If you’re looking for things to do these school holidays on the Sunshine Coast, we’ve crafted up a perfect pocketbook of activities to keep you and your family busy.
From meeting farmyard friends to zipping along on rides, here are some things that need to be on your to-do list.
Head to Aussie World
Fun at Aussie World, Sunshine Coast
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Dial up the school holiday fun (and the thrills!) a notch with a visit to Aussie World. Here, you can keep the whole family entertained with the fun range of rides and attractions on offer—including mini golf, coasters, a giant slide, a gorgeous carousel, and much more. If you can swing it, time your visit for 11 April and book tickets to Aussie World’s 'Ride the Night - Glow After Dark' event, where you can enjoy a live DJ, glow gear, unlimited rides and more.
Check out rainforest critters and mountain views
Family at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Native wildlife, an epic rainforest, and sweeping views of the Glass House Mountains combine at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny. You’ll also find an on-site cafe, Rainforest Discovery Centre, and picnic shelters to cook up your own barbecue lunch.
Good to know: Head to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve early to secure your barbecue spot or picnic table, as this is a very popular destination in the school holidays.
Up next? Take the short 8-minute drive to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World for some seriously breathtaking views and adorable animal encounters. Here, you can check out their larger-than-life aviaries and meet the Farm Friends in their petting zoo.
Holiday deals just for you
Deal
Stay 3, Pay 2
Stay 3 Nights & Pay for 2 when you holiday in February & March 2026.
Mandolin Beachfront Resort
Deal
Dinner on Us
Escape to the hinterland for a getaway at Spicers Tamarind Retreat and enjoy a complimentary dinner
Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Deal
Stay 3, Pay 2
Stay 3 Nights & Pay for 2 when you holiday in February & March 2026.
Alexandria Apartments
Deal
Book 2 Nights + Complimentary Maleny Cheese Voucher
Book a 2-night stay at Lovestone Cottages and savour the true flavour of the Sunshine Coast Hinterla
Lovestone Cottages Montville
Deal
Family & Co | Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Book 1 room and get the second 50% off* so your children or grandchildren can play to their heart's
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Deal
Early Bird - Book 30 days out!
Book your Sunny Jeeps adventure in advance and enjoy a special early-bird discounted rate. Perfect
Sunny Jeeps
Deal
March 2026: Stay 4, Pay 3
Keep the summer vibes alive with an extra night on us! Stay 4 nights and pay for only 3 at Osprey A
Osprey Apartments
Deal
Save 10% on Aquaduck Land & Water Tour Mooloolaba
Save 10% off adult tickets for the Aquaduck's iconic land and water tour in Mooloolaba. This fun, fa
Aquaduck Sunshine Coast
Deal
SIGNATURE SPECIAL
90min 4 Course Gourmet Lunch in the Waterfront Restaurant 90min Bathhouse, Traditional Sauna & Ste
Tank Bathhouse & Day Spa
Deal
Book four nights and only pay for three
Available for selected dates throughout the year
Coolum Beach Resort
Wear the kids out
Family in the Ocean Tunnel at Sea Life Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba
Kick off a day of action with a visit to Australia Zoo, or enjoy some boredom-busting fun with a session at Rush Adventureland in Maroochydore. Keep the good times rolling at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, where you can soak up plenty of underwater magic, including checking out the crew of adorable Blue Penguins and exploring the jaw-dropping ocean tunnel.
Family fun at Amaze World, Sunshine Coast
Get active as you step into the multi-level Laser Tag arena at Laserzone Sunshine Coast, marvel at the epic world of virtual reality at Zero Latency, zoom over to the Big Kart Track, or hit The Big Boing for some trampolining action. Ready to tackle a maze? Amaze World has got you covered. Featuring twisty mazes to challenge the WHOLE family, plus mini golf, puzzles and more, you’ll be set for hours of entertainment. At The Ginger Factory in Yandina, you can wander along the Zog Trail, hop on the Overboard ride, and have loads of fun meeting animals at the Old Macdonald's Petting Zoo (running 13-17 April only).
Chase some water action... or play mini golf
Make the most of the autumn sunshine and hone your water-skiing skills at Oz Ski Resort in Coolum. Keen to learn how to eFoil? The team at Fliteschool Noosa has you covered. When it’s time to get competitive, head to the Maroochy River Mini Golf, where you can putt and play across 18 fun-filled holes.
Meet some furry friends
Highland Hideaway Experiences, Gympie Region
Situated on an idyllic countryside property in Lower Wonga (25 minutes-drive from the Gympie CBD), Highland Hideaway Experiences is home to some super adorable Highland cows, goats, sheep, and piglets. Book yourself a spot on one of their Farm Tours—you'll thank us later! For any budding train enthusiasts in the family, you’ll want to make sure you leave some room in the itinerary to stop by and experience the historic Mary Valley Rattler in Gympie.
Find all the BIG things on the Sunshine Coast
The Big Pineapple, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
It’s time to bring out the checklist and go on the hunt for the Sunshine Coast’s BIG things! While we might all think of the Big Pineapple when it comes to naming GIANT features of the Sunshine Coast, did you know there are several other big things?
We’re talking about the Big Barrel in Maleny, the Big Pelican in Noosaville, the Big Chair in Maleny (you’ll have to pay an entry fee to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World), and the Big Macadamia Nut in Woombye (part of the TreeTop Challenge and right near Wildlife HQ and the Big Pineapple). With plenty of photo opportunities along the way, your kids will officially have the biggest bragging rights about their travels when they return to school.
Family-friendly dining
Family Picnic at The Spit, Mooloolaba
School holiday fun doesn't just stop at our attractions. You’ll find great play spaces for the kids at Matso’s Sunshine Coast (located right near the Eumundi Markets), as well as The Doonan, which also has a jumping pillow, slide, and more. For an iconic local experience, we suggest taking your pick of the prime sunset viewing spots on Mooloolaba Beach and grabbing some classic fish and chips from the nearby Fisheries on the Spit.
Looking for more things to do on the Sunshine Coast? Continue exploring right here.
Holiday deals just for you
Deal
Stay 3, Pay 2
Stay 3 Nights & Pay for 2 when you holiday in February & March 2026.
Mandolin Beachfront Resort
Deal
Dinner on Us
Escape to the hinterland for a getaway at Spicers Tamarind Retreat and enjoy a complimentary dinner
Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Deal
Stay 3, Pay 2
Stay 3 Nights & Pay for 2 when you holiday in February & March 2026.
Alexandria Apartments
Deal
Book 2 Nights + Complimentary Maleny Cheese Voucher
Book a 2-night stay at Lovestone Cottages and savour the true flavour of the Sunshine Coast Hinterla
Lovestone Cottages Montville
Deal
Family & Co | Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Book 1 room and get the second 50% off* so your children or grandchildren can play to their heart's
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Deal
Early Bird - Book 30 days out!
Book your Sunny Jeeps adventure in advance and enjoy a special early-bird discounted rate. Perfect
Sunny Jeeps
Deal
March 2026: Stay 4, Pay 3
Keep the summer vibes alive with an extra night on us! Stay 4 nights and pay for only 3 at Osprey A
Osprey Apartments
Deal
Save 10% on Aquaduck Land & Water Tour Mooloolaba
Save 10% off adult tickets for the Aquaduck's iconic land and water tour in Mooloolaba. This fun, fa
Aquaduck Sunshine Coast
Deal
SIGNATURE SPECIAL
90min 4 Course Gourmet Lunch in the Waterfront Restaurant 90min Bathhouse, Traditional Sauna & Ste
Tank Bathhouse & Day Spa
Deal
Book four nights and only pay for three
Available for selected dates throughout the year
Coolum Beach Resort
By Visit Sunshine Coast
Published 7 days ago
