School holiday winter wonders, discover what's on

Sunshine Coast parents and caregivers delight, there’s plenty on offer to keep the kids busy during their break.

Take advantage of the mild weather and get out and about with one or many free or low-cost things to do.

Our action-packed list of boredom-busting fun offers something for everyone, so start planning now and remember, places are limited for some events, book early to avoid disappointment.

Sunshine Coast Council's winter school holiday guide

Explore local heritage 

If you’re looking for free activities to entertain the kids these school holidays, try a visit to Bankfoot House or Landsborough Museum.

The museums are open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm, pack a picnic and make a day of it.

And if you fancy a stroll, try one of our heritage walks or download the Discovery Guide to find all the heritage sites across the region.

When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm.

Where: Bankfoot House, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains and Landsborough Museum, 4 Maleny Street, Landsborough.

Details: Visit Council’s Heritage website.

Playschool live in concert

Join your favourite characters Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty to discover delightful games, songs and stories.

Filled with the adventures of imagination the show will take children across the sea, up in the sky and over the moon.

Cost is $27 plus booking fee.

When: Friday, June 21, 10am and 12pm.

Where: Venue 114, 114 Sportsman Parade, Bokarina.

Details: Visit the Venue 114 website.

Caloundra Regional Gallery

School holidays are the perfect chance to enjoy the new Contemporary Songlines exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery, on show June 21.

The exhibition is the result of a year-long collaboration between First Nations students, youth, and women, showcasing their collective stories and culture through unique ceramic Songline sculptures.

When: 10am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.

Details: Visit Council’s Gallery website.

Grassroots to Glory activity book

This activity book is an all-ages companion to the Grassroots To Glory: Aquatic Sports exhibition, with activities for in and out of the museum.

Celebrate and learn about our local sporting stars from water skiing to surfing, swimming, diving, lifesaving and outrigging.

When: Saturday, June 22, to Sunday, July 7 - Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm.

Where: Landsborough Museum,

Details: Visit Council’s Heritage website. 

Guided walks

Don’t miss your chance to become a citizen scientist and contribute to understanding how climate change is affecting our environment at one of three guided Climate Watch Trails.

To get started be sure to register via Eventbrite to secure your spot at one or more locations.

When and where:

• Friday, June 28, Kawana Forest, 8:30-10am.
• Wednesday, July 3, Currimundi Lake, 8:30-10:30am.
• Tuesday, July 2, Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve, 7.30-9am.  

Details: Visit the Council's website.

A wheely cool spin

The SkyLine Attractions Ferris Wheel is back in Caloundra and based at Kings Beach Water Fountain, next to the surf club.

The towering structure provides spectacular 360-degree views of Caloundra and the hinterland’s mountains from its 35-metre-high peak until July 21.

Cost is $10 for kids and seniors, $15 for adults or $50 per gondola, which seats up to six people

When: Available until Sunday, July 21.

Where: Fountain area on Kings Beach Esplanade, Caloundra.

Details: Visit the SkyLine Attractions website.

Cheer on the Falcons

Sunshine Coast Stadium hosts two SC Falcon’s games during the holidays.

On June 22, they go head-to-head with the Western Clydesdales and on July 7 they take on the Ipswich Jets.

Don’t miss seeing these rising stars in action and cheer on the Falcons at home these school holidays.

Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for concession and children aged 13 to 17-years and children aged 12-years and under are free.

When: Saturday, June 22, 5pm and Sunday, July 7, 2.30pm.  

Where: Sunshine Coast Stadium, 31 Sportsman Parade, Bokarina.

Details: Visit the Sunshine Coast Stadium website.

Photo by jadnmedia.

Bankfoot House

Pioneer children rarely had store-bought toys and had to use their imaginations and things they had lying around to come up with their games.

Come along to Bankfoot House these school holidays and using the materials provided make your own dolly pegs and whirly gigs (the original pioneer fidget toy).

Young and old are invited to get creative. Free tea and coffee provided. 

When: Saturday, June 22, to Sunday, July 7 - Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm.

Where: Bankfoot House, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains.

Details: Visit Council’s Heritage website.  

Fitness fun

Come along to Caloundra Indoor Stadium and keep active these school holidays. The indoor courts can be hired casually, so grab some friends and come down to shoot hoops or try something new like pickleball or badminton.

Popular activities include:

• Pickleball - $16.25 per court per hour - BYO paddle.
• Badminton - $20 per court per hour – BYO racket.
• Casual Basketball - $5.40 per person per hour - BYO ball.
• Casual Netball - $5.40 per person per hour - BYO ball.

If you’re looking for something more social, come down and play badminton on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-midday for $8.75 per player (BYO racket) or enjoy walking netball on Wednesdays from 10-11am for $5.40 per player.

When: Contact the Caloundra Indoor Stadium for availability on 07 5499 6000 or visit their Facebook page.

Where: Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North St, Golden Beach.

Details: Visit Council’s website. 

Calling all eco-creatives

Join the Sunshine Coast Nature Sketchers as they take over the Arts and Ecology Centre at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden from June 24 to 29.

They walk in areas of natural beauty across the Sunshine Coast and pay particular attention to endemic species, recording them in art journals - focusing on fungi, insects, birdlife, mammals and plants.

When: Monday, June 24 to Saturday, June 29. Open studio is 10am - 2pm daily and come and play (for families) is 10am – 12pm daily.

Where: Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Palm Creek Road, Tanawha.

Detail: Visit Council’s Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden website.

Naturally wonderful workshops

These school holidays a variety of workshops and events can be enjoyed by kids at the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary (Meet the Mangroves and As Above So Below) and the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden (Winter Weaving, Wild Wyrms Storytime, Dip Dye Bunting and Beetles, Bushland Pillows and Salves and Nature Photography).

Bookings via the eventbrite website.

When: From Tuesday, June 25, to Saturday, July 6.

Where: Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary, Sports Rd, Bli Bli and Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Palm Creek Road, Tanawha.

Detail: Visit Council’s Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden website.

Play without limits

Jump into a world of wild play, creative imagination, and skill-building, with the ever-popular City Makers program returning for the school holidays.

The MET, in partnership with Wildlings Forest School and Sunshine Coast Council’s Living Smart initiative, will run the City Makers across three days during the holidays, encouraging kids aged 3+ to create art, tinker, design and construct miniature cities.

Kids can also engage in nature-based play activities in the kitchen garden area with Robyn Cook, the Kitchen Garden Teacher.

Trained staff will help kids learn how to use the real hand-tools provided to bring their imaginings to life.

The Colombian Coffee Co. will be open on site for hot drinks and tasty treats; remember to bring your own coffee cup if possible and show the young ones you value the planet.

Previous City Makers programs have sold out, so you’ll need to act fast to book your tickets.

Cost is $8 per child, per session, bookings essential online.

When: Tuesday, June 25, Wednesday June 26 and Thursday, June 27, 9.30-11.30am.

Where: The MET, Corner First Ave and South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore

Details: Visit The MET website.

Have a tree-mendous time

Join a fun-filled morning of planting 1000 native plants as food for koalas, grey-headed flying fox and lots more wildlife at the Honey Farm Road Environment Reserve.

This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves nature. Enjoy a free sausage (veg option available) and you can even book a guided bird walk.

Registration is essential for this free event via eventbrite.

When: Wednesday, June 26, 9-11am.

Where: Honey Farm Road Environment Reserve (end of Honey Farm Road), Meridan Plains.

Details: Visit the eventbrite website.

Community beach clean-up

The whole family is invited along to Plastic Free Sea at Kawana Beach, organised by Visionary Ocean Warriors.

Come along for a beach clean, discover environmental organisations working towards a cleaner and healthier planet, participate in free workshops, and meet local companies doing it plastic free.

Fresh coffee, live music and happy vibes guaranteed.

When: Saturday, June 29, 8-11am.

Where: Coopers Lookout - next to Kawana Surf Club, Kawana Beach.

Details: Visit the event page on Facebook.

Drawing our Dhakkan/Mundagudda (Rainbow Serpent)

In this workshop, children will enjoy working with Aunty Jude Hammond, and Jaiva Davis, to explore from traditional stories of Dhakkan/Mundagudda (Rainbow Serpent), and create their own interpretation through artistic expression on craft boards with pencil and vibrant pastels.

Suitable for children aged 6-8 years. All materials supplied. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited places, registration required. Cost is $10.

When: Monday, July 1, 10.30am-12pm.

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.

Details: Visit Council’s Gallery website.

Create an air-dried clay Coolamon

Using air-dried clay, create a Coolamon ("Coolamon" is an Aboriginal name meaning "dish or vessel for holding food or water"). Under the special guidance of Aunty Jude Hammond, and Jaiva Davis, create a personalised Coolamon by carving out your own designs and symbols that best represent you using inspiration from all the Coolamons on display and from

Suitable for children aged 8+ years. All materials supplied. Limited places. Registration required. your own heritage. Cost is $10.

When: Monday, July 1, 2-4.30pm.

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.

Details: Visit Council’s Gallery website.

Kids Art Attack – Clay Creatures

Using air-dried clay, kids will have loads of fun exploring texture and shape as they create their favourite real or make-believe clay creature!

Kids Art Attack is held on the first Saturday of every month and is a drop-in style activity suitable for kids aged 4-10. All materials supplied. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $2.

When: Saturday, July 6, 11am—1pm.

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.

Details: Visit Council’s Gallery website.

Sunshine Coast Libraries

Embark on a mythical adventure at Sunshine Coast Libraries these school holidays.

Search for dragons hidden within the library, go on a quest to become a certified book dragon and unleash your creativity by making your own dragon shadow puppet.

For our young explorers who are more mechanically minded, take part in the weekly Future Engineers sessions.

Book in for a Holiday Pack to dig for your own dragon or join in the fun at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens for a wild adventure.

Young adults are invited to take part in an after-hour trivia night to test their Fourth Wing knowledge and become the ultimate Dragon Rider. 

Book now by visiting the Libraries website.

Fourth Wing Trivia Night

Do you dare cross the parapet and enter into the world of Basgiath War College? Join Sunshine Coast Libraries for a Fourth Wing trivia night designed to test you at every turn.

Come dressed for the occasion and enjoy light refreshments at Maroochydore Library after dark. Suitable for ages 16+.

• Maroochydore Library on Thursday, July 4, at 5.30-7pm.
  

Wild Wyrms Activities in the park

Find Sunshine Coast Libraries in the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens for a huge morning of dragon-themes activities, stories, quests and more. Suitable for all ages.

• Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, July 2, from 10-11.30am.

Dog Safety Week Storytime

A special Storytime featuring the children’s book "When Sammy met Sunny".

Enjoy craft activities, grab a take-home Sunny’s Pet Safety bag and meet the mascot Sunny. Suitable for ages 3+.

• Caloundra Library on Monday, July 1, from 9.30-10.15am.
• Maroochydore Library on Tuesday, July 2, from 9.30-10.15am.
• Caloundra Library on Monday, July 1, from 9.30-10.15am.
• Maroochydore Library on Tuesday, July 2, from 9.30-10.15am.

Dragon Academy Quest

Dragon Academy is calling. Pick up a Dragon Academy Quest card from your local library and follow the clues to complete the challenges. Suitable for all ages.

• All libraries and mobile libraries from June 22 during open hours.

Dragon Egg holiday take home pack

Excavate the golden egg to discover your very own dragon. Register for a take home pack and nominate your preferred library to collect. Suitable for ages 6+.

• All libraries and mobile libraries, pick-up from June 22 during open hours.

Scavenger Hunt

Search the library for all the hidden dragons. Follow the clues, answer correctly and move onto the next!  Can you find them all? Suitable for all ages.

• All libraries and mobile libraries from June 22 during open hours.

Dragon Shadow Puppet Craft Activity

Make your own dragon puppet. Use a collection of cardboard and other assorted collage materials to bring your shadow puppet to life. Suitable for ages 5+.

• Coolum Library on Tuesday, June 25, 9.30-11am.
• Beerwah Library on Tuesday, June 25, 10am-12pm.
• Caloundra Library on Tuesday, June 25, 10am-12pm.
• Nambour Library on Tuesday, June 25, 10am-12pm.
• Maroochydore Library on Tuesday, June 25, 10am-12pm.
• Kawana Library on Wednesday, June 26, 10am-12pm.
• Kenilworth Library on Wednesday, June 26, 9.30-11.30am.
• Maleny Library on Wednesday, June 26, 10am-12pm.

Future Engineers Club

Join your friends to meet engineering challenges with a range of materials. Suitable for ages 6+

• Beerwah Library on Friday, June 28, 3-4.30pm and Friday, July 5, 3-4.30pm.
• Caloundra Library on Friday, June 28, 3-4.30pm and Friday, July 5, 3-4.30pm.
• Coolum Library on Thursday, June 27, 3-4.30pm and Thursday, July 4, 3-4.30pm.
• Kawana Library on Tuesday, June 25, 3-4.30pm and Tuesday, July 2, 3-4.30pm.
• Kenilworth Library on Tuesday, June 25, 3-4.30pm and Tuesday, July 7, 3-4.30pm.
• Maleny Library on Thursday, June 27, 3-4.30pm and Thursday, July 4, 3-4.30pm.
• Maroochydore Library on Friday, June 28, 3- 4.30pm and Friday, July 5 3- 4.30pm.
• Nambour Library on Friday, June 28, 3-4.30pm and Friday, July 5, 3-4.30pm.

Adventure Sunshine Coast

Looking to get outdoors with the family these school holidays?

For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding trails on the Sunshine Coast, visit Council’s Adventure Sunshine Coast website and choose your next adventure.

Need even more school holiday inspo?

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.