SCHOOL’s out and summer’s in, and the Sunshine Coast is overflowing with ways to keep kids entertained, active and off screens.
From movies under the stars to craft workshops, nature adventures, scavenger hunts and hands-on pioneer play, there’s something for every age and budget.
Here’s your bumper guide to holiday fun.
Travel Hacks for Cheap Adventures
Make getting around part of the holiday fun. Ride your bike for short trips to the beach, parks and shops, or jump on a bus to explore hinterland towns such as Yandina or Eumundi. Kids can travel across the Coast and even down to Brisbane for just 50 cents. For more information visit www. translink.com.au
Picture Culture: Here & Now
Celebrate local identity with a photo and short story.
Open to everyone including First Nations and diaspora communities; no experience needed.
When: Apply now until Jan 28, 2026
Where: Online via www.horizonfestival.com.au/news/open-call-for-picture-culture-here-now
Cost: Free
Note: Selected works exhibited May 2026.
Drop-in art activities.
There’s plenty going on for kids including a colourful new exhibition and a QAGOMA pop-up activity. Check the what’s on for details or head in for a visit.
When: Available during regular opening hours.
Tuesday to Friday, 10am–4pm.Saturday and Sunday, 10am–2pm.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Cost: Free.
Age: Suitable for all ages.
Details: Drop-in style activity. No bookings required.
Visit: www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Kids Photography Workshop
A fun introduction to photography.
When: Jan 7, Bankfoot House
Cost: $2
Age: 10+
Note: Bring a camera or phone.
Storytelling, Shows and Movies
Kids learn tricks from a real magician – Magic Glen!
When: Jan 15 at Caloundra (2–3pm) library.
Cost: Free, registration essential
Age: 7+
Library Adventures: Drop-In Craft, Magic & Quests
Elf Scavenger Hunt
Find mischievous elves hiding in the stacks.
When: until Decb 31.
Where: All libraries
Cost: Free
Age: All ages
Marauder’s Map Quest
Follow clues, uncover secrets, test magical skills.
When: Until January 25.
Where: All libraries
Cost: Free
Age: 6+
Magic & Dragon Crafting
- Wands & foil dragons (various libraries, free, ages 5+)
- Dragon pop-up craft (Beerwah & Coolum)
- Dragon gliders (Maleny & Nambour)
- Dragon eggs (Kenilworth)
Magician’s Craft
Make rabbits-in-hats, fortune-telling messages and more.
Where: Beerwah Thursday January 22, 10-12pm Cost: Free
Age: 5+
Magic Vault
Create your own mini illusion trick.
Where: Caloundra
When: Wednesday January 14, 10–11am. Cost: Free
Age: 6+
Kite Making
Perfect for breezy beach days.
When: Multiple dates
Where: Caloundra Library Tuesday December 30. 10–11.30am. Cost: Free
Age: 6+
Enchanted Activity Stations
Mazes, colouring, puzzles and more.
When: January 12 and 19
Where: All libraries
Cost: Free
Age: 4+
Puppet Story Time
Enjoy classic tales brought to life with hand puppets in an interactive Storytime experience.
When: Thursday January 15, 10.30–11.30am.
Where: Landsborough Museum.
Cost: Free. Registration essential.
Age: Suitable for ages 5 and under.
Details: Interactive puppet storytelling for young children.
Register: events.humanitix.com/puppet-story-time
Outdoors, Nature & Live Music
Wild HeART Art Trail
See 22 artworks by young finalists celebrating native species.
When: 6 Dec–6 Feb, daily 7am–6pm
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden
Cost: Free
Bushcraft with Natureweavers
Weave natural fibres, make summer wands, craft forest costumes.
When: January 10–15
Where: Maroochy Botanic Garden
Cost: $10
Age: 4–17
Secret Garden Live Music
A relaxed afternoon picnic with live music by Amaiya Faye and SOLUA.
When: Jan 11, 2.30–5.30pm
Where: Maroochy Botanic Garden
Cost: $15 adults, $5 kids (under 5 free)
TurtleCare Hatchling Club
Learn about local nesting turtles with craft and activities.
When: Jan 13, 8.30–10am and 10.30am–12pm
Where: Currimundi
Cost: $10
Age: 5–10
Bookings via Eventbrite.
Hands-On History
Pioneer Play at Bankfoot House
Make butter, wash clothes pioneer-style and play wooden games.
When: 10, 14 and 17 Jan
Cost: Free, registration required www. events.humanitix.com/pioneer-play
Bonus: Caregivers enjoy free tea and coffee.
Design a Museum Explorer Badge
Drop-in badge-making fun.
When: Jan 7–25
Where: Landsborough Museum
Cost: Free
Age: All ages
Climbing, Challenges & Big Energy
Base Zero Mobile Rock Climbing
Safe, fun climbing challenge for all ages.
When: 23 Jan, 10.30am–2.30pm
Where: Landsborough Museum
Cost: Free. Bonus: Includes special exhibition on climbing history.
Environmental Imagination
Parliament of Animals Workshops
Kids explore civics, nature and storytelling through role-play and costume-making.
When: 13 & 20 Jan
Where: Mary Cairncross Rainforest Discovery Centre
Cost: $5 per session
Age: 10–15 Note: Must attend both sessions. Tickets via Eventrite.
Still Need Ideas?
Adventure Sunshine Coast
Browse more than 250 trails for walking, riding, paddling and exploring hidden gems.
BeachSafe App
Check conditions, hazards and patrols before hitting the surf. Always swim between the flags.
Parks, Gardens, Pools and Pathways
Pack a picnic, visit one of the region’s parks, cool off at a Council aquatic centre, hit a skate or BMX park or explore the Coastal Pathway.
To find out more: www. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/whats-on/holiday-activities
www.botanic-garden.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/see-and-do
www. adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/experience-sunshine-coast/beaches-and-parks
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/experience-sunshine-coast/sports-and-leisure/skate-and-bmx-parks-on-the-coast
