11 Fun Things To Do On A Rainy Day On The Sunshine Coast
I know it sounds like the Sunshine Coast should always be sunny, but it does, in fact, rain there. Thankfully, there are plenty of fun things to do no matter the weather.
Though I live in Brisbane, our weather is typically the same. I have also lived north of the Sunshine Coast, so when we are looking for fun things to do on the weekends and during school holidays, we often check out what is happening there, both on the actual coast and in the hinterland.
So, no matter which city you are in on the Sunshine Coast, if you are on the actual coast or out in the hinterland, you can find fun things to do indoors on a rainy day.
From indoor playgrounds to discovery centres, aquarium visits to art galleries, you don’t need to stay at home when there are so many options nearby.
If you happen to be on the Sunshine Coast on a rainy day, check out this list of fun things to do.
The Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day On The Sunshine Coast
Explore Under the Sea at Sea Life Aquarium
Rain or shine is the perfect time to head under the sea at Sea Life Aquarium in Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
General admission tickets are available, and there are plenty of unique experiences to add on, such as shark diving, an in-water penguin encounter, or a behind-the-scenes tour.
Sea Life Aquarium even offers sleepovers throughout the year.
Play Games
Rainy days on the Sunshine Coast are the perfect excuse to stay inside and play games!
Head to Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore, where there is a Timezone, or go across the street to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in the Big 10 Shopping Centre.
Timezone Sunshine Plaza has so much more than just arcade games, though those are fun to play, too. Spend the day playing arcade games, bowling, riding in the bumper cars, and playing laser tag at Timezone. Plus, they have a cafe, so you don’t even need to leave to eat.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq also has arcade games as well as a cafe. Strike Bowling is right next door to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, as is Holey Moley, an indoor mini-golf course with really fun themed holes.
Maroochydore isn’t the only place to play arcade games on the Sunshine Coast. Planet Arcade is in Caloundra, and Arcade Box has arcade games, virtual reality, and lots of prizes in Coolum Beach.
Bounce or Climb Out Your Energy
Get the rainy day energy out at Big Boing, a trampoline park in Birtinya, or climb it out at Rockit Climbing Gym in Warana.
The Big Boing has more than 50 interconnected trampolines and a separate space for little kids. They also have a cafe at Big Boing.
There are multiple ways to climb at Rockit Climbing Gym for every level of climber.
Skate the Day Away
Skate the rainy day blues away at Rollerdome Family Skate Center in Caloundra. They offer learn-to-skate classes and host open skate times as well as school holiday skate workshops.
Try to Escape
Solve clues and puzzles and try to “escape” from a room in time at any one of the themed escape rooms on the Sunshine Coast.
Escape Room Oz has options in Caloundra and Mooloolaba. They even have a monthly membership option for those who want to try out all of the escape rooms. There are 6 escape rooms and 3 types of escape rooms at Escape Room Oz: normal, scary, and fully immersive.
Another escape room location on the Sunshine Coast is Red Lock Escape Rooms in Maroochydore at Sunshine Plaza. Red Lock Escape Room has 4 room options.
Strike Bowling also has escape room options in Maroochydore.
See a Show
The world’s longest-running silent-film theatre is located at the Majestic Theatre on the Sunshine Coast.
Musicals, comedy, and other entertainment can be viewed at The Events Centre in Caloundra.
The latest movies can be seen at the BBC Theatre in Maroochydore, Big Screen Cinemas in Caloundra, and Event Cinemas in Kawana.
Eat Cheese
Instead of picking up a picnic, stay and enjoy a cheese-filled meal at Maleny Cheese Cafe. Cheeseboards are available, as is a menu with delicious options, many of which include cheese.
Learn about Beer
A rainy day is a great time to learn about beer, and of course, drink beer.
The Sunshine Coast Half-Day Coastal Brewery Tour takes you behind the scenes at 3 Sunshine Coast breweries. The tour includes lunch and beer samples.
Head to a Kid-Friendly Cafe
Enjoy a meal at a kid-friendly restaurant that offers a dry place for the kids to play.
Though some of our favorite spots have outdoor play areas, you can check out this list for the ones that have an indoor play space or playground for the kids.
A fun option for those with young children is the Jujuba Cafe, which has play passes for the kids and a small cafe for the parents.
Free Things To Do On A Rainy Day On The Sunshine Coast
Learn about the Rainforest
While Mary Cairncross Reserve is perfect for hiking and exploring on sunny days, the Discovery Centre is perfect for rainy days on the Sunshine Coast.
Learn about the rainforest through the interactive displays while keeping dry inside the Mary Cairncross Discovery Centre in Maleny.
A cafe serving breakfast and lunch is located next to the discovery centre.
Window Shop at Sunshine Plaza
Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore is the perfect place to stay dry on a rainy day on the Sunshine Coast. While there are many paid activities available at Sunshine Plaza, window shopping is free. The shopping centre is large and a great place to hang out while it rains.
Sunshine Plaza is the largest shopping centre on the Sunshine Coast with over 300 stores.
Go Gallery Hopping
Check out the free art galleries on the Sunshine Coast.
Caloundra Regional Gallery features art from local and national artists.
USC Art Gallery in Sippy Downs showcases Australian artists. They have the largest public collection of art on the Sunshine Coast.
Yandina Historic House has an art gallery featuring local, historical, and cultural items.
Wrap Up: Things To Do On A Rainy Day On The Sunshine Coast
While we usually prefer sunny days, especially on the Sunshine Coast, it is clear that there are lots of fun options for things to do on rainy days.
Whether you want to play, relax, explore, or tour, there is something for everyone on a rainy day on the Sunshine Coast, on any budget.
Spending a rainy day in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast? Check out our guides on the best things to do!
If you are looking for a great place to eat on the Sunshine Coast with kids, check out Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Playgrounds and Play Spaces on the Sunshine Coast.
Did the sun come out? Find more fun things to do with our guide to the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
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