About Surfside Kids Park
Discover our journey of creating magical memories for families on Australia's beautiful Gold Coast
Our Story
Founded in 2015 by childhood friends Emma Rodriguez and Marcus Chen, Surfside Kids Park began as a simple dream to create the perfect family destination on the Gold Coast. After years of traveling the world and experiencing various theme parks with their own children, Emma and Marcus noticed a gap in the market for a truly child-focused amusement park that prioritized safety, education, and genuine fun.
What started as weekend sketches on napkins in a local café evolved into extensive research and planning. The founders spent three years studying child psychology, safety protocols, and sustainable park management before breaking ground on the 25-acre Ocean Breeze Avenue site. They wanted to create more than just rides – they envisioned an immersive coastal experience where children could learn about marine life, creativity, and environmental stewardship while having the time of their lives.
The park officially opened its gates in March 2018 with five attractions and two workshop areas. Today, Surfside Kids Park has grown to become one of Australia's premier family destinations, welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually. Despite our growth, we've maintained the intimate, community-focused atmosphere that Emma and Marcus originally envisioned – where every child is treated like family and every visit creates lasting memories.
Our Mission & Values
Safety First
We believe that fun should never compromise safety. Every attraction, workshop, and activity is designed with the highest safety standards, ensuring parents can relax while children explore and play with complete confidence.
Learning Through Play
Our educational philosophy centers on making learning natural and enjoyable. Through interactive experiences, children discover marine conservation, creativity, and problem-solving skills without realizing they're in a classroom.
Environmental Responsibility
As coastal stewards, we're committed to protecting our beautiful Gold Coast environment. Our solar-powered operations, recycling programs, and environmental education initiatives inspire the next generation of eco-conscious citizens.
Community Connection
We're more than a business – we're part of the Gold Coast family. Our local partnerships, school programs, and community events strengthen the bonds that make our region special while supporting local families and businesses.
Our Leadership Team
Meet the passionate individuals who bring our vision to life every day
Emma Rodriguez
Co-Founder & CEO
With a background in childhood development and business management, Emma oversees all strategic operations at Surfside Kids Park. Her passion for creating meaningful family experiences drives our innovative approach to entertainment and education. Mother of two, she understands firsthand what families seek in quality recreational experiences.
Marcus Chen
Co-Founder & Creative Director
Marcus brings artistic vision and engineering expertise to every attraction and experience at the park. His innovative designs have won multiple international awards for creativity and safety. His philosophy of "wonder through design" ensures every corner of our park sparks imagination and curiosity in young minds.
Dr. Priya Sharma
Head of Child Development
Dr. Sharma leads our educational programming and child development initiatives. With a PhD in developmental psychology and 15 years of experience in early childhood education, she ensures our activities promote healthy cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Her research on play-based learning directly influences our workshop designs.
Jake Morrison
Operations Manager
Jake ensures the seamless daily operation of all park facilities and maintains our exceptional safety standards. His background in hospitality management and mechanical engineering makes him the perfect fit for overseeing our complex operations. His attention to detail guarantees every guest enjoys a smooth, worry-free experience.
Ready to Create Magical Memories?
Join the thousands of families who have made Surfside Kids Park part of their story
Whether you're planning your first visit or you're a regular guest looking to learn more about special events and programs, we'd love to hear from you. Our team is always ready to help you plan the perfect family adventure.