The Sunshine Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush national parks, and vibrant family-friendly attractions. Planning activities that captivate young children and keep adults entertained can feel challenging, but this stunning region offers endless opportunities for family fun.
Explore our comprehensive guide packed with exciting, educational, and enjoyable family activities on the Sunshine Coast in 2025. The region also offers a variety of exciting activities catering to both locals and tourists, showcasing the best Sunshine Coast activities.
The Ginger Factory, Yandina
The Ginger Factory is a cherished Sunshine Coast attraction, offering a delightful day out for families. Entry to the grounds is free, inviting leisurely strolls through tropical gardens, relaxation beside scenic water features, and picnics in beautifully maintained spaces.
The historic Ginger Train takes visitors on a picturesque journey through lush gardens. Young children especially enjoy the Overboard Boat Ride, featuring an engaging Gingerbread Man adventure filled with animated characters and catchy tunes. Informative factory tours provide fascinating insights into ginger production, complete with tasty samples. Seasonal events like gingerbread decorating workshops add even more charm to the experience.
Aquaduck Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba
Experience an exciting adventure that seamlessly combines land and water exploration aboard the Aquaduck. Departing from central Mooloolaba, this amphibious vehicle tours popular landmarks before dramatically splashing into the serene waters of the Mooloolah River.
Kids adore the excitement of transitioning from road to river, and young passengers often have the chance to steer the Aquaduck, receiving a personalized Captain’s Certificate as a memorable keepsake.
Australia Zoo, Beerwah
Founded by Steve Irwin and his family, Australia Zoo remains a top Queensland attraction, dedicated to wildlife conservation and family entertainment. Children love interacting with animals, including hand-feeding kangaroos, cuddling koalas, and watching thrilling crocodile feeding demonstrations at the iconic Crocoseum.
The zoo offers numerous exhibits and interactive experiences suitable for all ages, such as the Laughing Frog Waterpark—perfect for cooling down on hot days. Daily keeper talks, animal shows, and educational activities ensure an engaging visit.
Source: Australia Zoo
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast aquarium provides an immersive marine experience with educational exhibits and interactive opportunities. A highlight is the stunning 80-meter underwater tunnel featuring sharks, rays, and vibrant tropical fish swimming overhead. Visitors can also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour that offers unique animal experiences, including interactions with sea creatures.
Children particularly enjoy the touch pools, where they can safely interact with marine life, such as sea stars. The aquarium also features blue penguins and little blue penguins as part of the interactive animal zones.
The daily seal presentations entertain families with playful performances and conservation education, making SEA LIFE fun and informative. The interactive animal zones offer a variety of experiences with diverse sea creatures, ensuring a memorable visit for all.
Holey Moley, Maroochydore
Located in Maroochydore, Holey Moley is perfect for family-friendly entertainment. This creative mini-golf course features whimsical themes based on popular culture, from movies to fantasy worlds, appealing to all ages and skill levels. The lively atmosphere, colourful settings, and convenient onsite dining options make it an ideal destination for family outings and celebrations.
Source: Holey Moley
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Maroochydore
Situated adjacent to Holey Moley, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is an entertainment centre filled with arcade games, bowling alleys, and innovative virtual reality experiences. This vibrant, carnival-inspired venue offers something exciting for every family member. Kids enjoy winning tickets from arcade games to redeem prizes, while the neon-lit, musical ambience ensures a fun-filled visit for everyone.
Amaze World, Tanawha
Formerly Bellingham Maze, Amaze World challenges families to navigate intricate mazes and solve engaging puzzles. The primary attraction is the expansive living hedge maze, encouraging teamwork as families search for the exit together. Other attractions include mini-golf, timber mazes, rope mazes, and numerous outdoor puzzles suitable for all ages. The picturesque outdoor environment and mentally stimulating activities provide a balanced and enjoyable family day out.
Family-Friendly Beaches
The Sunshine Coast’s beaches offer safe and picturesque settings ideal for family activities:
- Kings Beach, Caloundra: Gentle waves, patrolled swimming zones, and an exciting water playground with fountains and splash areas.
- Mooloolaba Beach: Calm waters perfect for paddling, swimming, and family-friendly activities along the lively esplanade.
- Currimundi Lake: Shallow, tranquil waters suitable for younger children, offering safe swimming and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Parks and Playgrounds
Families have access to numerous outstanding parks and playgrounds:
| Park | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Bells Reach Playground, Caloundra | Adventure playground, climbing structures, shaded picnic areas |
| Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore | Spacious playground with BBQ facilities and shallow swimming spots |
| Kings Beach Park, Caloundra | Interactive water fountains, ample BBQ spaces, proximity to beach swimming |
| Noosa National Park | Stunning coastal walks, diverse wildlife, picturesque lookouts |
| Great Sandy National Park | Expansive sand dunes, unique ecosystems, opportunities |
Interactive Animal Experiences
For intimate animal encounters, Sunshine Coast attractions like Wildlife HQ in Woombye provide a quieter zoo environment, ideal for young kids. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World in the Glass House Mountains offers delightful bird interactions, allowing families to hand-feed colourful parrots and explore scenic gardens, providing educational fun in a relaxing setting. Additionally, Aussie World is a key attraction with thrilling rides and a family-friendly environment.
Source: Scoop Digital
Helpful Tips for Families
- Always pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and plenty of drinking water.
- Arrive early at popular attractions to beat crowds and maximize enjoyment.
- Check online ahead of time for discounts, family passes, and bundled deals.
- Bringing snacks or picnic items can help manage costs and allow flexibility during outings.
- Download attraction maps or apps to help plan and navigate your visits smoothly.
Following this guide will help ensure your family enjoys unforgettable adventures, relaxing beach days, and enriching educational activities on the Sunshine Coast throughout 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The Sunshine Coast boasts a variety of family-friendly attractions and activities, from stunning beaches to interactive animal experiences.
- Popular attractions include the Ginger Factory, Australia Zoo, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, and Amaze World, each offering unique family experiences.
- The region’s beaches, such as Kings Beach and Mooloolaba Beach, provide safe and enjoyable swimming and water sports environments.
- Parks and playgrounds, like Bells Reach Playground and Cotton Tree Park, offer excellent family picnics and play facilities.
- Interactive animal encounters at places like Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World provide educational fun in picturesque settings in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
- Families should plan ahead to maximise enjoyment, pack essentials like sunscreen and water, and explore discounts and family passes for attractions.
- The Sunshine Coast offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and education, making it an ideal destination for family vacations in 2025.
