School’s out for summer and Sunshine Coast Council has a free program of down to earth fun ready for nature loving families, all summer long.
Here’s a list of the top free school holiday activities:
Explore a children’s’ wonderland at Summertime Playscape
Visit Summertime Playscape at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Tanawha, for down to earth fun these school holidays. Explore a secret garden full of nature play fun – play in tiny mud houses, dig in a giant turtle sandpit, explore a secret garden, become a butterfly plus lots more. All kids need is water, a sense of adventure and their imaginations.
Runs December 12 until January 24, during daylight hours. Details at
Go undercover with Operation Botanica
Head to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve to become a Junior Ranger Detective for free these school holidays. Go undercover in the rainforest to solve the Operation Botanica mystery. Some of the plants in the rainforest are under threat and others are strangling each other! Use your observation skills to answer the questions, document your evidence and find the answers to complete the mission.
On now at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, otherwise open daily between 9.30am-3.30pm). Details at
Take on the challenge of Agents of Discovery
Become a nature agent these school holidays with Agents of Discovery, an award-winning app that gets kids outdoors, exploring our spectacular nature reserves and having fun while they complete nature challenges. A cute koala guide shows players where to find hidden challenges, unlocked in the game by simply walking in the forest. Choose from two missions – Bushland Discovery at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Tanawha or Rainforest Discovery at Mary Cairncross. Suitable for four to 12 year olds. Download the free Agents of Discovery app from google play or app store and load the Sunshine Coast missions onto your smart device. Mobile phone coverage can be limited in the reserves, so make sure you get your device loaded and ready before heading out.
On now until January 26.
Try the great botanic race
If you’ve got older kids, head to the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden to try the great botanic race. Grab a map from the front entry and explore the gardens on this self-guided orienteering challenge. Kids will need to find the mapped points to solve the puzzle along the way. Great for ages 10 years and older.
Try the ClimateWatch Trail at the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary
Become a citizen scientist at the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary and contribute to understanding how climate change is affecting our environment. To get started:
• Download the free ClimateWatch app
• Grab a ClimateWatch field guide highlighting the wetland’s indicator species.
• Look for indicator species along your walk
• Using the app, take photos and notes seasonal behaviours
• Return your field guide for reuse.
Visit the for details. Don’t forget the mosquito repellent!
Play big games at Bankfoot House
These holidays, challenge the family to a good old fashioned game of Skittles, quoits, jenga, Jump rope and more at Bankfoot House. Bring a picnic blanket and relax on the grounds with stunning views of the Glass House Mountains, while making a mini Cobb & Co coach to take home. There’s something for everyone, with tours of Bankfoot House self-guided tours of our intriguing ‘shed’ – a restoration project with a twist and entry to the Mary Grigor centre.
On now, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until January 26, from 10am-3pm. Details at
Think outside the box at an edgy new exhibition
Looking for something to entertain the whole family these holidays? Check out the exciting new exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery from 11 December, ‘Constructing Landscape: urban visions’. Free and family friendly, you’ll find a collection of artwork from regional and national muralists and street artists responding to the challenges of urban settings. Kids will love the art trail and the free art bags for children age 4 – 12 years old.
Runs December 11 until January 26. For details visit
Go on an adventure
Search Adventure Sunshine Coast for a walk, ride or paddle and explore a part of the Sunshine Coast you’ve never been to before. Visit the site to find over 150 walking, paddling, cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding trails. Just select your activity, experience level and location. You’ll get a full list of adventures with trail maps, pictures, reviews and tips. Whether you need to challenge your teens or wear out the younger ones, you’ll find a free adventure. The hardest part will be choosing! Great for all ages.
Experience the Magical World of Crazy Science (cost involved)
Magical World of Crazy Science incorporates the weird and wonderful worlds of science, magic, comedy, mime and music in 60 minutes of awe-inspiring fun. See giant columns of elephant toothpaste, high-flying toilet paper, zooming smoke rings plus the incredible magic of polymers and gigantic bubbles, which have to be seen to be believed. Suitable for ages two years and older.
Thursday 14 January, 2021, 10am. Tickets $15 on sale soon at
Be inspired with Festive Season in My Neighbourhood #festivekindness
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and in 2020 residents are being encouraged to celebrate with friends and family near and dear at home in their neighbourhoods. Head to council’s website for tips on how to have a fantastic festive season on your neighbourhood.
For more details visit
