Sunshine Coast summer holiday fun guide
Discover a summer of fun with our Sunshine Coast school holiday guide, packed with affordable adventures, creative workshops and family friendly events for all ages.
School’s out and summer’s in. Looking for ways to keep the kids active, curious and smiling these holidays?
Our Sunshine Coast Summer School Holiday Guide is bursting with sunny adventures, creative workshops and family friendly events to suit every budget.
Whether it's nature play or hands-on activities, there’s something for every age and interest. Make this summer one to remember.
School holiday hack: big adventures, tiny price
Rethink how you get around these school holidays and make getting around part of the fun.
Try riding your bike for short distances to the beach, shops or park. Heading further afield, jump on the bus to explore a hinterland tourism haven, like Yandina or Eumundi, or even travel across the Sunshine Coast and down to Brisbane for just 50 cents.
Details: Find out more and to plan your route.
Visit: Translink website
Open call for Picture Culture: Here & Now
Aboriginal actress Deborah Mailman on the set of the documentary Black Chicks Talking, photographed by Jo-Anne Driessens in Mount Isa, Queensland, in 2000.
Submit a photo and short story celebrating cultural identity, heritage or connection on the Sunshine Coast. Open to locals, First Nations storytellers and diaspora communities. All cameras welcome; no experience needed.
When:
- Applications open: Tuesday 11 November 2025.
- Close: Friday 28 January 2026 (Midnight AEST).
Where: Online submission (via Horizon Festival website).
Cost: Free to apply.
Age: All ages.
Details: Submit one photo taken in the past year, plus a short written story. Selected works exhibited in May 2026.
Visit: Picture Culture: Here & Now | Horizon | Sunshine Coast
Art activities at the gallery
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: Caloundra Regional Gallery
Puppet Story Time
Enjoy classic tales brought to life with hand puppets in an interactive Storytime experience.
When: Thursday 11 December and Thursday 15 January, 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: Puppet story time
Free outdoor movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Kick off the Christmas school holidays with this classic movie starring Jim Carrey. Free popcorn included.
When: Friday 12 December, 6.30–8.00pm.
Where: Bankfoot House.
Cost: Free. Registration essential.
Age: All ages.
Details: Outdoor screening of a family Christmas classic.
Register: Free outdoor movies
Build your own 3D Christmas Tree ornament
Get creative this festive season. Decorate and assemble your own 3D Christmas tree ornament.
When: Saturday 13 December, 10.30–11.30am.
Where: Bankfoot House.
Cost: $2 per person. Registration essential.
Age: All ages.
Details: Finished size: 17.5 x 17.5 x 22.5 cm, made from 3mm plywood. Materials provided.
Register: Build your own 3D Christmas Tree
Elf scavenger hunt
The elves are back and hiding in the library. Grab a scavenger hunt clue sheet and see if you can find them all before they get up to any mischief.
When: 13–31 December.
Where: All Sunshine Coast Library locations during open hours.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: All ages.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Festive hats
Are you feeling elf-y? Or maybe a party hat is more your style. Join the celebrations and decorate your own festive headwear.
When and where:
- Caloundra – Tuesday 16 December, 10–11am.
- Kawana – Tuesday 16 December, 10–11am.
- Maroochydore – Thursday 18 December, 10–11am.
- Nambour – Tuesday 16 December, 10–11am.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 4 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Toy Theatre Craft
Build your own Pollock’s Toy Theatre, a genuine Victorian theatre complete with stage, scenery, and characters.
When:
- Wednesday 17 December, 10.30–11.30am.
- Saturday 20 December, 10.30–11.30am.
Where: Bankfoot House.
Cost: $2 per person. Registration essential.
Age: Suitable for ages 10 and up.
Details: Materials provided.
Register: Toy theatre craft
Festive ornaments
Use craft materials to create your own festive decorations and spread the magic.
When and where:
- Kenilworth – Wednesday 17 December, 10–11am.
- Maleny – Tuesday 16 December, 10–11am.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 4 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Christmas star ornament craft
Design and decorate your own unique Christmas ornaments in this joyful crafting session.
When: Thursday 18 December, 10.30–11.30am.
Where: Landsborough Museum.
Cost: $2 per person. Registration essential.
Age: All ages.
Details: Materials provided.
Register: Christmas star ornament craft
Kite making
Create a cool kite using the materials supplied. Fun to fly when the weather is right.
When and where:
- Beerwah – Wednesday 17 December, 9.30–11am.
- Caloundra – Tuesday 30 December, 10–11.30am.
- Coolum – Tuesday 16 December, 10–11.30am.
- Maroochydore – Wednesday 17 December, 10–11.30am.
Cost: Free, registration essential.
Age: Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Marauder’s map quest
Grab a Marauder’s Map and start your quest. Follow the clues, uncover hidden magical skills, test your herbology knowledge or brew up a brand-new potion. Adventure awaits.
When: 13 December to 25 January.
Where: All Sunshine Coast Library locations during open hours (excluding mobile libraries).
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Wand wizardry and dragon foil art
Turn paper into an instrument of magic. A spot of decorating and Abracadabra your own wand!
Discover the fun of foil art and watch your colourful dragons come to life and breathe fire.
When and where:
- Beerwah – Tuesday 16 December, 10am–12pm.
- Caloundra – Thursday 22 January, 10am–12pm.
- Kawana – Tuesday 13 January, 10am–12pm.
- Kenilworth – Friday 23 January, 10.30am–12.30pm.
- Maleny – Wednesday 14 January, 9.30–11.30am.
- Nambour – Thursday 18 December, 9.30–11.30am.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Sacred Seasons craft day with First Nations artists
Connect with culture, creativity, and community alongside talented First Nations artists. Print and paint festive decorations with Renee Mead from Murri Girl Designs, craft a stunning native botanical wreath with Nadine McDonald-Dowd from Blak Botanics, or shape your own clay creation guided by Cholena Hughes from Cholena Hughes Art.
This is a special opportunity to learn craft techniques, share stories and create meaningful pieces to take home or gift to loved-ones.
When: Wednesday 17 December, 9am–12pm.
Where: Arts and Ecology Centre, Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden.
Cost: $10 per child.
Age: Suitable for ages for 5 to 17 years.
Details: All materials supplied.
Visit: Sacred Seasons craft day
Create your own beeswax Christmas candle
Learn to craft beautiful, handmade, rolled beeswax candles perfect for holiday décor or heartfelt gifts.
When: Friday 19 December, 10.30–11.30am.
Where: Landsborough Museum.
Cost: $2 per person. Registration essential.
Age: All ages.
Details: Materials provided.
Register: Create your own beeswax Christmas candle
Design your own Museum Explorer badge
Step into the shoes of a curious adventurer and create your very own Museum Explorer badge.
When: 7–25 January 2026. During opening hours, 10am–3pm.
Where: Landsborough Museum.
Cost: Free. No registration required.
Age: All ages.
Details: Drop-in activity.
Snap, click, create! Kids photography workshop
This fun and interactive workshop introduces kids to the exciting world of photography.
When: Wednesday 7 January, 10.30–11.30am.
Where: Bankfoot House.
Cost: $2 per person. Registration essential.
Age: Suitable for ages 10 and up.
Details: Bring your own camera or phone.
Register: Kids photography workshop
Bankfoot House Pioneer Play
Hands-on workshops exploring pioneer life. Make butter, wash clothes and play wooden games.
When:
Wash Day
- Saturday 10 January, 10.30–11.30am and 1.30–2.30pm.
Butter Churning
- Wednesday 14 January, 10.30–11.30am and 1.30–2.30pm.
- Saturday 17 January, 10.30–11.30am and 1.30–2.30pm.
Where: Bankfoot House.
Cost: Free. Registration essential.
Age: All ages.
Details: Caregivers welcome to free tea and coffee.
Register: Pioneer Play
TurtleCare Hatchling Club school holiday activities
A turtley awesome way to learn about the turtles that nest on our coast, their lifecycle, biology and fun facts with the TurtleCare Sunshine Coast team.
This is an indoor event with a range of art and craft activities.
No live turtles at the event.
When: Tuesday 13 January 8:30–10am and 10:30am–12pm.
Where: Windansea Clubhouse, Balinger Beach Park, Buderim Street, Currimundi.
Cost: $10 per child.
Age: Suitable for ages 5 to 10 years.
Details: All art materials supplied.
To book:
TurtleCare Hatchling Club 8.30–10am
TurtleCare Hatchling Club 10.30am–12pm
Base Zero mobile rock climbing: Challenge accepted
Test your skills on a mobile rock climbing wall: safe, fun and free for all ages.
When: Friday 23 January, 10.30am–2.30pm.
Where: Landsborough Museum.
Cost: Free. No registration required.
Age: All ages.
Details: Includes special exhibition on the history of rock climbing on the Sunshine Coast.
Visit: Summer school holiday program
Spellbinding scavenger hunt
A little magic has been sprinkled around the library. Can you find all the enchanted objects before they vanish?
When: 2–25 January.
Where: All Sunshine Coast Library locations during open hours.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: All ages.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Magic Glen
Come along to a magic school to learn magic tricks from… you guessed it… a real magician.
When and where:
- Caloundra – Thursday 15 January, 2–3pm.
- Maroochydore – Thursday 15 January, 10–11am.
Cost: Free, registration essential.
Age: Suitable for ages 7 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Magician’s craft
Can you pull a rabbit out of a hat? Have you played a fortune telling game with hidden messages for your friends? Drop in to find out how you can do both with crafty tricks.
When and where:
- Beerwah – Thursday 22 January, 10am–12pm.
- Coolum – Thursday 15 January, 9.30–11.30am.
- Maroochydore – Tuesday 13 January, 10am–12pm.
- Nambour – Thursday 22 January, 9.30–11.30am.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Magic vault
Unlock the secrets of magic. Build, decorate and amaze with this ultimate illusion trick.
When and where:
- Caloundra – Wednesday 14 January, 10–11am.
- Kawana – Wednesday 21 January, 10–11am.
- Maroochydore – Tuesday 20 January, 10–11am.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Details: Resources available until supply exhausted.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Dragon pop-ups and craft
Assemble the pieces to make your own fun dragon pop-up toy. Create an articulated dragon using craft items supplied.
When and where:
- Beerwah – Wednesday 14 January, 10am–12pm.
- Coolum – Thursday 22 January, 10–11.30am.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Dragon gliders and craft
Decorate and assemble a dragon glider ready for take-off. Create an articulated dragon using craft items supplied.
When and where:
- Maleny – Wednesday 21 January, 10–11.30am.
- Nambour – Tuesday 13 January, 10–11.30am.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Dragon eggs
Chip away at an egg and discover your own magical dragon.
When: Thursday 15 January, 10–11am.
Where: Kenilworth Library.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Details: Resources available until supply exhausted.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Enchanted activity station
Get lost in a maze, start sleuthing to find hidden words, join the dots to reveal a picture, colour, create and much more! We have activities for all those looking for a little something magical.
When and where:
- All Sunshine Coast Library locations (excluding mobile libraries). Monday 12 January, 9.30–11.30am.
- All Sunshine Coast Library locations (excluding mobile libraries). Monday 19 January, 9.30 – 11.30am.
Cost: Free, registration not required. Drop-in.
Age: Suitable for ages 4 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Stop-go animation
Make your own marvellous short films. Join us for a creative workshop and bring your imagination to life, one frame at a time.
When and where:
- Coolum – Tuesday 13 January, 10am–12pm.
- Kawana – Tuesday 20 January, 10am–12pm.
Cost: Free. Registration essential.
Age: Suitable for ages 7 and up.
Visit: Sunshine Coast Libraries
Wild HeART Student Art Prize – 2025 Finalists’ Exhibition Trail
Wild HeART celebrates Australia’s incredible biodiversity through the creative talents of local young artists. Explore the outdoor Exhibition Trail and find all 22 original artworks by this year’s finalists aged 5 to 18 years.
Each piece tells a unique story about native species and place. Explore, learn and share your voice by voting for your favourite People’s Choice.
When: 6 December to 6 February 2026, open daily 7am–6pm.
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden lower gardens.
Cost: Free.
Age: All ages. Family friendly.
Visit: Botanic Garden What’s On page
Bushcraft activities with Natureweavers
Join Natureweavers at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden for a hands-on holiday program designed for kids aged 4 to 17 years. Through creative workshops, children will connect with nature as they weave with natural fibres, craft costumes from forest treasures, draw trees, and make magical summer wands.
These immersive experiences nurture creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the Sunshine Coast Biosphere.
When: 10–15 January 2026 (dates and times vary).
Where: Kurrajong Shelter, Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden.
Cost: $10 per child.
Age: Suitable for ages 4 to 17 years (activity dependent).
Details: All materials supplied. Wear clothes suitable for artmaking and the outdoors. Registration essential.
Visit: Register for Bushcraft activities with Natureweavers
Secret Garden
Join Troubadour Wagons for a laid-back Sunday afternoon of live music in the beautiful bushland. Secret Garden is like a big community picnic:, family friendly, super relaxed and a lovely way to wind down at the end of the weekend.
Kicking off the 2026 program is a fresh, acoustic set by Amaiya Faye, followed by the get-you-dancing, Afro-Brazilian duo SOLUA.
When: Sunday 11 January, 2.30–5.30pm
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden open lawn.
Cost: $15 per adult, $5 for 6 to 17 years, 5 years of age or under free.
Age: All ages. Family friendly.
Details: BYO picnic, rug and chairs. No domestic pets.
Visit: Secret Garden tickets
Parliament of Animals
What would a flying fox, a shorebird, an endangered moth and a crayfish say, if they had a meeting with humans?
Come along to this special two-part workshop with Dr Sarah Pye and help us find out. This activity mixes role playing, costume-making, civics learning and environmental stewardship into an engaging experience that will get kids thinking about how we make decisions, and whose perspective gets heard.
When:
- Tuesday 13 January, 9.30am–12pm.
- Tuesday 20 January, 9.30am–12pm.
Where: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Cost: $5 for each workshop.
Age: Suitable for ages 10 to 15 years.
Details: All materials provided. Attendance is necessary for both Part 1 and Part 2.
Visit: Parliament of Animals tickets
Still searching for things to do?
Adventure Sunshine Coast
Looking to get outdoors with the family these school holidays? Explore the Sunshine Coast by bike, enjoy the fresh air and discover local paths and hidden gems near you.
For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding trails on the Sunshine Coast, visit Sunshine Coast Council’s Adventure Sunshine Coast website and choose your next adventure.
Are you beach ready?
Wherever you’re heading, make your visit memorable for the right reasons with the BeachSafe app. You’ll find the latest information about every Australian beach on the go, learn how to spot a rip, find beach patrol times and locations as well as beach conditions and hazards. Add it to your home screen and remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Even more Council offerings
Why not pack a picnic and visit one (or many!) of Council’s marvellous parks and gardens, make a splash at a Council aquatic centre, hone your skills at a Council skate and BMX park, or snap a selfie along Council’s scenic Coastal Pathway.