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If you're stuck on how to keep the little ones entertained in Melbourne, we've got you covered with inspiration in spades for the school holiday break.
Outdoor activities in Melbourne for the school holidays
Step into the Australian wild
Sign up for a fun day out in Melbourne by visiting one of the city's many zoos.
Off Road Animal Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: General entry to the zoo, ride in an open safari vehicle and driver/guide
- Location: Werribee, VIC
- Cost: $196 for 2 people
Maru Koala Park and Mini Golf Admission from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Admission to Maru Koala Park, unlimited rounds at Pirate Pete's mini golf
- Location: Grantville, Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $30 per person
Werribee Open Range Zoo Off Road Safari from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: 75 minute 4WD safari experience, general admission to Werribee Open Range Zoo, professional guide
- Location: Werribee Open Range Zoo (Melbourne)
- Cost: $105 or $82 child (1 - 15)
Visit a museum
Spend the day in the museum playing with interactive exhibits, checking out their holiday workshops and yes, learning a new thing or two.
ArtVo Immersive Gallery Experience from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: General admission to Australia's first immersive, 'trick-art' gallery, over 80 hand-painted images, 9 spectacular themed zones
- Location: Shop NC F07, Level 1, The District, Docklands VIC 3008
- Cost: From $43.00
Melbourne Cricket Ground Tour and Australian Sports Museum Entry from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: 75 minute guided walking tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, entrance into the Australian Sports Museum
- Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Cost: From $43.00
Team up for an escape room challenge
Family bonding doesn't get better than an escape room. You'll have to work together to find the clues and get out before the time is up! Most rooms are geared at ages 10+.
Rush Escape Game - South Yarra from Tripadvisor
- Inclusions: Premium escape room experience - 60 mins
- Location: 160 Toorak Rd, Melbourne, Victoria 3141
- Cost: From $42 per person
One-Hour Virtual Reality Escape Room Experience in Kew East from Luxury Escapes
- Inclusions: One-hour Virtual Reality Escape Room experience
- Location: Kew East
- Cost: $68 for 2 people
Melbourne Virtual Reality Escape Room from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: 40-50 minute virtual reality time travel adventure, in game & post game photo shoot, pre game briefing
- Location: 73-75 Peel Street, West Melbourne (opposite the Queen Victoria Market)
- Cost: From $49.00
Get spooked on a ghost tour
Discover stories of Melbourne's sordid past on a ghost tour of old cities such as Williamstown. Or, up the ante and take a tour of the eerie J Ward Lunatic Asylum. Most tours are for ages 13+ due to their fear-factor.
Old Melbourne Ghost Tour from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: 90 minute walking tour, professional guide
- Location: CBD (Melbourne)
- Cost: $39 per person
Ghosts of the Old City Williamstown from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: 90 minute Ghosts of the Old City Tour, guide, optional dinner
- Location: Departs from Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place, Williamstown
- Cost: From $39.00
Join a cycling or walking tour of the city
Get those feet moving by exploring the city they're growing up in. Dedicated tours give curious minds the chance to ask experts all their niggling questions. You might even discover parts of the city you've never been to before.
Electric Bicycle Tour of Bayside Melbourne from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 2 hour guided bayside tour, electric bicycle and helmet, choice of a tea or coffee en route, photo of your experience emailed to you
- Location: 15-20 minute drive or tram/bus ride from Melbourne CBD, Victoria
- Cost: $120 per person
Hit the waves
Whether your little one wants to pick up a new skill or loves to play in the sand, you can't go wrong with a beach adventure.
Melbourne BBQ Boat Hire from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Two hour boat hire for up to 10 people, use of BBQ, oil spray, safety briefing and equipment, cutlery, tongs and rubbish bag
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $350 for 10 people
Beginner's Private Surfing Lesson from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: One hour and 45 minute beginner surf lesson, surfing coach, briefing, towel, all-day access to all amenities, lockers
- Location: Tullamarine, VIC
- Cost: $90 per person
Family Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: Family Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson (2 adults and 2 children), expert instruction and all equipment
- Location: St Kilda (Melbourne)
- Cost: $240 for 2 adults and 2 children
See Melbourne from new heights
Discover some of the top attractions in Melbourne from a bird's-eye view as you soar above the city.
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Melbourne with Breakfast from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Hot air balloon flight over Melbourne, sparkling wine buffet breakfast, complimentary photos, a digital flight certificate
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $609 - adult | $594 child
Private 20-Minute Helicopter Flight from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: Private helicopter flight for two-three people
- Location: Essendon Airport (Melbourne)
- Cost: $499 for 2 persons
Discover the best of Melbourne
If you're a local, it can be easy to overlook some of the best attractions Melbourne has to offer. Be a tourist for a day and explore its popular sights.
Eureka Sky Deck Entry from Adrenaline
- Inclusions: 360° views of Melbourne from 285 metres high
- Location: Southbank (Melbourne)
- Cost: $30 - adult | $19.5 child (4 - 16)
Puffing Billy Belgrave to Lakeside Return Tickets from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: Return train fare from Belgrave Station to Lakeside Station
- Location: Belgrave Station: 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, VIC, 3160 | Lakeside Station: Emerald Lake Park - Emerald Lake Road, Emerald, VIC, 3782
- Cost: From $61.00
Meet Melbourne's water creatures
From meeting penguins to discovering the creatures that inhabit the world's oceans, there's an activity for kids of all ages during the school holidays.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium General Admission from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: General Admission for 2 hours at Melbourne Aquarium, all on-site presentations
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $47 per person
Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition from Viator
- Inclusions: All fees and taxes, air-conditioned vehicle, ferry crossings, entrance to the Penguin Parade
- Location: 4 pickup locations from Melbourne CDB
- Cost: From $219.00
Set out for a day of kayaking
Grab a paddle and kayak the Yarra, taking in the views of Melbourne and its waterways.
Twilight Sea Kayak Tour from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Twilight sea kayak tour, briefing with instructors, use of kayak, paddle, PFD, spray deck, paddle jacket and thermals, snacks and drinks at a rest stop
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $110 per person
Let their imaginations run wild
If you've got creative kids, classes can keep them entertained and let them show off their talents.
Textiles classes from Classbento
- Inclusions: Textiles classes in Melbourne
- Location: Melbourne
- Cost: From $50.00
Cut and Paste Collage Workshop from Classbento
- Inclusions: Three hour workshop
- Location: That Paper Joint, 544 Sydney Road, Brunswick 3056 VIC
- Cost: $75 - $85
Bead Mosaic Workshop for Kids from Classbento
- Inclusions: Learn to make a beautiful bead mosaic on a template of your choice, take your piece home
- Location: 723 Glen Huntly Rd, Caulfield South VIC
- Cost: $32 - $42
Sleep under the stars on a camping trip
Do something a little different these school holidays with an overnight stay at Melbourne Zoo or a kayak camping trip.
Overnight Zoo Swags & Snags Safari with BBQ and Breakfast from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Glass of sparkling wine, snacks, dinner and ice-cream, swags, in-built double mattress, daily Melbourne Zoo admission for the following day, breakfast with coffee or tea
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $279 per person
Kids Glamping Sleepover from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Overnight glamping for 5 kids, 5m bell tent, 5 x single mattresses, use of the camp kitchen - fridges, cook tops, kettles, toasters, camping fees, tent
- Location: Shoreham, VIC
- Cost: $450 for 5 people
Enclave at Healesville Holiday Park from Booking.com
- Inclusions: Stay at chosen cabin, picnic area, outdoor pool, children's playground
- Location: 322 Don Road, Healesville, 3777
- Cost: From $318 for 2 persons
Cruise Melbourne's iconic waterways
For a relaxing day out, book the family on a sightseeing cruise to soak up the city's highlights while being entertained with commentary. If you'd prefer more privacy, you can steer your own course by hiring a boat instead.
Melbourne Highlights Sightseeing Cruise from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Two hour sightseeing cruise, complimentary tea and coffee
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $58 per person
Melbourne City to Williamstown Return Cruise from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: 2 hour Melbourne Sightseeing River Cruise, live commentary
- Location: Southbank Promenade, BERTH 2
- Cost: From $45.00
Indoor activities in Melbourne for the school holidays
Have fun learning a new creative skill
Let their creativity loose with these fun classes from ClassBento. From learning how to perform circus tricks to meeting and drawing a llama, there's something for every child.
Wheel Throwing Workshop for Beginners from Classbento
- Inclusions: 2 hours pottery wheel foundation class
- Location: 3/6 Duffy Street, Burwood VIC; 3/415 Lygon Street, Brunswick VIC and 3/415 Lygon St, Brunswick VIC
- Cost: $120 - $126
Meet and Draw a Llama at Home from Classbento
- Inclusions: 1-hour virtual class where you'll get to meet her llama Cadbury and his friends
- Location: Home
- Cost: $15 - $35
Knitting Class for Kids (Ages 8+) from Classbento
- Inclusions: Online knitting class for kids
- Location: Home
- Cost: $95 - $185
Watch them paint a masterpiece
Grabbing a paintbrush and letting them loose on a canvas is one of the best outlets for creativity. Hone their skills even further with a dedicated art class and watch their imaginations run wild.
School Holiday Creative Thinking and Art Workshop from Classbento
- Inclusions: Monday to Friday art, discovery and learning
- Location: Dya Art and Creative Thinking Studios - 252 Graham Street, Port Melbourne VIC
- Cost: $90 - $95
Holidays Art Workshop for Kids (4-10 Years) from Classbento
- Inclusions: 4 hours art workshop
- Location: ST Architects - 237-239 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC
- Cost: $168
Freehand Street Art Class for Kids (10-16 Years) from Classbento
- Inclusions: 2 hours spray painting class
- Location: The Blender Studios - 33-35 Dudley Street, West Melbourne VIC
- Cost: $89
Challenge them to an escape room
Work together as a family or book your kids in for a group challenge with their mates. Can they solve the problem before time runs out?
Escape Room Experience - For 2 from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 1 Hour Escape Room Experience for 2 people
- Location: Melbourne CBD
- Cost: $104 for 2 people
Escape Room Experience - For 3 from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Escape Hunt game for 3 people, detective themed outfits for photo booth
- Location: Melbourne CBD
- Cost: $135 for 3 people
Escape Room Experience - For 4 from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Escape Hunt interactive game for 4 people, refreshments after the game (tea/water), detective themed photo booth
- Location: Melbourne CBD
- Cost: $172 for 4 people
Get creative in the kitchen
Kids love hands-on activities and learning how to cook is a great skill to pick up. Purchase a children's baking kit if your little ones are cooking for the first time. Otherwise, invest in a kids cookbook so they can take the reins in the kitchen.
School Holiday Cooking Class for Kids and Teens from Classbento
- Inclusions: 2.5 hours in-person cooking class
- Location: Bentleigh East, VIC
- Cost: $140
Indian Cooking Class for Kids Teens from Classbento
- Inclusions: 2 hours 45 mins Mediterranean, Asian Fusion and Italian cuisines cooking class
- Location: Bentleigh East, VIC
- Cost: $140
School Holiday Cooking Workshop from Classbento
- Inclusions: Hands-on cooking experience
- Location: 393 Victoria Street, Abbotsford VIC
- Cost: $129 - $465
Road trips you can take from Melbourne during the school holidays
Grampians National Park
Distance from Melbourne: 3-hour drive. Public transport takes around 3.5 hours with trains and buses.
Situated to the northwest of Melbourne, Grampians National Park offers hiking, swimming, lookouts, kayaking and even zoos. You won't be short of things to do – just make sure everyone has their walking shoes ready.
The Grampians Full Day Hiking Tour from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Return transfers from Melbourne, entry to Grampians National Park, two moderate to challenging hikes, fruit, snacks, coffee and tea, tour guides
- Location: The Grampians National Park departing Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $199 per person
Grampians National Park with Kangaroos and MacKenzie Falls from Melbourne from Viator
- Inclusions: National Park entry fees, resident Trailblazer to guide you on your journey
- Location: Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)
- Cost: From $165.00
The Great Ocean Road
Distance from Melbourne: 1.5-hour drive. Public transport takes around 2.5 hours.
It's safe to say that the Great Ocean Road is a favourite among Victorian locals and tourists alike. With free road trip options as well as adventure activities to choose from, there's no doubt that this will keep the kids entertained.
Great Ocean Road Guided Wildlife Walk from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: 75 minute guided walk, guide, entry into Wildlife Wonders, audio headset and binoculars
- Location: 5 minutes from Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road, VIC
- Cost: $59 per person
2-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Tripadvisor
- Inclusions: Tents, transport or park fees, guide
- Location: Grampians National Park
- Cost: $355.50 per person
Mornington Peninsula
Distance from Melbourne: Just over a 1-hour drive. Public transport will take around 1.5 hours.
The Mornington Peninsula is a great school holiday spot jam-packed with activities and is only an hour away from Melbourne. From wildlife parks to endless hiking options, we think the kids will love this day out.
Tree Surfing Grand Course from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Two hours on the Grand Tree Surfing, all safety equipment, activity briefing and training, all-day general admission access to Enchanted Adventure
- Location: Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsula, VIC
- Cost: $80 per person
Full-Day Penguins and Wildlife Nature Experience from Viator
- Inclusions: Admission into Moonlit Sanctuary, general admission into Penguin Parade, return transport to/from Melbourne, all fees and taxes
- Location: 4 pickup locations from Melbourne CDB
- Cost: From $149.00
Mornington Peninsula Guided e-bike Tour from Viator
- Inclusions: Use of bicycle, e-bike and helmet
- Location: Seawinds Mountain Bike Carpark, Arthurs Seat State Park Arthurs Seat VIC 3936
- Cost: From $130.00
Phillip Island
Distance: 2-hour drive.
There are plenty of great trails on Phillip Island waiting to be explored on a bright and sunny day out.
Full Day Phillip Island Wildlife and Brighton Beach Tour from RedBalloon
- Inclusions: Pick up and drop off, entry to parks, real-time audio in several languages, Wi-Fi
- Location: Coastline of Phillip Island, departing Melbourne, VIC
- Cost: $134 per person
French Island and Phillip Island Sightseeing and Wildlife Tour from Experience Oz
- Inclusions: National Park fees, ferry crossings, 2.5 hour guided 4WD adventure, general entry into Penguin Parade, guide
- Location: Travelodge Hotel Southbank - 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank
- Cost: From $219.00
See the latest Melbourne school holiday activity deals
10% off activities with code FD300
Available on select dates on destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Minimum spend of $300 required. Activities include hot air balloon flights, skydives and high teas. T&Cs apply.
Up to 30% off selected family holiday hotel deals
Available on selected accommodations in Cairns, Port Douglas, Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney, Queenstown, Adelaide and Dubbo. Limited time offer. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Melbourne cooking classes from $55
Available on select dates on classes for Italian cuisine, Japanese cuisine, baking, cocktail mixing and more.
When are the school holidays in Melbourne 2023/24?
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 4 school holidays (2022 - 2023) | 21 December 2022 – 29 January 2023 |
Term 1 school holidays | 11 – 21 April 2023 |
Term 2 school holidays | 24 June – 9 July 2023 |
Term 3 school holidays | 16 September – 1 October 2023 |
Term 4 school holidays | 21 December 21 2023 - 29 January 2024 |
Free school holiday activities in Melbourne
- Skate or ride at Riverslide Skate Park.
- See the St Kilda penguins at sunset.
- Hike in one of Victoria's many national parks.
- Picnic in the backyard.
- Explore Fitzroy Gardens.
- Tackle the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.
- Eat at Queen Victoria Market.
- Cycle along the Yarra River.
- Visit the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Explore the National Gallery of Victoria.
- Road trip the Great Ocean Road.
- Visit the RAAF Museum.
- Make an indoor obstacle course.
- Learn origami.
- Stargaze in your backyard.
- Write a story.
- Draw a picture.
- Read a book.
Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays.
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