[Judydoll]

We will hopefully be spending a few days at the coast over New Year and would like to take children to either Dreamworld or Seaworld. Children are 8.5 and almost 3 years old. I don't know which one to pick and and am after suggestions as to which one to select? Thanks.

[elmo_mum]

seaworld! hands down!

most of the rides at dreamworld are for older people.. although they have an awesome water slides
they do have a "kids" area, but its a little person play area

at seaworld there are the animals, and most of the rides, 8year olds can go on, and there is a little ones are as well

they ahve water slides... not as cool or as many as dreamworld...

[Greatmum]

Seaworld for sure its great! But you do have to pay extra to use the water slides.

[CupOfCoffee]

I would also say Seaworld.

For teens (and even tweens) I would say Dreamworld, but for younger children, Seaworld suited us better. (also on a hot day, Seaworld has some places to hide from the sun, like the polar bear enclosure, the shark tunnel and the monorail.

But the other option, with the weather being like it is, is going to white water world or wet 'n' wild... both are awesome.

[.Jerry.]

Another vote for Seaworld. More geared to younger children. Closer to the beach areas. More educational factor.

[lisles]

Another vote for Seaworld. There is a lot to do for little people, and you can vary the pace between the thrill of the rides and quieter activities like watching the dolphin show or checking out the aquarium. Fun for all ages!

[elmo_mum]

i think you need to pay to get into the water slides at seaworld - but you definitely have to for dreamworld...

[Holidayromp]

Seaworld for younger kids but your 8.5 would have a ball at Dreamworld. Both parks are worlds apart from each other. Seaworld is animal based and only has a couple of fairly basic rides whereas Dreamworld is actioned packed with something for everyone. Dreamworld also has an area for the little ones plus rides you can ALL enjoy. But you will have to tag team with your partner to ensure you both enjoy the rides too.
As for the 8.5 yo it depends on the child but my 6.3yo girl had an absolute ball on the rides at Dreamworld.
I would recommend buying the VIP pass at Dreamworld so you, your partner can race around and do the awesome rides ahead of the crowds and then take the rest of the day at a sedate pace. That is how we worked it as DD2 was a little over 2yo. She had a ball.
To be quite honest out of both of the parks we all prefered Dreamworld.
If you choose to go to Seaworld and have the funds I would definitely recommend the helicopter ride. Everyone can go on that and the views are spectacular. Also book a table at the Buffet restaurant (reasonably priced) during the water show so you can watch in air conditioned comfort.
It will be stinking hot so make sure you drink lots of water and regularly apply heaps of sunscreen.

[Harmonica]

For those ages I would say definitely Seaworld - so much to see and a few rides that would suit both age groups!

[strawberrypie7]

I would say Dreamworld. They quite a few rides for the younger child in Wiggles world and Dreamworks area, as well as the Tiger and Wildife areas with animals. There are also shows in both kids areas. I was there in August with my DD, nephew (12 months then) and niece (nearly 3) and they all had a great time. There was even a play area suitable for my then 7 month DD which I LOVED.