A free day out on the Gold Coast with kids
This is a free day on the Gold Coast with kids, and every stop costs nothing to enter. The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, HOTA, the HOTA Parklands swimming lagoon and the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are all within 3.5 km of the centre. Broadwater Parklands in Southport is 5.9 km out. It mixes gardens, a gallery, a swim and an evening market.
The markets run only on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm, so the full plan works on those days. Pack swimmers, hats and a picnic. The lagoon is not patrolled by lifeguards, so supervise children at all times. Check each listing for current hours,.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
- Late morning: HOTA, Home of the Arts
- Lunch: HOTA Parklands swimming lagoon
- Afternoon: Broadwater Parklands
- Evening: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Morning
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa · Nature & Outdoors · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.6 stars (2079 reviews)
Free council botanic gardens in Benowa, 1.4 km from the centre, with a playground, sensory and butterfly gardens and walking trails. They are open daily 5am to 7pm. It is a calm start before the heat of the day, and the playground gives kids something to do straight away.
Tip: Open daily 5am to 7pm; free entry.
Prices, hours and map for Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Late morning
HOTA, Home of the Arts
HOTA, Home of the Arts, Surfers Paradise · Museums & Science Centres · Ages 2-17 · Free · 4.6 stars (6022 reviews)
An arts precinct in Surfers Paradise with a free gallery and Children's Gallery, family shows, a sculpture walk and a lakeside playground. It is 2.3 km from the centre. Kids can see the Children's Gallery, then use the playground, and you can check what family shows are on that day.
Tip: Open 9am to 5pm Monday; later most other days.
Lunch
HOTA Parklands swimming lagoon
HOTA Parklands swimming lagoon, Surfers Paradise · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A sheltered swimming spot with a beach and recreation areas, behind the City's Council Chambers off Bundall Road, 2.5 km from the centre. Toilets, showers, picnic areas with barbecues and shaded seating are nearby. It is not patrolled by lifeguards.
Not a patrolled beach. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
Tip: Not patrolled: supervise children at all times and keep clear of the nets. Do not dive or jump from the bridge.
Afternoon
Broadwater Parklands in Southport
Broadwater Parklands, Southport · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 2-12 · Free · 4.7 stars (7895 reviews)
A free council park on Marine Parade, Southport, with three playgrounds, the Rockpools water play area and a netted swimming enclosure. It is 5.9 km from the centre. The listing gives ages 2 to 12. A good place for kids to spend afternoon energy.
Tip: Free; swimmers are useful for the Rockpools.
Evening
Beachfront markets at Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, Surfers Paradise · Markets & Family Outings · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.4 stars (5201 reviews)
Free evening markets on the Surfers Paradise foreshore every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 4pm to 9pm, with live music. It is 3.5 km from the centre. Entry is free, and the live music adds to the atmosphere for older kids.
Tip: Markets run Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only, 4pm to 9pm.
Prices, hours and map for Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Before you go
- The beachfront markets run Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only, so the full plan works on those days.
- The HOTA Parklands swimming lagoon is not patrolled; supervise children at all times and swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
- The Botanic Gardens are open daily 5am to 7pm.
- HOTA's gallery is free, and it is open until 7:30pm most days.
- Entry to every stop is free, but food and market stalls cost extra.
Questions parents ask
What are the best free things to do on the Gold Coast with kids?
This plan uses the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, HOTA, the HOTA Parklands swimming lagoon, Broadwater Parklands and the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. All are free to enter. The markets run Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 4pm to 9pm, with live music.
Is there a free place to swim on the Gold Coast that is not the ocean?
The HOTA Parklands swimming lagoon is a sheltered swimming spot with a beach, near the Council Chambers off Bundall Road. It is not patrolled by lifeguards, so supervise children at all times and keep clear of the nets. Broadwater Parklands has a netted swimming enclosure too.
When are the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets on?
The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are on the foreshore every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm, with live music. Entry is free. They are 3.5 km from the centre. Check the listing for any changes to dates or times before you go.
More days in Gold Coast with kids
- Your first day on the Gold Coast with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- A rainy day on the Gold Coast with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A beach day on the Gold Coast with kids - Patrolled beaches, calm water and what is near the sand.
- The Gold Coast with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- The Gold Coast with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Gold Coast with kids: all guides