Summer school holidays on the Sunshine Coast are the good kind of chaos – long hot days, sandy feet, and kids with lots of energy to burn. If you’re looking for ways to keep kids busy (and off the screens) these school holidays, we’ve rounded up our top pick of things to do with kids from across the region – from festive days out and live shows to sporty camps, creative workshops and easy day trips.
Browse by theme below and add your favourites to the holiday calendar. Don’t forget to check out WHAT’S On CALENDAR for more things to do with kids this summer!
Christmas events & festive fun
Christmas at The Ginger Factory
Where: The Ginger Factory, Yandina
When: 8–24 December
Santa is back at The Ginger Factory! Meet him for free, snap your own Christmas photo and soak up the festive atmosphere – no bookings, no cost, just cheerful holiday vibes. MORE INFORMATION >>
Hologram Zoo Christmas Experience
Where: Hologram Zoo, Nambour
When: 12 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
Step into a 3D Christmas adventure where holograms and imagination bring the festive season to life. Families can wander through a magical world of virtual creatures and Christmas scenes – all indoors and weather-proof. MORE INFORMATION >>
‘Twas – A New Holiday Play for the Family
Where: Maleny Playhouse
When: 19–21 December
Mouse wants nothing to do with Christmas… until a magical night changes everything. This Catbird Theatre production is a sweet, funny and heartwarming holiday story the whole family can enjoy together. MORE INFORMATION >>
Photos with Santa at Maroochydore Homemaker
Where: Maroochydore Homemaker Centre
When: 29 November – 22 December
Visit Santa, take home a free 6×8 print and receive a digital copy straight to your inbox. Each Santa visit also scores a free Ben & Jerry’s treat (while stocks last), making it an extra-sweet stop on your Christmas errands. MORE INFORMATION >>
Aussie World Christmas Spectacular
Where: Aussie World
When: 13 December, 5:30pm–9:30pm
See Aussie World transformed into a Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights, roving performers, Santa photos, themed treats and unlimited rides under the stars. A big, sparkly night out for the whole family. MORE INFORMATION >>
Big days out & attractions
Amazeing Summer School Holiday Fun
Where: Amaze World, Tanawha
When: 6 December 2025 – 26 January 2026
Amaze World is packed with puzzles, riddles, jokes and challenges as Mazey the forest trickster keeps families on their toes. Perfect for a half-day adventure with plenty of photo ops. MORE INFORMATION >>
Underworld Adventure with SpongeBob
Where: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
When: 18 December 2025 – 27 January 2026
Join SpongeBob, Patrick and friends on a swashbuckling undersea quest inspired by the new movie. Kids can tackle challenges, solve riddles, spot jellyfish and earn their Swashbuckler Certificate while exploring the aquarium. MORE INFORMATION >>
Summer School Holiday Fun at Rush Adventureland
Where: Rush Adventureland, Maroochydore
When: 6 December 2025 – 26 January 2026
Escape the heat at this huge indoor adventure centre with a multi-level playground, climbing, bumper cars, ninja course, high ropes, coaster and more. Unlimited play on fun passes means kids can run, climb and slide to their hearts’ content. MORE INFORMATION >>
Monster Truck Mayhem Thrills & Stunt Show
Where: Caboolture Showgrounds
When: 27 December, 5pm–7pm
For kids who love loud engines and big jumps, this show delivers monster trucks, freestyle stunts, comedy acts and extreme motorsport thrills – a huge, high-energy evening out. MORE INFORMATION >>
Sporty kids & outdoor adventures
Little Lifesavers
Where: Various Sunshine Coast locations
When: 6 December 2025 – 24 January 2026
Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Little Lifesavers program introduces kids aged 5–12 to surf safety in a fun, hands-on way. Expect beach games, board skills and plenty of confidence-building around the water. MORE INFORMATION >>
Summer Holiday Camps (Grades 4–10) – Tunnel Ridge Ranch
Where: Tunnel Ridge Ranch, Landsborough
When: 5–16 January 2026
A classic camp experience with horses, outdoor adventures and time away from screens. Kids make friends, try new activities and enjoy a taste of ranch life in the hinterland. MORE INFORMATION >>
School Holiday Circus Workshops – AerialCatz
Where: AerialCatz, Maroochydore
When: 15 December 2025 – 23 January 2026
Kids and teens can learn beginner-friendly aerial and circus skills, play games and work on confidence in a supportive environment. Sessions are fun, safe and a great outlet for creative energy. MORE INFORMATION >>
Holiday Sports Camp – Andrew Kratzmann Tennis Academy
Where: Various Sunshine Coast venues
When: 8 December 2025 – 21 January 2026
Three-day camps for kids aged 5–12 featuring tennis, pickleball, basketball, soccer, dodgeball and more. Camps focus on skills, teamwork and confidence, with games, prizes, BBQ lunch, Slip ’n’ Slide and a movie for full-day campers. MORE INFORMATION >>
Summer Holiday Acrobatics Camp – Just Acrobatics
Where: Just Acrobatics, Warana
When: 16–18 December; 14, 15, 20 & 21 January
Full-day camps where kids can try acrobatics, aerials, circus skills, obstacle courses, arts and crafts and plenty of games in a purpose-built facility. Great for energetic kids who love to flip and fly. MORE INFORMATION >>
Noosa Council Holiday Fun – Sport & Swim
Where: Noosa Leisure Centre & Noosa Aquatic Centre
When: Daily during school holidays
Noosa Council venues are buzzing these holidays: kids can join dance, sport and play sessions at Noosa Leisure Centre, or fast-track their swim skills with intensives and splash zones at Noosa Aquatic Centre. MORE INFORMATION >>
Creative kids & workshops
HYPT Summer School Holiday Workshops & Vacation Care
Where: HYPT, Buderim
When: 15–24 December
From Christmas slime and pamper sessions to gingerbread trains, K-Pop pamper and festive parties, HYPT’s workshops are packed with hands-on fun. Full-day vacation care (9am–3pm) makes it easy for working parents. MORE INFORMATION >>
Little Seed Theatre Company Holiday Programs
Where: Sunshine Coast locations
When: 8 December 2025 – 21 January 2026
Skip the screens and dive into drama. Kids from Prep to Grade 7 can build confidence, make friends and put on a show in these hugely popular theatre workshops – they book out every year. MORE INFORMATION >>
Paints and Plants School Holiday Activity
Where: STEPS Garden Centre, Caloundra
When: 6–7 January 2026
Children decorate their own terracotta pot, choose a plant and take home a living artwork. A lovely, low-cost activity with a keepsake they can care for after the holidays. MORE INFORMATION >>
Fairy Garden Workshop – STEPS Garden Centre
Where: STEPS Garden Centre, Caloundra
When: 14 January 2026, 9:30–10:30am
Kids design and build their own miniature fairy garden complete with plants and ornaments. Guided by the STEPS team, it’s a beautiful mix of creativity and nature play. MORE INFORMATION >>
Free Workshops at Eumundi Square
Where: Eumundi Square
When: Fridays during the school holidays
Head to Eumundi for free kids’ workshops with multiple timeslots each Friday. Activities change, but all are hands-on, creative and a great excuse to explore the markets. Bookings essential. MORE INFORMATION >>
Free & low-cost family fun
Free Summer School Holiday Fun – Pelican Waters Shopping Village
Where: Pelican Waters Shopping Village
When: 12–23 January 2026
Kids can decorate a personalised library bag and, on select days, explore the returning Ocean Life Display (19, 21 & 23 January, 10am–1pm). MORE INFORMATION >>
Free Holiday Fun at Noosa Fair Shopping Centre
Where: Noosa Fair Shopping Centre
When: 12–23 January 2026
Enjoy the Super Strong Bones Show (12 & 16 January) and the always-popular Snake Boss Show (19, 21 & 23 January), including reptile meet-and-greets. No bookings required. MORE INFORMATION >>
Summer School Holiday Fun with Noosa Council (Libraries & Venues)
Where: Noosa Library Service locations + Noosa venues
When: Daily
From free library workshops and story time to council-run activities at venues across the region, there’s plenty of budget-friendly fun on offer. MORE INFORMATION >>
Live shows & theatre on the Sunshine Coast
Sleeping Beauty – A Magical Pantomime
Where: Noosa Arts Theatre
When: 10–18 January
Noosa Arts Theatre and Little Seed Theatre Company bring Sleeping Beauty to life with music, mischief and colourful pantomime fun. A delightful introduction to theatre for kids. MORE INFORMATION >>
For more school holiday activities across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, be sure to check out our FULL SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE!
