School Holiday Fun
20 Free school holiday activities Melbourne
As the old saying goes – the best things in life are free. School holidays don’t have to break the bank (or your wallet). These ideas are the best free school holiday activities for the winter school holidays that Melbourne has on offer.
Ride The City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. The City Circle Tram makes its way around the city and links with other tram, train and light rail services in and around Melbourne. There’s no limit to use – you are welcome to spend all day on a City Circle Tram. On board each City Circle Tram you’ll find Information leaflets, including an ‘easy to understand’ map of the city to help you get around to all the key destinations.
See St Kilda’s Little Penguins
The St. Kilda Breakwater which protects the harbour is home to a colony of around 1200 Little Penguins. Who would have thought?? If you go to St. Kilda Pier just before dusk you’ll see the Fairy penguins swimming in at the end of the day and climbing the breakwater rocks into their nests. There are usually between 10 and 20. There are volunteers available to answer your questions. At the breakwater, walk along the gravel and then go down the wooden stairs.
Discover sailing
Discover Sailing Days are offered at over 30 yacht clubs around Victoria. Check your local one to see when they are offering free Discover Sailing Days. There is no need to bring anything (except perhaps a hat!) as they provide everything you need.
Storytime at your local library
From sessions for babies and toddlers, to story times for preschoolers, school holiday programs, homework and after school clubs, there’s plenty for children of all ages at Melbourne Library Service.
RAAF Museum
The RAAF Museum pays tribute to the history of the Air Force, and houses an extensive collection of memorabilia and stories of Australia’s military aviation expeditions. The free museum in Point Cook has a wonderful display including air missiles, a mirage jet, helicopter and a boat plane.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most historic and beautiful gardens. The magnificent tree-lined avenues and extensive lawns provide ample opportunity for running. The English-style garden contains a few attractions which are good for kids – a small playground, a model Tudor village, the Fairies tree, Cook’s Cottage and conservatory.
Queen Victoria Market
Also known affectionately as ‘Vic Market’ or ‘Queen Vic’, the Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. An historic landmark spread over two city blocks, it’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.
Become a Junior Ranger
The Junior Ranger program encourages kids to explore Victoria’s amazing parks with a real park ranger. Junior Rangers can take part in cool activities like rock pool rambles, historic tours and spotlight night walks. They also have the ability to get out and about anytime they like with a range of cool Junior Ranger activities that they can download from the website and complete with their family and friends anytime they like.
NGV Ian Potter Centre
The National Gallery of Victoria is a place for everyone and warmly welcomes children, teenagers and families. NGV Kids exhibitions and programs reflect the Gallery’s commitment to providing creative experiences for young people and their families.
Picnic in The Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne Gardens is a great place for picnics. With its meandering walkways, diverse plant life and stunning views, plus a unique space designed specifically for kids, add the gardens to your must-see itinerary for families.