The Best Kids Activities in Melbourne: School Holiday Edition

Winter in Melbourne is a magical time, with the city transforming into a playground of adventure and wonder. With the school holidays here, it's time to plan some unforgettable experiences for the kids. Whether your little ones are budding scientists, energetic adventurers, or creative dreamers, Melbourne has something special for everyone.

From exploring interactive museums and getting lost in the world of Monopoly to braving the great outdoors and embracing the chill with some chocolate fro-yo, the options are endless.

Let’s dive into the coolest activities that will make this July school holiday the best one yet, filled with laughter, learning, and memories that will warm your hearts all winter long.

Victoria The T.Rex 

Victoria the T.Rex has arrived at Melbourne Museum! Experience a state-of-the-art exhibition featuring a real 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus fossil, along with captivating film, AR, and holography displays. Step back into the Cretaceous period with the largest T. rex fossil ever displayed in Australia, stretching an impressive 12 metres.

Don't miss this extraordinary T. rex fossil at Australia's premier destination for dinosaur enthusiasts. Explore the ever-expanding prehistoric attractions, including Dinosaur Walk, Gandel Gondwana Garden, and Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs.

Perfect for kids during the winter school holidays, this exhibition promises awe and adventure for visitors of all ages. Dive into the world of dinosaurs and create unforgettable memories!

Friday 28th June to Sunday 20th October

Book here

Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens

Pay a Visit to Grazeland’s Winter Wonderland 

Experience the magic of Christmas in July with your family and make the most of the winter school holidays at Grazeland’s annual Winter Wonderland. Enjoy lively winter displays featuring falling snow and vibrant neon lights, all while cosying up to warm fire pits. The spirited entertainment includes free face painting, epic fire displays, and roving entertainers that will captivate kids of all ages.

Indulge in hearty delights from a variety of vendors, offering tasty treats like Nepalese dumplings, oozing raclette, spicy seafood boils, and flavourful Indian and Sri Lankan curries. For dessert, satisfy all sweet tooths with hot crepes, hot jam donuts, and hot buttered popcorn. Parents can warm up with spiced mulled wine, while the kids enjoy all the fun.

28th June to 28th July

20 Booker Street, Spotswood

Dive Into the Block-Buster Art of the Brick

Got any LEGO fans in the family? The you need to take them to this awe-inspiring exhibition, Art of the Brick. This immersive exhibition explores how LEGO can be used to create all sorts of masterpieces.

It may just be one of the most unique art shows you and the family will ever attend, in the best way possible.

Until August

Buy tickets here

Epsom Road, Ascot Vale

See Beauty & The Beast

Disney's stunning new production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical premieres this month in Melbourne, promising a feast for the eyes, heart, and soul.

This timeless tale is reimagined on stage in a breathtaking production that will captivate audiences like never before. The original creative team reunites to bring this enchanting musical to life, featuring all the spellbinding songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, including "Belle," "Gaston," "Human Again," and "Be Our Guest."

A much-loved classic, this tale as old as time will enchant a new generation, filling hearts with magic and wonder.

From 28th June

Book here

Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 

Take Your Teens to Top Arts 

Bring your teens to this fascinating exhibition and let them be inspired by the innovative works of their peers these winter school holidays in Melbourne. 

The 30th edition of the ever-popular Top Arts exhibition showcases the extraordinary talents of forty-five VCE students/artists. This year’s exhibition features works from students who completed the new VCE study designs of Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice.

Chosen for their strong conceptual development, imagination, individuality, and technical excellence, the art on display spans a diverse array of mediums and interests. Themes such as perception and chaos, space and repetition emerge from this multi-faceted display, offering a captivating glimpse into the curious and creative spirit of young local artists.

Top Arts promises an inspiring and engaging experience for teens, sparking their creativity and providing a platform for discussion and exploration of contemporary issues and artistic practices.

Free entry

Until 14th July, 10.00am to 5.00pm daily

The Ian Potter Centre at Fed Square, Melbourne CBD

Crack the Code on School Holiday Fun at MONOPOLY DREAMS 

Escape the winter cold and enjoy a multi-sensory experience at MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne. Located on the Lower Ground Floor of Melbourne Central, this indoor adventure features augmented reality, 4D technology, and physical challenges. Mini-MONOPOLY fans receive an activity pack upon entry, with tasks to complete during their visit and at home. Highlights include navigating a high-tech laser security system, catching a 4DX film, exploring MONOPOLY City, and meeting Mr. Monopoly himself. Don’t miss the new show bag offering, including MONOPOLY-themed goodies and a free ice cream!

June 29th to July 14th

Prices start from $39.60

Book here

Lower Ground Floor, Melbourne Central, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Embrace the Magic of Christmas in July at Queen Victoria Market’s Winter Night Market

Get ready for five weeks of festive fun as the Queen Victoria Market’s popular Winter Night Market transforms into a winter wonderland for Christmas in July (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st July). Wednesday evenings will be merry and bright with falling snow, dazzling decorations, live ice sculpting, jovial carollers, and festive entertainment. 

Kids and adults can enjoy a snowy playground featuring SnowDrift, a series of giant geometric shapes for creating larger-than-life snowflakes. 

Adults can indulge in warming festive beverages like mulled wine, butterbeer, and hot gin toddies while savouring delicious offerings from new food traders, including Nomi Katsu Food Truck, Smashville, Mr. Baller, Bigger than Texas, and Pasta Face.

With free entry, the Winter Night Market’s Christmas in July is a must-visit for a magical holiday experience this winter!

Sitchu Tip: Families can even reserve private tables near the activities, ensuring a cosy spot to escape the revelry and enjoy the delicious food and drinks on offer. Book here.

July 3rd & 10th

Free entry

Queen Victoria Market

Get a Chocolate Fix at Yo-Chi 

This July, Yo-Chi, Australia's cult-favourite frozen yogurt sensation, is rolling out a month-long chocolate extravaganza, perfect for beating the winter blues and keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays.

Highlights include the limited-time Oreo Cheesecake flavour, a delightful chocolate and vanilla frozen yogurt swirl, and a variety of mouth-watering chocolate toppings. Treat the kids to additions like choc-coated Tiny Teddies, Tony's Chocolonely Chocolate Bars, brownies, cookie dough, Oreos, Kit Kats, melted chocolate, chocolate soil, and more.

Bring the family to Yo-Chi for a fun and delicious way to make the most of the Victoria's winter school holidays. 

Multiple locations around the city

Road Trip to Bendigo for Electric Wonderland and Stars on Ice

Escape the hustle of Melbourne for a more relaxing winter adventure in Bendigo during the school holidays with Electric Wonderland and Stars on Ice. Hargreaves Mall has transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink, called Stars on Ice, offering daily sessions amidst the charm of this heritage city.

Meanwhile, Rosalind Park dazzles with Electric Wonderland, featuring stunning light installations celebrating the Lunar Year of the Dragon, interactive pathways, gastronomy, and thousands of fairy lights.

With sessions running daily and extended hours on weekends, it's the perfect family-friendly escape this winter in Bendigo.

Sitchu Tip: Don't miss the forty metre replica of Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral! 

Until July 14th

Find out more here

Bendigo, Victoria

Bundle up, embrace the winter chill, and make lasting memories with your family with our guide to fun kids activities in Melbourne, before making a beeline for these delicious family-friendly restaurants.