The Gold Coast sees around 12 million visitors each year. Many of them arrive during the Easter school holidays. Families pick this time for the mild weather, smaller crowds, and a calendar filled with local events. April brings warm water for swimming and plenty of outdoor family activities, which Gold Coast visitors look forward to each year.
Around Main Beach, you’ll find a mix of well-loved spots and seasonal experiences. Kids can enjoy marine life shows, and parents can unwind at community Easter markets or shaded parks. Pacific Views Resort places you close to it all. You can walk to the beach, stroll to the park, or reach the Gold Coast’s top attractions in just a few minutes.
Discover the best family activities Gold Coast offers this Easter
Main Beach makes a great starting point for the Easter school holidays. Families will find a wide range of family activities that Gold Coast visitors return to every year. Many of the best options are either a short walk or just a few minutes’ drive from Pacific Views Resort.
Sea World Gold Coast – 6-minute drive
SeaWorld is one of the most recognised theme parks Gon the old Coast families enjoy. It offers a mix of marine life experiences, gentle rides for young children, and exhibits that spark curiosity.
The dolphin show draws a crowd every day and remains a highlight for many families. Visitors can also see penguins, seals, and rays up close.
Younger kids can cool off in the splash zone, so it’s wise to pack swimwear and towels. The eateries inside the park offer plenty of choices for lunch.
Adults may enjoy the behind-the-scenes tour, which focuses on marine research and animal care. It adds another layer of interest for those who want to learn more about conservation.
Local tip: Arrive early to get a good seat for the dolphin show.
Packing tip: Bring swimmers and sunscreen, especially for open areas near the splash zone.
Broadwater Parklands – 10-minute drive
Broadwater Parklands offers one of the most popular free family activities Gold Coast visitors can enjoy. Located just north of Main Beach, this waterside park features playgrounds, shaded lawns, and a Rockpools area designed for safe water play. The Pirate Park is especially popular with younger children.
On weekends, the area comes alive with food trucks and local music. This gives families the chance to relax while keeping everyone entertained. It also offers a break from fast-paced outings, which helps balance out your holiday.
For anyone looking for things to do in Gold Coast with kids that won’t add to the travel budget, this park is a solid choice.
Editor’s choice: Bring a picnic rug, pack some snacks, and let the kids explore while you enjoy the shade.
In April, the weather is ideal for outdoor play. A soft breeze comes off the water, which helps make this one of the most refreshing and cool things to do on the Gold Coast during Easter.
Local gems and free activities for relaxed family days
Easter holidays don’t have to stretch the budget. Main Beach has several quiet places where families can unwind, enjoy time together, and take the day as it comes.
There’s no need for entry tickets or rigid plans. A few essentials, a relaxed pace, and some local knowledge go a long way.
Macintosh Island Park – 15-minute walk
This peaceful spot is a local favourite and one of the best outdoor activities to do in Gold Coast, Australia, during the Easter break. Walking tracks weave through trees, over small bridges, and along quiet creeks. The open space makes it easy for children to ride bikes or scooters while adults enjoy the slower pace.
Peacocks wander through the park freely. They often appear near the picnic tables or near the children’s play areas. Their bright colours and unexpected presence add something special to an otherwise simple outing.
Just beyond the park, Tedder Avenue offers casual cafés and takeaway options. Families can enjoy a quiet morning in the park, then pick up lunch nearby without needing to drive.
For anyone looking for calm things to do in Gold Coast with kids, this park offers a genuine break from busy crowds and long queues.
Main Beach Foreshore & Surf Life Saving Club – 5-minute walk
This stretch of beach is an easy place to start the day. The sand feels soft underfoot, and the water is mild in April. Most families head to the flagged area for a morning swim, then stop at the Surf Club for breakfast. The routine is simple, and it works.
Junior surf programs often take place on Sundays. These sessions help kids learn about beach safety in an active, social way. While they join in, parents can relax nearby with coffee and enjoy the early light. Younger children usually stay close, building sandcastles and collecting shells.
The walking path runs the full length of the foreshore. It’s a gentle loop that suits prams, scooters, and bare feet. Families planning easygoing family holidays QLD style will find that this part of Main Beach offers everything needed without the usual travel stress.
These Main Beach activities create a slow and meaningful rhythm for the day. You won’t need a schedule or admission fee. Just bring time, sunscreen, and space to relax together.
Easter events and unique experiences near Main Beach
The Gold Coast offers plenty beyond its parks and beaches during the Easter holidays. Seasonal events and indoor venues provide families with extra options when the weather shifts or when a change of pace is needed after time outdoors.
Gold Coast Easter Market (Night Market GC) – 10 to 15-minute drive
This night market on the Surfers Paradise beachfront runs on Easter Saturday and remains a standout event in the Gold Coast holiday calendar. Entry is free. Visitors can enjoy street food, craft stalls, and live music that carries through the evening. The atmosphere builds around dusk as the lights come on and the crowd grows.
Many families include this in their weekend plans during the kids’ school holidays. The mix of fairy lights, food options, and local performers keeps the mood light and engaging. Vegan and gluten-free meals are available, making it easier to accommodate different preferences.
Travel tip: Aim to arrive just before sunset. You’ll have time to explore before it gets busy, and you’ll catch the lights and entertainment at their best.
Infinity Attraction, Surfers Paradise – 6-minute drive
Infinity is a futuristic indoor maze located in Surfers Paradise. It features music, lights, mirrors, and sound effects across a series of themed rooms. The experience is high-energy and designed to keep older children and teenagers entertained.
This is one of the most engaging indoor activities to do in Gold Coast, Australia, during the Easter holidays. It’s a good option on a rainy day or when your plans change at the last minute. Walk-ins are fine, and there are not usually long waiting times.
The minimum entry age is eight years. Families with older kids often find this to be one of the coolest things to do on the Gold Coast. It offers something fresh and exciting, especially if you’ve already explored the outdoors earlier in the day.
Stay close to the fun with Pacific Views Resort
Main Beach sets a relaxed pace for families during the Easter break. Staying at Pacific Views Resort makes it easy to enjoy each day, with everything close and accessible. The location gives you quick access to the top family activities Gold Coast offers during the school holidays.
You can reach the beach on foot, explore a nearby park in the afternoon, or drive a few minutes to a theme park. The resort’s self-contained apartments are spacious and practical, giving families the room they need to settle in and enjoy their time.
After a day out, you can unwind without leaving the property. Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, a sauna, and more. These extras help you relax and make the most of your time together. A stay here makes Easter feel simple, comfortable, and full of moments worth remembering.
Image Credit: Macintosh Island Park
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