Each and every Melbourne School holidays you can choose from a plethora of school holiday activities across the city for you to enjoy with the kids. We’ve pulled together our complete guide to Melbourne School Holiday Activities to help you create your calendar for the period. Make sure you bookmark the page – we will be providing updates every school term so that our list remains current.

Spring School Holidays – Saturday 15 September to Sunday 1 October 2023

Melbourne School Holidays : Activities for Kids

In an effort to make identifying your preferred Melbourne School Holiday activity easy, we have categorised activities across the city into themes. We would love your feedback – do you find this an easier way to locate the perfect activity for the Melbourne School Holidays?

Free things to do in Melbourne with the kids

Like all parents, a low-cost fun thing to do in Melbourne is always going to work for me, bonus points if it is free! Our ultimate list of things to do in Melbourne with kids which will help you find the perfect place to head that’s cheap and fun. 

Fun things to do in the Melbourne school holidays

There are so many fun things to do in Melbourne with the kids from cheap days out with the kids to big days out with the kids. Almost every school break there are theatre shows to enjoy, and even a garden play or two. Melbourne always boasts a range of cheap and fun activities for the whole family. 

To help you on your way to finding the perfect Melbourne school holiday activity for kids we’ve tried to provide you with a bundle of categories to choose from. We would love to hear which you choose. 

Library Fun | Books, Literature and Writing

 

State Library Victoria

The State Library Victoria has always been one of my Melbourne sanctuaries. I first explored the book stacks as a uni student, but had been visiting the site since I was a little with my mum who often took me along to visit the museum which was once also housed at this location. It was my favourite Melbourne school holiday adventure. 

State Library Victoria’s brand new Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter is now open and it’s packed full of books, fun, and games for kids up to 12 years old. 

Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Website: State Library Victoria 

Melbourne Young Writers’ Studio

My Writers Studio School Holiday programs are both fun and educational. What’s more, every day is different! Writing and creating stories is the focus, providing young writers with a broad range of activities and prompts all based around a unique theme for that particular day. At every Melbourne Young Writers’ Studio holiday program a young writer can expect games, crafts, character building, team activities and of course, bucket loads of fun!

Address: 720B Nicholson St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
Website: My Writers Studio

Rippon Lea Estate House and Garden 

Completed in 1868, Rippon Lea Estate was built for Fredrick Sargood as a self-sufficient farm for him and his family. The garden covers 14 acres and features a large lake, extensive shrubberies and flower gardens, an orchard of historically significant fruit varieties, a fernery, rose gardens and many other features of historical, landscape and architectural interest, all forming the setting for the polychrome brick mansion. It is a beautiful place to visit on the weekend or Victorian school holidays. 

Address: 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick VIC
Website: Rippon Lea Estate

School Holiday Theatre Shows and Acting Classes

One of my favourite Melbourne school holiday memories is the time I went to the Art Centre and saw my very first theatre production. I think it was Peter and the Wolf and I found myself totally transfixed to the stage. Consequently, I have ensured that I take my children to at least one theatre show every year.

We hope that our Melbourne School holiday theatre listings help you find the perfect show to take your kids to these school holidays. It’s a great Melbourne School holiday activity, right?

Her Majesty’s Theatre

The site where Her Majesty’s Theatre now stands was first purchased in a government land sale by George Porter for £100 in February 1839. It has been a place of entertainment ever since boasting seating for around 1,700 ticket holders. 

Australian Shakespeare Company

The Australian Shakespeare Company presents exciting, accessible, contemporary productions of Shakespeare, children’s classics, musicals and other plays in innovative and unique theatre performance forms. The company utilises outdoor garden space to host a number of their children’s shows, which are always a delight to visit on the school holidays. 

Website: Shakespeare Australia

Victorian Art Centre

The Victorian Art Centre has always been a favourite place of mine having headed off there to see a small number of shows when I was a kid coming in from the country. 30 years later and they centre is still producing some amazing family shows which are perfect for the Melbourne school holidays. 

Address: 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
Website: Victorian Art Centre

Abbotsford Convent

Convent Kids is an exciting program developed by Abbotsford Convent for children and families to explore and create art together. Developed in collaboration with leading artists, Convent Kids offers a range of fun hands-on activities that will inspire children and their families to experiment, learn and make art together.

Address: 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Website: Abbotsford Covent

Animal Encounters

Children are often drawn to animal encounters, enjoying an opportunity to touch, feed and care for animals that they may not typically have a chance to get up and close with at home. These school holidays Melbourne has a range of activities geared towards children learning more about some of our favourite animal friends. Add one or two to your Melbourne School holiday activity list.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo holds some of my clearest memories of zoo visits as a child. I came here to see Muzuri when he was a baby, and spent a number of my Victorian School Holidays exploring the grounds with my family. I repeated this with my own children when they were toddlers, taking them into the butterfly house to see the wonder of insects, and exploring the numerous exhibits on site. We love this zoo and their commitment to conservation.  Plus children under 16 years of age receive free entry throughout the school holidays.

Read about our animal encounters at Melbourne Zoo. 

Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
Website: Melbourne Zoo

School Holiday Activities at Melbourne Zoo:

Roar ‘n’ Snore overnight camp | Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday | Feast, snooze and explore the Zoo after dark during this unique overnight Roar ‘n’ Snore camping experience | from $185 per child / $261 per adult 

Werribee Open Range Zoo

When I was growing up, I did a lot of horse riding and my dad was the Australian Carriage Driving Champion. These led to many weekends down at what was then called Werribee Mansion as it hosted many equestrian events. It was also right next to Werribee Open Range Zoo which I spent a lot of time exploring. Of course I have taken my kids again and again.

Werribee Open Range Zoo spans around 560 acres making walking the site tricky. Instead, visitors can book a zoo safari bus (these form part of your entrance fee) where you can travel out onto the savannah and spot the animals in near-authentic surroundings. It is as close to Africa as you can get here in Australia, and perfect for a fun school holiday adventure. 

Address: K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
Website: Werribee Open Range Zoo

School Holiday Activities:

Free Safari bus | A visit to our Zoo isn’t complete without a safari through the savannah! | daily | 

Slumber Safari | Thursday-Sunday nights | Immerse yourself into the world that is Werribee Open Range Zoo, with our unique all-inclusive Slumber Safari experience | from $195 per child / $380 per adult (16+)

Healesville Sanctuary

Open every day of the year, Healesville Sanctuary specialises in Australian native animals. It is one of only two places to successfully breed the platypus (the other is Taronga Zoo). Set in natural surrounds, the sanctuary is home to a number of different mammals, reptiles and over 200 native bird varieties. 

Address: Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777
Website: Healesville Sanctuary

Animal Land Children’s Farm

For more than 30 years the Animal Land Children’s Farm has been providing visitors, families and school groups an authentic and practical farm experience. No computers, tablets or phones needed here – it’s real-life, hands-on farming and you get to be part of the experience.

Address: 200 Duncans Ln, Diggers Rest VIC 3427
Open: Open Monday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 3pm
Website: Animal Land Children’s Farm

Collingwood Children’s Farm

Collingwood Children’s Farm is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to support people in the Victorian community who are experiencing adversity, supporting social inclusion by delivering a range of programs from a rustic community working farm. It’s a great place to visit with the family and heaps of fun.

Address: 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Open: The Farm is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Opening hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm. Last entry is at 4.00pm.
Website: farm.org.au

Gardens and Bushland

The school holidays are an opportunity to get in the car and head out to one of the many national parks around Melbourne. We’ve hunted around to unveil organised events around Melbourne that get kids back into nature and learn about our bush. Add one of these to your Melbourne School holiday calendar.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Founded in 1846 and celebrating its 175th birthday this year, the Royal Botanic Gardens extends over 38 hectares and houses a collection of more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world, including amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads, plants from Southern China and, in the Rare and Threatened Species Collection, plants from south-eastern Australia. It is a FREE destination to explore with the kids during the school holidays and has many spots perfect for families. 

Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Website: The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne offers a natural bushland experience alongside the Australian Garden, an award-winning, contemporary botanic garden featuring the plants and ecosystems of south-east Australia. The bushland includes over 10km of walking tracks, six kilometres of cycling tracks, a lookout tower, picturesque shelters, barbecues and play grounds. 

Address: Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne
Website: Cranbourne Gardens Victoria

Junior Rangers

Have you ever wanted to discover the secrets of Victoria’s national parks and reserves? Junior Rangers can find out all about what’s going on, direct from a park ranger! Take part in fun, ranger guided activities during school holidays, suitable for children aged 6-12 years.

The Rangers are busy putting the finishing touches to the Summer holiday program, and are looking forward to being able to run face to face activities again! More details coming soon.

Website: Junior Rangers Webpage

School Holiday Art 

If your kids are like mine they will love immersing themselves in a crafty activity that allows them to explore their creativity and create something they can take home. There are quite an array of school holiday activities involving craft all around Melbourne these school holidays. What will you add to your list?

Artvo Immersive Gallery

Artvo is an immersive trick-eye gallery in which families can explore and capture some very cool images. We visited Artvo with the kids and had an amazing time. I thought it would take a good 30 minutes, but a few hours later and we will still exploring, laughing much for the time!. You can read about our visit here. 

Address: Shop NCF, 07 Level/1 26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008
Website: Artvo Immersive Gallery

National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria, or NGV, is a spectacular space to explore with your kids both during school holidays and on the weekends. NGV is committed to providing creative experiences for young people and their families and sharing new ways to be creative. Discover a year-round program of dedicated children’s exhibitions, free events and activities.

Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
Cost: FREE
Website: NGV Website

Museum of Modern Art | Heide

The Heide spans three distinct exhibition buildings set within sixteen acres of heritage-listed gardens, including a sculpture park. Originally the home of John and Sunday Reed who purchased the property in 1934, it soon became an artists retreat for a number of their friends including Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Mirka Mora, and Joy Hester. By 1964 it transformed into a gallery and home, and was sold to the Government in 1981 to morph into a public contemporary gallery and education center. The Reed’s legacy lives on, with the Heide offering numerous opportunities for children to become immersed in the arts. Add it to your school holiday list

Address: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105
Website: Museum of Modern Art

History School Holiday Activities

Old Melbourne Gaol

Built in the mid 1800s, Old Melbourne Gaol was the place where dangerous criminals were sent up until it closed in 1929. It was also the place where infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, hanged.

A morbid place to visit in many ways, it is also historically interesting. Is it a place you will visit with your kids these school holidays?

Read our tips for visiting Old Melbourne Gaol with kids.

Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: Old Melbourne Gaol

Explore a Museum

Modern museums allow kids to acquire new knowledge through a range of exhibits and hands-on activities. Melbourne boasts quite a number of museums that often run a range of activities throughout the school holidays. We’ve pulled them together in your ultimate Melbourne School Holiday list.

Melbourne Museum

I loved visiting the Melbourne Museum back when it was housed at the current State Library space. Wandering the exhibits with my mum, and enjoying the hands on activities was always a blast. I have regularly taken my kids to Melbourne Museum since it moved to the Old Exhibition Buildings and they too love it as much as me as there is always something new to discover. 

Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
Website: Melbourne Museum

Chinese Museum

Australia has a rich and old Chinese history which can be explored at the Chinese Museum in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown. It is a great place to head to learn about the history of Chinese Australians and the cultural and historic interaction between the people of Australia and China. The museum often has a treasure hunt for kids – ask when you first enter. 

Address: 22 Cohen Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: Chinese Museum

Scienceworks

Scienceworks is the very type of museum that kids love best: one where they can touch and manipulate almost everything with their hands. It’s a science museum that encourages the kids to be creative.  If you have a busy kid with a curious mind, head here these school holidays. 

Address: 2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015
Website: Scienceworks

STEM on HOLIDAYS

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre 

Located at Chadstone Shopping Centre, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is home to a LEGO model of Melbourne, 11 build and play zones, two rides, a 4D cinema, retail store, soft play zones and much more! The attraction is designed specifically for families with children aged 3-10. Adults must be accompanied by a child (except when visiting the retail store or attending Adult Night events).

WANT TO VISIT LEGOLAND? READ ALL ABOUT OUR TRIP

Address: Level 2/1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148
Website: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre 

Film Time

Screentime can be a huge issue for some families, with kids finding it hard to pull away and interact with the family. We have found the perfect solution for these school holidays with a range of screen activities that the whole family can enjoy together.

Australian Centre for Moving Images

Head to ACMI during these school holidays and explore a universe of film, TV, videogames and art. 

Address: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Cost: FREE
Website: ACMI

IMAX Melbourne 

The world’s largest screen is back in business! IMAX Melbourne has reopened! This Melbourne School Holiday break head to IMAX to watch a movie or 3D experience on the super huge screen. 

Address: Melbourne Museum Precinct, Rathdowne St, Carlton VIC 3053
Website: IMAX Melbourne

Way Up High

Melbourne Skydeck

Take the kids out of their comfort zone and high into the clouds these School Holidays at Melbourne Skydeck! This 297.3 m skyscraper provides the highest vantage point in the southern hemisphere. 

Read about our climb up to the Eureka Skydeck with kids

Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
Website: Melbourne Skydeck

Fun on the Water

Polly Woodside

Then, with a new taste for freedom, it’s high time to climb aboard Melbourne’s tall ship, Polly Woodside. Kids and adults alike can round up their fellow scallywags for an adventure-packed day you simply can’t find on land, exploring the ship above and below deck and hearing tales of its tumultuous 17 world voyages. Polly Woodside is open daily throughout the school holidays from 10am to 4pm.

Address: 21 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006
Website: Polly Woodside

Ferry to Inspire Sustainability Heroes (FISH) Club

Port Phillip Ferries have a special school holiday offer for kids (6-13 incl) to be entertained and educated about the wonderful bay and local marine environment. Thanks to the teams at Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre and Caring for our Bays – Bellarine Catchment Network the 2-hour interactive experience will allow your child to learn about marine creatures, caring for the environment and an introduction to responsible fishing.

Dates: Friday 6, 13 and 20 January 2023 From Docklands to Geelong and back
Location: Port Phillip Ferries Docklands Terminal
Tickets: $45.00 Children must be aged 6-13 years with a valid FISH Club ticket to take part in activities. Bookings are essential, and spots are limited to 20 children.
Website:  Head to the FISH Club for full details

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What do you think? Have we rounded up an awesome collection of Melbourne School holiday activities or what? So much to do!

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Looking for further activities to do in Melbourne? Check out our incredible list of things to do in Melbourne with Kids