Looking for free activities on the Sunshine Coast to enjoy with the kids?
There are so many #summeradventures to be had on the Sunshine Coast! Here’s some of our favourite family-friendly activities:
Water bound
Nothing says #summeradventure like taking to the water on a kayak! With the weather warming up there’s no better time to slip, slop, slap and paddle along one of our streams, creeks, rivers or ride the waves in the ocean.
Golden Beach kayak to Bribie Island: River Paddle
Suitable for all levels of kayakers if it’s not windy. Enjoy a short kayak across the channel before taking a little walk around the shoreline. Be sure to check the tides and wind before taking to the water.
Currimundi Lake: Short Paddle
Ideal for entry-level paddlers, suitable for families in the safe and sheltered waters. About a 2.4km paddle to the lake entrance – perfect for those short on time.
Baroon Pocket Dam: Lake Paddle
Suitable for all levels of kayakers. Be mindful the open nature of the lake can get choppy if it’s a windy day. About a 1.4km paddle across the dam.
Ewen Maddock Dam: Paddle
The flat and sheltered water is great for first time paddlers and kids looking to explore 5.7km of scenery or just have a play.
Maroochy River Canoe Trail: Dunethin Lake Paddle
Perfect for beginner paddlers looking to explore a small inlet on the southern side of Maroochy River. Approximately a 1.6km paddle.
Walks to water
It’s always cooler down by the water, so why not plan your next family day out with a tropical rainforest walk ending with a swim at a cascading waterfall or serene lake?
Buderim Forest Park: Falls Loop
Tucked into a secret rain forest valley, see the magical waterfall and bubbling crystal cascades.
Baroon Pocket Dam: Martin Williams
Accessible from 5:30am to 5:30pm, 7 days a week, this is a great little mowed lawn loop from the park. There’s a shortcut halfway along if you want to miss the steeper section.
Don’t forget to bring your swimmers and if you have a paddle craft, yes the lake is awesome for that too!
Conondale National Park: Booloumba Creek & Strangler Cairn
This is a great walk with kids and art lovers, or anyone who enjoys incredible natural surrounds. If you have to walk in from the gate before the creek crossings on Booloumba Creek road (2WD), add at least another hour each way. There are plenty of swimming holes on this walk to help you cool-off during your walk.
Kings Beach Salt Water Pool
As the weather warms up, make a splash at the Kings Beach Pool, located near the rocks at the northern end of Kings Beach, Caloundra.
The free 25-metre sea water lap pool also has a children’s swimming pool and wading area for tiny-tots, along with a spray park and disabled access.
Where: 36 Esplanade, Kings Beach
Open all year round; 4.30am to 9.00pm
Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens
Why not swap the indoors for the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens for your next #summeradventure. Enjoy Whipbird Village, an enchanting and interactive garden designed for play, where you may even spot the infamous Whipbird. The Sensory Trail is also a favourite, encouraging kids to stop, look, listen, wait and observe nature on the self-guided trail. A free, guided Koala Walk is also offered if a koala has been spotted in the gardens and bushland that morning.
Where: Palm Creek Rd, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast
Did you know Adventure Sunshine Coast has over 150 free, self-guided tours from walking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding and canoeing activities – right across our picturesque Sunshine Coast?
Fore more adventure ideas head to adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
What to know what’s happening in your area? Check out our Events Calendar for heaps of kid-friendly activities near you!
