The joys of being a parent can sometimes be a little, ah, overshadowed, when the kids are expressing their sheer boredom and you’ve exhausted your allocation of trips to the playground.
Lucky for you, the Sunshine Coast/Gubbi Gubbi land has no shortage of different ways to entertain the kids. The Urban List team have done the hard yards and compiled 13 best things to do with kids on the Sunshine Coast in 2024.
Animal Experiences For Kids On The Sunshine Coast
Sea Life Aquarium
Mooloolaba
Image Credit: Sea Life Aquarium | Instagram
If your little one is particularly interested in the unique wonders of the underwater world, take a trip to Sea Life. You can buy a general admission ticket or treat the family to an aquatic animal experience. There are in-water penguin encounters, shark dives and seal experiences, which are as cute as they sound. You can even go the extra mile and book a sleepover in the aquarium, where you can ‘Sleep Under Sharks’.
If that wasn't enough already, Sea Life has just launched 'Seahorse Kingdom', a captivating new exhibit with more than 100 seahorses to admire and multiple interactives for guests to enjoy. The Atlantis-themed exhibit is one of the largest seahorse exhibits in Australia and showcases a huge variety of species. Don’t leave without a walk-through of the Ocean Tunnel— it’s nothing short of remarkable.
Australia Zoo
1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah
No animal experience on the Sunshine Coast is complete without a trip to the world-famous Australia Zoo, where crocs rule. You can make a day of exploring the wonders of the zoo or you can book in for an extra special encounter with lemurs, red pandas, wombats, meerkats, dingos and even rhinos.
There’s so much to do and see here, it’s hard to fit it all in one day. Lucky for us, there are annual passes available. We recommend spending an evening at the adjoining luxury Crocodile Hunter Lodge.
White Ridge Farm
130 Hamilton Rd, Elimbah
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Get ready to feed, pat and cosy up to the furry and feathered inhabitants at the unforgettable farm adventure that is White Ridge Farm. Meet the llamas, alpacas, horses, camels, cows, miniature goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks…the list goes on.
In between the pats, the kids can explore the adventure and toddler playgrounds, putt-putt golf, take a tractor ride or do a fossil dig. White Ridge Farm is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9am to 3pm, so it’s perfect for a mid-week adventure.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
233 Maleny Stanley River Rd, Maleny
The Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World offer an animal experience like no other. The Farm Friends shed is home to Mediterranean miniature micro donkeys (try saying that fast three times), miniature goats and more fluffy creatures.
Venture into the Bird World aviaries and get up close and personal with over 600 native and exotic birds. With parrots that talk almost as much as the kids, Maleny Botanic Garden and Bird World is an experience you won’t forget.
Indoor Things To Do With Kids On The Sunshine Coast
The Station
8 The Avenue, Birtinya QLD 4575
Image Credit: The Station | Supplied
The Station is the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant new family entertainment precinct, not only injecting fresh life into the former NightQuarter site in Birtinya but also creating a new space for little ones to let loose.
The family-friendly entertainment hub is open six days a week (with undercover areas for those rainy days) and stars a skate park Alley, a scooter and skate retail shop, an epic live entertainment concert venue, and a thriving food truck precinct where you can fuel up post-skate. For littlies, Alleys is our pick—it's perfect for everything from first steps on a skateboard to those wanting one-on-one sessions.
The Station is also currently hosting a plethora of school holiday activities in collaboration with local art legends Glitter & Goop, where kids can get hands on and creative in an inclusive environment. Glow in the dark slime, tie-dye pillowcases, and magical dragon gardens are all on the cards—secure your spot here.
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Glitter & Goop
Shop 7/12 Kelly Ct, Buderim QLD 4556
Image Credit: Glitter & Goop | Supplied
Speaking of Glitter & Goop, it would be remiss of us not include them in their own right. Describing themselves as "a creative, inclusive safe space for all ages and abilities", we dig them and so will your little ones. Kids' workshops, after school classes, candle making, parties, private events and adult workshops are just a taste of what Glitter & Goop does.
You'll see the talented team popping up at various venues and events around the Sunny Coast but you can visit them instore Tuesday to Saturday or keep up to date with their regularly changing workshops via their Instagram. Glow in the dark slime, anyone?
The Big Boing
24 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya
Stretch those legs, Mum and Dad because The Big Boing isn’t just for the kids. This indoor trampoline centre boasts over 50 interconnected trampolines, a Ninja course, trampoline walls and areas designed for even the smallest tot.
Each session runs for 60 minutes and trust us, it’s a surefire way to wear out the kids and give yourself a peaceful afternoon. Book online to secure a spot.
Timezone
Sunshine Plaza, 154 Horton Parade, Maroochydore
Image Credit: Timezone | Instagram
Why go anywhere else when you have Timezone, the one-stop-entertainment shop? Ten-pin bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, endless arcade games; you name it, they’ve got it.
Let the kids run a (completely supervised) muck while you kick back with a coffee at the on-site cafe. We love that Timezone is open every day of the week until late.
Spinners Bar & Bowl
37 Duporth Ave, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Image Credit: Spinners | Supplied
Bowling is a classic kid-friendly activity for a reason—they certainly love it and we know not to change a good thing. Spinners Bar & Bowl in Maroochydore is undoubtedly one of the Sunny Coast's best bowling spots with not just bowling alleys but pool tables, karaoke, bites and even a a bar for when the adults want to (need to) kick back.
Whether you're planning a family day out or throwing a birthday bash for your little one, Spinners has got your back. Think: bowling bonanzas, arcade adventures, pool table showdowns, and even some off-the-wall karaoke craziness. Plus, doors are open from 10am, so you can jumpstart the fun stuff bright and early.
Outdoor Things To Do With Kids On The Sunshine Coast
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
148 Mountain View Rd, Maleny
There’s no better way to get the kids outdoors than exploring the heart of Jinibara Country, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. The Rainforest Discovery Centre welcomes visitors of all ages to explore the multi-sensory and interactive displays.
This Maleny conservation park is open daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm with a gold coin donation entry. The kids will have so much fun here, they’ll completely forget it’s actually educational.
The Ginger Factory
50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina
Image Credit: The Ginger Factory | supplied
The Ginger Factory has been an absolute delight to families near and far, for more than 40 years. A real icon of the Sunshine Coast, there’s something for everyone with the 116-year-old train tour, live bee show and tasting, a special worldly boat ride, an impressive ‘Rainbrella’ trail with thousands of colourful umbrellas hanging from above, and unique shops all surrounded by sub-tropical gardens.
Psst, parents, treat yourself after a long day at the Ginger Kitchen Cafe. We recommend getting ginger syrup added to your coffee, it’s pure bliss.
Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden
51 Palm Creek Rd, Tanawha
Get the whole family in the car and head to the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden to learn, play and relax. The Whipbird Precinct nature play area has been designed for children born to be wild.
You’ll also find bush cubbies, obstacle challenges, hidden artworks and plenty of sensory delights. The best part though? It won’t cost you a cent. Plan your visit here.
Hands On Activities For Kids On the Sunshine Coast
Big Kart Track
2310 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough
Image Credit: Big Kart Track | Instagram
Parents and kids aged 12+, rev your engines—you’re about to reach speeds of 70 km/h at the largest commercial go-karting track in Australia at the Big Kart Track.
The main attraction is an international standard race track, capable of running 50 go karts at one time, with 1.2km of bending and hairpin track. Offering packages ranging from 15 minutes to a whole hour, you decide how long you want to feel the rush.
Amaze World
274 Tanawha Tourist Dr, Tanawha
If you’ve been on the Sunshine Coast for a while, chances are you’d remember the Bellingham Hedge Maze which originally opened in 1993. Today, it has been giving new life along with many other offerings at Amaze World.
The kids will be amazed (see what we did there?) with the mini golf, nature playground and water play, augmented reality and other mazes and puzzles.
Aussie World
73 Frizzo Rd, Palmview
Okay, so the Gold Coast might have just a few theme parks but the Sunshine Coast has Aussie World—the underdog—with rides and experiences coming out of the wazoo. The SX360 is Australia’s tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum, the Redback spins clockwise and anticlockwise while 13 metres high and the Mayhem Maze awaits those brave enough to venture in.
They certainly didn’t forget the little ones with a carousel, the Bug Run roller coaster and the Tin Lids Tea Party ride. Aussie World is, hands down, one of the Sunshine Coast’s best kid-friendly activities.
Looking for more kid-friendly activities? Check out:
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