Whether you’re after a relaxing time on a beach or an adventure-packed holiday, Noosa wins “the best family destination on the Sunshine Coast”, hands down. Picture-perfect and packed with stunning natural resources and a mixture of urban vibes, Noosa is perfect for bringing kids unforgettable memories. After they visit once, they’ll beg you to come back repeatedly. There is certainly no shortage of things to do with kids in Noosa, ranging from doing next to nothing to engaging in the most adventurous activities.
Here are the top things to do with kids in Noosa that will keep them busy and, more importantly, happy:
π΄ Discover Noosa National Park
Get your comfy shoes on, pack kids’ rucksacks with water and snacks, and then head off to explore the stunning National Park. While there is 15km of trails to explore, the Coastal Track is the most popular. Running along the coast, offering incredible views of sparkly turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. During your walks, you might spot some of the natives: frolicking dolphins, cuddly koalas and curious lizards. The best part of the trek is discovering secret swimming areas where children can safely splash or surf away without the typical tourist crowds, remembering to be careful on unpatrolled beaches.
ποΈ Play on the Beach
You don’t need to spend a fortune for the kids to have fun, especially in Noosa, nature’s playground. With many golden sandy beaches to choose from you could spend your holiday exploring them. Noosa with kids is easy with so much sand for those critters to play with. Main beach is the obvious choice for gentle rippling waves in the shelter of Laguna Bay. Sunshine Beach has bigger waves and more sand dunes to bounce between. Peregian Beach goes as far as the eyes can see and has a great park right on the beach. Build sandcastles, collect shells or try to spot a pod of dolphins which reside in the area. These are just a few ideas and beaches waiting to be discovered.
π₯οΈ Hire a boat on Gympie Terrace
There is no shortage of boat hire companies running along Gympie Terrace in Noosaville. You can hire a boat without a licence as long as you follow some simple sailing etiquette along the river. This will be explained by the helpful staff in the boat hire companies. Your children will be provided with life jackets, making sure they are safe. You can hire motor boats, pontoons, catamarans, stand-up paddle boards or Kayaks from an hour up to a full day. Pack a picnic and relax on a pontoon, buy some bait and fishing real or wear the kids out with something more energetic like a kayak. All that’s left to do is decide which way to go on this beautiful river.
πββοΈ Go to Noosa Aquatic Centre
The “NAC” is the local pool which provides excellent facilities for children. Adults can swim laps, and kids can enjoy the splash pool. There is also a creche with lovely carers that will entertain your kids for an hour if you want to swim or even a break with a coffee at the NAC cafe. A skate park is next door, which is worth checking out if your kids are into skating or scooting. For ideas of other places to swim, check out this article.
π¦ Gelato on Hastings Street with Gelatissimo Noosa
What’s your flavour?!!! No holiday is complete without some gelato, and it’s the perfect thing to do in Noosa with kids, especially if they have been well-behaved. Gelatissimo Noosa, located in the heart of Noosa, is a paradise for gelato lovers. Renowned for its creamy texture and wide flavour range, it offers classic and innovative options. Using fresh ingredients, this gelato shop provides a welcoming ambience for those seeking a delightful treat in Noosa. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious scoop after a day at the beach or as a sweet highlight to your day.
π¦ Cool the Kids off at Tewantin Splash Park
This free facility is located next to Noosa Marina, alongside Noosa River. Children can cool off by running through a variety of water jets. Bring a picnic blanket, sit on the grass, or enjoy a packed lunch at the picnic tables. Good old, simple water fun will keep the kids happy for hours.
πΉ Get your Skates on at Peregian Skate Park
Peregian Skate Park in Noosa is a vibrant hub for skating enthusiasts, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Known for its smooth surfaces and challenging features, it caters to skaters of all skill levels. The park boasts a variety of ramps, rails, and bowls, making it perfect for both casual rides and thrilling stunts. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a skateboarding paradise and a scenic spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the coastal vibe. .
βΊ Go camping
Habitat Noosa is located 25mins north from Noosa and proclaims to be “QLD’s most exciting eco-tourism destination”. The camping grounds are stretched along the 65 acres of natural bushland and offer facilities such as; a bar and bistro, breakfast kiosk, newly renovated washrooms and glamping options! Forget the troubles of packing and setting up a family tent; instead, hire one of the wilderness or paperbark tents with amazing beachfront views and premium comfort for the whole family. Kids will definitely appreciate the unique experience in this world’s class eco-tourism facility.
πββοΈ Book a lesson at Australia’s first SUP school
Noosa is a perfect location to book kids Stand up paddleboarding lessons due to its extensive waterways, river and surf. The SUP Noosa is located on the Noosa River, providing visitors with memorable lessons run by professional teachers. Children will get hooked on the sport targeted at all levels and abilities, as the local instructors make it a fun experience.
π Pizza on Noosa Main Beach
You might have filled your days with incredible activities for kids, but don’t forget to kick back and spend a day relaxing or sunbathing in Noosa’s most favourite place, Main Beach. The waters are calm and sheltered most of the time, making it excellent for learning to surf. Within a few steps, there’s a great selection of eateries offering sit-in dining or takeaway options. Why not try pizza on the beach with your hungry little ones!
π΄ββ οΈ Noosa’s Pirate Playground
A holiday in Noosa isn’t complete without a visit to the Noosa Pirate Playground located on the banks of the Noosa River. Let kids work up a sweat, then take them for a dip in the river’s cool waters. For lunch, head to The Yacht club, where they offer a special kids menu.
For ideas on where to take the kids to let off steam in Noosa, read our article The Best Playgrounds in Noosa for Family-Friendly Fun.
