Family Friendly Attractions Sunshine Coast: Days Out with Kids
Looking for family friendly attractions on the Sunshine Coast? There’s plenty to choose from, whether your children love wildlife, rainforest walks or theme park rides. The trick is choosing outings that suit your family and leaving room to relax, too. Here are some ideas to help you plan your days, with time for the beach in between.
A family day out here might mean exploring rock pools, following a forest trail or seeing Australian wildlife up close. Some outings will fill most of your day; others are easy to fit into a spare morning. Use the ideas below to choose what suits your children’s ages, interests and energy levels.
Australia Zoo
A rare sight! A koala that's awake and alert :)
Australia Zoo in Beerwah is a good choice for families wanting to see Australian wildlife, especially if kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles are on your holiday wish list. Children can wander among the kangaroos in the walk-through areas, and you can buy suitable food at the zoo to feed them.
Check the daily show timetable when you arrive and plan your exploring around the Wildlife Warriors show in the Crocoseum, where you can watch saltwater crocodiles in action. Allow a full day so there’s time to explore at your family’s pace, with breaks along the way.
Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium
If you've got some young, budding scientists in your family, a visit to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium should be on your list. Housing over 10,000 underwater creatures, there's enough to keep your little explorers endlessly fascinated. Add to this an interactive touch pool, and your trip will turn into an exciting, educational experience for the kids.
My wildlife photos sometimes find their way into my artwork, too! I created this koala piece from one of my own photographs, and it’s available in my Etsy shop, Sunshine Cove Design—a little touch of Australian wildlife to enjoy at home.
The Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory in Yandina is a lovely option for a family outing, with room to explore and somewhere shaded to stop for a bite to eat. On our visit, the Zog Trail added a playful twist to the rainforest walk, while the colourful Rainbrella display gave us another reason to look up. There’s a playground for younger children, too. We also enjoyed watching ginger production and trying the tasting after the tour—an option I’d particularly consider with older children who are curious about how things are made.
Kid-Friendly Beaches
For beach lovers, the Sunshine Coast boasts a plethora of stunning shorelines that are not only beautiful but remarkably child-friendly. Kings Beach, with its lifeguard patrolled beach and FREE beach-side swimming pool, is simply perfect to let your little ones frolic freely.
Family Hikes
If your family is more into getting active and exploring nature, several bush walks on the Sunshine Coast are just waiting for you. The Glass House mountains offer so many trails, you will be spoilt for choice! There are enough trails to keep you busy over your holiday and beyond.
All trails provide stunning views of the mountains and make you connect with nature while keeping your body fit. Some popular trails include the Mount Ngungun Summit Track, which is fairly easy, well-marked, and good for kids. For a more challenging hike, try the Mount Tibrogargan Circuit, which features steep climbs and breathtaking panoramic views.
Trail up Wild Horse Mountain
Other solid options include the short but beautiful Wild Horse Mountain Lookout trail (steep walk, best at sunset, don't do it if you have bad knees) and the tranquil Buderim Forest Park and Falls. Don't forget to check out the Glass House Mountains Lookout, which is stunning. The Mount Beerburrum Track is very challenging due to its steepness (another one that's not for those with bad knees!), has amazing views as a payoff.
Remember to bring along a hat, apply sunscreen, and carry plenty of water. Also, ensure that your footwear is right for hiking, for your comfort and safety.
Apart from hiking, the Sunshine Coast offers other family-friendly outdoor activities such as paddle-boarding, surfing, boat-hire, and more! There are also plenty of parks and playgrounds for children to enjoy.
Aussie World Theme Park
If your family enjoys rides, Aussie World in Palmview is worth considering for a day away from the beach. There’s a mix of gentler rides for younger children and bigger thrills for older kids and adults, including the Dingo Racer spinning coaster and Redback. Before booking, check the height requirements against the rides your children want to try—it’s a useful way to judge whether the park will suit your family.
Admission includes unlimited rides, so you can return to your favourites throughout the day. Allow a little extra in the budget for sideshow games, which cost more, and check the current ride availability before you visit. There’s a café inside the park when you’re ready for a break.
Family Friendly Attractions Sunshine Coast: More Places to Explore with Kids
Family outings can add up, so it helps to mix paid attractions with some of the Sunshine Coast’s free and low-cost things to do:
1. Go
to the Beach: This is worth mentioning again, as it's probably one of your main reasons for visiting the coast! The Sunshine Coast is dotted with several family-friendly
beaches that offer beautiful surroundings and a variety of fun
activities. Bulcock Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, Kings Beach, and Noosa Main Beach are
particularly popular for their calmer waters, perfect for kids to swim and
paddle, plus, these ones all have lifeguards on duty. Grab a boogie board, or visit one of the beach playgrounds.
2. Botanic Gardens: Visit one of
the many botanical garden spaces or rain forest walks available such as the Maroochy Regional
Bushland Botanic Garden or Noosa Botanic Gardens. They offer free entry
and have beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walking trails, and even bird
watching opportunities.
Trees tower over you inside Mary Cairncross Reserve
3. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve: For a quieter family outing, explore the rainforest at Mary Cairncross near Maleny. Keep an eye on the forest floor for pademelons—small relatives of kangaroos that we’ve found surprisingly easy to spot here. The Discovery Centre gives children a closer look at rainforest life, while the playground and café make it easy to spend a little longer. Take time to enjoy the view of the Glass House Mountains, too.
4. The Big Boing, Birtinya: Great entertainment for a rainy day. Admission is between $16.50-$30 AUD. Booking ahead is crucial during holiday times to avoid disappointment. You will need to purchase special grip socks if you don't already have a set. They were around $6 when we went (Oct 2026)
5. Rollerdrome, Caloundra: They have ice skating during summer holidays! Dec-Jan. Rest of the year is a regular roller rink. Prices are $19-$22 per person, plus hire (around $8.50 per person). Price checked Oct 2026
You don’t need to fit everything into one day to enjoy the Sunshine Coast with your family. Choose a few outings that suit your children’s ages and interests, and leave room for a swim, a playground stop or a slower afternoon. A rainforest walk one day and theme park rides the next can make a lovely change of pace—with plenty of beach time in between.
Check out our list of Sunshine Coast beaches while you are here!
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