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School holiday activities in Melbourne for 2021

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

Tamara Medojevic
Tamara Medojevic

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Courtney Edwards
Courtney Edwards

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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 in Melbourne for the school holidays

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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Hit the waves

What better time to head out on the water than the summer school holidays? Whether your little one wants to pick up a new skill or simply loves spending time at the beach, you can't go wrong with a beach adventure.

Family Stand Up Paddle Boarding Session
Family Stand Up Paddle Boarding Session

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Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson
Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson

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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.

Take a hike

Escape the city and take a walk in the great outdoors. From hiking through Wilsons Promontory to exploring Phillip Island via boardwalk, a breath of fresh air is just a click away.

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

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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.

Puffing Billy Steam Train and Healesville Sanctuary Tour
Puffing Billy Steam Train and Healesville Sanctuary Tour

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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.

Penguin Encounter at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Penguin Encounter 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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Step into the Australian wild

With zoos and wildlife reserves reopening their doors, you won't have to look too far for a fun day out with the family.

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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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.

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 or ereaders. With thousands of genres and stories to choose from, there's something for kids of all ages.

Let their imaginations run wild

If you've got some creative kiddos, consider an at-home DIY class.

Clay Hand Building Class for Kids (6-12 Years)
Clay Hand Building Class for Kids (6-12 Years)

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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.

Skytower Automatic Pop Up Portable Family Tent
Skytower Automatic Pop Up Portable Family Tent

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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 and Kangaroos visiting MacKenzie Falls from Melbourne
Grampians National Park and Kangaroos visiting MacKenzie Falls from Melbourne

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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.

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

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Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson, 90 Minutes - Anglesea, Great Ocean Road
Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson, 90 Minutes - Anglesea, Great Ocean Road

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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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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 Fitzroy Gardens
  • Get your walking shoes ready and tackle the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
  • Check out the food stalls at the Queen Victoria Markets
  • 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 in Melbourne for the December/January school holidays

Kids in Motion 21 December - 22 January. Earn major brownie points with your kids by signing them up for this workshop that will keep them active with games and fitness activities.

G J School Productions Drama Workshop 4 January - 22 January. If your child has a passion for performing, this is the perfect opportunity for them to improve their skills and be part of a professional showcase.

Lego Machine Virtual Learning Labs 5 January - 21 January. Keep yours kids' minds active with three 60-minute Lego workshops run by Moore Education.

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