School holidays

Entertain the whole family over the school holidays with these kid-friendly events and activities. There's plenty of free, low-cost events and family attractions to choose from.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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A child posing in an alcove in a rainbow mural.

When are the school holidays?

The school holidays in Victoria are from Monday 21 December 2026 to Wednesday 27 January 2027.

When is public transport half price during the school holidays?

Public transport is half price in Victoria until the end of the year. This includes Melbourne trains, trams and buses as well as regional trains, coaches and buses. Check the full details.

School holiday deals and offers

A mother and two young children on the deck of a ferry looking out across the water.

Port Phillip Ferries

Kids (4-16 years) travel free on these weekly 2.5hour cruises, Tuesdays 9.30am-12.15pm, T&Cs apply.

Special offer
Cartoon style illustration of children with painted faces, against a blue background.

The Wharf Hotel

Enjoy free family activities every Sunday, incl. face painting, magicians & balloon twisters, 1-4pm.

Special offer
People taking a selfie with an animation character.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Animal Crossing exhibition, where characters meet real-life marine life: 16 Sep-8 Nov

Special offer

School holiday events

Animator and filmmaker Adam Elliot working on a claymation set, adjusting characters.
Until

Making Memoir of a Snail

Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.

A plate of fluffy pancakes with ice-cream and chocolate over the top.
Until

Chocolate Family Adventure Day

Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.

Picnic spread of dishes, boxed food and drinks on a blue gingham tablecloth.
Until

Family Mystery Picnic: Melbourne Laneways

Solve clues, taste and collect pre-paid gourmet food on this unique foodie adventure.

Young children and their parents listening to a story book being read aloud in a colourful environment with large dinosaur cutouts.
Until

Dino Days

Young dinosaur enthusiasts, aged 3-5 years, are invited to explore all things dinosaur.

Group of children seated on the floor while adults look on.
Until

Auslan Storytime

Bringing stories to life through visual language and movement, 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.

Illustrations of two children with clipboards in (real) garden setting.
Until

Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.

A young child wearing a dressing gown, looking at an open picture book in her lap, blurred twinkling lights behind her.
Until

Bedtime Storytime

Hop into your pyjamas, grab your favourite teddy and enjoy bedtime stories.

A child wearing a plastic coat, squirting paint with a paintgun at a pink canvas on a wall splattered with paint.
Until

Melbourne Paint Lab Art Workshop

At Melbourne Paint Lab you can splash, splatter and drip paint to unleash your inner artist.

A group of smiling participants in a studio workshop setting, holding glass-domed terrariums.
Until

Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners

Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.

Seven people in coloured aprons holding up kokedama balls in a workshop.
Until

Kokedama Workshop

Enjoy a beginner's workshop and learn how to make a little moss ball plant.

Two smiling workshop participants holding up jewellery they have made.
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Polymer Clay Workshop

Create beautiful pairs of earrings and necklaces using polymer clay in this fun workshop.

Three smiling workshop participants in a studio space, holding up jewellery they have made.
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Polymer Clay Earring Workshop

Create beautiful jewellery in this fun workshop.

Man wearing a tuxedo performing sleight of hands tricks with a glass in front of a seated audience.
Until

Melbourne Magic Show

Enjoy a theatrical magic experience like no other.

A dancer wears a vibrant green, light-up ballerina-style tutu dress with a matching crown, and large, glowing translucent fairy wings spread out behind her, standing against a dark background.
Until

Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Peter Pan lights up Neverland in a dazzling dance spectacle.

A scene with Max and the Wild Thing Carol walking along a sand dune, from the 2009 fantasy drama film Where the Wild Things Are.
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Kids' Flicks with Feelings

Flex your emotional muscles with two thoughtful films for kids.

A view over Melbourne by night, with buildings lit up.

New Year's Eve in Melbourne

From fireworks to fancy dinners and family fun, Melbourne is the perfect place to celebrate NYE.

A children's themed three-tiered platter of high tea treats, alongside a teddy bear, drinks and Christmas baubles.
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Le Petit FestiviTea

Little ones can join the festive celebrations with a high tea just for them.

Ice hockey players on the ice during a match.
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Melbourne Ice Women: Australian Women's Ice Hockey League

The Australian Women's Ice Hockey League takes over O'Brien Icehouse in a formidable on-ice battle.

Kids on the grass outside the Shrine of Memorial, holding kit bags and smiling.
Until

Shrine Kids

Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.

A massive outdoor crowd, many wearing red festive Santa hats gathers for an evening Carols by Candlelight concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with the city skyline visible behind the illuminated canopy stage.
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Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

A cherished tradition featuring live performances on Christmas Eve.

A cylindrical mosaic glass table lamp featuring a colourful orange and yellow daisy pattern, being made at a craft workshop.
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Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop for Beginners

Create your own glowing mosaic lamp in a class suitable for beginners.

A standing and seated row of children in a large bright room, all holding up artworks they've created.
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Art Classes for Kids

A guided art class for children, led by an artist and educator, held at The Hub at Docklands.

An illustration from the book The Very Cranky Bear, showing a black bear with hands on hips looking cranky against a blue background.
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The Very Cranky Bear

A grumpy bear, four unlikely friends and one brilliant sheep.

Hands holding up coastal seashell wind chimes featuring delicate floral painted designs on the bottom scallop shells.
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Decoupage Seashell Wind Chime Workshop

Create your seashell wind chime in this relaxing, beginner-friendly decoupage workshop in Docklands.

People gathered in front of the Shrine of Remembrance and a man playing bagpipes with his back to the camera.
Until

Last Post Service

Every Sunday, pause to remember those who have served and sacrificed.

A decorated lampshade featuring homemade paper and pressed flowers.
Until

Pressed Flower Hanging Lantern Workshop for Beginners

Create a magical botanical lantern using real pressed flowers, handmade paper, and warm LED lights.

The inside of Melbourne's Town Hall, set with tables and chairs plus a glowing Christmas tree for a Christmas buffet.

Christmas Day Lunch at Melbourne Town Hall

Celebrate Christmas Day at Melbourne Town Hall with a festive buffet, live entertainment and more.

People inside PJ O'Brien's pub, most of them mingling at the bar.

New Year's Eve Dining at PJ O'Brien's

Ring in the New Year at PJ O'Brien's Irish Pub – slainte!

Three large, colourful and shiny gummy bears as part of a Christmas installation inside a shopping mall.
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Christmas at The District Docklands

Enjoy free festive family fun as the Gummy Bears take over The District Docklands laneways.

Two people seated below a neon sign.
Until

The Story of the Moving Image

A permanent exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

Transport Bar exterior at Fed Square with multilevel dining.

Christmas Day Dining at Transport Public Bar

Celebrate with a festive roast, cocktails and live music at Fed Square.

A person wearing a green, inflatable Christmas Tree mascot costume holding hands with a young child in a festive outdoor setting.
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Mr Fantastico's Christmas Rooftop Carnival

Free Christmas fun with live performances, Santa activities and creative workshops.

New Year's Eve red and pink fireworks lighting up the skyline of Melbourne against a dark sky.

New Year's Eve Dinner & Rooftop Party

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with 180° views of Melbourne’s skyline, dinner and free-flowing drinks.

Four illuminated lamps with cylindrical parchment or fabric shades, decorated with various pressed flowers.
Until

Pressed Flower Lamp Making Workshop

Make your room colourful and vibrant with your own pressed flower lamp.

A still from a videogame depicting a Chinese soldier fighting two warriors in front of an ancient Chinese temple.
Until

Feng Mengbo: Long March Restart

An free exhibition that playfully reimagines modern Chinese history as a videogame.

A mini Melbourne tram made out of chocolate, sitting of a concrete ledge next to top deck Belgian chocolate pieces.
Until

Chocolate Painting Workshop

Join a chocolate painting workshop and create edible art that speaks from the heart.

A tote bag and a lampshade decorated with butterflies, and flowers using decoupage techniques.
Until

Decoupage Bag Making Workshop

Make your own pretty decoupage bag to enhance your look and slay in style.

Santa sitting on his throne with one hand in the air waving.
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David Jones Photos with Santa

Make this Christmas one to remember with a magical Santa experience like no other.

A National Basketball League match underway inside John Cain Arena at Melbourne Park, with an indoor court and spectators watching from the stadium seats.

NBL: Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans

Melbourne United host the Cairns Taipans in the league's original and best open air game.

A festive dining table featuring a selection of seafood (such as seared scallops on half-shells) and small bites served on decorative platters with a Christmas bob-bon cracker on the table.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Blacksmith Bar & Grill

Spend Christmas Eve with a relaxed dinner set against sweeping views of Melbourne’s skyline.

A hotel buffet with a line of bain-marie with lids open against a deep red background.

Christmas Day Buffet Lunch at Stamford Plaza

A festive Christmas Day buffet lunch in Melbourne with seafood, Santa, gifts and family cheer.

Two people from the professional puppetier company, Trash Puppets, holding puppets created entirely from rubbish.
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Make Your Own Puppet Movie

Explore the wonders of found materials as you create your own puppet masterpiece with Trash Puppets.

A smiling man holds a cheerful toddler in his arms as the child reaches toward a large, textured, teardrop-shaped gourd hanging from the ceiling; part of an interactive installation at ArtPlay.
Until

Exhibition: Obang 오방

Step into a Korean grandmother's home while she is away visiting her grandchildren overseas.

The cast of The Wind in the Willows dressed as characters from the book and posed on a carriage; an outdoor family theatre production staged annually at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
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The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows celebrates its 40th Anniversary in the Botanic Gardens!

Gold Christmas bauble suspended from the branch of a Christmas tree.

Christmas Day Lunch at Taxi Kitchen

Celebrate with a five-course festive lunch and cocktail on arrival.

Christmas decorations on a table and champagne being poured into a glass.

Christmas Day Lunch at Blacksmith Bar and Grill

A delicious premium buffet featuring all your favourite Christmas classics with city views.

A performer dressed as Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream, shirtless and standing in front of a purple celestial sky with a large moon as he makes the 'shh' gesture.
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A Midsummer Night's Dream Under The Stars

There is magic afoot in the Gardens as this much adored play is brought to life under the stars.

A dramatic stage moment from a production of The Nutcracker ballet, showcasing classic choreography under theatrical lighting.
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The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker returns to Melbourne's Regent Theatre this Christmas with a live orchestra.

Aerial view of an outdoor market on Southbank promenade, showing the Yarra River with boats on the right, market umbrellas and stalls on the concourse and city buildings in the background.
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Southbank Makers Market

Explore the Southbank Makers Market every Sunday on the promenade at Southgate.

A butterfly brooch with green and pink mother of pearl inlay wings, against a white background.
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Mother of Pearl Inlay Brooch Making Workshop

Join this jewellery making class on mother-of-pearl inlay, perfect for beginners.

A wide-angle shot of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) grandstands filled with a large crowd under a clear, bright blue sky and two tall, stadium floodlight towers.

BBL|16: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers

Be entertained with a night of T20 cricket when the Stars meet the Sixers at the Big Bash League.

Two young children smiling while participating in an interactive play or educational activity against a green forest-themed backdrop, at Melbourne Museum.
Until

Tiny Tours: Big Adventures for Little Explorers

Light the spark of curiosity and explore Melbourne Museum like never before.

A lavish, traditional Christmas feast spread out on a wooden table, featuring a large roasted centrepiece ham surrounded by festive dishes like fresh seafood, salads, desserts, and cherries.

Christmas Day Dining at Bossley

Celebrate Christmas with a festive feast featuring the finest Melbourne produce.

An illuminated Merry Christmas sign on top of a bridge over the Yarra, at night.
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Christmas Lights Cruise

Sail the Yarra and soak up Melbourne’s festive sparkle on a magical Christmas Lights Cruise.

A beige and white knitted shoulder bag with plush trim and a chain strap, made in a cross-stitch workshop.
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Cross-stitch Embroidery Bag Workshop

Make your own pretty cross-stitch bag to style your look in this beginner class.

A life-sized interactive digital advent calendar with a child standing in front of it.
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Christmas Magic Mirror

Step inside a magical interactive mirror and watch a larger-than-life advent calendar come to life.

A smiling male cricketer in a bright green Melbourne Stars jersey celebrates a milestone by raising his cricket bat in his right hand and holding up his green helmet in his left hand.

BBL|16: Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes

Enjoy a night of T20 cricket with the family at the Big Bash League with the Stars v Hurricanes.

A dining table in a club laden with a Christmas feast including platters of roasted vegetables, ham, roast turkey, salads, and glasses of wine.

Christmas Day Dining at Elevate Club Lounge

Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive buffet above Melbourne.

A digitally-drawn image of Cinderella as a ballerina, with the pumpkin carriage behind her.
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Storytime Ballet: Cinderella

Fall under the spell of Cinderella, an interactive Storytime Ballet experience for children.

A wide-angle shot of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) grandstands filled with a large crowd under a clear, bright blue sky and two tall, stadium floodlight towers.

BBL|16: Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades

Enjoy a night of T20 cricket with the family when the Melbourne Stars play Melbourne Renegades.

Inside a small shop filled with sparkly decorations and plastic novelty goods.
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Squish, Twist, Fizz: Mika Rottenberg for Kids

A new children's exhibition by Mika Rottenberg as part of 2026 NGV Triennial.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River

Christmas Day Buffet Breakfast at Stamford Plaza

Toast Christmas morning with complimentary bubbles at Stamford Plaza Melbourne's breakfast buffet.

More school holiday ideas

Family attractions

Koala in a gum tree at Melbourne Zoo.

Melbourne Zoo

Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne.

Child looking over right shoulder with delighted smile, dark dinosaur model behind.

Melbourne Museum

Explore history, culture, science and nature at this popular Melbourne attraction.

Large IMAX signage above entrance to cinema.

IMAX

Delivering an immersive movie experience on the world's largest screen.

Dark silhouetted figures in a space with red and blue lighting.

ACMI

Museum dedicated to the moving image through events, film screenings and exhibitions.

Family in a glass tunnel looking up at a very large stingray.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Discover thousands of aquatic animals in four enchanting worlds at this top Melbourne attraction.

Tranquil scene of trees and lawn surrounding a lake.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

A picturesque haven for recreation and a key botanical resource for research and conservation.

Two people standing on the 'ceiling' of an inverted living room.

House Down Under

Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.

Two friends in exaggerated poses against a hand-painted interactive artwork of a jungle scene, at ArtVo.

ArtVo

An interactive 3D art gallery with optical illusions that visitors can touch and explore.

People skating in an indoor ice rink with disco lighting.

O'Brien Icehouse

An ice arena for public skating and ice sports events, located in Docklands.

A family seated at an outdoor table in a grassy park, eating takeaway food from the food van parked behind them, the Skyline Ferris wheel in the background.

Skyline Melbourne

See Melbourne's unbeatable city view from the Skyline Melbourne Ferris wheel.

Double-storey ArtPlay building with city skyscrapers in the background.

ArtPlay

A creative arts centre for children to share unique experiences with professional artists.

Kingpin Melbourne's bowling lanes decorated with vibrant murals.

Kingpin Melbourne

Kingpin's new flagship space brings next level entertainment to Collins Arcade.

Three teenagers playing a basketball arcade game in an brightly lit games venue.

PLAYit

Next level arcade and mini golf fun for all ages and abilities.

Pink sweet food treats inspired by the Sanrio character My Melody, found at the Hello Kitty Cafe.

Hello Kitty and Friends Café

A colourful experience celebrating Hello Kitty and Friends with themed treats and exclusive merch.

Two people standing in an immersive room at Dreamskape surrounded by a virtual reality projection of interior of a spaceship.

Dreamskape

Explore the District Dockland's multi-media sensory entertainment complex.

A smiling young girl seated as a table in front of a pile of slime.

Slime Lab

A play and retail space offering awesome and creative slime workshops for kids.

A sophisticated music store with guitars hanging on the wall.

The Music Gym

Drop in to The Music Gym, Melbourne's most playable pit stop!

Person on a skateboard at Riverslide Skate Park.

Riverslide Skate Park

The city's biggest skate park, overlooking the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr.

Small brick building illuminated at night, housing Signal creative arts studio.

Signal

Signal is the City of Melbourne's creative studio for young people 14 to 25 years.

Brightly coloured singing booths arranged around the walls in a large room, with bench seating in the central open space.

Kono Coin Karaoke

Enjoy a karaoke experience at a singing booth.

The exterior of Hardrock climbing in the city, surrounded by other buildings.

Hardrock Climbing

The ultimate indoor rock-climbing experience in Melbourne is at Hardrock Climbing.

People lining up outside a retro photobooth at night.

Flinders Street Photobooth

Have your photo taken at a vintage black and white photobooth.

Looking into the interior of a studio space, with a row of five small booths on the left and shelves of props and equipment on the right wall.

Life4Cuts Chinatown

A Korean-inspired self-photo booth studio in Chinatown.

Three girls posing and holding up their hands in peace signs while wearing flower headbands.

Hama Film Self Photo Studio

A self-photo studio where you can take amazing photos in special concept rooms.

A giant ball pit with brightly coloured geometric patterns and neon shapes on the walls.

Hijinx Hotel

No beds here. Just ball pits, bold colours, brain-teasing challenges and a lot of laughter.

People laughing and having fun on MotoGP arcade games.

Archie Brothers

One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.

People enjoying tenpin bowling.

Strike Bowling

Tenpin bowling plus karaoke and escape rooms - great fun for everyone.

Exterior of Holey Moley mini golf venue at night.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley offers a mini golf course and bar with 27 themed holes plus a karaoke room.

Pretend poolside bar area at Holey Moley mini golf club, with brightly coloured deck chairs.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley at Crown offers a mini golf course and bar with 18 themed holes.

Baby looking in a mirror.

Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum

This is a wondrous place for young children to explore, play and learn.

Discover more

Girl looking out at mini village display in the garden.

The best free and cheap family activities

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A small playground on a sunny day

The best playgrounds in Melbourne

We've rounded up the best adventure parks and playgrounds.

A statue of a mother and baby giraffe in an indoor children's playground.

The best things to do in Melbourne with kids under 5

Toddler-friendly activities for a day out in Melbourne that you'll enjoy too.

Young kid sitting on the shoulders of an adult in a large crowd of people watching a show.

Melbourne for free

Discover free things to do in Melbourne, including galleries, museums, events and festivals.