Free and low-cost winter wonders these school holidays
If you’re looking for fun and affordable ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays, discover what’s on in our guide packed with boredom-busting activities.
Ditch the devices and reconnect with nature, creativity and each other, while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Places are limited for some events, so book early to avoid disappointment. For all the details, visit Council’s website.
Get arty at Caloundra Regional Gallery
The gallery is a free to enter accessible space open Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm and weekends 10am-2pm.
The gallery presents a changing exhibition program featuring leading local and national artists, plus the gallery store is a great place to find a unique piece of art or the perfect gift, hand-crafted on the Sunshine Coast, and beyond.
From ceramics and textiles, to jewellery, children’s toys and artist books, the gallery store celebrates the local, the handmade and the environmentally aware.
When visiting an exhibition, be sure to check out the art trail, where kids (or adults) can have a go at finding all the clues hidden around the artwork - just collect your board and pencil in the reception area and start looking.
For rainy days or at home art, check out the online resources to keep young artists engaged.
Download templates, watch videos and create your own at home makers space or check out the activity instruction sheets, for use at home or in the classroom such as Eco egg dyeing and Newspaper people.
Latest exhibition
In celebration of this year’s NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, the gallery presents From the sea, the land and the mountains: Works by Kabi Kabi and Jinibara artists.
This exhibition celebrates First Nations artmaking across the traditional lands of the Sunshine Coast Region – the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) peoples of the shores and the northern hinterland, and the Jinibara peoples of the southern hinterland.
As part of the exhibition, children can create hand print yarning circles inspired by First Nation art.
When: Showing until Sunday, August 3.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Details: Caloundra Regional Gallery website.
Explore Kabi Kabi Culture with Zartisha Davis
Come along for a free morning of storytelling, movement and shell midden colouring-in fun with exhibiting local Kabi Kabi artist, Zartisha Davis.
Hear local coastal stories about shell middens that tie together Zartisha's works in the current NAIDOC exhibition and join in for some movements and imitate dances you may have seen Gubbi Gubbi Dance Troupe perform.
Finish off the morning session with a fun shell midden colouring-in activity. All children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Suitable for ages four plus. Bookings essential.
When: Tuesday, July 1.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Details: Via Humanitix.
For creative kids
Join Kids Art Attack, where kids can draw, cut, collage, paint, fold and create.
Kids Art Attack is a facilitated drop-in style art and craft activity aimed at children aged 4-10 years and their big people.
The cost is $2 per child, and all materials are supplied. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
On the first Saturday of every month, drop-in to the gallery to experience a new activity, explore different mediums, subject matters, and methods of creating.
When: Saturday, July 5, 11am - 1pm.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Details: Caloundra Regional Gallery website.
Play School Live in Concert – Once Upon a Time
Step into a world of wonder with Play School’s Once Upon a Time – a magical live concert experience for young children and their families!
Join beloved characters Jemima, Big Ted, Little Ted, and Humpty as they journey through enchanting stories, sing-along songs, and delightful dances in this 45-minute stage show.
Presented by Kids Promotions and the ABC, this interactive performance is designed to spark imagination and joy in little ones, making it the perfect first theatre experience.
Tickets are $30 per person (children under 12 months free - pram parking available).
Don’t miss this treasured Aussie tradition – book your tickets now and create magical memories with your little ones.
When: Friday, June 27, 10am.
Where: Venue 114, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina.
Details: Venue 114 website.
Sunshine Coast Libraries: embark on a mythical adventure
Our libraries are transforming into realms of adventure, creativity, and discovery with a jam-packed school holiday program for children and families.
Kids of all ages can embark on epic quests like the Scavenger Hunt, where they’ll search for hidden letters to uncover the name of Hiccup’s dragon, or test their wits in the Trial of Knowledge, a Viking-themed challenge full of clues and surprises.
Creative minds can bring mythical creatures to life through shadow puppets, dragon foil art, and dragon gliders, or build their own dragon pop-up toys.
For those who love to tinker, the Future Engineers Club offers hands-on fun with LEGO, magnetic tiles, and more. Teens can channel their inner Viking artisan in the Junk Jewellery sessions, crafting shiny treasures from upcycled and new materials.
Families can also enjoy quality time together with board games at select branches.
All activities are free, with a mix of drop-in sessions and bookings required for some events. Programs are designed for specific age groups, and children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
Details: Council’s Libraries website.
Bankfoot House Archaeology Dig
Forget textbooks and homework, discover the history of Sunshine Coast through an archaeology dig at Bankfoot House on Wednesdays and Saturdays these school holidays.
Uncover artefacts and use clues to discover what lies just under the surface at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct. Free! Bookings essential.
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays 10.30 - 11.30am and 1 - 2pm.
Where: Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains.
Details: Council’s website.
Guided walks on ClimateWatch trails
What is this plant flowering? What is this bird doing? What kind of bug is this? Let’s answer those questions together at a guided walk happening across the Sunshine Coast this school holidays.
Free family-friendly activity in nature where participants become citizen scientists and assist researchers to record observations on the seasonal behaviour of plants and animals at the three ClimateWatch Trails.
- Kawana Forest, Wednesday, July 2, 8.30 - 10.30am.
- Lake Currimundi, Thursday, July 3, 8.30 - 10.30am.
- Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve, Monday, July 7 – 7.30 - 9.30am.
Details: Register online or email [email protected] for details.
Puppet story time at Landsborough Museum
Parents and caregivers can enjoy a cup of tea while the kids are mesmerised by a classic storybook tale, told with the help of a few cheeky puppets. Bookings essential.
When: Wednesday, July 2 and Wednesday, July 9 at 10.30am.
Where: Landsborough Museum, 4 Maleny Street, Landsborough.
Details: Council’s website.
Bounce at Landsborough Museum
Come along to Landsborough Museum this school holidays for an afternoon of inflatable fun. Bounce around in the Cubby House and superslide or battle your friends in an inflatable combat ring! The perfect playground to test your bouncing skills this July.
When: Thursday, July 3 and Thursday, July 10 from 10.30am - 2.30pm.
Where: Landsborough Museum, 4 Maleny Street, Landsborough.
Details: Council’s website.
Come together, plant trees and grow a legacy
Bring your family and friends along to help plant 6,000 trees, shrubs and ground covers at the Doonan Planting Festival.
You can also enjoy a wildlife display, live music, face painting, craft activities for all ages and information stalls.
There will be two sessions, 8-10am and 10am-noon to ensure many people can join in. Bookings essential.
Parking is limited onsite, and you must book a spot when you register. Alternatively, book a park-and-ride bus location when registering.
There’s no need to worry about getting a park with a free park-and-ride bus running from Landsborough, Palmview, Sippy Downs, Caloundra, Maroochydore and Kawana.
There will also be a shuttle bus from Peregian Springs State School.
To redeem your free small espresso coffee (for adults), bring along your own reusable coffee cup. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
When: Saturday, July 5, 8-10am or 10am-noon (two sessions).
Where: 219 Doonan Bridge Rd, Verrierdale.
Details: Events Sunshine Coast website.
Plastic Free Sea Beach Clean Up
The Plastic Free Sea Beach Cleanup is back, bigger than ever, for the fourth year at Kawana beach.
Let’s all learn to refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle for a happier planet and healthier ocean.
Everyone is invited to join us and participate in a beach clean, discover local environmental organisations working towards a cleaner planet, participate in free activities and meet local companies doing it plastic free.
With fresh coffee and live music, good vibes are guaranteed, see you there!
When: Sunday, July 6, 8am - 12pm.
Where: Cooper Lookout Park (south side of Kawana Surf Club).
Details: Via Facebook.
Museum must-do
Bankfoot House is a council-run museum, free to enter and open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-3pm. Sunshine Coast Museums are great to visit at any time of the year. Find walks and heritage places in the Discovery Guide, your comprehensive heritage guide to the Sunshine Coast region.
NAIDOC Week on the Sunshine Coast
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, held in the first week of July each year.
Check out these great family-friendly events and view the full program on Council’s website in the NAIDOC Regional Guide.
NAIDOC at The Station: Blak, Proud & Next Gen Loud
The Station is hosting a celebration of First Nations voices, talent and culture.
The event features a headline performance by J-MILLA, one of Australia's most exciting and respected First Nations hip hop artists.
Expect a night of powerful performances, cultural pride, and strong community energy.
This event is all-ages and open to all who want to support and celebrate First Nations culture during NAIDOC Week. Tickets available online.
When: Friday, July 4 at 4pm.
Where: The Station, 8 The Avenue, Birtinya.
Details: Moshtix website.
Sunshine Coast NAIDOC Family Fun Day
Come along to the biggest community led NAIDOC celebration on Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Country, Sunshine Coast.
Wan'Diny means 'coming together', inviting everyone to join to celebrate First Nations culture and community!
You can expect dance, food, entertainment, cultural workshops, kids activities, market stalls and more.
The event is free and all ages.
When: Saturday, July 5, 10am - 2pm.
Where: Nambour Junior State College, 1 Carroll St, Nambour.
Details: Sunshine Coast Events website.
NAIDOC Flag Raising and Youth Showcase
Council's annual flag raising brings together our community on Kabi Kabi Country, Nambaa, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In line with this year's theme, the event will include a Youth Showcase featuring performances, art and activities by First Nations young people.
This event is free but registration is essential.
When: Tuesday, July 8, 10am - 1pm.
Where: Nambour Library Forecourt, Cnr Currie St and Bury St, Nambour
Details: Humanitix website.
Aura NAIDOC: Festival of the Harvest
Get ready, Sunshine Coast! Aura NAIDOC 2025 is coming and you’re invited to celebrate culture, community and country at an unforgettable evening for all ages.
Join ‘The Festival of the Harvest’ a powerful cultural celebration hosted by Undumbi Culture. Let’s walk together, celebrate together, and honour NAIDOC 2025 in true community spirit. Free event.
When: Friday, July 11, 4pm - 8pm.
Where: Baringa Forest Park, Eden Drive, Baringa.
Details: Via Facebook.
TurtleCare hatchling club
Fun, parent-supervised school holiday activity for primary school aged children aged 5-10 years who want to learn more about Turtles, run by the TurtleCare Sunshine Coast volunteer team.
Just $10 per child, with two session times (8.30am and 10.30am) available, registration essential.
Learn about the turtles who nest here on the coast - lifecycle , biology and fun facts! Help us save our turtles. Lets explore their habitat. Bring your curiosity and creativity.
This event will be outdoors and include beach activities and note, there will be no live turtles at this event.
All participants will require a caregiver who is required to stay but does not need a ticket.
Other children may attend but will not be able to participate in age specific activities.
When: Tuesday, July 8, 8.30 and 10.30am.
Where: Wyanda Park, 209A Oceanic Drive, Warana.
Details: Eventbrite website 8.30am session and Eventbrite website 10.30am session.
Free outdoor movie at Bankfoot House
Our Cultural Heritage Services team and Starry Nights invite you to a series of free outdoor movie screenings at Bankfoot House and Landsborough Museum.
Enjoy the family classic ‘Babe’ about a little pig who doesn’t quite know his place in the world.
Bring your favourite comfy camp chair, bean bag or blanket or just come as you are - there’s plenty of space for everyone. And don’t miss the free popcorn!
Registration essential. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Friday, July 11, 5.30pm.
Where: Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains.
Details: Council’s website.
Increase your recycling know-how
Did you know your empty aerosol cans can be recycled? If you're scratching your head about what goes in which bin, you're not alone — and we've got just the thing to help!
Council’s Recycling Pop-Up Display is coming to a shopping centre near you. Join in the fun - play a recycling sorting game, grab cool bin truck models to build, pick up colourful bin stickers and handy fridge magnets and ask all your tricky recycling questions in person.
If you can’t make it - download the Recycle Mate app and become a recycling whiz from home.
When: June 30 - July 4 (Nambour Plaza) 9am - 3pm and July 7 - 11 (Sunshine Plaza) 9am - 3pm.
Where: Locations vary.
Details: Council’s website.
Live music in the botanic gardens
Farewell the school holidays with a laid-back Sunday afternoon at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden.
Secret Garden is a bimonthly event featuring local musicians, performing amongst the grandeur of gumtrees. It's like a big community picnic - family friendly, super relaxed and a lovely way to wind down.
Enjoy the musical gifts of Demi Casha and Jack Raymond, expect raw vocal ballads, rootsy guitar rhythms and a little bit of stomping blues.
Tickets strictly limited due to Botanic Garden carpark capacity. Cost is $15 per adult, $5 for children and young people and under five’s are free.
Gather your friends, pack a picnic and enjoy live music in the Sunshine Coast's very own Botanic Garden. BYO chairs or rug, leaving only footprints and taking only memories (no rubbish bins provided).
When: Sunday, July 13, 1.30-4.30pm.
Where: Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Palm Creek Road, Tanawha.
Details: Eventbrite website.
Still searching for things to do?
Adventure Sunshine Coast
Looking to get outdoors with the family these school holidays?
ThinkChange and remode your travel by swapping four wheels for two! Explore the Sunshine Coast by bike, enjoy the fresh air and discover local paths and hidden gems near you.
Or if you’re ready for something different? Reroute to the water! Take the Mooloolaba Ferry or kayak to explore Sunshine Coast waterways and create unique memories.
Whatever mode you choose, it’s good for your health and our environment.
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.
ThinkChange is about empowering everyone in our community to find ways to reduce car use, visit Sunshine Coast Council’s website for more information.
Cheap travel
Rethink the way you move around these school holidays. Could you drive there for 50 cents?
Reach your favourite destinations with Translink’s 50 cent public transport fares across Queensland - an easy, fun way to explore our region.
Visit Translink’s website to find out more and to plan your route.
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.