Noosa School Holiday Activities 2026

Published: 09 Feb 2026

Looking for Sunshine Coast school holiday activities 2026 that actually keep kids happy (and parents sane)? This guide is built for quick decisions: pick your holiday week, choose a vibe (free, indoor, outdoor, or day trip), and build a simple plan. It’s also packed with popular search keywords people use like things to do in Sunshine Coast with kids, free activities in Sunshine Coast, and rainy day activities for kids.

Quick planning tips (save time)

• Pick 2 anchor days (a “big outing” + an “easy outing”) and repeat the pattern.
• Alternate energy: one active day, one calm day, one indoor day.
• Book early for popular places during school breaks (weekends sell out first).
• Pack the basics: snacks, water, hats/sunscreen, wet wipes, and a backup activity.

Best things to do in Sunshine Coast with kids during school holidays

These ideas are designed to match the most searched intents: kid-friendly activities, free family things, indoor fun, and easy day trips. Choose 2–3 per week and you’re set.

1) Big “wow” days (crowd-pleasers)

• Zoo / wildlife park: arrive early, plan snack breaks, finish with a calm walk.
• Aquarium / marine discovery: perfect for windy or hot days.
• Science centre / discovery museum: ideal for winter or rainy weeks.
• City playground + picnic: simple, cheap, and always works.

2) Free or low-cost Sunshine Coast school holiday activities

• Park crawl: try a new playground every 2–3 days.
• DIY treasure hunt: draw a mini map, add 6 clues, hide a tiny “prize”.
• Photo challenge: “Find 10 things” (bird, mural, bridge, flower, funny sign, etc.).
• Sunset picnic: kids eat better outdoors, parents breathe easier.
• Library holiday programs: check your local library for free sessions.

3) Indoor activities in Sunshine Coast for rainy days

• Museum / science exhibits (hands-on zones are gold).
• Indoor play centres for younger kids (best on weekday mornings).
• Trampoline / climbing for older kids (book ahead on weekends).
• Home “movie tickets”: print tickets, choose snacks, let kids run the “cinema”.
• DIY craft day: paper planes, slime, cardboard cities, coloring competitions.

4) Outdoor adventures (when the weather is good)

• Beach or water play: go early or late afternoon, pack shade + extra clothes.
• Bike/scooter loop: choose a safe path, reward with a snack stop.
• Nature walk: give kids a “finder list” to keep them engaged.
• Botanic gardens / big parks: mix play + calm time.

5) Easy day trips from Sunshine Coast (family-friendly)

• Beach towns for fish-and-chips + a long walk.
• Wildlife / farm visits (kids love feeding animals).
• Scenic lookout + picnic: quick drive, big payoff.
• Short ferry/train adventure: travel becomes the activity.

Ready-made mini itineraries

3-day starter plan (easy win)

1. Day 1: Big playground + picnic + early bedtime.
2. Day 2: Indoor discovery day (museum/science/play centre).
3. Day 3: Water/beach day or a short day trip.

7-day holiday plan (balanced)

1. Mon: Free park + craft activity at home.
2. Tue: “Wow day” (zoo/aquarium/science).
3. Wed: Indoor calm day (library + movie night).
4. Thu: Outdoor adventure (bike/scooter + picnic).
5. Fri: Day trip (short drive + lunch).
6. Sat: Backyard games + family BBQ.
7. Sun: Rest day + prep for the week.

Use the Kidzo planner

To plan your holiday weeks and long weekends fast, use the Kidzo holiday tools: School holidays 2026 • Public holidays 2026 • Long weekends 2026.

If you want local views, try your state pages: Queensland school holidays 2026 • Queensland public holidays 2026 • Queensland long weekends 2026.

FAQs (popular Google questions)

What are the best Sunshine Coast school holiday activities in 2026?

The best mix is: one “wow day” (zoo/aquarium/science), two free days (parks + picnics), and one indoor backup for rainy weather. This keeps kids entertained and avoids burnout.

What are good free things to do in Sunshine Coast with kids?

Try a park crawl, DIY treasure hunts, sunset picnics, local beach walks, and library holiday sessions. These are some of the most searched free family activities in Sunshine Coast.

What are the best indoor activities for kids in Sunshine Coast?

Museums/science centres, indoor play, trampoline/climbing, library events, and at-home movie/craft days. Great for “rainy day activities Sunshine Coast kids” searches.

How do I plan school holidays without stress?

Use a simple rhythm: active day → calm day → indoor day. Book one big outing early, then fill the week with parks, free activities, and easy routines.

Conclusion

School holidays don’t need to be chaotic. Use this checklist, pick 2–3 activities per week, and keep a rainy-day backup ready. For dates and long-weekend planning, use the Kidzo planner links above.