Queensland’s Ultimate School Holiday Guide 2026

These school holidays, pubs and coastal icons across the state are transforming into kid-friendly playgrounds filled with characters, crafts, creatures, and hands-on fun. From dinosaur encounters to glitter bars and science days, there’s something to spark curiosity and smiles at every stop.

Whether you’re planning easy midweek outings or laid-back weekend lunches, here’s your guide to the best school holiday programs across Queensland.

Select December – January Dates
Check it out here: Event details

Set right by the water, Brighton Hotel is turning the school holidays into a summer-long celebration. With themed entertainment running every weekend, it’s the perfect spot for families to unwind while the kids stay happily occupied.

What’s on:

• Fridays & Saturdays | 6pm–8pm: Themed entertainers

• Sundays | 12pm–2pm: Themed entertainers

• Bonus: Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of a main meal

Each week brings a new theme, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Keep an eye on their socials for weekly updates and make a breezy bayside afternoon of it.

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 5pm–7pm (School Holidays)
Check it out here: Event details

Mihi Tavern takes the stress out of school holiday planning with a packed schedule of free themed entertainment that kids will love. Expect characters, crafts, and interactive fun that keeps energy high and imaginations running wild.

Holiday highlights include:

• Pirate & Mermaid Day

• Science Day with exploding volcanos and rockets

• Superhero Day with mask making

• Frozen Day with Elsa & Anna

• Dinosaur Day with a baby dino meet-and-greet

• K-Pop Demon Hunters Day

It’s relaxed, lively, and ideal for a family dinner where everyone leaves smiling.

12pm–2pm | Selected January Dates
Check it out here: Event details

If your kids love to dance, create, and explore, Springlake Hotel has you covered. Their free midday entertainment sessions are perfect for younger kids and families looking for a low-key daytime outing.

What’s coming up:

• Kids Disco

• Dinosaur Visit

• Glitter Tattoo Making

• Magic Show

• Reptile Show

• Balloon Twisting & Activities

Fun, friendly, and effortlessly entertaining — it’s a great way to break up the school holiday routine.

Selected January Dates
Check it out here: Event details

Jindalee Hotel is delivering a full calendar of themed entertainment that balances creativity, excitement, and a chance for parents to relax. From crafts to character visits, every session is thoughtfully designed for maximum fun.

Program highlights:

• K-Pop Demon Hunters

• Space Explorer Sunday

• Enchanted Grotto Day

• Superhero Sunday

• Jewellery Making Evening

• Dinosaur Sunday with fossil digs

It’s the kind of place where kids stay busy and parents actually get to enjoy their meal — a school holiday win all round.

Saturdays & Sundays | 12pm–2pm
Check it out here: Event details

Just steps from the sand, SurfAir Beach Hotel makes weekends easy with free kids activities that pair perfectly with a relaxed family lunch.

Expect face painting, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, and rotating activities that keep things fresh week to week. Book a table, settle in, and let the kids enjoy their own little adventure while you soak up the coastal vibes.

December 2025 – January 2026
Check it out here: Event details

Sundowner Hotel makes school holiday planning effortless with a full calendar of free activities designed to keep kids entertained while parents get time to unwind. Known for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, this is the kind of venue where the whole family feels at home.

Across December and January, little ones can dive into hands-on fun with games, crafts, creative workshops, wildlife encounters, and cosy movie nights — all thoughtfully spaced out to suit easy family days.

It’s the perfect balance of kid-approved entertainment and grown-up downtime. Settle in, enjoy a great meal, catch up with friends, and let the kids make the most of the holidays while you do the same.

Every Sunday | 12pm–2pm
Check it out here: Event details

A Sunshine Coast classic and newly refurbished, The Royal Mail Hotel offers free kids entertainment every Sunday, making it an ideal end-of-week family ritual.

With animal farm visits, face painting, and rotating entertainers, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and perfectly paced for an easygoing Sunday together.

From bayside entertainers and dinosaur encounters to glitter tattoos, science days, and character meet-and-greets, Queensland’s school holiday programs are packed with fun, creativity, and memorable moments.

They’re designed to make life easier for parents, keep kids genuinely engaged, and turn everyday outings into something special.

Round up the family, pick your favourites, and let the Queensland school holiday adventures begin.