School holiday activities in Melbourne
Instead of staying inside with the digital babysitter, why not take the kids out and try some of these fun school holiday activities in Melbourne?
There are free attractions for the whole family and school holiday fun to suit every taste. From galleries, museums, school holiday workshops and games to festivals and big-screen fun at the movies.
Here are some top school holiday activities Melbourne has in store.
Indoor activities during school holiday time
Melbourne Museum
One of the best school holiday activities, Melbourne Museum has interactive displays, fascinating exhibitions, and hands-on school holiday programs.
Explore the iconic dinosaur skeletons, the Children’s Gallery for little ones, and take a journey through time with the immersive Oceans Alive exhibition (January–April 2025), which showcases marine life from past and present.
- Where: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
- When: Open year-round, with the Oceans Alive exhibition running from January to April 2025.
- Cost: General entry $15 (adults), free for kids under 16
ArtVo Immersive Gallery
Step into a world of optical illusions! At ArtVo, visitors become part of the artwork through immersive displays and exhibitions.
This attraction offers special holiday installations (January–March 2025).
- Where: 26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- When: Open year-round, with holiday installations available from January to March 2025
- Cost: Adult tickets $35, child tickets $25, family passes available
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
ACMI is perfect for kids who love film and technology. Discover immersive displays and kid-friendly events like the Kids’ Animation Lab, where kids can create stories featuring their favourite characters.
- Where: Fed Square, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- Cost: Free entry; classes start at $20
Sign up
Get tailored content based on your week of pregnancy
By signing up, you agree to receiving our Newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Outdoor adventures during school holiday time
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
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.
Don’t miss the Moonlight Cinema screenings (December 2024–January 2025).
- Where: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
- Cost: Free entry; Moonlight Cinema tickets start at $20
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is the perfect stop for the Easter 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, and children under 16 enjoy free entry on weekends and school holidays.
Fitzroy Gardens & Edinburgh Gardens
These two stunning parks bring some well-deserved R&R for everyone during the Easter school holidays.
Fitzroy Gardens is ideal for a relaxing picnic amidst lush greenery, ornamental lakes, and historical landmarks like Cooks’ Cottage and the Fairies’ Tree.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Gardens hosts Outdoor Family Yoga sessions on weekends (it’s seriously wholesome.)
- Where: Fitzroy gardens are located in East Melbourne, bounded by Clarendon Street, Albert Street, Lansdowne Street, and Wellington Parade. Edinburgh Gardens are situated in Fitzroy North, bordered by Brunswick Street and St Georges Road.
- When: Easter school holiday period; yoga sessions are held on weekends.
- Cost: Free entry to both parks; yoga sessions are available by donation.
Collingwood Children’s Farm
Collingwood Children’s Farm is a great spot for kids who love getting hands-on.
They can engage in activities like feeding animals, collecting eggs, and trying their hand at gardening. Head over early to catch the morning 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.
Fun school holiday activities in Melbourne
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 or by contacting the studio directly.
- Cost: Prices start at $40 per session, with low-cost discounts for multi-session bookings or early registrations.
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.
Bounce Inc.
Bounce Inc. is a top destination for energetic kids during the Easter 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.
This is a great way for kids to play while burning off energy, learning new skills, and making friends in a fun, safe environment.
- Where: Locations include Glen Iris, Blackburn, and Essendon Fields.
- When: Available during the Easter school holidays (specific dates vary by location).
- Cost: General admission starts at $17.50, while holiday camps cost $65 per day.
Technology & 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: Easter 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: Easter holiday period (specific dates depend on location).
- Cost: Prices start at $50 per session.
Budget-friendly attractions
State Library Victoria
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. (Some additional fees might apply.)
With its magnificent domed reading room, it’s a sight to behold, offering a quiet space for reading and learning.
Healesville Sanctuary
Get ready to meet some adorable, fluffy, scaly, and unique animals at Healesville! (entry fees apply).
You get to see native Australian wildlife up close in a natural bushland setting. A great way to spend time during the break.
Fed Square events
Who needs to spend a fortune when Fed Square is bursting with free family-friendly events?
Pop-up activities, buskers, maybe even a movie screening…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.
Outdoor cinemas
Remember those balmy nights under the stars? Well, dust off your picnic blanket because Melbourne loves a good outdoor movie on the big screen!.
Keep an eye out on local community Facebook pages and the Melbourne City Council website for screenings at locations like the Royal Botanic Gardens or even pop-up events in parks throughout the city.
Tips for planning your Melbourne school holiday activities
- Plan ahead to balance activities with downtime.
- Take advantage of free attractions to keep costs low.
- Pack snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy.
- From adventure-packed days to creative classes, Melbourne is buzzing with fun during the holiday time. Get out there, explore, and make memories with your whole family!
Wrapping it up
With so many fun and entertaining holiday activities to explore, Melbourne is bursting with opportunities for kids and families to enjoy the school holidays in 2025.
So gather the whole family, explore the best things in Melbourne city, and create unforgettable memories during the school break!
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.
Related Articles
Loved this article?
Share with a friend
