Even in winter, the Sunshine Coast delights in an average of seven hours of sunshine per day. This is one of the highest average daily sunshine readings in the world! Whether your trip is full of sun or soggy with rain, the Sunshine Coast can provide the perfect getaway in winter with your Brisbane Kids. Here are some ideas of things to do on the Sunshine Coast when it gets cold.
Outdoor things to do on the Sunshine Coast when it gets cold
Especially when the weather gets a little cooler, getting the kids outside and soaking up some of that gorgeous Sunshine Coast vitamin D will not only keep them active but happy too. Below are some great activities you can enjoy outdoors with your kids on the Sunshine Coast.
Challenge yourselves to a maze
With entertainment ranging from mazes and puzzles to mini golf, a playground, waterplay and more, Amaze World is a place where the whole family can spend the whole day – all in a tranquil tropical rainforest setting.
Visit A Sunshine Coast Theme Park
Plan a day trip to one of our recommended Best Theme Parks on the Sunshine Coast. From ride-oriented theme parks like Aussie World, to more relaxed destinations suitable for the entire family like Bellingham Maze, we have covered the perfect theme parks for your Brisbane Kids.
Discover Sunshine Coast’s playgrounds
Visit an awesome Sunshine Coast park or playground. We recommend Russell Family Park in Montville and Pioneer Park in Landsborough but we have a list of amazing Sunshine Coast Playgrounds.
Sunshine Coast parks are packed with awesome equipment that we don’t always see in our Brisbane parks and playgrounds, so they’re great to explore, and discover new challenges. For example, the pirate playground at Happy Valley is fantastic for families with many different types of play equipment, the beach nearby, BBQs, toilets, cafes and a coffee van.
Swim and play at a Sunshine Coast beach
Sunshine Coast beaches aren’t only to be enjoyed in the warmer weather! Rug up, pack a picnic, a kite and some sand play toys like buckets and spades and your Brisbane Kids can have a winter beach adventure. Don’t forget the camera – winter sunshine makes for some beautiful beach photos! You will also often find kite surfers challenging the surf on windy days which is always entertaining for the kids.
Go camping
There is no better time to go camping outdoors than when the weather cools down a little. Without the sticky heat of the summer sun, chilly weather means toasting marshmallows over open fires, snuggling up in sleeping bags under starry skies and discovering a range of beautiful natural camp grounds in the area. We have details of some of the best nature-soaked areas in our list of day trip destinations on the Sunshine Coast.
Visit a Sunshine Coast national park
Active Brisbane families should take advantage of cooler weather and plan a day trip to one of the many national parks, mountains and forests of the Sunshine Coast and hinterland areas. Hiking mountain trails and discovering walking tracks can get quite tiring when the weather is too warm – so a cooler day actually makes a family bush walk so much more enjoyable for all.
One of our favourites places to visit with our family on the Sunshine Coast is Noosa National Park at Noosa Heads, an oasis right in the heart of Noosa. With areas of pine rainforest, woodlands and wallum heaths, the park is home to wildlife galore; including koalas, frill-necked lizards and black cockatoos.
Head to the Zoo
Australia Zoo is one of the most iconic zoos in our country and it is found right in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Spanning over 100 acres of tropical parkland and housing more than one thousand native and exotic animals, Australia Zoo is an awesome place to visit with your Brisbane kids.
If you are looking for a smaller zoo that gifts you all of the animals you will want to see alongside one of our more famous landmarks, a visit to Wildlife HQ and the Big Pineapple is also a lovely way to spend a cooler day with the kids.
Explore Montville and Maleny
Montville and Maleny, the small and extremely picturesque Sunshine Coast towns, are set high in the mountains and actually at their best in the cooler months. Littered with tiny wood cabins with in-built fireplaces, warm pubs and an array of art and craft shops that line their main street, these country towns are a delight for families all year round. Tour a local dairy farm, visit the local falls and try to spot an elusive platypus while in the area too!
Visit the Ginger Factory
Located in Yandina, the Ginger Factory is a fun and educational experience for Brisbane Kids. Not only can you visit the factory and discover all about the ginger-making process, you can also take a tour of the gardens, book in to enter the Super Bee Attraction and learn about the fascinating lives of honeybees, enjoy a boat ride, or explore the ZOG Trail and kids playground. Read our full review of the Ginger Factory here.
Sunshine Coast inside pursuits to entertain your Brisbane Kids
If it’s raining or just too cold to go outside, try these ideas for beating kids’ winter boredom.
Visit SEA LIFE in Mooloolaba
The perfect way to get up-close to the Sunshine Coast’s stunning marine life without entering the water yourself is with a visit to SEA LIFE in Mooloolaba. The kids will love discovering all the weird and wonderful creatures in this fun and interactive underwater experience.
Explore different habitats, from the sweltering tropics to tidal rock pools all from the comfort of the indoor, underwater aquarium. You can read our full review of SEA LIFE here.
Enjoy a game of putt putt – and more!
Holey Moley is located on the top floor of the Maroochydore Shopping Centre and offers so much more than just your usual indoor putt putt course. With escape rooms, bowling, arcade games, and even kareoke all under one roof, this is the ultimate family fun day escape on a winter’s day.
See a show or join a workshop
Not just a wonderland of natural beauty, the Sunshine Coast also hosts a fantastic variety of indoor shows and events for families. From live stage performances, music, kids shows and holiday programs, be sure to check out the Sunshine Coast venues and events page for current events.
Plan a day at a local play centre
Play centres are always a popular choice for entertaining kids on rainy days. With its growing population, the Sunshine Coast has play centres everywhere. Keep the kids entertained for hours while they burn off that pent-up energy when it’s simply too cold to go outside. Check out a play centre near you for some warm and safe fun.
Visit Sunshine Castle
Step back in time at Sunshine Castle in Bli Bli. Truly enchanting and educational all at once, this Norman-style replica will have little princes and princesses spellbound. With a dungeon, treasure hunts and quests that lead to the discovery of a King’s Treasure Chest – this family-focussed attraction is perfect for cooler days.
Settle in to a Sunshine Coast Library
With the Sunshine Coast Council library’s events calendar, you will find a free, fun, fitting indoor activity for your Brisbane Kid. From regular Baby Rhyme Time sessions to interactive musical shows, the council puts on some significant events for families and kids of all ages, particularly during the school holidays. Ensure you plan, though, as many of these activities require bookings.
Try Indoor Bouldering
If you have active kids that are keen to burn off some energy away from the wintery weather, Bould Move on the Sunshine Coast would be the perfect place to take them. Basically indoor rock climbing but without the ropes, its not as scary as it sounds and with designated kids walls for them to problem-solve and navigate on, they will gain more than just a bit of indoor entertainment from a trip here.
See a movie
A go-to family fun activity that will entertain the whole tribe is a trip to the local cinemas to see the latest blockbuster film. What better way to beat the chilly weather than with a hot bucket of salted popcorn, your family settled comfortably in beside you, and the latest film playing out before you all for a couple of hours.
We’d love to hear your suggestions for awesome things to do and places to visit on the Sunshine Coast when it gets cold! You might also enjoy the following articles:
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