Affordable kid-friendly activities on the Sunshine Coast

There’s no shortage of ways of making fun, affordable memories on the Sunshine Coast. Here’s just a few ways of how to make them!

Let the adventure begin! Under water, over the water, through the air, there are countless ways to get the kids out and about on the Sunny Coast without spending a small fortune.

Bargain beach days

With over 100km of coastline, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a spot to lay down your beach towel for a day by the water. If you’re looking for some extra kid-friendly hotspots, we suggest checking out Mooloolaba Beach, Coolum Beach, or Kings Beach at Caloundra. At Kings Beach, you’ll be able to access the stunning saltwater ocean pool for a game of Marco Polo or bring out the boogie boards to carve up some waves down by the shore. Little kids will also find plenty to giggle about at the Kings Beach Fountain – an easily accessible spray waterpark bursting with jets of natural seawater.

Family in Kings Beach Ocean Pool, Caloundra

Alternatively, Mooloolaba boasts one of Queensland’s best beaches (as voted by TripAdvisor) and holds a fabulous, central spot on the Sunshine Coast map – making it the ideal launchpad for a range of fun activities. After spending a couple of hours in the cooling water and soaking up the sun, your family will be in the prime position to explore all that our region has to offer.

Get competitive, adventurous, and inspired

Fun at Aussie World

You won’t have to look far from our beaches for some extra family fun – Aussie World is just over 20 minutes' drive away from Kings Beach, and promises plenty of adrenaline-fuelled action for young kids and adults alike. With rides ranging from their stomach-dropping Dingo Racer, to their slightly tamer (but no less colourful!) Bug Run, you’ll be set for several hours of thrilling entertainment.

If you’d prefer to keep things more coastal, be sure to check out SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. This animal haven celebrates the magic of our underwater world with an abundance of aquarium displays, seal shows, and interactive opportunities (like their brilliant Tidal Touchpool). Best of all, SEA Life can be found only a short distance (300m!) from Mooloolaba Beach itself, making it a great choice if you don’t have a hire car.

Aquaduck, Sunshine Coast

Mooloolaba is also home to the Aquaduck – a unique, family-friendly experience that covers both dry land and the picturesque Mooloolah River. As you glide through the river, you’ll catch glimpses of luxury canal mansions and learn more about the local area. Once aboard and on the water, kids will even have the chance to practice their skipper skills by taking the helm of the ‘Duck’... something that promises to be a photo-worthy and memorable experience for everyone!

Heading inland

If you’re keen to make tracks for our lush subtropical Hinterland, we suggest making a day of it – with stop-offs at Amaze World (Tanawha) and Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World along the way. Get the scorebook out and the prizes ready for whoever can conquer the challenges at Amaze World: a wonderland of twisty mazes, puzzles, mini-golf and more. After a family picnic for lunch, continue the road-trip up the picturesque Blackall Range towards Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld – a vibrant outdoors destination that spotlights all things natural. We’re talking a diverse range of feathered friends, sweeping views of the Glass House Mountains and plenty of other nature-based delights.