School holidays in Melbourne for 2021: Activities and things to do | Finder
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School holiday activities in Melbourne for April 2021

Our top picks for things to do during the school holidays in Melbourne.

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If you're stuck on how you're going to keep the little ones entertained in Melbourne, we've got you covered with this guide that will give you major inspiration for the school holiday break.

Outdoor activities
At-home activities
Day trips
Free activities
School holiday dates
Events
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Outdoor activities in Melbourne for the school holidays

Step into the Australian wild

You won't have to look too far for a fun day out with the family in Melbourne with a visit to one of Melbourne's many zoos.

Moonlit Sanctuary General Daytime Admission
Moonlit Sanctuary General Daytime Admission

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Werribee Open Range Zoo Off Road Safari and Admission
Werribee Open Range Zoo Off Road Safari and Admission

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Take a hike

Enjoy the great outdoors with a day trip. There's plenty of great spots close to Melbourne waiting to be explored.

Dandenong Ranges Tour including the William Ricketts Sanctuary
Dandenong Ranges Tour including the William Ricketts Sanctuary

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Discover the best of Melbourne

Being a local, it can be easy to overlook some of the best attractions Melbourne has to offer. The school holidays break is the ideal time to explore Melbourne's most popular sights.

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Flight
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Flight

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Make the most of the sunny days

With the sun coming to join in on the fun in Melbourne, we recommend seizing the moment with a variety of outdoor, family-friendly activities.

Electric Bicycle Tour of Bayside Melbourne
Electric Bicycle Tour of Bayside Melbourne

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Great Ocean Road and Lorne Livewire Park Tour
Great Ocean Road and Lorne Livewire Park Tour

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Meet Melbourne's water creatures

From meeting the resident penguins on Phillip Island to discovering the creatures that inhabit the world's oceans, there's an activity for kids of all ages these school holidays.

Shark Diving at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Shark Diving at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

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SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium General Admission
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium General Admission

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Let their imaginations run wild

If you've got some creative kids, consider a class that will keep them entertained.

Set out for a day of kayaking

Set your sights on a kayaking adventure with views of Melbourne and its waterways. It's the perfect activity for getting out and about on a summer's day in the city.

Abseiling and White Water Kayaking Experience
Abseiling and White Water Kayaking Experience

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Indoor activities in Melbourne for the school holidays

Learn a new skill

Keep them active these school holidays with an abundance of fun indoor lessons that can be taken online. No matter what their interests are, there's sure to be something that catches their eye.

Online Private Roblox Game Lesson for Kids
Online Private Roblox Game Lesson for Kids

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Online Private Coding and Minecraft Modding Lesson for Kids
Online Private Coding and Minecraft Modding Lesson for Kids

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Get creative in the kitchen

Roll up your sleeves for a cooking session during the school holidays. Kids love hands-on activities and learning how to cook is a great skill to pick up. Purchasing a children's baking kit is a good place to start if your little ones are cooking for the first time. If your kids have had some cooking experience, there are plenty of kids cookbooks available so your mini chefs can take the reins in the kitchen.

Asian Cooking Course for Kids and Teens
Asian Cooking Course for Kids and Teens

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Set up puzzles and board games

There are plenty of fun puzzles and board games to keep your children entertained and their minds active while spending time indoors these school holidays. Not only will it pass time, they'll feel a sense of accomplishment when completing a puzzle or winning a board game.

Turn your living room into an art studio

Let your child's creativity run wild with an online art class. A pre-recorded video will be sent your way, along with a materials list so your child can release their inner Picasso in no time.

Let their minds wander

Take them to another world without having to leave the house by investing in some books. With thousands of genres and stories to choose from, there's something for kids of all ages.

Snuggle in with a movie or two

After a long day of activities and adventures, get the popcorn and snacks ready for a movie (or TV show) marathon. With enough options to last a lifetime, the hardest choice to make is what to watch first.

Have fun in the backyard

You don't have to go far for lots of fun. Get all of their energy out with some good old fashioned backyard games. Not only will they be entertained for hours, but it will get them up and moving.

Sleep under the stars on a camping trip

Set up a tent in the backyard for the little ones to enjoy during the day.

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 north-west 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 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 both free road trip options as well as adventure activities to choose from, there's no doubt that this will keep your kids entertained.

The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Helicopter Flight
The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Helicopter Flight

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Otway Fly Treetop Adventure, Zip Line Tour
Otway Fly Treetop Adventure, Zip Line Tour

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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 as it's jam-packed with activities and only an hour away from Melbourne. From wildlife parks to endless hiking options, we think the kids will love this day out.

Self Guided Kayaking on the Mornington Peninsula
Self Guided Kayaking on the Mornington Peninsula

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See the latest Melbourne school holiday activity deals

KlookKlook

Up to 24% off Eureka Skydeck 88 tickets in Melbourne

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Expedia.com.auExpedia.com.au

Melbourne: Eureka Skydeck 88 admission tickets from $20

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Gift It NowGift It Now

Up to 13% off Eureka Skydeck 88 tickets in Melbourne

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Experience OzExperience Oz

Melbourne: Up to 13% off Eureka Skydeck 88 tickets

Ends

Get deal

When are the school holidays in Melbourne 2021-2022?

TermDates
Term 1 school holidays2 April - 18 April 2021
Term 2 school holidays26 June - 11 July 2021
Term 3 school holidays18 September - 3 October 2021
Term 4 school holidays18 December - 30 January 2021/22

Free school holiday activities in Melbourne

  • Discover wildlife in the Royal Park Wetlands with the Junior Ranger Program and enjoy a morning packed with games, activities and crafts.
  • Head to Riverslide Skate Park for a day of skating or BMX bike riding.
  • Make your way to St Kilda at sunset to see the St Kilda Penguins.
  • Take a hike in one of Victoria's many national parks.
  • Have a picnic in the backyard.
  • Spend the day exploring the Fitzroy Gardens.
  • Get your walking shoes ready and tackle the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.
  • Check out the food stalls at the Queen Victoria Market.
  • Go for a bike ride along the Yarra River.
  • Visit the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens.
  • Explore the National Gallery of Victoria.
  • Take a road trip down the Great Ocean Road.
  • Visit the RAAF Museum.
  • Make an indoor obstacle course.
  • Learn origami.
  • Go stargazing 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.

School holiday events and programs in Melbourne

  • Intro to Python Coding 20 - 21 April. Coding workshops are becoming increasingly popular and kids who love all things tech will learn the basics of coding in this beginners class.
  • Cartooning Class 9 and 16 April. Your kids will expand their artistic skills with this class that will teach them drawing techniques and how to draw cartoon characters.
      • School Holiday Craft for Kids 6 April. Use recycled materials to design and create art in this fun workshop perfect for kids with a creative flare.
  • Australian Sports Camps 6 - 14 April. Whether your little one is an avid basketball, soccer or tennis player, there's plenty of workshops for them to choose from.
  • Pop Star Drama Workshop 14 - 15 April. Kids will enjoy the unique opportunity to create a music single and music video led by singer and songwriter, Joel Armour.
  • Creative Writing and Storytelling Program 30 March - 8 April. Young writers can expect craft, games and character building activities with books and writing being the main theme for this program offered by the Melbourne Young Writers' Studio.
  • Unsorted 10 - 25 April. Take the kids to an educational show highlighting inclusivity and diversity.

Free things to do during the school holidays in Melbourne

  • Take a hike in one of Victoria's many national parks.
  • Have a picnic in the backyard.
  • Spend the day exploring the Fitzroy Gardens.
  • Get your walking shoes ready and tackle the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.
  • Check out the food stalls at the Queen Victoria Market.
  • Go for a bike ride along the Yarra River.
  • Visit the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens.
  • Explore the National Gallery of Victoria.
  • Watch the sunset at the beach.
  • Take a road trip down the Great Ocean Road.

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