Are you looking for ways to keep your kids entertained during the school holidays in Melbourne? Look no further! From outdoor adventures to indoor activities, this ultimate guide has everything you need to plan a fun and exciting break for the whole family. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
Best Activities for Kids During School Holidays in Melbourne
Visiting the Best Museums in Melbourne
Enjoy the wildlife at Melbourne Zoos
Going to a Beach and Water Park
Have fun at the largest Theme Park
Visiting the Best Museums in Melbourne
Melbourne Museum
One of our favourite exhibits is the “Dinosaur Walk,” here you can see life-sized dinosaur skeletons and even touch a real fossil! It’s a great way to learn about prehistoric times and get a glimpse into what life was like when these magnificent creatures roamed the earth.
If your kids love animals, they’ll definitely want to check out the “Wild” exhibit. You can see live animals like snakes, lizards, and frogs up close, and learn all about their natural habitats and behaviours. There are also lots of interactive exhibits and fun activities that will keep your kids engaged and entertained.
For a more hands-on experience, head over to the “Science and Life” gallery. Your kids can participate in fun experiments and activities that explore the wonders of the natural world. It’s a great way to spark their curiosity and get them excited about science!
Scienceworks
One of the must-see sections at Scienceworks is the “Sportsworks” exhibit. It’s a super fun and interactive exhibit that explores the science behind sports and physical activity. Your kids can test their reflexes, speed, and accuracy while learning about the physics, biology, and technology that make sports possible. There are even challenges where they can race against each other and see who comes out on top!
Another favourite among visitors is the “Think Ahead” exhibit, which explores the future of technology and innovation. Your kids can see cutting-edge gadgets and inventions, and even try their hand at programming and coding. It’s a great way to inspire their creativity and get them thinking about the possibilities of tomorrow.
And of course, no visit to Scienceworks would be complete without a trip to the “Lightning Room.” Here, your family can experience the power and beauty of electricity firsthand. With live demonstrations and interactive exhibits, you can learn about everything from the history of electricity to the basics of circuitry. It’s an electrifying experience that your kids are sure to love!
National Gallery of Victoria
One of the popular always-on sections at NGV is the “NGV Kids” space. It’s a dedicated area that’s specifically designed for children to explore art and creativity. Your kids can get hands-on with interactive installations, create their own masterpieces, and even take part in art-making workshops! It’s a great way to ignite their imagination and nurture their love for the arts.
Enjoy the wildlife at Melbourne Zoos
Melbourne Zoo
Their Trail of the Elephants is a fantastic exhibit for families with young children, as it’s a journey through the fascinating world of elephants. There are lots of interactive displays and hands-on activities to keep your little ones engaged and entertained, from exploring a replica of an elephant nest to painting with an elephant-sized paintbrush. And of course, the highlight of the exhibit is seeing the majestic elephants up close and personal. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.
Another always-on section that’s definitely worth a visit is the Wild Sea exhibit. This is a huge underwater display that’s home to a wide variety of fascinating creatures, from giant rays and sharks to colourful fish and sea turtles. Your kids can watch the animals being fed, learn about the different types of marine life, and even get up close and personal with some of the creatures in the touch pool. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to the wonders of the ocean and spark their curiosity about the natural world.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is a fantastic destination for families during the school holidays. One of the most popular always on sections is the Savannah Adventure, where you can jump on board a safari bus and explore the wide-open grasslands of Africa. Your little ones will love seeing some of the most magnificent animals in their natural habitat, including zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes.
Another must-see is the Hippo Beach, where you can get up close and personal with the resident hippos. You can watch them laze in the sun, swim around in their pool, and even catch them at feeding time. This section is especially great for younger children, as it’s a chance to see these incredible creatures in a safe and interactive way.
Finally, don’t miss the Gorilla Trail, where you can observe one of the most intelligent and fascinating animals on the planet. You can see these majestic creatures swinging from branch to branch, interacting with each other, and even enjoying some tasty treats. The trail is designed to mimic their natural habitat, giving you a chance to learn about their behaviour and habits.
Healesville Sanctuar
One of the most popular sections for kids at Healesville Sanctuary is the Wildlife Health Centre. Here, kids can learn about the important work that goes into caring for injured and sick animals. They can watch vets and nurses at work, and see some of the equipment used to diagnose and treat animal injuries. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about animal welfare and the importance of conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species.
Finally, don’t miss the Spirits of the Sky bird show at Healesville Sanctuary. This spectacular show features a range of native Australian birds in flight, including majestic eagles, colourful parrots, and cheeky cockatoos. The show is both entertaining and educational, with expert handlers providing interesting facts and insights about each bird. It’s a great way to get kids excited about conservation and to inspire them to protect Australia’s amazing wildlife.
Going to a Beach and Water Park
St. Kilda Beach
Not only is the beach itself beautiful with its golden sand and crystal clear water, but there’s also so much to see and do. You can take a stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the stunning views, grab some ice cream from one of the many vendors!
Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained, like paddle boarding, kiteboarding, and beach volleyball. And if you’re looking for a break from the sun and sand, there are also plenty of great cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. So pack up the sunscreen and beach towels, and get ready for a fun-filled day at St. Kilda Beach!
Brighton Beach
What sets Brighton Beach apart from other beaches in Melbourne is its iconic and colourful bathing boxes. These cute little boxes painted in bright hues make for great photo opportunities and add to the overall charm of the beach. The kids will love exploring the different designs and colours of the boxes and perhaps even imagine what it’s like to own one.
Brighton Beach also has plenty of facilities for families such as picnic areas, BBQs, playgrounds, and even bike paths. You can hire bikes and cycle along the scenic coastline, or simply relax on the grass while enjoying a picnic lunch. Plus, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. Overall, Brighton Beach is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun-filled day out by the beach.
We have also written another post that talks about the best Water Parks in Sydney, make sure you check that out!
Top Waterparks in Melbourne | Waterslides, Pools and Play
Funfields Themepark
Funfields Themepark is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable day of fun and thrills. With a vast selection of water and non-water rides, the park has something to offer for visitors of all ages. The water rides at Funfields are particularly impressive, with an array of exciting and thrilling options. Visitors can brave the exhilarating water slides or play in the wave pool.
Adventure Park Geelong
The park’s water-based rides are a particular highlight, with a mix of exhilarating and fun options available. The Tsunami and Tornado rides are must-try experiences for those seeking a rush of adrenaline. For families with young children, the splash zone provides a safe and enjoyable area to play, with several rides accessible with an accompanying adult. Slightly older children can explore the larger water playground and experience some of the rides independently, while bigger, faster slides cater to the park’s more daring visitors.
Gumbuya World
Gumbuya World is an exceptional theme park that offers a diverse range of attractions, from water rides to rollercoasters and even a small zoo for the little ones. Kids are sure to love the wave pool and the lazy river, while older kids will enjoy the park’s exciting water slides, including the infamous big drop down water bucket and the other wild slides.
Head to indoor Play Centres
Chipmunks Playland and Cafe
Make sure checking out Chipmunks Playland and Cafe with your kids during the school holidays. It’s the perfect place to take the little ones for a fun day out, and it’s sure to keep them entertained for hours. With a variety of play areas and equipment, including ball pits, slides, and climbing frames, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Croc’s Playcentre
With its range of play equipment, including an inflatable obstacle course, slides, tunnels, and a ball pit, there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained and active.
One of the things I love about Croc’s Playcentre is that it has a dedicated toddler area, so you don’t have to worry about your younger children getting trampled by the bigger kids. And if you need a break, there’s a cafe serving snacks and meals, so you can sit back, relax, and recharge your batteries while the kids play.
Funtopia
With its climbing walls, indoor ropes course, ninja warrior course, and soft play area for younger children, there’s something for everyone at Funtopia.
We have also written another post that showcases some of the best restaurants with playground, make sure you check out that post!
A Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Playgrounds in Melbourne
Berwick Springs Hotel
Berwick Springs Hotel is a must-visit destination for families with children, thanks to its extensive and impressive play area. The kids’ playground is truly a sight to behold and promises to leave visitors in awe. Due to its immense popularity, it is advisable to make a reservation ahead of time, particularly for the coveted tables that surround the playground.
Little Growling Cafe
Little Growling Cafe is a charming and comfortable spot with small outdoor seating, a kids play area, and lawn spaces. Its massive swirling slide is a great attraction for older kids. While the kids run around and play, parents can relax with a coffee. The windows looking out to the playground area make the cafe even more comfortable and charming.
Moreland Hotel
The indoor theme of the hotel is sure to captivate the imagination of young ones, providing endless entertainment within the playground area. Parents need not worry about keeping their kids occupied during mealtimes, as the playground ensures that they are engaged and entertained throughout their stay.
Have fun at the largest Theme Park
Luna Park
Luna Park is an iconic amusement park that has been entertaining families for over 100 years. There’s something for everyone here, from thrilling rides for the older kids to gentler attractions for the little ones. Plus, there are plenty of games, delicious food, and even a scenic Ferris wheel that provides breathtaking views of the city.
What we love most about Luna Park is the sheer excitement and joy that my kids experience while they’re there. They get to let loose and have fun in a safe and controlled environment, which is such a great break from the usual routine of school and homework. So if you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with your family, we highly recommend checking out Luna Park in Melbourne during the school holidays!
If you are planning to visit other states, make sure you check out our other post that talks about the very best theme parks in Australia!
The Best Theme Parks in Australia to Visit This Year
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