Family Articles, Kids Activities & Local Inspiration

Ready for a real challenge? Alpine Indoor Climbing is a gamechanger for kids aged 10 and up. With two gyms on the Gold Coast — at Robina and Currumbin — Alpine specialises in bouldering: short, powerful routes tackled without ropes, with thick mats below to catch every tumble. Think of it as the ultimate three-dimensional puzzle. The challenge isn’t just physical. It’s mental. Every boulder problem is graded from A1 (perfect for first-timers) through to A8 (seriously impressi

When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, keeping kids entertained can start to feel like an Olympic sport. Throw in a few rainy days and some serious pent-up energy and suddenly the walls are closing in. Luckily, our region is packed with high-energy indoor adventures — from flying trapezes and roller rinks to escape rooms, arcade games and indoor ice skating. Whether you’re chasing a rainy-day rescue mission or simply trying to burn off some serious kid energy, t

Some encounters stay with you. For children, the magic of riding on a gentle giant is one of them. Zephyr Horses, our cover stars, are our local friends offering children something wonderful. The kind of magical, screen-free adventure that starts with a horse, a trail, and a deep breath of Byron Bay air. Set within the native tea tree forest and beach country of Byron Bay, Zephyr have created an experience for families and kids that is nothing short of extraordinary. For pare

Have you ever fed a kangaroo, snorkelled with a sea turtle, or cuddled up to a rescued lamb? In our corner of Australia — from the Byron Bay hinterland to the Gold Coast and all the way to the sparkling sea — wild animals are waiting to meet you. Here are the very best places to get nose-to-nose with nature, make incredible memories and learn how we can all help protect the creatures we share this beautiful land with. PAWS & CLAWS From hinterland sanctuaries to working farms,

Seventeen-year-old Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie is already making serious waves. Raised in Uluwatu, Bali, she began surfing at Bingin Beach at age 12 and quickly found her stride. In just a few short years, she has claimed wins in the ISA U/16 World Championship 2024, the Traeger Grill Pro Junior Champion 2025, and the QS6000 Siargao International Cup Champion 2025, along with Australian under 16 National champion and main event appearances at the Rip Curl Padang Padang Cup invitati

Before most teenagers have hit snooze, a small group of students are already out in the water, boards under their arms, watching the sun rise over the Gold Coast. This is the daily rhythm at Cooee Gold Coast Surf School, a unique senior school program operating out of Elanora State High School, where learning begins in the ocean and confidence is built wave by wave. Founded by long-time educator Matt Barber, Cooee was born from a simple but powerful idea: that wellbeing, purp

Does your child struggle with sore tummies, skin rashes, or a constantly snotty nose? There may be underlying sensitivities or intolerances impacting their overall health and wellbeing. While we often think of allergies as sneezing fits or hives, many children experience symptoms that don’t fit the typical picture. A true medical allergy involves the immune system releasing a substance called IgE, which can trigger swelling, hives or wheezing soon after exposure. Sensitivitie

Jason from Pottsville Chiropractic is seeing more young athletes with growth-related injuries than ever before — particularly conditions like Sever’s disease (heel pain) and Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee pain). SO WHAT’S GOING ON? WHY INJURIES ARE INCREASING Early sports specialisation Many kids are focusing on just one sport from a young age and playing all year round. Repeating the same movements — running, jumping, kicking — places stress on growing bodies. As children’s

The Power of Breath in Co-Regulation As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can offer our children is not perfect behaviour management, but a regulated nervous system. At the heart of this lies something simple and always available, our breath. Breathing is directly connected to the autonomic nervous system that that governs stress, safety, and connection. Our breath stimulates the vagus nerve, supporting a shift from “fight or flight” into a controlled and engaged state as

In a kid’s world, birthdays are HUGE — sugar-fuelled, giggle-packed, and bursting with magic from the first balloon pop to the last slice of cake. But let’s be honest: for parents, pulling off the perfect party can feel like running a small circus! Don’t worry — that’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up the region’s coolest birthday hotspots, where the hard work is handled and the fun is dialled all the way up. From messy craft chaos to farmyard frolics, splash-tastic resort

Sometimes the best escapes are right in your own backyard. You don’t need a passport — or even a packed car boot — to feel like you’ve had a proper holiday. A local staycation at Paradise Resort offers all the fun, relaxation, and memory-making of an overseas getaway, without the airport queues or long drives. Here’s why more locals are choosing to check in and switch off close to home. All the Holiday Magic — Without the Stress Let’s be honest: travelling with kids can be mo

Hop into Easter at Sanctuary Cove Sanctuary Cove is set to welcome families for a day of festive fun with its much-loved Easter Egg-stravaganza, returning on Sunday, 5 April 2026. From 10am to 2pm, The Marine Village will be transformed into an Easter playground, bursting with activities, entertainment, and surprises for kids and adults alike. For one day only, families can enjoy a lively program of hands-on experiences. Children can meet the Easter Bunny, hop on pony rides,

Autumn is playground season in the Northern Rivers and on the Gold Coast. The days are warm but not sticky, and the Easter holidays arrive with that familiar chorus of, “What are we doing today?” From riverbank play to pirate ships and towering Rainbow Lorikeets, these playgrounds make autumn adventures easy, affordable and full of fresh air. So, pack the snacks, grab the scooters and let the kids lead the way — no bookings required. POP DENISON PARK, Shaws Bay, Ballina NORTH

There are very few places left where children can run as far as they like - and parents don’t have to call them back. At The Farm in Byron Bay, they just… go. Across the grass. Towards the chickens. Into the garden beds. Up onto fence rails for a better look. And for a moment, you’re not orchestrating the day - you’re watching it unfold. Eighty acres of working farm where animals, growers, chefs and families move through the same landscape. On any given morning, toddlers spri

Looking for a family adventure like nowhere else on earth? Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens in the Byron Bay hinterland offers a nature-filled day out where children can explore, discover and let their imaginations run free. Families can save 30% with the Family Day Pass (2 adults and 2 children), making Crystal Castle a wonderful value day out. The pass includes all experiences and access to the seasonal Children’s Treasure Hunt, one of the highlights for young visitors. T

Visiting The Tweed with the family this Autumn? Discover fun and unique activities for kids right here in The Tweed. Fill their day with tractor tours, new nature trails, aquatic adventures and farmyard fun. Find exciting adventures the whole family will love here: Northern Rivers Rail Trail Credit Ryan Baldwin Farm Fun Visit exotic fruit farm, Tropical Fruit World , and hop onboard a tractor-led farm tour of the 500-acre farm. The experience includes tractor tour, boat cruis

Starting school is one of the biggest milestones in a child’s life – and for many parents, one of the most nerve-wracking. Handing over your little one, backpack almost bigger than they are, can feel like a leap of faith. At Pottsville Beach Public School, Assistant Principal (Early Stage 1) Kathy Frost has been guiding children – and their parents – through this transition for nearly 30 years. With warmth, wisdom, and a deep understanding of children’s evolving needs, she ha

As recommended by Boardwalk Books, Kingscliff Lots of summer activities at Boardwalk Books! Right by the sunny Kingscliff beachfront, Boardwalk Books is a bright and welcoming spot where families can discover their next great read. With shelves brimming with picture books, chapter stories, graphic novels and young adult favourites, it’s the perfect place to find stories for long summer days and beachside adventures. Owner Maryann Kirk and her friendly team love helping kids c

By Dr Helena Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world — almost two out of three Australians will be diagnosed in their lifetime. The good news? There’s a lot we can do to protect ourselves and our kids. Most of the sun damage that leads to skin cancer happens before the age of 20, so building good habits early really matters. Protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays — the invisible, high-energy light from the sun — is the key. Sun Smart Made Simple The

What are they and could they be affecting your child's development? Does your child struggle to sit still? Find handwriting, balancing, catching a ball or tying shoelaces difficult? Mix up left and right when following instructions? Seem unusually sensitive to noise, touch or light? Lose their place when reading? If you have noticed some of these signs, then potentially retained primitive reflexes might be at play. Primitive reflexes first develop in utero and are a set of