Watch your kids’ eyes widen as they realise they can try anything they like from the entire buffet! Breakfast is continental style, complete with a selection of pastries, cereals, yoghurts and fruit and you can choose to add on hot items as well. The restaurant beckons children with bright, fun penguins dancing across the walls, a relaxed atmosphere and cosy, bright yellow booths. There’s a play area for toddlers inside the restaurant and a jungle gym right outside, so the kids can fill their tummies and then go and play. You can keep an eye on them while you wake up with your morning coffee. Check it out.
Just a 15-minute drive away, those who grew up on the Gold Coast will tell you that an evening out at Sharks is a child’s dream. They’ll be mesmerised by the huge fish tank – it even has small sharks in it! If you can drag them away, Sharks also boasts a great playroom for kids aged 3-12 years. It’s popular so be sure to book in advance. There’s a rock-climbing wall, mini basketball court and movie room – plenty to keep them entertained while mum and dad relax at the table. Just collect them when their food is ready.
Max Brenner:
A restaurant that only serves desert? It’s a kid’s dream! (okay, it’s a dream for adults, too!!). From dark chocolate covered waffles to decadent milkshakes and churros with chocolate dips, this place is a literal treat. Your taste buds will love it and your kids will be begging to go back!
TGI Fridays
Live the American dream for a night at one of Surfers Paradise’s newest restaurants. The extensive menu features American classics such as cheeseburgers, chicken wings and onion rings, as well as full meals. The kid’s menu has lots of choices and fun “stars” and “stripes” labels so you can choose the right sized serving for your little one (stars for little tummies and stripes for standard kids serves).
Pair your meal with a game of mini golf – it’s fun for the whole family. Sitting alongside the main golf course, the Boulders and Badlands mini-course has 18 holes, weaving through rocky terrain, streams and water traps. Finish off with a meal at The Club. There’s a range of lovely spots to eat, but our pick for families is The Backyard, so the kids can bounce on the jumping castle or hit the arcade while you soak up the atmosphere.