Best Places to Go On The Sunshine Coast With Kids
Planning a Sunshine Coast escape with the kiddos? Our very own ellaslist explorer packed up the family and dived into all the fun the coast has to offer. From beachy adventures to hinterland delights, they've uncovered the top kid-approved spots.
And guess what? They wish they'd extended their stay!
Top Kid-Friendly Destinations on the Sunshine Coast
Kid-Friendly Attractions On The Sunshine Coast
Australia Zoo
Cost: $66.95
Families, gear up for a wild day at Australia Zoo! From iconic crocs to cuddly koalas, it promises fun, learning, and heaps of animal magic.
Learn More About Australia Zoo
Ginger Factory
Cost: From $25.00
Ginger enthusiasts, this one's for you! Dive into a world of rides, tours, and ginger delights. And those gardens? Perfect for family snaps!
Learn More About The Ginger Factory
Amaze World
Cost: From $33.00
Get lost (and found!) at Bellingham Maze. A living hedge turned epic adventure – which path will your family choose?
Learn More About Amaze World
Maleny Botanic Gardens
Cost: From $42.00
Escape to Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, a Sunshine Coast treasure. Wander through lush gardens, snap pics with vibrant birds, and soak in the Glasshouse Mountains views. Don't forget that picnic by the waterfall – it's pure magic.
Learn More About Maleny Botanic Gardens
Kid-Friendly Tours On The Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast Aquaduck Tours
Cost: From $45.00
Hop on the Sunshine Coast Aquaduck for a 60-minute tour of Mooloolaba! Cruise by luxe homes, explore Point Cartwright, and even let the kiddos take the wheel. Dive into beach vibes, local tales, and Indigenous history. Every little captain gets a certificate!
Learn More About Sunshine Coast Aquaduck Tours
Adventure Rafting Tour
Cost: From $69.00
Dive into a 60-minute Mooloolaba rafting ride that's all thrills and splashes! Zoom past iconic spots like Mudjimba Island and Cartwright Lighthouse. With high-speed turns, wave rides, and a nifty 350-horsepower vessel, it's an adrenaline rush on water. Plus, get kitted out with a spray jacket, goggles, and even a waterproof phone case. Small groups, big adventures, and a local skipper to guide the way!
Learn More About The Adventure Rafting Tours
Kid-Friendly Experiences On The Water
Glasshouse Mountains Jet Ski Tour from Caloundra
Cost: From $290.00
Zoom through Caloundra's waterways on a 90-minute jet ski adventure! Covering 60km, you might spot dolphins, turtles, or even dugongs. And those Glasshouse Mountains views? Simply breathtaking! Top it off with a heart-racing lap around Lighthouse Reach.
Age Requirement: The minimum age for child passengers is eight years old, and the minimum legal age for driving the Jet Ski on your own is 16 years old.
Learn More About Glasshouse Mountains Jet Ski Tour from Caloundra
Mooloolaba Seafood Lunch Cruise
Cost: From $65.00
Sail along Mooloolaba River while indulging in a scrumptious seafood platter! This lunch cruise pairs delectable dining with serene waterway views, making it a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
Learn More About The Mooloolaba Seafood Lunch Cruise
Mooloolaba Sunset Seafood Cruise
Cost: From $45.00
During the holidays, while the kids are having their fun, it's time for you to unwind and indulge. Embark on a 1.5-hour Mooloolaba River cruise and immerse yourself in the beautiful glow of the sunset. Aboard a luxurious vessel, relish the scenic beauty, delve into local stories, and if you're feeling cheeky you can even treat yourself to a snack and a cocktail from the onboard bar.
Learn More About Mooloolaba Sunset Seafood Cruise
Mooloolaba Turtle Tour - 1.5 Hours
Cost: From $69.00
Dive into a 1.5-hour Mooloolaba turtle tour for a marine adventure you won't forget! Cruise the scenic Mooloolaba River and canals, keeping an eye out for our shelled friends. With an HD underwater camera, you'll get a front-row seat to the vibrant underwater show. Perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers, this intimate cruise caps at 20 guests.
Age Requirement: Family friendly experience for ages 5+
Learn More About The Mooloolaba Turtle Tour
Child-Friendly Places to Eat
From Cafes to Co-ops
Spit's Seafood
The Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-Operative was established in the 1970’s, it was one of the first developments on the Spit at Main Beach. You can buy freshly ‘local wild caught seafood’ to take home to cook or eat at one of the restaurants either take away or in a simple setting with a great view of the ocean and docked fishing boats.
Location: 168 Seaworld Drive, Gold Coast
Mooloolah Fish
We ate at Mooloolah Fish and had a fantastic fresh seafood experience. We ordered at the counter and a few moments later a delicious plate of fish, beer battered chips and salad arrived at our table.
Location: Lot 201 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
The Velo Project
At The Velo, they are passionate about the eating experience and pride themselves on sustainability and supporting local farmers by sourcing their produce, so everything is fresh. The café has a rustic/ hipster vibe and there are large wooden tables for diners to share, alongside comfy couches and smaller tables dotted around the café. Outside there is a great seating area and a space for children to play complete with a variety of toys.
Location: 19 Careela Street, Mooloolaba
Parklands Tavern
Parklands Tavern, has a relaxed and inviting environment that ‘reflects typical Australian hospitality and ease’. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including produce from their own vegetable gardens and citrus grove. Gluten free options available.
Location: 238 Parklands Boulevard, Meridan Plains
Local Tip - Don't Miss The Markets!
Indoor and Outdoor Markets
- Held every Saturday.
- Features fresh, locally grown produce, bric-a-brac, potted plants, and more.
- Open from 6:30am till 1pm.
- Closed on December 26 and January 2.
Bubs & Kids Market
- Takes place every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Car Boot Sale
- Occurs on the last Saturday of the month.
Aussie World
You can’t possibly head to the Sunshine Coast with kids and not swing past Aussie World. From arcade games to over 25 rides suitable for all ages like giant slides, carousels and dodgem cars, this will probably be the highlight of the trip for your kids. There’s live shows happening every day with a heap of audience interaction, delicious places to eat (including a Ye Olde Lolly Shop) as well as rides that get you wet, mini golf, and an Illusionarium!
Learn More About Aussie World.
Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!
- All Ages
Reviews
Pick a Date
