Home » Things to do » Family Fun Days Out » Day Trips

Free Things to do on the Sunshine Coast with Kids

Is it possible to entertain Sunshine Coast kids free of charge? YES! Don’t believe us? Check out our list of free stuff Sunshine Coast!

FREE STUFF Sunshine Coast

It’s music to a parents’ ears! Kids are expensive little critters so when the opportunity arises for some fun things to do that don’t cost a CENT you grab them with both hands! Your wallet will thank us!

sunshine coast kids free

Family friendly beach trips

The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its beaches – particularly those that are family friendly! We’re talking calm water, lots of space to spread out and natural harbours protect kids from rougher currents.

Our top choices are King’s Beach (complete with closeby water-fun playground) and the gorgeous Currimundi Lake. Take your own food from home, pack the sunscreen and play the day away!

sunshine coast kids free 2

Sunshine Coast kids free to connect with nature!

There are some wonderful local opportunities for Sunshine Coast kids to easily connect with nature and make the most of the beautiful great outdoors. Why pay to attend a local pool when you can soak in the amazing Gardners Falls instead?

Head to the Hinterlands for an invigorating exploration of Mapleton National Park. There is a HUGE trail network there that’s sure to tire out the most energetic of bush-walkers. Plenty of great opportunities for amateur photography as well!

We’d also recommend Booloumba Falls in Conondale National Park as a great Sunshine Coast kids free spot to get back to nature. Absolutely pristine forest where you can really get away from it all and recharge. A great, healthy way to spend your school holidays!

You could also explore the rock pools along the coast. Some great spots are Shelly Beach, Caloundra and Point Cartwright. 

sunshine coast kids free 3

Explore some of the beautiful coastal walks

The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and there are many coastal walks to go along with it. You could check one of these out after a swim at the beach or even make a day out of it by bringing a picnic along. 

Some of our favourite walks are:

  • Noosa National Park
  • Mooloolaba to Alexandra Headland
  • Ocean Track – Peregian Beach

Parks, playgrounds and picnics – oh my!

How better to make the most of some family time then time spent together at a park or playground? The Sunshine Coast is absolutely ripe for the picking when it comes to cool spots for cool kids to hang out.

Some of our favourites are:

  • Pioneer Park, Landsborough
  • Blue Park, Bells Reach
  • Pirate Park, Noosa River
  • Gympie Duck Ponds Park (off the Bruce Highway) (Pssst… make sure you read our ‘duck feeding’ guide first)
  • Clark Place Park, Bulcock Beach
  • Little Mountain Common, Little Mountain
  • Point Cartwright – You could also try spotting whales from here!

Look around the markets

From little nic-nacs to fresh fruits and vegetables the markets have a great range of things to look at. This could be a great activity to entertain the kids, however, it could cost some money depending on if you buy something. 

Some of our favourite markets are:

  • Eumundi Markets 
  • Caloundra Street Fair
  • Fisherman’s Road Farmer’s Markets

Explore and learn at a museum, art gallery or library 

If you’re looking for a bit of learning and fun indoors as well as entertainment for the kids, then check out a Sunshine Coast museum, art gallery or library.

Some of our favourite free locations are:

Check out some iconic landmarks

While embarking on your journey to or from the Sunshine Coast you could stop at the Big Pineapple or Big Pelican to check it out.

The Big Pineapple is located along Nambour Road and is open every day. However, you can no longer climb to the top of the Big Pineapple.

The Big Pelican is located along Gympie Terrace in Noosa and can also be seen from the Noosa River.

Sunshine Coast kids free for all!

You don’t need to spend a million bucks to get some real, memorable family time. Kids appreciate time spent with parents more than anything else. Re-connect with your kids and leave the wallet at home. You’ll thank us for it.

Photo of author

Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

Leave a comment