected by the Seaway wall, this spot provides perfect conditions for beginner and intermediate surfers of all ages. The best part is it’ll cost less than $100 per person and all the gear is provided, you just need to show up! We’re sold.

Sunny days are made for adventures on the water. The quintessential day out on the Goldy, the Broadwater Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour will leave everyone happy and completely knackered for an affordable price. Jump in a kayak and head to some of the top snorkeling spots before diving in with the colourful fish. Just make sure to keep an eye out for the local dolphins, turtles and stingrays who like to frolic in the clear waters - they might come say hi! The kids will love talking about this excursion out in the playground.

Does your family have what it takes? Quality bonding, an escape room will bring the whole fam together for less than $100 per person. Get all brains ticking as you work together to race against the clock, solving puzzles and cracking codes at escape room. With several themed rooms to choose between, including a museum heist, doll house, forbidden jungle and more, these rooms will entertain all ages. Plus, there’s a bar which the older members can appreciate once they’ve successfully escaped.

If Mario Kart is the go-to game in your household, it’s a no brainer – you need to take the kids go karting. They’ll love jumping in real life go karts and racing around Kingston Park Raceway. Good fun for both kids and adults, you can challenge your people to a race for less than $100 each. Located on the outskirts of Brizzy, it’s only a short drive from the Goldy and within walking distance of Kingston train station.