13 Adventurous Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast with Kids

Paid experiences, free outdoor adventures and family-friendly hikes recommended by Mums Who Hike

Looking for something a little more adventurous than another trip to the playground these school holidays?

The Sunshine Coast is packed with family adventures, from feeding baby goats and watching whales to exploring rockpools, swimming beneath waterfalls and climbing a mountain together.

I’ve rounded up 13 of my favourite adventurous things to do on the Sunshine Coast with kids. There are options for different ages, energy levels and budgets, including plenty that are completely free.

As always, check current conditions, opening hours and any booking requirements before you leave. Adventure with kids rarely goes exactly to plan, but that is usually half the fun.

Paid family adventures on the Sunshine Coast

1. Meet the baby goats at Fairhill Adventure Gardens

Fairhill is a beautiful place for a slow family morning, farm animals to experience, open space for little legs and cafe and gift shop to explore. The current baby goats make it an especially fun visit for any animal loving kids.

2. Go whale watching with Whales Sunshine Coast

Seeing a humpback whale from the shoreline is exciting. Seeing one rise out of the water near the boat is something kids will talk about for a very long time.

Whales Sunshine Coast offers trips from Mooloolaba during the annual migration, and a school holiday special is currently available. Check the operator’s website for the current offer, sailing times, age requirements and weather updates before booking.

3. Make a full day of Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is an easy choice when you want one big day out with plenty to keep the whole family interested. We have an annual pass and we get our monies worth!

The Irwin family may appear in special shows during busy holiday periods, but appearances can vary. Check the official daily program before your visit if this is a highlight for your family. I've been lucky enough to see Robert two times now!

Free outdoor adventures on the Sunshine Coast

4. Search the Point Cartwright rockpools

At low tide, the rock shelves around Point Cartwright reveal small pools filled with fascinating marine life. Kids can slow down and search for tiny fish, crabs, shells and other creatures hiding between the rocks.

Mums Who Hike tip: It is best to visit around one hour before low tide so the pools are exposed while you explore. Wear enclosed water shoes, supervise children closely and please don't touch any wildlife.

5. Explore the Whipbird Walk and Playspace

Hidden inside Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, the Whipbird Walk is filled with sculptures, mosaics and nature-inspired details.

Beside it, the Whipbird Playspace encourages open-ended play with stepping logs, balancing elements, a tightrope bridge, a cubby house and its much-loved giant nest and eggs. From the carpark and through the entire walks it is roughly 1.2km return.

There is also a cafe onsite which is a nice treat after an adventorous outing!

6. Paddle and play at Mudjimba’s North Shore

The calm water on the northern side of the Maroochy River is a lovely option for younger kids. Depending on conditions, families can paddle, fish, launch a stand-up paddleboard or simply play along the sandy shoreline.

You can also bring your dog to this section of beach but please check the signage carefully as it often changes.

7. Walk across the bridge to Chambers Island

Chambers Island is one of those simple outings that works for many ages. Walk across the footbridge, play beside the calm river, enjoy a picnic and make use of the playground and toilets.

It has the excitement of visiting an island without needing a boat, plus facilities that make family outings easier.

Family-friendly hikes on the Sunshine Coast

8. Emu Mountain

Emu Mountain is a short climb with a big reward. The 1.4km return walk reaches open coastal views without the longer, steeper challenge of nearby Mount Coolum.

During whale season, keep watching the ocean as you may spot migrating humpbacks from the top.

Mums Who Hike tip: There is very little shade, so go early and avoid the heat of the day. Bring binoculars during whale season.

9. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

For a cooler rainforest adventure, explore the walking tracks at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve near Maleny. The forest feels magical for kids, with enormous trees, twisting roots and plenty of chances to search for pademelons, birds and other wildlife.

Mums Who Hike tip: Visit the discovery centre before or after your walk to add another layer to the adventure. This trail is also suitable for a pram too!

10. Kondalilla Rockpools

You do not need to complete the full Kondalilla Falls Circuit to enjoy this national park. Families can take the shorter walk through the rainforest to the upper rockpools and cool off in the water when conditions are suitable.

Expect stairs, uneven ground and a climb back to the picnic area. This is a carrier friendly walk rather than a pram walk for younger children.

11. Mount Tinbeerwah

Mount Tinbeerwah offers one of the best effort to view ratios on the Sunshine Coast. The 1km return walk leads to wide views across Noosa, the coast and the hinterland.

Mums Who Hike tip: It's a great spot for sunset but at the summit there are drop offs so it's imrporant to keep young children right beside you at the lookout.

12. Buderim Forest Park

Buderim Forest Park feels surprisingly wild for a walk so close to town. Follow the rainforest track towards Serenity Falls, listening for birds and watching the creek along the way.

Mums Who Hike tip: The rocks around the creek and waterfall are slippery, but they are a great space for little ones to splash and enjoy!

13. Currimundi Conservation Park

Currimundi Conservation Park is ideal when you want a gentle bush adventure with an ocean reward too! If you start at Currmunda Park you can encourage the kids with a play on the playground afterwards!

Looking for more Sunshine Coast family hikes?

These six walks are only a small taste of the family adventures hiding across the region.

If you love exploring but find yourself spending far too long working out whether a trail is actually suitable for your kids, I created Hiking on the Sunshine Coast with Kids to take out the guesswork.

The guide brings together practical trail details, what to expect and kid tips so you can choose an adventure that suits your family before you leave home. Including...

🥾 35+ family-friendly hikes over 80 pages across the Sunshine Coast, Hinterland and Glass House Mountains.

📍 Easy-to-read Quick Hike Guides with essential information at a glance

💦 Waterfalls and swimming holes perfect for cooling off after a hike.

🏔 Summit hikes with spectacular views that are achievable for adventurous families.

👶 Pram-friendly walks, toddler-friendly adventures and trails suitable for all stages of family life.

🎒 Packing advice, safety tips and hiking with kids guidance to help you feel prepared and confident before every adventure.

Because “family-friendly” can mean anything from a flat pram walk to carrying a toddler up 400 metres of elevation. It helps to know which one you are signing up for.

Before you go

Conditions can change quickly outdoors. Check official park alerts, tides, weather, fire conditions and operator updates before leaving.

Carry enough water and snacks, use sun protection and a first aid kit is already good to have too. Choose an adventure that suits your family’s current ability and it's ok if you need to turn around. That happens sometimes!