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Free Events for Kids in Melbourne These Summer Holidays

  • Toddlers
    Preschoolers
    Kids
    Family
    All Ages

By: Stacey Roberts, 13 December 2017

Melbourne is like a cornucopia of amazing things to do with kids, and that's never more true than during the school holidays. This city really turns it on!

Better still, plenty of those events, festivals, worskhops and exhibitions are totally free, meaning you all still get to have a great time filling those long, hot holiday days without having to dip into your purse. Which we're sure took a beating over the Christmas period!

If you're wondering what's on in your area for kids over the summer school holidays, we've got you covered. Check these out: 

TwistED Fizzle and Pop Science Show

TwistED Science and their awesome interactive science show will fizzle, bang and pop your mind. For 5-12 year olds.

The Paper Market

Get creative with Paperazzi Design Studio in a market-themed paper-craft bonanza!

This free drop-in activity is inspired by our summer Play Pod theme, Our last trip to the market by Lorin Clarke and Mitch Vane.

For children aged 5–12 years, their parents and carers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Where: The Courtyard, State Library of Victoria
  • When: 10am - 3pm, January 15-19
  • Phone: (03) 8664 7000
  • More info: Head to the website.

Get Slimed with TwistED Science at Southbank Library

Storytelling: Hello Possums

Hear a different story every day and touch some of the museum’s special hands-on collection items. Why not head down to Bunjilaka's Welcome mat before you visit the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery? Suitable for babies to children up to 5, and it is a free event with ticket price (which is nothing if you're a member!).

  • Where: Melbourne Museum, Nicholson St, Carlton
  • When: 10.30am daily.
  • Phone: 13 11 02
  • More info: Head to the website.

Seed and Plant Swap

Bring your seeds, plants, worm tea, worms and compost along to trade with other food gardeners.

Meet other gardeners over a cuppa and swap tips while you look and trade.

Mighty Mini Beasts 

  • Where: East Melbourne Library, 122 George Street, East Melbourne
  • When: 10.30am - 11.15am January 24
  • Phone: 03 9658 9600
  • More info: Head to the website.

Make Your Own Recipe Book

Make your own book to fill with recipes using all your favourite market treats, inspired by the library's summer Play Pod theme, 'Our last trip to the market' by Lorin Clarke and Mitch Vane.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register for a session that suits your child's age group.

  • Where: State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street Melbourne. Meet in front foyer
  • When: 10.30am - noon Monday January 22 - Thursday January 25, 2018.
  • Phone: 03 8664 7099
  • More info: Head to the website.

Boxing Day Test Live

Watch all the Ashes action live from the MCG on the Screen at Fed Square.

You’ll be taking in the infamously fierce on-field rivalry of Day 1 of the The Ashes Test on Boxing Day with hundreds of other punters in the Square.

  • Where: Federation Square
  • When: 10am - 6pm, Tuesday 26 December
  • More info: Head to the website.

Story Camp for 12 - 15 year olds

Do you have big dreams of writing a novel, penning a poem or publishing your own zine? Or do you have something to say, but you're not quite sure how to get it out into the world?

This is your chance to meet and learn from some of Australia’s most exciting and inspiring storytellers in a free school holiday writing program (eligibility criteria apply).

Over three days you'll explore story, poetry and performance, building your creative skills and finding out how to turn your passion into a career.

Lunch and transport costs are provided.

  • Zines

    Love writing, drawing or crafting? Making a zine is the perfect way to create a masterpiece using everyday materials. DIY your own zine on a topic of your choice.
    10–12 January: Emma Jensen,  23–25 January: Rachel Ang 

    Spoken word

    Get inspired to write poetry for performing live. You’ll workshop your poems, learn techniques to bring them to life on stage and have the opportunity to speak your truth into the mic.
    10–12 January: Emilie Zoey Baker,  23–25 January: Candy Bowers 

    Fiction writing

    This is nothing like your English classes. You’ll be led through writing exercises by a published author, crafting a compelling story. Explore different methods of storytelling and develop your own unique voice.
    10–12 January: Michael Pryor,  23–25 January: George Ivanoff  

  • More info: Head to the website.

Construction Craft 

Kids can create and decorate at this construction craft workshop, using new and recycled materials to make anything they can imagine.

mBot challenge

No matter your level of expertise, come and learn how to become a robot overlord and make the mBots do your bidding.

  • Where: City Library, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
  • When: 10am - noon January 16
  • Phone: 03 9658 9500
  • More info: Head to the website.
 

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