HOTA (Home of the Arts) Gold Coast has so many options for a great family day out. The problem with HOTA is trying to fit everything in with just one visit.
HOTA is located in the heart of the Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise and is our city’s cultural precinct
HOTA presents live music, theatre, dance, comedy, opera, kids shows, art, cinema and much more. It is surrounded by parklands and a lake for locals to enjoy.
Some of the best things HOTA offers are ideal for you and your toddler including:
Children’s Gallery
Experience a family-friendly travel adventure at HOTA’s dedicated Children’s Gallery from 11th June 2022.
There’s no need to travel any further than HOTA’s Children’s Gallery where artist Martin Edge’s colourful paintings are brought to life in an inclusive space for fun and adventure.
So much to discover and explore. The Children’s Gallery is a MUST when visiting HOTA with your toddler and other children.
If you plan a trip to the children’s gallery set aside time to walk through the main gallery as it might surprise you how much your toddler will also enjoy this experience. If you are worried about exploring hands bring the pram for this part of your exploration.
Entry to the Children’s Gallery is FREE and Bookings are not required.
Rooftop Cafe & Bar
Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop is the Exhibitionist Bar. This spot is another MUST. Take a seat with a coffee or cocktail and take in the amazing views across the Coast to the Hinterland. With so much to see you might even get to enjoy your beverage in peace with your toddler immersed in the view.
Park, Playground & Lake with Stunning Views
The Park, Playground and Lake in the HOTA outdoor precinct is the perfect spot for a family outing. You can enjoy a picnic, a scenic walk along the water, a swim or play in the sand by the lake or let your toddler loose in the fully fenced playground.
The only problem with HOTA is trying to fit everything in with just one visit.
HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets
HOTA comes alive every Sunday morning from 6am to 11.30am with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion and handcrafted wears. It’s a lovely way to spend your Sunday morning browsing the markets with the stunning backdrop of the HOTA lake and park lands with their stunning views of Surfers Paradise. It is a popular destination for locals so prepare for a busy car park but with patience you will find a spot.
Other Events for the Family
HOTA have a range of events on offer suitable for families and children. Visit the HOTA Family/Kids What’s On Page for options and more information.
Toddler Review
We visited HOTA on a Sunday morning. Finding a car park wasn’t super easy with the markets in full swing but the car park is quite large so if you visit on a Sunday be patient and you will find a spot.
On first stop was a visit to the gallery. As we entered we were welcomed by staff who let us know everything there was to see particularly what would be of interest to the children. The staff were so friendly and engaging especially for the kids. This experience with the HOTA staff continued as we explored the entire gallery so a big shout out HOTA Gallery Team you made it a memorable and wonderful experience visiting your gallery.
We all enjoyed our visit to the Children’s Gallery were the kids were quick to jump in to the hands on craft activities and discover and explore all of the interactive elements of this gallery. We then went to the roof top of the Gallery to take in the stunning views of the Gold Coast and enjoy a coffee in the rooftop Exhibition Bar. We then made our way back through the rest of the gallery one floor at a time. It was enjoyable walking through the gallery and discussing the art with my toddlers as we went. I would suggest taking a pram if you plan to walk the entire gallery and your toddler is not a strong walker.
Once we were finished at the Gallery we decided to get back in the car and drive to the other side of the car park to be closer to the Lake and playground (the markets where ending so more spots were available). We then enjoyed a relaxing picnic with friends in the outdoor HOTA precinct. The adults could sit back and relax whilst the kids played on the lake beach, in the nearby fenced playground or on the grass in this great park space with more stunning views of Surfers Paradise.
It was a full day as we tried to experience everything that HOTA had to offer, the kids barely made it out of the car park before falling asleep. I am looking forward to our next visit and doing it all again. If you haven’t visit HOTA with your toddler definitely add it to your list!
What to pack (suggestions)
- Snacks and/or Picnic lunch
- Water bottles and hats for outdoor activities
- Picnic blanket and/or camp chair for picnic / playground / park activities
- Balls and sand toys for beach play
- Beach wagon, stroller or prams if you want to investigate all HOTA has to offer
