With the winter school holidays here, families across the Noosa hinterland are spoiled for choice with a packed calendar of fun, family-friendly and affordable things to do. Whether your kids are into science, sport, crafts or animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy these holidays.
Let your child’s imagination run wild with LEGO: Build, Create, and Imagine! at Cooroy Library on Thursday 3 July, 9–11am. No bookings are required and all ages are welcome. Also at the library, little makers can dive into a colourful world of yarn at Woolly Wonders on Friday 11 July, 9–11am. Children can create their own fuzzy critters and learn new crafting skills in a relaxed setting.
The Ginger Factory in Yandina is a top spot for holiday entertainment. From 30 June to 5 July, Old MacDonald’s Farm offers a chance to cuddle rabbits, goats and more from 10am to 2pm. On 1 and 8 July, Crafty Tuesdays provide free craft activities for little hands. Budding adventurers can head to Knight School from 7 to 12 July for a fun $10 jousting and swordplay session. And don’t forget to meet Zog the friendly dragon during regular appearances throughout the break.
NAIDOC Week will be celebrated with the Sunshine Coast NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Saturday 5 July, from 10am to 2pm at Nambour Junior State College. Expect dance, food, workshops, kids’ activities and more. The NAIDOC Flag Raising and Youth Showcase on Tuesday 8 July, also in Nambour, will highlight the voices and talents of First Nations youth.
Looking for action? Bike On offers 2.5-hour mountain bike clinics for ages 5 to 17 across Noosa, Gympie, Parklands and Caloundra. Riders of all levels are welcome, with sessions focusing on skills, confidence and fun. Book online: bikeon.com.au/mountain-bike-coaching/kids-mountain-bike/
Younger riders can take part in the Noosa Kids Enduro on Sunday 6 July, a 1.4km circuit for ages 6 to 12 with prizes for all. The weekend festival also includes food trucks, live entertainment, bike demos and a family-friendly vibe.
Make a splash and learn new skills with SurfGroms from Go Ride a Wave. Their popular kids-only program runs from Monday to Thursday and teaches surf safety and skills for ages 5 to 12. All gear is included, and instructors are qualified surf lifesavers. Visit: gorideawave.com.au
For sea lovers, whale watching season is underway. Local tours depart daily from Noosa and Mooloolaba, offering families the chance to witness humpback whales on their annual migration.
Art and nature meet at the Kin Kin Markets on Sunday 6 July, with live world music, local food and nature-themed kids’ art activities. From 30 June to 6 July, the Kin Kin School of Arts Hall will host workshops and exhibitions celebrating local creativity.
Animal lovers can enjoy a two-hour experience at Highland Hideaway, where kids can meet highland cows, baby sheep and piglets, help harvest fresh produce and toast marshmallows by the fire. Visit: www.highlandhideawayexperiences.com.au
For creative kids, the Hub Holiday Program runs from 30 June to 11 July with tech workshops including robotics, coding, digital art and music production for ages 7 to 17. See peregianhub.com.au for bookings.
Noosa Regional Gallery is also hosting workshops for children aged 6 to 12, led by local artists, while Noosa Leisure Centre and Noosa Libraries offer a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
For horse lovers and kids over 7 years old, check out Equathon Horse Riding Adventures which offer award-winning horse riding tours on the beach at Noosa North Shore, and in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Visit: www.equathon.com
Other local highlights include Noosa Mini Golf, Tewantin Splash Park, Noosa Botanic Gardens and Nutworks for macadamia treats. Plus, there’s always something happening at the Original Eumundi Markets, held every Wednesday and Saturday, rain or shine.
Getting around is easy too, with Translink offering 50 cent public transport fares. Or hop aboard the Noosa Ferry for a scenic way to travel between Noosa Marina and Hastings Street. And with so many pathways and boardwalks across Noosa Shire, riding and walking is a great way to explore. Visit: visitnoosa.com.au/getting-around
For even more family fun ideas, don’t miss the What’s On guide on Page 19.