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Winter school holiday activities in Melbourne for 2022

These are our top picks for things to do during the school holidays in Melbourne.

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Tamara Medojevic

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Stephanie Yip
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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.

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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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
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Melbourne with Breakfast

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Experience the thrill of free falling

The next best thing to free falling out of a plane above Melbourne is a trip to iFly. Indoor skydiving creates the sensation of free falling by using an upwards airflow in a glass, vertical tunnel that keeps you floating mid-air. If you've got a thrillseeker to entertain, you'll earn major brownie points by taking them to iFly.

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.

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 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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Set out for a day of kayaking

Grab a paddle and kayak the Yarra, taking in the views of Melbourne and its waterways.

City Sightseeing Kayak Tour in Melbourne
City Sightseeing Kayak Tour in Melbourne

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Let their imaginations run wild

If you've got creative kids, classes can keep them entertained and let them show off their talents.

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.

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
Melbourne Highlights Sightseeing Cruise

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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.

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.

Painting Class for Kids: Mythical Creatures
Painting Class for Kids: Mythical Creatures

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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?

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.

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.

Grampians National Park Wilderness Tour
Grampians National Park Wilderness Tour

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Mount Buller

Distance from Melbourne: 3.5-hour drive. Public transport takes around 4 hours via coach.

Get out of suburbia for a day and take to the slopes of Mt Buller. With coatings of fresh, white snow, this one is sure to spark smiles. The kids can take their pick between snow play, skiing or snowboarding.

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.

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

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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 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.

Golf Round of 18 Holes and Golf Cart Hire
Golf Round of 18 Holes and Golf Cart Hire

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Hot Springs Bath House and Picnic Experience
Hot Springs Bath House and Picnic Experience

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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.

Penguin Parade Phillip Island Tour
Penguin Parade Phillip Island Tour

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See the latest Melbourne school holiday activity deals

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Mt Buller 3-day snow adventure from $709

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Melbourne Skydeck tickets from $28

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When are the school holidays in Melbourne 2022/23?

TermDates
Term 1 school holidays9 April - 25 April 2022
Term 2 school holidays25 June - 10 July 2022
Term 3 school holidays17 September - 2 October 2022
Term 4 school holidays21 December - 29 January 2022/23

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.

School holiday events in Melbourne

  • Cinderella the Museum @ Regent Theatre: 15 June - 23 July 2022. Disney princess fan on your hands? Treat them to this stunning performance of song, dance and yes, a touch of magic. Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster.
  • Imaginaria @ The District Docklands: 16 June - 29 January 2022. This interactive playground features sculptures, inflatables, lights and sounds to amaze and delight. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.
  • Lightscape @ Royal Botanic Gardens: 24 June - 7 August 2022. Melbourne will be twinkling in the glow of mini lights this winter as the inaugural Lightscape light show takes on the Royal Botanic Gardens. Over 100,000 lights will light a 1.8 kilometre trail throughout the park.
  • Dynamic Ninja Mania Challenge @ Dynamic Martial Arts: Take on the ultimate ninja warrior course complete with climbing rings and tyre swings. It's suitable for ages 5-18. Get climbing.
  • Alice in Wonderland Babushka Dolls @ Southbank Library: 4 July 2022. Paint your own set of dolls in this fun and free art and craft session.
  • Mini golf @ Birdies Mini Golf & Sports Bar, First Hill: Skip the mini-putt putt centre and go to Birdies for its 18-hole golf course – perfect for a family day out.
  • The Colour and Sound of my Totem @ ArtPlay: 2-3 July 2022. Help your kids discover their inner animal totem through music with Kokatha/Mirning musician Bart Willoughby. They'll even have their painted totem added to a larger sculptural totem. Book your spot through ArtPlay.
  • The Melbourne Magic Festival @ Arrow On Swanston: 27 June - 9 July 2022. Magic and kids go hand-in-hand and as part of the annual Melbourne Magic Festival over 130 performances and 30 shows will wow and surprise kids young and old. Book your tickets at Melbourne Magic Festival.
  • The Very Hungry Caterpiller Show @ Athenaeum Theatre: 2, 3 and 5 July 2022. Eric Carle's much-loved story comes to life on the stage. Recommended for kids aged 18 months and older. Tickets on sale at the Athenaeum Theatre website.

Frequently asked questions about Melbourne school holidays

What should I keep in mind with COVID-19 when going out during the school holidays?

Remember to maintain good hygiene and social distancing. When visiting an attraction in an enclosed space book in advance so you don't miss out. Also, make sure you are up to date with any COVID restrictions.

Are all attractions in Melbourne open?

Yes. Most attractions have reopened. Our favourites include Melbourne Zoo, SEA LIFE Melbourne and Legoland Discovery Centre.

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