Discover endless fun with a treasure trove of free and low-cost activities for kids
FROM creative workshops and outdoor adventures to festive events and historical explorations, there’s something for everyone.
With so much on offer, enjoy planning and remember, places are limited for some events, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Visit Sunshine Coast Council’s website for more details and to register.
Pioneer play workshops
Journey into the past for free, with fun hands-on workshops that include butter churning, gold panning, wash day pioneer style and wooden games at Bankfoot House.
When: Various dates up to Friday, Jan 24, 11–11.40 am. Bankfoot House is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 3pm.
Where: Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains.
Details: Council’s website.
Unearth the stories of the forest
The forest has many stories to tell for those who look and listen carefully.
Visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre these holidays and you can:
• Write a letter to your favorite tree at the Giant Fig Tree.
• Listen to the Jinibara story of the carpet python and the storm.
• Record your story of visiting Mary Cairncross in the recording nook upstairs.
• Borrow a free Junior Ranger Kit or Nature Journaling Kit to use while you explore the forest track and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
• Create a story map of your walk in the forest.
All activities are free and suitable for all ages.
When: Open daily from 9.30am – 3.30pm (excluding public holidays).
Where: Rainforest Discovery Centre at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny.
Details: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve website.
Unique walk of HeART
Bring your family and go on a free Wild HeART Walk this summer at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden.
The Wild HeART Student Art Prize asked children and young people from the Sunshine Coast and neighbouring regional areas to create artworks depicting native species and the places they belong.
The Wild HeART Walk is an outdoor gallery trail celebrating the 21 outstanding finalist artworks across age categories 5 – 18 years.
From birds to bats and turtles to orchids, come and marvel at the larger-than-life artworks.
An experience suitable for all ages.
More school holiday events and activities at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden will be announced soon, keep up-to-date on their website.
When: Until Friday, Feb 7 during daylight hours.
Where: Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Palm Creek Road, Tanawha.
Details: Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden website.
Draw and discover
Visit the Caloundra Regional Gallery and take part in a self-guided drawing activity in conjunction with Nature and Culture – animal as object in the Gallery Artroom Space.
Free activity during open hours. While there, be sure to check out the Nature as Culture exhibition, it’s showing until Feb 2, 2025.
When: Tues to Fri, 10am – 4pm and Sat and Sun, 10am – 2pm.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Details: Caloundra Regional Gallery website.
Become a citizen scientist
Come along to one of the guided ClimateWatch Trails happening across the Sunshine Coast.
These school holidays, you can become a citizen scientist by discovering and snapping photos of plants and animals to help understand how climate change is affecting our environment.
No prior experience required, Sunshine Coast Council staff will be providing information and supporting you along these ClimateWatch Trails.
To get started create an account and register for the NatureWatch Sunshine Coast program in Better Impact using or login with your existing account.
In the ‘Opportunities Calendar’, secure your spot on one or more trails:
Lake Currimundi, 8.30 – 10.30am Thurs, Jan 9.
Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve – 7.30 – 9am Mon, Jan 13.
Draw animal objects
Join artist Deb Mostert for a children’s drawing workshop. Suitable for children aged 6+. Cost is $15 per child.
When: Fri, Jan 10, 10 – 11.30am. Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Details: Caloundra Regional Gallery website.
