School Holiday Activities & Programs in Melbourne: The Best for Winter

Looking for school holiday activities in Melbourne to get the kids out of the house? Melbourne is full of fun school holiday boredom busters to keep them entertained, happy, and out of your hair.

Victoria's winter holidays run from Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July 2025, and are gearing up to be quite jam-packed this year! Here are our top picks for the best things to do with kids during the winter school holidays in Melbourne.

School Holiday Activities & Programs in Melbourne

1. Speaking Schools Australasia

Speaking Schools Australasia offers a range of holiday workshops tailored to help children from Kindergarten to Year 7 sharpen their speaking skills and build confidence. These workshops cater to different levels and interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.

From beginner to advanced courses in public speaking and debating, each workshop is thoughtfully designed to match specific skill levels and goals. Students can enjoy a dynamic and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive!

Where:    Locations in Box Hill, Glen Waverley, St Kilda, and online
When:     Classes start on 7 July 2025 and run on select dates until 16 July 2025
Cost:       From $250+ | See Speaking Schools Australasia for costs.

For more information visit Speaking Schools Australasia or contact Mark on 0404 107 372 or contact@speakingschools.com.au.

2. Bounce Into BOUNCE

Immerse yourself in the high-energy, gravity-defying fun of BOUNCE Melbourne these school holidays. This trampoline park and activity hub is an exhilarating haven for fun-seekers of all ages, with a dynamic atmosphere and diverse range of attractions tailored to maximise both fun and physical fitness across every age and skill level.

Check out the holiday camps which include 1.5 hours with a qualified coach, 30 minutes to refuel with a shared fruit platter and 1 hour of free time led by an awesome BOUNCE host.

It's the perfect destination for seriously high-octane fun during the cold winter school holidays. 

Where:   Multiple venues across Melbourne, 
When:    5 July – 20 July 2025
Cost:      Pricing varies based on activity and age group, with special rates for families, groups, and multi-visit passes.

RELATED:
Awesome School Holiday Programs in Melbourne

3. Tinkertown at Scienceworks

This winter school holidays, Scienceworks is the ultimate destination for curious kids and families looking for hands-on fun! Step into Tinkertown, a world where creativity meets engineering - build cubbies, tackle design challenges, and invent quirky contraptions as you bring this town to life.

Discover the invisible wonders of sound, experience electrifying demonstrations at the Lightning Theatre, and embark on a cosmic journey at the Melbourne Planetarium. Check out Build 'Em Up, a 20-minute live science show all about engineering, gaze up at the breathtaking lunar surface at the Museum of the Moon, stretch your mind and muscles at Sportsworks, and look ahead into the future at Think Ahead.

With interactive exhibits, fascinating shows, and endless opportunities to explore, Scienceworks is the perfect place to spark young imaginations this winter!

Where:     Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood
When:      Open daily from 10 am
Cost:        Museum Entry - Adults $15. Children FREE. Check the website for program costs.

4. Luna Park Melbourne School Holiday Winter Carnival Wonderland

The magic is back these school holidays at Luna Park Melbourne as the iconic fun fair transform into a Winter Carnival Wonderland, complete with thrilling rides, sweet treats and sideshow games.

On weekdays, between 7 to 18 July, the hilarious ansd heart-warming Magical Circus Show by Australia’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Chris Morant, will be performing three shows daily, plus there'll be Wwhimsical circus hijinks, live magic and audience fun, unlimited ride laughs and cosy carnival eats (hello, hot choccy & fairy floss!)

Where:     Luna Park Melbourne, 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
When:      Saturday 5 July to Sunday 20 July 2025
Cost:        Unlimited Ride Ticket from $45 per person, Family Unlimited Ride Ticket $170, Children 0 - 3 years FREE

5. Riviera Winter Wonderland 

Want to embrace the magic of winter? Slide into Riviera Winter Wonderland at Riviera Beach Club in Elwood. 

Get your skates on at the specially-built ice-skating rink, just metres from Port Phillip Bay. Experience snow blizzards, dazzling light installations, roving performers, and arcade and carnival games.

There is fun-packed entertainment happening daily throughout the holidays, including cosy private igloos and a Winter Market Area with classic carnival treats like snow cones, fairy floss, popcorn, and face painting.

Where:      Riviera Beach Club. 42B Marine Parade, Elwood
When:       1 June - 3 August 2025 | 4 pm - 10 pm weekdays, 10 am - 10 pm weekends. Extended trading hours for school holidays will apply
Cost:         General admission to Winter Wonderland is FREE, skating tickets from $19.95 for children, $34.71 for adults

6. Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle

Running from 5–20 July, Kryal Castle’s Knights of Fire is an immersive medieval experience that turns the iconic castle into a fiery, frosty fantasy world packed with live jousting battles, flaming sword fights, puppet shows, dragons, snowflake-making, and magical encounters with princesses and wizards.

Kids can train at Knight School, whip up bubbling brews in a potion-making class, try their hand at archery, or get transformed with face painting and fire-and-ice hair braiding. It’s a brilliant blend of medieval action, interactive play, and hands-on experiences that’ll warm up the chilliest of school holiday days.

Where:    Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek 
When:     Saturday 5 - Sunday 20 July 2025
Cost:       $42 per adult, $31.50 per child (3 - 15 years), children 2 and under FREE

7. Jump Aboard the Puffing Billy Railway

 

Puffing Billy travels through the magnificent forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Lakeside, only one hour east of Melbourne.

Buy your tickets online and enjoy one of Melbourne's best activities for kids and a fun family day out!

Where:   Belgrave Station, 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave
When:    Open throughout the school holidays
Cost:      Fares from $24 

8. Metartworld

 

Metartworld in Port Melbourne is Australia's largest indoor metal art gallery, offering an immersive experience perfect for families during the winter school holidays. Spanning over 2,500 square metres (gaining the Guiness World Record for World's Largest Indoor Scrap Metal Art Gallery!), this unique art space features more than 200 handcrafted sculptures made from recycled scrap metal, including life-sized dinosaurs, superheroes, movie characters, and vehicles.

Little metal heads will love the interactivity where they can touch, sit on, and even "drive" various metal artworks. And make sure you check out the Ineractive Art Lab, a space designed to ignite the imagination of young minds through creative expression and interactive painting experiences.

Where:   155 Boundary St, Port Melbourne
When:    Open throughout the school holidays, 10 am - 6 pm
Cost:      Entry is $30 per child, $40 per adult, children under 2 are FREE

9. Spend a day at the Museum of Play and Art

With locations in both Melbourne and Geelong, MoPA offers a truly wonderful day of activities in Melbourne.

This children's museum is dedicated to engaging and immersing kids in educational and fun ways—there's a soft play area, a creative art car, and a whole lot more—making it the perfect day out these school holidays! Bookings are essential; due to the popularity of the museum, walk-ins are currently not accepted. 

Where:   MoPA Geelong: 51 McKillop Street, Geelong. MoPA Melbourne: 247 Bay Road, Sandringham
When:    9 am - 5 pm during the holidays
Cost:     $20 per child, $16 per adult

10. Take a Trip to Melbourne Zoo

Making a great day out in the heart of the city, Melbourne Zoo is perfect for big and small animal lovers alike.

Visitors can discover penguins, seals and other inhabitants of Victoria's coast and ocean at the Wild Sea exhibition, walk the infamous elephant trail—which is home to eight Asian elephants, and encounter the endangered Sumatran tiger; whilst learning about conservation efforts to protect endangered species. 

Kids under 16 go free on weekends, public holidays, and during Victorian school holidays—so don't miss out!

Where:   Elliott Ave, Parkville
When:    9 am - 5 pm daily
Cost:     $42 per adult

11. Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

Curious minds can take on a quest at the Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure - a free activity designed for families to explore the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne.

Collect your map and embark on an adventure as you answer 12 questions scattered throughout the gardens. Families will love teaming up on this unique scavenger hunt, encouraging observation and exploration. There's also a 'seek and find' activity for younger kids to engage with nature through the gardens. 

Where:   Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
When:    10 am - 4 pm daily
Cost:     FREE, no booking required 

12. Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens 

See the bright new sights and sounds as you step into a world of wonder when Lightscape 2025 returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens this winter. 

Whether it’s your first visit or a returning tradition, Lightscape promises an unforgettable night out with a mesmerising display of more than 20 brand-new illuminations. 

Rug up and wander beneath the stars, sip on a mulled wine, or hot chocolate for the kids, all while surrounded by a dazzling symphony of light and nature. 

Where:     Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
When:      20 June – 10 August 2025
Cost:        General admission from $40, family passes from $120

13. 

 Pass GO at Monopoly Dreams

 

School holiday activities in Melbourne don't get much more immersive than at Monopoly Dreams. Trust us, this place is packed with games, challenges, and chances to score some serious Monopoly Money.

Test your skills by cracking Mr Monopoly's vault, dive into the Water Works and Electric Company, grab some cash at the Bank, and try your luck at interactive games. Just make sure to steer clear of Jail.

Stroll through the legendary streets of Monopoly City, where all your favourite board game spots come to life: fix those broken pipes, get the power flowing, and snap a mugshot in Jail.

Earn Monopoly Money by tackling challenges and games like outsmarting the high-tech laser security at Mr Monopoly's vault, solving puzzles, or using your wits to break out of Jail.

Then, cash in your hard-earned Monopoly Money at the retail store, café, or for tickets!

Where:   Melbourne Central, 290 Lonsdale Street
When:    Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Cost:      From $39.60

More Family Fun in Melbourne

Best Winter Festivals for Kids in Melbourne
Free Things to Do in Melbourne
Best Dumplings in Melbourne

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!