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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Inclusions: Admission to attractions, guide, round-trip transfers to and from the meet up location, onboard water refill station, mini-coach travel, audio translation in 10 languages
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.
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.
Available on hot air balloon flights, skydiving, lunch cruises, jet boat rides and attraction passes on Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, SkyPoint Observation Deck, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and more. Minimum spend of $350 is required. T&Cs apply.
Up to 10% off Melbourne activities + an extra $10 off with code
Available on select dates until 2023 on activities including driving experiences, kayak tours, attraction passes and more. Minimum spend of $300 is required. T&Cs apply.
Up to 60% off activities, experiences and things to do
Valid on select dates including holidays such as Christmas, New Year's and more depending on the destination. Destinations include Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Dubai, Australia, London and the US. T&Cs apply.
Tamara Medojevic was a travel writer at Finder. She graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism. Her passion for travelling began at an early age, with frequent overseas trips to Europe and across Australia. Tamara believes that travelling is an experience that can be enjoyed on all budgets and she works to make sure you’re getting the most for your dollar.
Here's what you need to know about what's open during the Easter long weekend and a list of activities and events to keep you occupied over the 4-day weekend.
Here's our guide on what you can do in Sydney this Easter long weekend.
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