School Holiday Activities: Melbourne
Mum, I'm bored. Can I have the iPad now?
Instead of staying inside with the digital babysitter, why not explore some of the fun school holiday activities Melbourne has to offer?
From free outdoor attractions to interactive museum exhibitions and immersive art workshops, there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered by kids aged 2 to 16 and their grown-ups.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re into animals, art, nature, or even tech, these winter school holidays are packed with fun that won’t always come with an extra cost.
Here are some of the best school holiday activities in Melbourne to keep kids entertained, engaged, and away from those screens they somehow remain glued to.
Best exhibitions and museum activities for kids:
1. Melbourne Museum Visits and Sleepovers
A museum that keeps kids curious with its interactive galleries and school holiday programs. Kids can explore dinosaur bones, and learn about Australian culture.
Honestly, it’s one of the best school holiday activities. If you’ve got a LEGO fan, you’re in luck: museum sleepovers now include exclusive after‑hours access to the LEGO® Star Wars exhibition, plus torch‑guided tours, IMAX movies, and a night cuddled up under real dinosaur skeletons. A breakfast with a baby Triceratops puppet and a special souvenir, cap off this unforgettable experience.
Where: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
When: Open year-round
Cost: General entry $15 (adults), free for kids under 16 Sleepovers are extra ($245 child / $265 adult for family programs; adult-only evenings priced separately).
Learn More: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/
2. ArtVo Immersive Gallery
Step into a world of optical illusions! At ArtVo, art meets illusion, and guests become part of the artwork through immersive displays and exhibitions. Kids can walk into oversized murals and create epic photos. Just be sure your phone’s battery doesn’t give out!)
Where: 26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
When: Open year-round, with holiday installations available from January to March 2025
Cost: Adult tickets $30, child tickets $20, kids under 4 years are free.
Learn More: https://www.artvo.com.au/
3. ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
ACMI is perfect for kids who love film and technology and want to explore the magic of film, animation, and storytelling. Kids can discover immersive displays and can even create stories featuring their favourite characters.
Where: Fed Square, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Cost: Free entry; classes start at $20
Learn More: https://www.acmi.net.au/
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Outdoor school holiday activities in Melbourne
1. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Stroll through nature, join the Nature Detectives program, or enjoy Moonlight Cinema screenings under the stars. Explore nature at Royal Botanic Gardens, one of Melbourne’s top outdoor attractions. Enjoy a picnic, discover the Children’s Garden, or join the Nature Detectives program.
Where: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Cost: Free entry
Learn More: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/
2. Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is the perfect stop for the winter school holidays, bringing kids up close with iconic Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos, as well as exotic species from around the world.
With over 320 animal species, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, the zoo is a perfect adventure to journey through for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. Families can also enjoy a relaxing ride on the zoo’s mini-train to explore different exhibits.
Head to the animal feeding sessions, guided tours, and fun activities tailored for kids of all ages.
Where: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
When: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM during school holidays
Cost: Adult tickets are $42, kids under 16 go free on weekends and school holidays
Learn More: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne
3. Fitzroy Gardens and Edinburgh Gardens
These two stunning parks bring some well-deserved R&R for everyone during the school holidays.
Fitzroy Gardens is ideal for a relaxing picnic amidst lush greenery, ornamental lakes, and historical landmarks like Cook’s Cottage and the Fairies Tree.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Gardens hosts Outdoor Family Yoga sessions on weekends (it’s seriously wholesome.)
Where: Fitzroy Gardens (East Melbourne); Edinburgh Gardens (Fitzroy North)
When: School holiday period; amazing yoga sessions on weekends
Cost: Free entry to both parks; yoga sessions are available by donation
Learn More: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/fitzroy-gardens
4. Collingwood Children’s Farm
Collingwood Children’s Farm is a great spot for kids who love getting hands-on with animals and farm life. They can engage in activities like feeding animals, collecting eggs, and trying their hand at gardening. Head over early to catch the morning animal feeding sessions!
Where: 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
When: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM during school holidays.
Cost: Adults $12, children $7, and family passes (2 adults + 2 children) are $30.
Creative school holiday activities in Melbourne
Let the kids get crafty these school holidays with creative adventures across Melbourne. You could step into a world of wonder at NGV’s iconic Kusama Room, or check out one of the below options:
1. The Art Factory
If you ask us, The Art Factory is one of the best school holiday activities in Melbourne. It’s a family-friendly space where kids can explore, create, play, and have all the fun.
The Art Factory hosts holiday workshops such as themed painting and sculpting sessions like Under the Sea and Fantasy Worlds. These classes are designed to keep kids entertained and encourage creativity in a supportive environment, guided by skilled instructors who foster creative expression.
It also has term classes, kid-friendly events, and birthday parties, catering to kids of all ages. Even better, the studio is fully equipped with materials.
Where: 84 Kooyong Rd, Caulfield North VIC
When: School holiday workshops and term classes are available throughout the year. Specific schedules can be found on their website.
Cost: Prices start at $40 per session, with low-cost discounts for multi-session bookings or early registrations.
2. Little Picassos Melbourne
Little Picassos in Melbourne has a line-up of engaging holiday classes designed to spark creativity in kids of all ages. These classes include painting, pastels, and watercolour sessions tailored to different themes. The program caters to children aged 2 to 16 years and covers all necessary art materials – you can literally just show up and have fun!
Classes range from one-hour sessions to full-day experiences, with options to book multiple classes in a day.
Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes or bring a smock (available at the studio).
When: Please check their website to check the schedule for the term.
Where: 300 High St, Kew VIC 3101, Australia
Cost: Prices start at $35 per class.
And while you may have missed Easter art workshops, but you can still explore the magic of mythical creatures on the Unicorn and Mythical Horse Tours at the Hellenic Museum.
3. Bounce Inc.
Bounce Inc. is a top destination for energetic kids during the school holidays.
They’ve got everything from trampolining to wall climbing, and foam pits. Their holiday camps provide a 3-hour program that includes 1.5 hours of coaching, 30 minutes for snacks, and 1 hour of free play.
Parents can drop off their children and enjoy some free time while the kids are in safe hands with qualified coaches.
Where: Locations include Glen Iris, Blackburn, and Essendon Fields.
When: Available during the school holidays (specific dates vary by location).
Cost: General admission starts at $17.50, while holiday camps cost $65 per day.
Technology and STEM school holiday programs in Melbourne
Scienceworks – STEM Discovery Workshops
Scienceworks is the place to be for clever cookies. The STEM Discovery Workshops focus on robotics, coding, and 3D printing, creating an interactive and educational experience that sparks curiosity and creativity.
These workshops are perfect for budding scientists and tech enthusiasts eager to explore innovative technologies in a fun, supportive environment.
It’s an excellent choice for families looking to combine fun with learning during the holidays in Melbourne.
Where: Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC
When: Winter school holiday period (specific dates may vary).
Cost: General entry is $15 for adults, and free for children under 16. Additional charges may apply for some classes or exhibitions.
Bricks 4 Kidz
Hosted by Bricks 4 Kidz, these school holiday programs are an exciting opportunity for kids of all ages to build and program LEGO robots using LEGO bricks.
With themes such as Space Adventures and Super Machines, children can explore engineering and technology in a hands-on, creative environment. The classes are a great way to foster problem-solving skills and encourage teamwork while having fun.
It’s perfect for young LEGO enthusiasts and budding engineers looking for an engaging and educational holiday experience.
Where: Various locations across Melbourne.
When: Winter school holiday period (specific dates depend on location).
Cost: Prices start at $50 per session.
Free school holiday activities in Melbourne (Yes, FREE!)
The cost of tickets, food, and parking quickly add up! And some days, you just need to get the kids out of the house!
Fortunately, Melbourne is generous and delivers big fun without the big spend. Head to:
LIT in Wyndham Park – A stunning light installation bringing wonder to the west.
Port Phillip Ferries Kids Cruise – Kids ride the ferry and enjoy the waves without the fare!
Fed Square Events – You don’t need to spend a fortune when Fed Square is bursting with free, family-friendly events!
From pop-up activities, buskers, to even a movie on the big screen…the truth is, you never know what you’ll discover! It’s the perfect spot to soak up the city vibes and let the kids run wild and burn off some energy. Plus, being free is always a win in the bank!
The square offers a vibrant and central location, perfect for spontaneous fun.
Free Zoos
Children under 16 enjoy free entry to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Healesville Sanctuary on weekends and school holidays.
Forget dusty old books, this place is alive with stories and the wonder of knowledge. Free entry unlocks a world of possibilities, and the State Library has a whole program of events and activities for children and families to enjoy.
With its magnificent domed reading room, it’s a sight to behold, offering a quiet space for reading and learning.
Winter school holiday specials you can't miss
Melbourne Magic Festival
The Melbourne Magic Festival is the perfect place for curious kids and creative minds! With rides, films, and hands-on learning experiences, it’s more than just an exhibition! It’s a whole museum of magic, science, and creativity!
Whether you’re a regular visitor or brand new to the world of wonder, you and the kids, of course, are guaranteed a fun day out that’ll make your head spin (in a good way).
Where: The Houdini Theatre, Arrow on Swanston, 488 Swanston Street, Carlton
When: 7 – 19 July 2025
Tickets: From just $18 – book early before they vanish!
Learn More: https://melbournemagicfestival.com/
The 3 Little Pigs
If you’re looking for the perfect way to introduce your kids to the theatre, take them to check out The Three Little Pigs at the historic The National Theatre in St Kilda. The show is perfect for kids aged 2-10 years of age, and a great activity for the July school holidays! From its charming characters to its uplifting message, the show is a joyful celebration of creativity, courage, and the power of friendship.
Where: The National Theatre in St Kilda
When: 14-20 July 2025
Tickets: $39 per ticket (adults and children’s prices) or $120 for a family of 4
Learn More: https://booktickets.com.au/3littlepigs/
Planning Your Melbourne School Holiday Activities
Whether it’s a day at Melbourne Museum, a high-energy stage show, or a stroll with the whole family through a leafy park, it’s worth planning ahead to balance action-packed adventures with chilled-out downtime.
Oh, and don’t forget to make the most of free entry spots like Fed Square, the zoos, and pop-up public events to keep things budget-friendly. Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and a backup hoodie – because this is Melbourne, after all – and get ready to uncover the city’s hidden secrets one adventure at a time.
Tips for planning school holiday activities in Melbourne
- Planning is key
Create a flexible schedule that balances fun activities with downtime to avoid overwhelming the kids. - Take advantage of free or low-cost options
Melbourne has lots of budget-friendly activities—parks, gardens, and public art installations are a great place to start. - Don’t forget snacks and drinks
Pack snacks and drink bottles to keep everyone happy (and to keep the costs down).
Wrapping it up
From outdoor adventures and cultural excursions to creative workshops and fun festivals, Melbourne is essentially buzzing for these summer school holiday programs and activities.
So get out there, enjoy the sunshine (fingers crossed) and make the most of these school holidays.
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