SCHOOL HOLIDAY IDEAS

The eggs are eaten and it’s time to burn off some of that sugary energy! The Sunshine Coast Council has a few great suggestions to help…

Arty family outing

Take the chance to check out the 40 finalist works from Sunshine Coast artists in the Local Contemporary Art Prize 2024.

Vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by The Friends Regional Gallery and Geoff Lyons Solicitors, for a chance to win a gallery store voucher. Plus, be inspired by the region’s budding artists in the Local Student Art Prize exhibition.

When: Until Friday May 5. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am – 2pm

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra

Details: Visit gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Turtlely terrific

A fun opportunity for primary school aged children to discover more about turtles, run by the TurtleCare Sunshine Coast volunteer team.

Learn about the turtles who nest here on the coast, their lifecycle, biology and fun facts. Help save our turtles and find a solution to pollution. Bring your curiosity and creativity.

This event will include both indoor and beach activities with some teamwork required. All participants will require adult parent or guardian attendance throughout the session.

When: Tuesday April 9, 8.30 – 10.30am and 11am to 1pm.

Where: Windansea Community Clubhouse - Ballinger Beach Park, Buderim Street Currimundi

Details: Book the 8.30am session or 11am session via EventBrite (search ‘turtlecare’)

Make musical memories

Dance your way to the Mary Grigor Centre these school holidays and see what music was like for the families that lived at Bankfoot House.

Explore the exhibition House Music, or dance to the foxtrot whilst the pianola plays. Don’t worry if you have two left feet – you can always make your own kazoo and hum along. Free, and no bookings required.

When: Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 3pm.

Where: Bankfoot House, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains

Details: Visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/bankfoot-house

Gorgeous gardens and art

Have your kids tried the Great Botanic Race? This self-guided orienteering activity is a great way to enjoy an active, all-ages day at the Botanic Garden. Older children love racing their friends and solving the puzzle while they explore the bushland. Grab a map at the entrance in the lower part of the garden, or download and print before you arrive from the council website. 

Once you’ve explored the wonders of the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, visit the Maroochy Arts and Ecology Centre and be uplifted by the creativity of the Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden.

Their exhibition, Inspired by Nature 2024, showcases the diverse works of 12 artists in ceramic, pencil and paint, with free entry.

When: Open 7am – 6pm daily

Where: The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, 51 Palm Creek Road, Tanawha

Details: Visit sunshinecaost.qld.gov.au (search ‘botanic garden’)

Hop into history 

Step back in time and explore the Landsborough Museum. During the holidays you can enjoy Easter for a little longer and follow the bunny trail. Free with no bookings required.

When: From Wednesday April 3 to Sunday April 14. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-3pm

Where: Landsborough Museum, 4 Maleny Street, Landsborough

Details: Visit Council’s website for details

Discover how rainforest thrives

Meet the Forest Fellowship in the Rainforest Discovery Centre at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

This exhibit is bursting with features for families to explore: make your own felt forest; touch and feel different types of tree bark; borrow a free Junior Ranger Kit; zoom in on the Microeye; discover the dark room, and read in the kids nook.

When: Open daily, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Where: The Rainforest Discovery Centre at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny

Details: Visit ‘Mary Cairncross’ on Council’s website

Try NFL Flag Football

Sunshine Coast Council are inviting kids aged 9-12 years to come and try NFL Flag Football at the Kawana Sports Precinct.

The modified, non-contact version of American Football involves five players a side, with both boys and girls playing together. Players wear belts with flags to be pulled instead of tackling in this invasion game, where touchdowns score.

When: Sunday April 14, 9am – 12pm

Where: Field 5, Kawana Sports Precinct, 320 Nicklin Way, Bokarina

Details: Register on the NFL website

Sunshine Coast Libraries

Check out your local libraries for Prehistoric adventures, with dinosaur themed activities, scavenger hunts, board games, stop-go animation and more!