9 fun things to do on the Gold Coast with kids at night

Australian Outback Spectacular next to Warner Bros. Movie World brings new meaning to dinner and a show. As your three-course dinner is served, a live show of equestrian feats, circus acts and hoon cars unfolds in front of you.

There are real horses, dogs, utes and a few surprises, as well as state-of-the-art projection mapping technology that transforms the arena into a rugged Australian landscape one second, and luscious green fields the next.

Besides the entertaining theatrics, there’s an important message for your little ones to learn through the inspirational storyline about two Australians struggling in the outback.

Price: $99.99 for adults and $79.99 for kids (three-course dinner and beer, wine and soft drinks included)

2. Putt Putt Golf (open till 10pm)

A guaranteed crowd pleaser, Putt Putt Mermaid Beach has three themed 18-hole courses with waterways, statues and after-dark lighting that adds a little whimsy to the “sport”.

Just when you think you have the game snookered, there are a few wild cards thrown in: spin a wheel and you may be tasked to putt with your opposite hand, the other end of the club or with one eye closed. It makes it a bit more fun and evens out the playing field across all ages.

There’s also a video games arcade with all the classics, and a snack bar for a celebratory ice-cream post-putting.

Price: $19 per adult and $16 per kid for a single course, or $26 per adult and $23 per kid for all three courses. Children three years and under play for free.

3. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium (open till 10pm)

The Odditorium inside Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! in Surfers Paradise is like an interactive science museum meets Guiness World Record exhibition combined with Madame Tussauds all in one. Or for some kids, it’s simply like seeing their wildest imagination brought to life. It’s a place of strange, shocking and beautiful things that will leave a lasting impression.

It’s impossible to predict which unusual exhibition will grasp their attention the most, however for the device generation, the techie exhibits are sure to be a big hit. There’s a giant screen with a slo-mo control that explodes a watermelon frame by frame, a Mission Impossible-style laser beam security system that puts the kids through a real-life Hollywood heist, and a dance hall that is fired up by movement.

Price: $30.90 entry for adults and $20.90 for kids (aged 5-12). 

4. Movies under the stars (various hours)

A futuristic glow-in-the-dark funhouse, Infinity is an overdose of vibrant techno lighting, with uneven floors and eerie music that plays with your mind and will send you into fits of laughter.

The aim is to navigate your way through 20 dark chambers and find the door to the next room. Which is easier said than done when things seem to keep changing at the blink of an eye..or the floor feels like it’s completely disappeared.

From feeling like you’re walking through space or living in a kaleidoscope, to dancing at a retro disco, this immersive art experience will take you on an unforgettable sensory journey.

Price: $82.90 for the whole family (two adults + two children), for 30 minutes.

6. Theme parks after dark

Every couple of months or so Dreamworld throws open its gates for some Park After Dark action. Re-experience the rides under the coat of darkness and be entertained in-between roller coasters by roving entertainment. Every Park After Dark event has its own theme, so expect a unique family night out each time.

For eight nights in summer, Sea World catches Carnivale fever. The streets come alive with Brazillian dancers, food trucks and a colourful laser light show. And of course, between all the action on the ground, your favourite attractions are open, including Storm Coaster, Jet Rescue and Nickelodeon Land.

At Christmas, Lapland meets Oxenford over at Warner Bros. Movie World, where a million fairy lights, roving carollers and a grand parade fire up for a White Christmas event 10 nights every summer. Everyone gets to join in the fun, with a cheesy focus on awkward family photos (wearing the mandatory ugly Christmas jumper) and decorating Christmas baubles.

Price: Varies depending on the activity

Planning on visiting these theme parks during the day? Here’s your ultimate guide to the Gold Coast’s theme parks.

7. Markets with music (open 4pm till late)

Miami Marketta is a fun night out for families wanting a mix of live music (dancing encouraged!), street food stalls and the chance for kids to go free range.

Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights until late, these family-friendly night markets allow you to satisfy every little picky eater at once. Just make sure they save room for dessert, or more specifically, the famous monster lamingtons. Good news for the grown-ups: Miami Marketta has a licensed bar that serves local brews like Burleigh Brewing Co. beer.

Price: Free to enter

For more fun things to do on the Gold Coast that are free, check out this list.

8. Glow worm night tour

The kids will feel like they’re entering a real-life enchanted forest during this night tour of the glow worm caves in the Springbrook National Park. Run by JPT Tours, after a short walk through the ancient Gondwana rainforest spotting nocturnal nightlife with your torches, the real magic happens the moment you set foot in the Natural Bridge Cave.

Little jaws will drop as they enter the glistening cave, which is lit up by Australia’s largest population of glow worms. As if this planetarium-like display wasn’t enough, you’ll then head back into nature for some real stargazing away from the city’s light pollution.

Price:  varies based on tour group

9. Paradise Country (overnight)

Trade in the beach for a taste of farm life. Paradise Country’s overnight farm stay experience pairs glamping eco-tents (with bunks for the kids) with farm activities like campfires, egg collecting and milking a cow.

As the sun sets, the kids can play games on the lawn and meet and greet goats and kangaroos, while the adults enjoy a Sirromet Wine Tasting and grape stomping (on select evenings). The next morning at the crack of dawn, the kids can get their hands dirty feeding the farm animals and learning more about the joys of country life.

If you’ve already booked your accommodation, the Farmhouse Restaurant at the same venue is open for everyone (no need for sleepovers) on Friday and Saturday nights. The little ones can play with giant Jenga and chess sets on a kid-friendly grassy space and then eat hearty meals like chicken parmy and juicy burgers.

Looking for more fun things to do on the Gold Coast with your kids?

• Check out these nearby waterfalls and swimming holes
• Tick these 30 things off your must-do list
• Bookmark these activities for a rainy day
• Check out the best things to do in Surfers Paradise
• And, enjoy these sunrise and sunset spots on the Gold Coast

Want a kid-free night out? Check out these Gold Coast restaurants with a water view.