Spring into family fun these school holidays

And here on the Sunshine Coast, there is more than enough to keep everyone entertained throughout spring. We’ve compiled a list of family friendly events to ensure you create a memory-making holiday they’ll never forget!

Become a marine biologist for the day - or just get slimed!

These school holidays, Sea Life Sunshine Coast are giving kids the chance to become a Marine Biologist for the day. The full or half-day adventure includes a behind-the-scenes tour with marine experts, seal presentation, interactive animal handling and more. The event will be held on 26 and 28 September and 4 and 6 October. Sea Life will also host a “slimed” event, with guests encouraged to stick their hands in a mystery black box and guess what slimy creature the texture resembles. Slime making workshops will be held at 12pm and 2:30pm from 22 September to 7 October. 

Take a walk on the wild side

Nothing says spring like new life. So why not celebrate the cutest new arrivals at Australia Zoo, including their baby giraffe and koala joeys. You can also take part in Robert’s Treasure Hunt, enjoy free face painting on weekends or indulge in daily ice cream parties from 22 September to 7 October.

Ride into the night

Aussie World
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Aussie World

On Saturday, 22 September Aussie World will host their Ride The Night event, opening the gates from 6pm so you can experience the theme park in a whole new light, including their new light-up dodgems. Tickets cost $20, with free admission for children under three.

Take to the tracks

Mary Valley Rattler
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Mary Valley Rattler

It’s full steam ahead at the Mary Valley Rattler station these school holidays, with Stories with the Station Master events held on 26 September and 3 October from 10-11am. The Mary Valley Rattler will make its official first run on Saturday October 6. To celebrate, the beautifully refurbished historic Gympie Station on Tozer Street will come alive with a carnival-like atmosphere from 8am that day. For the more adventurous, become a race car driver at Australia’s largest commercial track - Big Kart Track. Helmets on, belt up, wait for the signal - Let's go!

Test your Bounce and Slide skills on giant inflatables

With the cold weather behind us, Aqua Park CoolumTwin Waters Aqua Fun Park and Bli Bli Aqua Park will open their doors seven-days a week to cater for the spring school holidays. Test yourself on the giant inflatables, slides, trampolines and balance beams for the ultimate day out, and don’t forget your towel

Free ‘Magic’ of the Ginger kind

These school holidays, The Ginger Factory will hold free magic shows with Blaze, the comedic magician and illusionist. The shows will be held twice daily at 9:30am and 11am from 24-28 September so be sure to arrive early to get a front row seat, before heading over to family favourites like the Overboard boat ride and Ginger Train for a day that will have them beaming from ear to ear.

Step back in time with Medieval fun

Marvel in some medieval fun at Sunshine Castle. Throughout the school holidays the Castle will host a number of activities, including party games and fun with Princess Jemma (held 23, 24, 30 September and 7 October), and lessons on how to shoot a medieval longbow with Sunshine Castle’s resident knight Sir Justyn.

Music Festivals for the whole family

Join Birds of Tokyo, John Butler and The Temper Trap at this year’s Caloundra Music Festival, held 28 September – 1 October. With Kings Beach providing the backdrop, it’s a great day out for all the family. Meanwhile, live music is set to echo through the Mary Valley when the Mitchell Creek Rock ‘n’ Blues Fest is held from 21-24 September, showcasing more than 150 artists. The Woodford Didgeridoo Festival will also be held at Crystal Waters Eco Village from 28-30 September with performers and tribal rhythms.

Take Mum to the markets

Head to Bulcock Beach for the Caloundra Twilight Markets, held from 5-9pm across three consecutive Fridays on 28 September, 5 October and 12 October. There is fun for the whole family with street entertainment, artisan stalls and food.

Find out more about the naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast:

Things to do - Beaches, hiking, surfing, festivals, food and art trails and world-class events - the Sunshine Coast has it all!

Places to see - Experience our friendly, laid-back beachside culture, taste fresh local produce and explore some of the most beautiful regions of Australia.

Where to stay - The Sunshine Coast boasts a wide choice of accommodation options with everything from 4.5 star resorts to luxury hinterland cottages and B&Bs, including this amazing deal from Mantra: