Family-friendly NYE events on the Gold Coast

Where can you keep kids entertained for hours…or at least long enough for you to enjoy a coffee in peace? Playgrounds!! And you’re in luck, because we have 8 amazing Gold Coast playgrounds for you and your little ones to try! From jungle gyms to mega slides, we have ’em all!

Whether you’re chasing a shady spot, a sunny spot, waterfront views, or an all-abilities playground everyone can enjoy, there’s something for every family. Pack snacks, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure- we’re going to the playground!

Lorikeet Park

Say hello to Lorikeet Park, the newest playground on the Gold Coast- just opened this week. She’s bright (literally a sculpture of a lorikeet), she’s modern, and she’s full of fun! Spanning over two hectares, Lorikeet Park is suitable for toddlers through to teens, expect climbing challenges, big slides, large open green spaces, Insta-worthy lookouts and even a flying fox! However, the highlight would have to be the  huge 500-person amphitheatre set for moonlight cinemas, concerts and Christmas events. The park overlooks Southport down to Burleigh Heads, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or BBQ.
Where: Skyridge Bvd, Worongary

Greenheart Robina Parklands

Greenheart Parklands is leafy, spacious, and perfect for a whole family day out. You may need multiple days to get through all this park has to offer! Expect bike tracks, climbing areas/walls, water troughs, mini trampolines, winding tunnel slides, net bridges, balance beams and plenty of swings to cater for every ability. There’s a dedicated toddler play zone, walking pathways, an on-site cafe, a half basketball court, and a dog off-leash park, too! The playground is fully fenced, and the parklands cover 22.5 hectares.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina

Broadwater Parklands Peninsula Playground

An absolute favourite and a Gold Coast classic, Broadwater Parklands Peninsula Playground is set along the waterfront with stunning views. Kids can race between swings, slides, and climbing structures while parents enjoy the riverside walking paths or shaded picnic areas. This playground is great for energetic toddlers and school-aged children alike, with many all-abilities inclusions! A highlight would have to be the 4-level spiral tower full of interactive play equipment like a glockenspiel, binoculars, telescopes and rope tunnels. The open design also makes it easy to keep an eye on everyone. Parking is plentiful and there’s usually a coffee cart (score!)
Where: Marine Parade, Southport 

Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah – Place of Stories

Inspired by local culture, Livvi’s Place integrates stories of the Indigenous Seasons Calendar for a colourful, art-filled experience. It’s packed with climbing structures, slides, a suspended rope bridge, multiple swings, a double flying fox and sensory play features suitable for all abilities. Parents will appreciate the shaded seating areas and the fully fenced layout. There are picnic tables and grassy areas, making it ideal for a snack or a family lunch. With ample parking and facilities close by, it’s a stress-free day out.
Where: 60 Boundary St, Tweed Heads

Schuster Park

Schuster Park is jungle-themed and packed with adventure. With two mega slides (a standout), nets, tunnels, and even musical features along the sand paths, kids aged 4+ can challenge themselves while using imagination and coordination. Parents can relax in shady areas nearby while watching their little explorers tackle climbing structures and balance paths. It’s a great park for picnics, casual games, or simply letting children roam safely. Toilets and parking are on site, and the nearby Tallebudgera Creek makes it easy to extend your adventure with a splash after play.
Where: 506 Schusters Road, Tallebudgera

Kurrawa All Abilities Park

Kurrawa All Abilities Park is designed so every child can play, regardless of age or ability. With wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory features, slides, and inclusive play spaces, this playground is fun for the whole family. Parents can watch from shaded seating areas or picnic tables while kids explore safely. Nearby facilities, including toilets, cafes and parking, make it convenient for a long day out. It’s the ultimate playground for family adventures where everyone can join in the fun!
Where: Old Burleigh Road (opposite Elizabeth Ave), Broadbeach

Pirate Park

Ahoy, mateys! Pirate Park is a seaside playground perfect for imaginative play. Kids can climb, swing, and slide on pirate ships and rope bridges, imagining they’re off on a big adventure. Parents can relax on benches in the shade or stroll along the beachfront while keeping an eye on their little ones. It’s a fun stop for toddlers and older children alike, with grassy areas for running and sand pits for sensory play. Toilets and parking are close by, as is Dune Cafe (recommend), so you can grab a coffee or a snack.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Country Paradise Park

Country Paradise Park is exactly what it sounds like: a little slice of country-themed playground heaven. Climbing frames, swings, slides, and sprawling green spaces make it perfect for family outings. The hero is an 11.5m windmill with a mega slide, accessed via a water-tank tunnel and swing bridge! There’s a variety of equipment for all ages- toddlers will enjoy smaller slides and sand areas, while older children can challenge themselves on larger climbing structures. With picnic areas, shady spots, toilets, and safe parking, it’s easy to spend a few hours here. And lucky us, there might be a cafe coming soon!
Where: 231 Beaudesert Nerang Rd, Nerang

Words by Chelsea Ipsen