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School holiday activities on the Sunshine Coast for 2021

Fill up the kids' school holiday itineraries with botanical garden visits, whale watching and even some backyard fun.

Tamara Medojevic
Tamara Medojevic

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A bike ride along the shore at Noosa

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Sit back and relax because we've got your school holiday plans sorted this upcoming break, from top attractions, to activities jam-packed with fun right at home and road trips that are a short drive from the Sunshine Coast.

Top outdoor activities for the summer school holidays on the Sunshine Coast

Explore everything nature has to offer

The school holidays is the perfect time to rediscover those lush green landscapes of the Sunshine Coast we've all come to know and love.

Maleny Botanic Gardens Entry and Devonshire Tea
Maleny Botanic Gardens Entry and Devonshire Tea

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Noosa Hinterland Scenic Canoe and Abseil Tour
Noosa Hinterland Scenic Canoe and Abseil Tour

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Get up close and personal to wild sea life

Check out some humpback whales and give the little ones a chance to see some of the world's giants in person these upcoming school holidays.

Seasonal Whale Watching Cruise in Sunshine Coast
Seasonal Whale Watching Cruise in Sunshine Coast

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Dolphin Spotting Kayak and 4WD Adventure Day Tour
Dolphin Spotting Kayak and 4WD Adventure Day Tour

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Head out onto the water

If you've got some water babies as well as some of that gorgeous December and January weather on your hands, these activities are sure to fill the days with excitement.

Spend the day at Sunshine Coast's attractions

Treat the kids to a day out to the world-famous SEA LIFE (and why not check out a show or two while you're there?) or say hello to those famous Sunshine Coast waves.

Dolphin Cruise to the Tangalooma Wrecks
Dolphin Cruise to the Tangalooma Wrecks

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Top at-home activities for the summer school holidays on the Sunshine Coast

Learn a new skill

If you've got some creative minds on your hands then you can't go past some DIY creations these school holidays, from learning to paint to making pieces you'll hold onto for a lifetime.

Have some virtual fun

RedBalloon is bringing the fun to kitchens and backyards across the country these school holidays. If you want to utilise being at home during this upcoming break, these virtual classes bring together interactive learning as well as entertainment.

Online Private Roblox Game Lesson for Kids
Online Private Roblox Game Lesson for Kids

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Read away the boredom

No matter what their favourite genre is, investing in a few books over the school holidays is always a great idea. From adventure comics to tales of history, they'll be transported to another world from their own home.

Play on the gaming console

For those rainy days when the weather means staying in, you can't go wrong with a gaming console. A range of games means you can pick from child-friendly, adventure or problem solving.

Have a movie marathon

Grab your favourite popcorn and settle in for a night of adventure, comedy, romance, sci-fi or horror with any one of the following streaming services. Gone are the days of driving to the local Blockbuster; now you have thousands of movies at your fingertips.

Play with board games, puzzles and cards

Have them spend those quieter days together with a couple of friends putting together a 3D puzzle or competing in a game of UNO – there's no going wrong with the classics or movie favourites.

Keep them fit

From a game of backyard cricket to practising their soccer skills, investing in some fitness equipment will help keep them off the couch and up and running these holidays.

Road trips you can take from the Sunshine Coast during the school holidays

Maleny

Distance from Sunshine Coast: Around 40 minutes via car and 1.5 hours by public transport.

Situated south-west of the sunny coastline, Maleny is perfect for getting out of the city without having to travel too far. We suggest checking out the pristine gardens, local markets and rainforests.

Rainbow Beach

Distance from Sunshine Coast: 1.5 hours by car and 4.5 hours via bus.

Head north of the city, and take the kids out for a day on the coast. We recommend taking a picnic down to the beach while the sun goes down. There are also plenty of small tours that you can partake in including watersports, hiking, horseback riding and walking trails.

Noosa

Distance from Sunshine Coast: 35 minutes via car.

The Noosa Shire is made up of coastlines and national park. So from hiking opportunities in the bush to a number of water sports, there's something for everyone in the family with a trip up north.

Glass House Mountains

Distance from the Sunshine Coast: 40 minutes by car and 1 hour via public transport.

The Glass House Mountains make for the perfect weekend getaway. Offering a range of family-friendly activities, spend the day taking a hinterland tour or see it all from the sky with a helicopter flight.

Glass House Mountains Rock Climbing Experience
Glass House Mountains Rock Climbing Experience

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Private Motorcycle Tour in Queensland region with Lunch
Private Motorcycle Tour in Queensland region with Lunch

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Free school holiday activities on the Sunshine Coast

  • Go down to the beach for a stroll and picnic.
  • Enjoy a hike on one of the national park walking trails.
  • Sort out dinner with some fishing.
  • Walk through a local marketplace.
  • Visit the botanic gardens.

Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays.

School holiday events on the Sunshine Coast

  • eDiscovery School Holiday Program: Explore a selection of workshop options including robotics, indoor drones or game development over the summer school holidays. 15 - 17 December 2020.
  • Eco Resin Christmas Bauble Wreath School Holidays Kids Workshop: Encourage your kids' creativity with a class on how to make an eco resin wreath. Adults have the choice to stay or leave as the kids create a masterpiece from dried flowers, leaves and coloured copper foil. 15 - 17 December 2020.
  • School Holidays at the Ginger Factory: Take a day out of their upcoming holidays to get into the Christmas spirit. They'll get to meet Santa, take photos, sing and dance every day up until 24 December 2020.

See the latest Sunshine Coast school holiday activity deals

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Up to 93% off things to do in Australia

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Frequently asked questions

What should I keep in mind regarding COVID-19 when going out during the school holidays?

If you do choose to venture out for the upcoming holidays, be sure to maintain good hygiene practices and social distancing.

Are all attractions on the Sunshine Coast open?

Yes, you can now visit all the family favourites including Australia Zoo, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, The Big Pineapple, Aussie World and The Ginger Factory.

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