Sunshine Coast Adventure Guide for School Holidays

Fun ideas to keep the kids busy this school holidays (and happy!)

School holidays are just around the corner, which means two weeks of keeping the kids entertained, active and (hopefully) off screens.

The good news? On the Sunshine Coast, we’re spoiled for choice. From outdoor adventures to creative workshops and family-friendly attractions, there’s plenty to fill the days.

Here’s your go-to guide to making the most of the school holidays...

Image Credit: Visit Sunshine Coast

1. Get outdoors & explore - beach days with a twist

You can’t go past a classic beach day, but why not mix it up to keep things interesting! You could try:

• Try bodyboarding or surfing lessons
• Pack a picnic and stay for sunset at the Bluff in Alex
• Set up a beach scavenger hunt

Some of our favourite spots are Mooloolaba Beach (great for younger kids), Currimundi Lake (perfect for paddle boading), Kings Beach (hello playground and water fountains) & Noosa Main Beach (calm and very family friendly!).

Image Credit: Tourism Sunshine Coast

2. Park & Playground Hopping

Why not turn a normal park visit into a mini adventure and hit a different park each day. You can read all about our top park recommendations here but some of our must visits are:

• Cotton Tree Park (BBQs, river, playground)
• Pioneer Park (huge open space + all abilities friendly)
• Grahame Stewart Park (epic for older kids with flying foxesm basketbal and the ultimate bike track)
• Hinterland Adventure Playground Cooroy (the park that truly has it all)

Image Credit: Sunshine Coast Council

3. Hinterland Adventures

For something a bit different, why not head inland? The Sunshine Coast hinterland has a lot to offer kids on the Coast! Think walks around Maleny, the Kondalilla falls national park, easy hikes around Mary Caincross scenic reserve or just walking the main street of Montville - all perfect for burning energy and getting the kids outdoors.

Image Credit: Visit Sunshine Coast

4. Family Attractions are an easy win

The Sunshine Coast has a lot to offer in terms of family attractions, and they can be more affordable if you choose to take a picnic lunch and avoid the gift shop. Some of our favourites are 

• Australia Zoo — always a hit with all ages
• SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium — great for a half-day activity
• Big Kart Track — ideal for older kids (and fun for parents too)
• Bli Bli Watersports Complex — inflatable fun on the water
• The Mary Valley Rattler - steam train fun on our doorstep in Gympie
• The Ginger Factory - lots of fun for younger kids
• Amaze World - perfect for kids in primary school
• The Big Pineapple - a nice relaxing train ride and Wildlife HQ all in one place!

Image Credit: Visit Sunshine Coast

5. Creative and Indoor Activities

Not every day needs to be outdoors (especially if the weather turns), here are some of our favourite indoor options...

Workshops & Classes

Keep an eye out for fun workshops at different locations across the Sunshine Coast.

• Art and craft workshops
• Pottery or painting sessions
• Kids cooking classes

Local spots like Caloundra Regional Gallery often run school holiday programs.

Image Credit: Kids on the Coast

6. Rainy Day Go-Tos

The weather sometimes doesn't go our way, so here are some of our top recommendations for indoor fun for school-aged children.

• Movies at Event Cinemas
• Indoor play centres like the Big Boing & Kids Adventureland
• Bowling or arcade games at Strike
• Get skating at Caloundra Roller Drome

Image Credit: Caloundra Rollerdrome Facebook

7. Get Active

For kids who need to burn energy:

• APEX School Holiday Program
• Motiv-8 Sports Holiday Program
• Sunshine Coast Lightning Netball Clinics
• Holiday programs at local sporting clubs (think dance, acro & gymnastics)
• Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct school holiday program
• Skate parks across the Coast
• Bike rides along the coastal pathways
• Kick the footy or cricket at your local oval

For active kids you could even set a family challenge, things like daily step goals, bike rides or mini sports competitions.

Image Credit: Outdoors Queensland

8. Keep It Simple (and Fun)

Some of the best holiday moments are the simplest:

• Ice cream runs after dinner
• Sunset fish and chips by the beach
• Backyard movie nights
• Letting the kids help plan a “day out”

It doesn’t have to be packed every day, a mix of outings and downtime works best.

Final Tip: Let the Kids Help Plan

Give them a few options and let them choose what they want to do each week. It keeps them excited and takes a bit of pressure off you. So all you need to do now is pack the snacks, load up the car, and turn your local school holiday fun into an adventure.