It’s that time of year when the mercury’s high and the vibes are even higher.
The summer school holidays are here, and with it, the promise of warm beach days and time spent together as a family.
But it also brings the question: how do you keep the kids entertained all summer long?
To make sure you never hear ‘I’m bored’ this summer, we’ve put together the ultimate guide of things to do and family-friendly activities across the Sunshine Coast, guaranteed to keep the kids (and you!) smiling from ear to ear.
Activities on the water
Learn to surf
Coolum Learn to Surf School, Coolum Beach
Tick ‘learn to surf’ off your kids' bucket list this summer with a surf lesson. Take your pick of Coolum Surf School, XL Surfing Academy or Merrick’s Learn to Surf Noosa and hit the waves.
Wake, fish and play at Bli Bli Watersports
Test your upper body strength with a wakeboarding class, tackle the inflatables at the Aqua Park and cast your line in the catch-and-release fishing facility at Bli Bli Watersports.
Run on water at Ozski Resort
Journey beyond Coolum’s beaches and you’ll find the world-class Oz Ski Resort. Learn from some of the best in the sport, before letting the kids run wild at the Aqua Park Coolum: an inflatable obstacle course located on the same site.
Noosa Ocean Rider
Noosa Ocean Rider, Noosa Heads
Choose from their Dolphin Safari or Adventure Tour and get out on the water with Noosa Oceanrider. Suitable for kids aged 6+, this is one school holiday adventure you won’t forget.
Free things to do
Follow the street art trails
Street Art, Nambour
Did you know the Sunshine Coast is home to some colourful street art trails? Head to Nambour or Caloundra for walls of inspiration.
Find all the BIG things on the Sunshine Coast
It’s time to bring out the checklist and go on the hunt for the Sunshine Coast’s BIG things! Your list includes: the Big Pineapple, the Big Barrel in Maleny, the Big Pelican in Noosaville, the Big Chair at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld and the Big Macadamia Nut in Woombye (part of the Treetop Challenge near the Big Pineapple).
Outdoor adventure
Visit Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Couple at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Native wildlife, rainforest walks, a discovery centre, café, playground and sweeping views of the Glass House Mountains make Maleny’s Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve a perfect day out this summer.
Go fishing at Golden Beach
If the sky is clear and the breeze is gentle, dust off the fishing rods and head over to Golden Beach in Caloundra for a fishing adventure.
Explore Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens
Let your kids run wild at Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens. Here the Whipbird Village garden is full of cubbies and pods made from living shrubs, with a calendar of summer events worth your while.
Kondalilla Falls at Kondalilla National Park, Montville, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast is home to some epic waterfalls, and summer is the perfect time to get exploring. Visit our guide to 10 hidden waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast, pack a picnic and cool off at these hidden waterholes.
Climb Mount Coolum
Kids climbing the walls? Climb Mount Coolum instead! Plan your hike for early morning or late afternoon and beat the summer heat, before cooling off at Coolum Beach.
Hit the trails in the Glass House Mountains
Picnics at Glass House Mountains Lookout, learning about First Nations history at the Glass House Visitor and Interpretive Centre, walking around the base of Mount Beerwah… there’s so much to see and do in the Glass House Mountains, you’ll easily fill a day (or two).
Have a beach day
Looking for family fun this summer? Our beaches have it in spades! Grab your Cool Cabana and make tracks to our sandy shores. Mooloolaba and Noosa are family favourites, or for something different, head to Chambers Island in Maroochydore for gentle waters and a riverside playground.
Head up the Great Beach Drive
Great Beach Drive along Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region
Jump in your 4WD and swap the bitumen for the great sandy highway on the Great Beach Drive. This journey takes you from Noosa to Rainbow Beach, and if you’re keen for someone else to take the wheel, book a tour with Epic Ocean Adventures.
Get on your bike
Did you know the Sunshine Coast is home to some epic mountain bike trails? For all the family fun you can have on two wheels, get pedalling through Ferny Forest at Ewen Maddock Dam in Landsborough or the purpose built Sugar Bag Road in Caloundra. Need a bike? Try Eco-tekk.
Visit Booloumba Creek
Experience a taste of the tropics on a 4WD adventure to Booloumba Creek in Conondale National Park. Here pristine turquoise creeks are surrounded by towering palm trees – perfect for picnics and camping. If you don’t have a 4WD, Sunny Jeeps can get you there (available for kids 7+ years old).
Kid-friendly Tours and Attractions
The Zog Trail at The Ginger Factory
The Zog Trail at The Ginger Factory, Yandina
Calling all explorers! These school holidays, download The Zog: A Forest Adventure App and follow the rainforest trail at The Ginger Factory. With train and boat rides, a soft play space and onsite café, a visit here is a sure-fire way to spice up your summer.
Be a Zookeeper for a Day
If your kids are wildlife-lovers and want to experience some behind-the-scenes action of zookeeping, be sure to book in the Zookeeper for a Day experience at Australia Zoo in Beerwah.
Visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Family at Sea Life, Mooloolaba
Calling all ocean fans! These school holidays, head along to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba to witness their magnificent Seahorse Kingdom, crew of Little Blue Penguins, entertaining Seal Island, and more. Tip: This is a great rainy-day activity too.
Book a farm visit at Highland Hideaway Experiences
Experience Gympie region’s country charm in full force at Highland Hideaway Experiences, where you can meet their resident Highland cows, baby goats, sheep and piglets and enjoy morning tea cooked over the campfire.
Meet the animals at Wildlife HQ
Wildlife HQ, located next to the iconic Big Pineapple, is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals. Meet the meercats, marvel at Marli the sun bear and keep up with the quokkas on this fun day out.
Discover Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
Birds at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Maleny
If having majestic macaws and cute cockatoos land on your head sounds like your kind of fun, Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is for you. Here the kids can meet the feathered friends in the walk-through aviaries, before petting the goats, sheep and chickens in the Farm Friends Petting Zoo.
Get lost at Amaze World
Explore the maze at Amaze World, Tanawha
Did you know the Sunshine Coast is home to a giant hedge maze? Find your way in (and out!) on a trip to Amaze World, which is also home to a playground, mini golf course, and outdoor puzzles.
Get your thrills on at Aussie World
Nothing screams summer like theme park visit, and Aussie World will have you soaking up the good vibes in no time. With adrenalin-inducing rides like the SX 360 and plenty of gentle rides for the tiny tots, it’s great for all the family.
Need for speed at the Big Kart Track
Big Kart Track, Landsborough
Reach speeds of up to 70km/h on a visit to The Big Kart Track – open until 10pm during the Christmas holidays. Located in Landsborough, race your kids (suitable aged 12+) to the finish line on this adrenalin-inducing adventure.
Take to the water with Aquaduck
What has four wheels, a giant bill and quacks like a duck? The Aquaduck! Departing from The Wharf Mooloolaba, the kids will love the journey from land to sea (and the chance to take the wheel!).
Get on track with the Mary Valley Rattler
For a journey back in time, jump on board the Mary Valley Rattler. Departing the Historic Gympie Station and journeying through the Mary Valley, the kids will love the drama of the puffing steam train.
Zip along a high ropes course
Kids at TreeTop Challenge, Woombye
If you’re looking to take your summer holidays to new heights (literally), book the kids in to tackle the Treetop Challenge Juniors high ropes course – located next door to the Big Pineapple – or Next Level High Ropes Adventure Course at Sunshine Plaza.
Join the Christmas Lights Cruise
If you’re looking to get in the Christmas spirit this summer, jump on board Saltwater Eco Tours’ Christmas Lights Cruise! The hour-long tour will take you along the Mooloolaba canals to spot the lights from the water, and is suitable for kids three and above.
Have a tee-riffic time at mini golf
Spend a morning on the green at Maroochy River Mini Golf, where sand traps, logs and water features add to the challenge, or test your putt putt skills at Holey Moley Maroochydore (a great option for a rainy day!)
Hop to it at The Big Boing
If you're looking for an activity that will have the kids jumping for joy (quite literally) these school holidays, book a session at Birtinya's The Big Boing where more than 50 interconnected trampolines create the ultimate indoor playground.
Eat and drink
Sunset fish and chips at Mooloolaba Beach
Nothing says school holidays like dinner on the beach. Take your pick from the fish and chipperies located at The Spit Mooloolaba and grab a seat on the sand. For more tried and tested kid-friendly places to eat & play, check out Little Sunny Coast for some insider tips from local mums.
Fill your basket at Farmers Markets
Kids up at the crack of dawn? Grab your basket and head out to one of the many farmers markets on the Sunshine Coast. Yandina Country Markets, Kawana Farmers Markets and Eumundi Markets are staples on a Saturday, with Fisherman’s Road Market perfect for early Sunday mornings.
Take on the 1kg donut challenge
1kg donut at Kenilworth Country Bakery, Kenilworth
Everything in moderation, right? Head to the charming hinterland town of Kenilworth for a bakery visit the kids will talk about long after summer ends. Kenilworth Country Bakery (also located at The Wharf Mooloolaba) is where you’ll find the 1kg donut challenge.
Museums, Art and Galleries
Take off at the Queensland Air Museum
Queensland Air Museum (QAM), Caloundra West
A stone’s throw from the sparkling beaches of Caloundra is an aviation display of epic proportions. With larger than life airplanes on display, Queensland Air Museum will take your summer outings to new heights.
Get hands on at The Pottery Studio
To unleash your child’s inner creative, book them in for a kids pottery class at The Pottery Studio. With step-by-step instructions they will leave with their own Christmas decorations.
Inspire and create at Caloundra Regional Art Gallery
Draw, cut, paint and create in a Kids Art Attack class before finding inspiration on the Kids art trail at Caloundra Regional Art Gallery.
Step back in time at a museum
Ditch the screens and learn how to turn cream into butter as you turn back the clock to the 1800s at Bankfoot House in the Glass House Mountains, before getting crafty with hands on activities at Landsborough Museum. It’s known as the ‘Town that Saved Queensland’ – and further north a visit to the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum will keep the kids so entertained you’ll feel like you’ve struck school holiday gold.