The school holidays are almost here! Running from Saturday December 21 until Monday January 27, you’ll need plenty of things to do during the school holidays to keep the kids entertained. With an array of kid-friendly activities, as well as events geared at teenagers and whole families, there’s plenty to do around the city, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourites. From thrilling experiences to family-friendly shows, here’s our list of fun school holiday activities to try in Melbourne and beyond.
The best school holiday activities in Melbourne
1. Port Phillip Ferries
Get out on the water this summer on a ride with Port Phillip Ferries. There’s some short trips available, ranging from 75 minutes to 2.5 hours, so that you can explore the bay. During the school holidays, kids can travel for free! See what’s available here.
2. Fed Square
Relax at the outdoor cinema at Fed Square. Then, return for the launch of the NGV Kids Summer Festival on January 11. This will include a live dog show in the Main Square, a kids workshop and face painting. Kids will also be able to enter the Cats & Dogs exhibition for free.
See what’s happening at Fed Square here.
3. The Fans Strike Back exhibition
If your family loves Star Wars, then this exhibition is a must-see. Fly to a galaxy far, far away, and see over 600 items collected by fans, for fans. See sculptures, life-size figures, costumes and more! The Fan Strikes Back exhibition is now open at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
4. NGV International
The Yayoi Kusama exhibition is now showing at NGV International. When you’re not losing yourself in its immersive rooms, take the family along to Kusama for Kids in the Children’s Gallery. Take part in a free and interactive installation, then look forward to other fun activities at the NGV Kids Summer Festival. This festival is on from January 11 to 17. Learn more here.
5. Queen Victoria Market
The family can have fun at Queen Victoria Market over the school holidays. Check out the Australian Open pop-up. Feel like a champion on a mini tennis court, complete with equipment, coaches and refreshing slushies nearby.
See what’s happening at Queen Victoria Market here.
6. Wind in the Willows
Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens and have a whimsical day out with The Wind in the Willows production. Back for its 38th year, young audience members will have lots of fun singing along with the story. This outdoor theatre show will run from December 20 to January 25. Learn more here.
7. The LUME Melbourne
Rain or shine, The LUME Melbourne is a great escape for the whole family. They’ve brough back their popular Van Gogh exhibition, and there’s some new stuff that you can look forward to, like a shared VR experience. This experience is pram-friendly, and kids aged four and under can enter for free.
8. SENSAS
Round up some friends and tackle some fun challenges at SENSAS. Test all five of your senses in some wacky experiences. This playful space is now open, and is suitable for visitors over the age of 7. Get your tickets here.
9. Mini Music Lovers
Swing by the Melbourne Recital Centre and fall in love with music at the Mini Music Lovers event over the school holidays. The kids will be entertained with performances, workshops and activities. There will also be face painting, a photo booth and designated quiet zones. This event will take place on Wednesday January 22 and Thursday January 23. More info here.
10. Beauty and the Beast
Feel enchanted by the magical Beauty and the Beast musical. Watch in wonder as your favourite characters perform spectacular songs, like ‘Be Our Guest’, ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’ and more. This production is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
11. ACMI
Head to ACMI and learn all about the development behind the beloved Untitled Goose Game in the free exhibition, Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition. This experience was designed with families in mind, and is filled with colourful and interactive displays. See what else is available for families at ACMI here.
12. Melbourne Museum
Visit Melbourne Museum and check out some fun and exciting exhibitions with the kids. Current exhibitions include Antopia and Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs. See what’s happening over the school holidays here.
13. Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
Wes Anderson films may perhaps be more geared at teenagers and the more precocious youth, but this pleasingly symmetrical exhibition will enchant visitors of all ages. Taking inspiration from the iconic films of Wes Anderson, and continuing the work of the quirky Instagram account-turned bestselling book, Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition is a photographic exploration of the world’s most whimsical places and structures. Melbourne marks its first foray to Australia, and there’s a dedicated Australia room that’ll show you the quirkiness in our backyard. You can find it at 360 Bourke St in the CBD, and tickets are on sale here.
14. Grazeland
Grazeland is keeping it fun for the whole family this summer. The kids can have fun with Giant Jenga, Funky Monkey Bars and more in the Jungle Hangout zone. There’s also local and international bands and DJs performing, as well as refreshing food and drink. See the schedule here.
15. Scienceworks
Visit Scienceworks over the school holidays, and check out cool exhibitions like Museum of the Moon. Then, have fun with bubble shows, foam parties and heaps of fun activities. See what’s on here.
16. Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Journey through the iconic Jurassic World gates and come face-to-face with roaring dinosaurs from the legendary movie franchise. Encounter a brachiosaurus, velociraptors, a Tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Check it out at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
17. Zoos Victoria
Take a walk on the wild side over the school holidays and marvel at all the incredible animals at any of the Zoos Victoria locations. Stay close to the city at Melbourne Zoo, head out west and take a safari tour at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Venture out east and admire Aussie wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary. Or, check out Kyabram Fauna Park in Victoria’s north. Children under 16 can visit the zoos for free on school holidays and weekends.
18. Brickvention
See hundreds of cool models made out of LEGO bricks at Brickvention. Check out this fun fan exhibition at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on January 18 and 19. Learn more here.
19. Monopoly Dreams
Head to Melbourne Central and immerse yourself in the Monopoly Dreams attraction. The kids will have plenty of fun, with a 4DX cinema, interactive games, photo opportunities and more. See more here.
20. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Visit the Oceanarium at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and admire sharks, rays, penguins, turtles and more. As school holiday activities go, it’s one of the more peaceful ones on this list.
21. The Art of Banksy
Another art experience that’ll appeal to your teenagers, The Art of Banksy brings an unprecedented collection of original Banksy works to The District Docklands. 240 of the artist’s works are exhibited here, and the themes of rebellion, social justice, and freedom remain resonant with younger audiences still. It’s pretty unmissable stuff; tickets are on sale here.
22. IMAGINATOR
Embark on an immersive and playful experience at IMAGINATOR in Docklands. Move through this family-friendly space and feel lost in a world of colour and sound. Learn more here.
23. Saboteurs
Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Set inside converted shipping containers, this Among Us-style game is perfect for school holiday activities in Melbourne. Kids can run around in this immersive environment, complete fun tasks and eject any suspicious imposters. Get your tickets here.
24. ArtVo Immersive Gallery Experience
The first in Australia of its kind, ArtVo is an immersive art or ‘trick art’ gallery. Journey through 1400 square meters of illusionary art pieces, and have fun taking pictures in weird and wonderful situations! There are nine themed zones to explore with over eighty hand-painted immersive installations. Explore the ocean, polar ice caps, space, and the forest throughout the various themed rooms.
This is a great activity to do as a family, and you’ll be able to create many fun family photos that will provide you with lasting memories. See more here.
25. House Down Under
Flip your perspective at House Down Under. Head to Docklands and enter an inverted house that looks like it dropped straight from the sky! Walk in and take heaps of fun photos, while exploring the upside-down rooms. See more here.
26. Metartworld
Metartworld is a metal art gallery showcasing unique artworks from international artists. The space in Port Melbourne is filled with incredible metal art statues, each handmade from scrap metal and recycled material. You will be able to view over 200 metal sculptures ranging from metal tankard mugs to larger-than-life dinosaurs and superhero sculptures.
There is also a a “starry sky” exhibition on the second floor which displays a perfect combination of advanced technology with the world of light and shadows. There’s different themed spaces, an immersive 360° tunnel and more. This is an incredible experience that is great for groups of all ages and sizes.
27. Virtual Room Melbourne
If your kids enjoy computer or video games, they will love this virtual reality experience in Melbourne. This award winning VR experience at Virtual Room Melbourne blends elements of an escape room with a 3D cinematic experience. Played in groups of 2, 3 or 4 the game allows players to fully immerse themselves in a virtual world, where they will be able to talk to each other, walk around, bend, throw objects
Players can choose between one of 4 themed games, ranging from alien invasions to a zombie apocalypse, and will have to work together with their teammates in order to complete their missions.
28. Abbotsford Convent
If you’re going to Abbotsford Convent, be sure to check out the large-scale exhibition, Box Machine! This interactive experience has lots of cardboard, pipes, cogs and more for kids to use creatively. This is suitable for children aged 12 and under. It’s on from January 4 to 25. More info here.
29. Pentridge Prison
One of the more unique school holiday activities in town, try out the Prison Break Explorers tour at Pentridge Prison. In this tour for all ages, children are invited to become young detectives and thwart a prison escape. Along the way, your tour guide will visit key spots around the prison, share stories about some notable characters, and teach you about what life was like on the inside. This tour will run every day during the school holidays. See what else is happening here.
30. URBNSURF
Ride the waves at URBNSURF during the school holidays. This surf park near Melbourne Airport has family-friendly options, so that your family can safely explore the water and learn to surf. There’s sessions like bodyboarding or learning to surf in The Bays, a gentle environment with rolling waves close to shore. Explore their website here.
31. Funfields
Head 40 minutes away from Melbourne and have a blast at Funfields over the school holidays. There’s a new lazy river to relax in, new bumper cars and plenty of other cool rides and attractions. See what’s happening here.
32. Puffing Billy
Journey through lush forests and across trestle bridges on the famous Puffing Billy. Opt for something classic and let your legs dangle from the carriage sill, while admiring dreamy views from this iconic steam train. Perfect for all ages, this experience in the Dandenong Ranges is a great way to spend the school holidays. See more here.
33. Blue Lotus Water Garden
Blue Lotus Water Garden offers a charming summer escape for the whole family. Gaze at the beautiful flowers, and let the kids have fun at the Fairy Garden and Dragons Trail. Pack a picnic to enjoy while you’re there, or grab a bite from the on-site cafe.
34. Adventure Park
Cool off this summer at Adventure Park. This iconic theme park in Geelong has plenty of water rides for you to try, as well as other fun rides and experiences. It’s open until March 30, and will have extended opening hours over the school holidays. See more here.
35. Bellarine Railway
Head to Queenscliff and spend A Day Out With Thomas at the Bellarine Railway. Go for a scenic ride along Swan Bay, and celebrate Thomas’ 80th birthday with entertainment, party activities and a party pack for each child to take home. Check it out on Saturday January 18 and Sunday January 19. More info here.
36. Treetops Adventure
Take your school holiday activities to new heights by escaping to the Otways and soaring through native Australian forest at Treetops Adventure in Yeodene Park. There’s different ropes courses for you to choose from, with aerial activities, ziplines and freefall drops. There’s also two junior ropes courses for the little ones, as well as high monkey bars and a pegasus you can ride. Get your tickets here.
37. Sovereign Hill
Wander over to Sovereign Hill and travel back in time. Go gold panning, check out an underground mine tour and enjoy live entertainment. There will be water misters around to keep you cool, and kids under 16 can receive a free icy pole. The school holidays program is on from now until January 27. Learn more here.
Additional words by Monro Grier.