Bring the whole family out for a Melbourne staycation getaway and enjoy all the fantastic activities available for kids within the city. 

Here are a few of the best Melbourne CBD hotels and apartments for families which are perfect for your next city stay.

Best family hotels melbourne cbd

1. Batman’s Hill on Collins

Discover Batman’s Hill on Collins, a convenient destination for a memorable family staycation in Melbourne.

With 190 rooms, two restaurants, two bars, versatile event spaces, and free Wi-Fi, it offers a unique and historic experience near major attractions.

Batman’s Hill on Collins, 623 Collins Street, Melbourne,03 9614 6344, res@batmanshill.com.au

2. Citadines Melbourne

Discover Citadines Melbourne, an inviting 4.5-star family-friendly hotel in the heart of the city.

With 380 guestrooms featuring kitchenettes and LCD TVs, it’s perfect for family stays. Explore nearby attractions such as Her Majesty’s Theatre, Chinatown, Hosier Lane, and Emporium Melbourne, all just a short walk away.

Citadines Melbourne, 131-135 Bourke St, Melbourne, 03 9039 8888 

3. Next Hotel

For a sophisticated sanctuary, you can’t go wrong with Next Hotel Melbourne. This glamorous hotel is set within close proximity to the city’s best locations for high fashion, restaurants and theatres.

The elegantly designed Next Hotel Family Room offers spacious interconnecting Next Level Rooms, with one room set up with a King bed and the second room set up with two Twin King singles.

What’s more, Next Hotel beds come with hallmark Dreamweave Sleep System and boutique bed linen including Euro pillows and waffle throw, ensuring a peaceful nights sleep.

The Next Hotel Family Suite is the next level in luxury, with generously proportioned suites offering views of Melbourne’s cityscape.  Each suite has a separate lounge along with two bedrooms, featuring sumptuous Dreamweaver Beds (options for King or twin King Singles), French linen bedding and luxurious ensuite bathrooms.

Next Hotel Family Suite guests also receive exclusive access to The Club throughout their stay – a Manhattan loft-inspired lounge, complimentary breakfast, round-the-clock refreshments and evening Aperitivo with a selection of wines and nibbles on offer between 5-7pm.

Whether you book the Next Hotel Family Room or Next Hotel Family Suite, there are special amenities for adults and children. Parents will be spoilt with a bottle of Prosecco to enjoy while children will be able to dig into a complimentary special kid’s mini bar basket filled with treats. For young children (aged 12 and under), rooms will also be set up with a teepee for them to get settled into for playtime.

Thinking about a date night? You can pop down to La Madonna Restaurant & Bar for some well-deserved child-free time. While the adults enjoy their dinner downstairs, the kids will be able to enjoy special in-room treats from La Madonna too, including a delivery of bottomless popcorn and choc-tops!

Read our Next Hotel review

Next Hotel Melbourne, 103 Little Collins Street, 03 9118 3333

4. Nesuto, Docklands

Located in The District Docklands is Nesuto – where comfort meets convenience.

With their focus on lifestyle and design, you will love their range of premium 1 and 2 bedroom apartments.

Perfect for a Melbourne family staycation, the hotel is located just above Market Lane shopping strip and is close to Docklands attractions to keep everyone entertained!

Nesuto has all the comforts of a hotel including 24 hour reception, gym, car parking and free WiFi, with the added space of a family apartment.

Indulge in complimentary Wi-Fi, free stays and meals for kids*, and hassle-free parking.

Nesuto Docklands, 80 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008, (03) 9124 0500, docklands@nesuto.com

5. Grand Hotel Melbourne

The Grand Hotel Melbourne hosts a five-star experience that families with children of all ages can enjoy.

The hotel facilities include an indoor heated pool, gym, spa and sauna.

You will also receive a rollaway bed, parking and chocolates upon arrival. Check-out is at 12 pm (subject to availability).

Grand Hotel Melbourne, 33 Spencer St, Melbourne, +61 3 9611 4567, stay@grandhotelmelbourne.com.au

6. Novotel Melbourne on Collins

Just 300m from the iconic Bourke Street Mall, is the dazzling Melbourne on Collins. The hotel features newly refurbished conference and event spaces, a fully equipped business centre, a restaurant, bar and fitness centre. 

The guest rooms and executive rooms at Melbourne on Collins will make you feel comfortable and cozy during your stay. They’ve recently redone the rooms with contemporary furniture, brand new colour schemes, new bathroom fixtures and new beds.

The hotel’s location is great as it is just a 6-minute drive from Melbourne Cricket Ground and a 7-minute drive from Rod Laver Arena. If you’re looking to visit the Melbourne theatre district and The National Gallery of Victoria, Then this is the location for you as it is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel’s door.

For added convenience, enjoy free accommodation and breakfast for up to 2 children under 16 when sharing a room with their parents or guardians.

Novotel Melbourne on Collins, 270 Collins Street, +61 396675800, h1587@accor.com

7. DoubleTree By Hilton Melbourne

The DoubleTree Melbourne by Hilton is centrally located on Flinders Street and is just a hop skip and jump from ACMI’s exhibit The Story of the Moving Image and all the wonderful happenings of Federation Square.

DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, 270 Flinders St,  Melbourne, +61 3 9116 8888

8. Crowne Plaza Melbourne 

Crowne Plaza Melbourne offers everything you need for a memorable family stay in Melbourne CBD.

The newly refurbished hotel offers interconnecting family rooms, the stunning Crowne Plaza outdoor heated pool, a deluxe buffet breakfast and free activities for the kids during school holidays.

Read our Crowne Plaza Melbourne review.

Crowne Plaza Melbourne, 1-5 Spencer Street, Melbourne, +1800 781 066

9. Melbourne Marriott 

Looking for a school holidays getaway? Why not plan something special at Melbourne Marriott Hotel.

Try their Welcome to the Club package where you’ll get to experience the hotel’s exclusive lounge, the M Club, or the Escape To The City. This package is perfect for a family staycation as it includes a complimentary bottle of wine, daily valet parking and more!

Read our Melbourne Marriott review.

Melbourne Marriott Hotel, Corner Exhibition &, Lonsdale St, Melbourne, +61 3 9662 3900, 

10. Lancemore Crossley St Melbourne

Enjoy a bit of old-school glamour with the entire family at Lancemore Crossley Street Melbourne. 

This transformed boutique hotel offers bespoke artwork, a rooftop terrace with city views, and a prime location near renowned dining venues and attractions.

Enjoy memorable family stays filled with fun, immersing yourself in Melbourne’s arts, culture, and culinary scene.

Lancemore Crossley St. Crossley St, Melbourne, +61 3 9639 1639

11. Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer

The Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne Australia is the perfect pick for your next Melbourne staycation.

Located on Spencer Street, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne is Accor’s second Mövenpick hotel in Australia and offers a 5-star hotel experience. With 172 luxury hotel rooms and suites this is a hotel experience that blurs the lines between art and design.

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne offers an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna which are all open until 10 pm, a 24-hour gym with Technogym exercise equipment and award-winning modern Asian restaurant Miss Mi.

Kids and adults alike won’t want to miss the exciting ‘Chocolate Hour’ event daily where guests will be able to indulge in delicious creations such as ice-cream sandwiches, mini cones, petit fours & churros.

In addition to this, kids under 12 years old can enjoy free ice cream at Mövenpick Cafe for the duration of their stay!

The hotel room also comes with exclusive Kids Menu benefits where kids up to 6 years old can eat at the hotel for free, while kids from ages 7 to 12 can get 50% off food from the kids’ menu.

Read our Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer review

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer, 160 Spencer Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, 03 9600 5400

12. Pan Pacific Melbourne

Visit the Pan Pacific Melbourne for the ultimate South Wharf city staycation.

Their Ultimate Family Staycation package includes a complimentary breakfast, a free in-room movie, popcorn, ice cream and parking.

Enjoy fun family activities and a luxurious two-bedroom suite to relax and unwind.

Pan Pacific Melbourne, 2 Convention Centre Place South Wharf, Melbourne, +61 3 9027 2000, enquiry.ppmel@panpacific.com

13. Shadow Play by Peppers

Enjoy stunning city views from your two-bedroom apartment at Shadow Play By Peppers.

Their Family movie night deal features in-house movies and popcorn. Don’t forget to take a look at the garden and view from the 46th level. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, parking, and WiFi.

Take the kids to the LUME projection gallery nearby, where they can take a look at beautiful iconic artworks and take photos within the installation.

Shadow Play By Peppers, 308-320 City Road, Southbank VIC +61 7 5665 4426

14. The Oakwood Premier Melbourne

Explore the riverside from your luxurious, five-star accommodation at Oakwood Premier Melbourne.

The hotel is close to locations like the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and DFO South Wharf and it is in the heart of the South Melbourne markets and shopping district. 

The gym can be used for free and the children will be entertained for hours in the hotel’s awesome games room.

The Oakwood Premier, 202 Normanby Road, Southbank, +61-3-9087-3400

15. The Sebel Melbourne Docklands

Enjoy a stay in a spacious apartment at The Sebel Melbourne Docklands with their ‘Family Fun’ package currently on offer.

Including car parking, a late checkout and harbour views, this is the perfect family getaway to relax in the heart of the Docklands.

The hotel is a short walk from The District Docklands, which includes family-friendly attractions Chipmunks, Artvo and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. You will also be spoilt for choice with the many waterside dining options.

The Sebel Melbourne Docklands, 18 Aquitania Way, Docklands, +61 3 9641 7500 info@sebeldocklands.com.au

16. Holiday Inn on Flinders

You can find the Holiday Inn Hotel on the corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street surrounded by beautiful historic scenery that you can’t find anywhere else.

The location is perfect for families as it is close to the ever famous family attraction Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and is just a short 2-minute walk from Southern Cross train station.

You’ll be happy to find that trams and buses stop directly outside the hotel making travel easier for families that plan to head out and about as part of their staycation.

Additionally, the hotel offers a heated outdoor pool, a garden terrace and a fitness centre for guests to enjoy during their stay. And if you thought it couldn’t get any better, children aged 17 years and below are allowed to stay and eat for free at the property!

Holiday Inn on Flinders, 575 Flinders Lane , +61 3 9629 4111, reservations.melsf@ihg.com

17. Clarion Suites Gateway

Located in the heart of the CBD, Clarion Suites Gateway is a 4.5-star apartment hotel that provides guests with an all-suite experience just minutes from Melbourne’s major attractions.

Book a one-bedroom suite at Clarion Suites Gateway from $225, and receive an express family pass to Melbourne Zoo or Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium.

Clarion Suites Gateway, 1 William St, Melbourne, 03 9296 8888

18. The Westin, Melbourne

Looking for a luxurious retreat? The Westin, Melbourne is a grand and extravagant property conveniently located just two minutes away from Federation Square, Flinders Street and Bourke Street Mall. 

The stay offers families amenities like a wellness/fitness centre with a 20 m lap pool, a bubble pool, a sauna and a steam room. They’ve also got a beautiful art collection.

The Westin, Melbourne, 205 Collins Street, +61 3 9635 2222

19. Mantra on Russell

For a relaxing location right in the heart of Melbourne CBD, the Mantra on Russell is one to check out. 

The self-contained accommodation offers a relaxing sauna, a well-equipped kitchenette, flat-screen satellite TV,  heated swimming pool, a fitness centre and a hot tub. You can also get the private balcony to enjoy scenic city views from the comfort of your room.

The hotel offers dry cleaning, car rental services, and can even help you with travel arrangements if you’re looking to go on a tour.

Mantra on Russell, 222 Russell Street, +61 1300 092 872, russell.res@mantra.com.au

20. Pegasus Apart’Hotel

Pegasus Apart’Hotel and suites in the heart of the CBD offers accommodation for an affordable Melbourne family staycation. 

Recently refreshed, it features four two-bedroom family apartments with all rooms having a colourful kids bedroom complete with either a Wii Console or an XBox and a selection of games.

The apartments have kitchens however room service is available too.

Pegasus Apart’Hotel, 206 A’Beckett St Melbourne, 03 9284 2400, reservations@pegasussuites.com.au

21. Treasury on Collins Apartment Hotel

Treasury on Collins is a boutique Apartment Hotel located in a historic 19th-century landmark building in the heart of Melbourne CBD. 

Each suite in this 8-storey hotel is stylishly decorated with a blend of classy and modern furniture and is well-known for its architectural beauty. Stunning city views can be seen from their Heritage Balcony Suites.

This hotel makes a fantastic home base if you’re looking to travel about as it is well-positioned for trams, buses and taxis.

Additionally, it’s just a few minutes walk from several shops, restaurants and cafes as well as famous Melbourne tourist spots like Marvel Stadium and Flinders Street Station.

Treasury on Collins Apartment Hotel, 394 Collins Street, +61 3 8535 8535, info@treasuryoncollins.com.au

22. Voco Hotel Melbourne

Conveniently located just moments away from Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central Station and Emporium Melbourne, the Voco Hotel in Melbourne Central offers a modern and family-friendly stay that is warm and accommodating.

The hotel features stunning modern interiors, rooftop views, a heated plunge pool, spacious and comfortable rooms and more!

If you’re looking to shop, eat or catch a show in the city during your family staycation, Voco Hotel Melbourne makes for a perfect spot. Its central location means you can also travel to see most of Melbourne with ease using public transport.

Plus if you’re taking a car, you’ll be happy to hear that valet parking is available.

Read our Voco Hotel Melbourne review

Voco Hotel Melbourne, 18 Timothy Ln, Melbourne, +61 3 9122 5500

23. The Langham Melbourne

The Langham Hotel Melbourne has announced an exciting collaboration with the iconic character Paddington, promising families a unique and enchanting staycation experience like no other.

Playtime with Paddington is a specially crafted package that seamlessly blends luxury accommodation with the timeless charm of Paddington Bear, inviting families to create lasting memories.

Available until the end of 2024.

This exclusive package promises an unforgettable family getaway at The Langham Hotel Melbourne with prices starting from $395 per room and includes:

• One-night accommodation for 2 adults and 1 child
• Paddington amenities, featuring children’s bathrobe and slippers
• Breakfast for 2 adults and 1 child at Melba Restaurant
• A warm welcome amenity
• A Paddington Plush Bear exclusively included in Suite
• Creating Souvenirs from Magical Moments

The Langham Melbourne, 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank,, +61 3 8696 8888

24. View Hotel, Melbourne

View Melbourne is ideally located for for a city staycation with kids. It is moments away from Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Each hotel room offers deluxe bedding with opening windows and double glazing for a restful night’s sleep. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a work desk, media hub with chrome casting, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, tea & coffee facilities, and mini bar (charges apply).

Dog-friendly packages are available by enquiring direct with the hotel.

In September 2023, View Melbourne launched Melbourne’s first hotel gaming room.

With the gaming sector’s meteoric rise into everyday life, View Melbourne, in collaboration with MSI, is excited to have Melbourne’s first specially designed Gaming Room! With state-of-the-art equipment, it’s the place to be for anyone who loves to unwind with gaming.

Sleeping up to four guests, the View Melbourne Gaming Room includes bottomless complimentary popcorn from the in-room popcorn maker, a drinks trolley, complete with a selection of energy drinks, as well as a minibar with beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. All items charged on consumption upon check-out.

The 35 sqm specially designed Gaming Room includes a high-quality gaming setup with MSI chair, MSI MEG Trident X2 computer, 2 x 27 inch 170Hz MSI Esports gaming monitors, and all the streaming gear you need, supplied by MSI and Elgato.

Games include all major titles across both PC and Nintendo Switch. The games selection will be updated continuously as new titles come to market.

View Hotel Melbourne, 562 St Kilda Rd, +61 3 9529 8888, stay.melbourne@viewhotels.com.au

25. Le Meridien Melbourne

Le Méridien Melbourne is a 5-star Melbourne CBD hotel where a Mediterranean haven awaits your family.

Picture your family lounging by the chic rooftop pool, Le Splash, with stunning city views. Enjoy a glass of fine Rosé while the kids play in the pool. Treat yourselves to burgers, ice cream sandwiches and other snacks poolside, perfect for those Instagram moments against the Melbourne skyline.

At Le Méridien Melbourne, your family day out transforms into an unforgettable mix of relaxation and luxury.

Le Méridien Melbourne, 20 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9068 1100

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There are minimum age requirements, weight restrictions, prior experience and gear you’ll need for some of the rides, so it’s best to read the fine print when booking and / or contact the provider with any questions.

Note that I have not included locations that allow you to bring your own horse. 

Best Horse Riding Melbourne & TRAIL RIDING MELBOURNE

1. Woodlands Trail Riding, Greenvale

Head to Greenvale and visit Woodlands Trail Riding for trail riding near Melbourne (around half an hour from the CBD). They offer a range of services including trail rides, trekking through the bushland inside the park, pony rides and horse riding lessons.

Pony rides start from $30 for a 15 minute ride (with longer rides representing better value), and you can even book a pony party for 1 or 1.5 hours to delight kids with a unique experience! 

Woodlands Trail Riding is also a Melbourne horse riding school. The riding lessons cater for a range of experience levels and age groups to equip participants with skills in horse husbandry and riding.

Set inside Woodlands Historic Park, there’s wonderful views of the city and the surrounding area including the Great Dividing Range. Also, plenty of wildlife including birdlife and kangaroos.

Woodlands Trail Riding, Woodlands Historic Park, Somerton Road (Park Access Road), Greenvale, 1300 966 352

2. Valley Park Riding School, Templestowe

Valley Park Riding School is a Melbourne riding school that offers riding lessons just half an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, as well as school holiday programs and pony parties.

Lessons run all week as well as on weekends, and they cater for both children and adults.

If you don’t want a horse ride, Melbourne locals and visitors can also make bookings for Groundwork Sessions to enjoy the benefits of spending time around horses.

Valley Park Riding School, 86 O’Briens Ln, Templestowe, 0475 00 00 88

3. Gunnamatta Trail Rides, Mornington Peninsula

Go horse riding near Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula!

With a large range of horse riding experiences to choose from at Gunnamatta Trail Rides, you’ll be sure to enjoy in the stunning surrounds of the Mornington Peninsula. And with around 75 horses, you will certainly find your perfect equine partner.

You can book private rides, family rides, bush rides, romantic sunset rides and more. Beach rides are a bucket list experience, and you can even book a private twilight ride along the ocean beach!

To make the most of your trail riding expedition, there are packages available combining experiences with other local businesses, such as the Beach & Brewery package.

Horse riding lessons are run throughout the year, and are suitable for beginners.

Gunnamatta Trail Rides, Cnr Truemans Rd & Sandy Rd, Fingal, 03 5988 6755

4. The Ranch, Cape Shanck

Set on 200 acres with an Old West vibe, there is plenty to do at The Ranch, including horse riding.  You’ll also be treated to views of Bass Strait.

Horse riding trail rides are available for a variety of ages and experience levels, including a 30 minute Junior Trail Ride with a maximum age of 15 years, suitable for novices. Or there’s the Experienced Forest Ride where riders (minimum 10 years) will navigate the trails through Greens Bush for two hours.  It will involve ducking, weaving and a quick pace!

Other facilities at The Ranch include accommodation on site, mountain boarding, school, summer and holiday programs and event facilities.

The Ranch, 810 Boneo Rd, Cape Shanck, 03 5988 6262

5. Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides, Daylesford

Get matched with one of the horses at Quirindi Stables, the family owned property from witch Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides depart to travel through the Wombat State Forest.

A two hour trail ride costs $150pp, or go all out with the 5 hour pub ride, that travels through the bush to the Swiss Mountain Hotel for lunch at a cost of $280pp including your meal.

Riders need to be at least 6 years old, and robust enough to cope with the ride. Each ride starts with some skill practice in the yard, to ensure everyone is ready for the journey.

Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides, 60 Telegraph Rd, Newlyn North, 0408 059 125

6. Beltain Park, Yarra Valley

Beltain Park offers horseback riding near Melbourne, with Yarra Valley riding lessons. They offer small group lessons as well as school holiday programs.

If you, or your little one, is feeling apprehensive about your first horse riding experience, the staff at Beltain Park will work to make you feel comfortable with expertise in working with beginners.

Beltain Park, 741 Warburton Hwy, Seville, 03 5964 2445

7. Chum Creek Horse Riding, Yarra Valley

Escape on horseback riding trails near Melbourne at Chum Creek Horse Riding in the Yarra Valley – you could even make it an overnight or weekend getaway!

Trail rides are led by experienced guides with packages such as the 2.5 hour Yarra Valley Mountain Hut Wine Tasting ride. You’ll ride through the scenic Yarra Valley, and may spot wildlife including deer, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, lizards and eagles.

Chum Creek Horse Riding also offer longer experiences, including rides on the Bicentennial National Trail (BNT), the longest dedicated horse riding trail in the world.

With two luxury accommodation huts on the property, you can make the most of a longer horse riding experience at Chum Creek. Hut 1 sleeps up to 6 and boasts a sizeable fireplace, and the Loft Hut sleeps up to 4 and has a Japanese Soaking tub.

Chum Creek Horse Riding, 221 Heath Road, Chum Creek, 0407 326 276

8. Watson’s Mountain Country Trail Rides, High Country

Experience horse riding in Victoria’s picturesque high country with Watson’s Mountain Country Trail Rides.

If you just want to dip your toes into a horseback riding adventure, there are short rides for an hour, a few hours or a full day. For the more adventurous and more experienced, the overnight rides include a full itinerary of things to see and plenty of delicious food.

On the 7 day Man From Snowy River Celebration Ride, you’ll trek through the high country and see the scenery where the movie was filmed four decades ago.

Watson’s Mountain Country Trail Rides, 296 Three Chain Road, Booroolite, 03 5777 3552

9. Snowy Range Horseback Tours, Heyfield

If you want to explore as much of the high country as possible, Snowy Range Horseback Tours offer two 10-day tours! Tours generally run from November – April, and in May, June and October tours are run through the Licola Valley.

Or if you’d like to experience the high country on a shorter tour, a variety of other options are available, including weekend tours.

All tours include a mountain horse, accommodation and meals with plenty of fresh, good-quality food.

Snowy Range Horseback Tours, RMB 5790 Heyfield, 03 5148 2118 | 0428 321 905

10. McCormacks Mountain Valley Trail Rides, Merrijig

Riders as young as eight-years (depending on the ride) can experience the high country with McCormacks Mountain Valley Trail Rides.  Accommodating a range from beginner to experienced riders, with rides as short as 2 hours, or multiple day experiences. 

Tour attendees will see film locations from The Man From Snowy River, and can ask Bruce about his time as one of the crack riders on the film.

Enjoy horse back riding with splendid views from points such as Mt Stirling and Craig’s Hut, with tours running all year.

McCormacks Mountain Valley Trail Rides, 118 McCormacks Rd, Merrijig, 03 5777 5542 | 0428 573 708 

11. Bogong Horseback Adventures, Tawonga

Mountain horses are expertly bred and trained, then matched to each rider at Bogong Horseback Adventures.

Join a delightful day ride with accommodation at Spring Spur Stay through the high country.

Be treated to quality food including locally sourced produce, and comfortable swags for overnight rides. If you want a truly special experience, there’s even an eight day tour that brings in the New Year on Mount Bogong. A truly unique experience horse riding in Victoria!

Bogong Horseback Adventures, 52 Fredas Ln, Tawonga, 03 4706 0111

12. Billabong Ranch Adventure Park, Echuca

There’s so much going on at Billabong Ranch Adventure Park!  You can experience a trail ride along bush tracks, the local waterways or between farms. With rides and horses suitable for beginners and experienced riders, the trail rides start at $95pp for a 1 hour session.

There are also horse riding lessons, a saddle club and school holiday programs to develop horse riding skills.

After your ride there’s plenty to do at the adventure park, with a cafe, pony rides, a fun park and mini golf.  Plus camel rides and horse and carriages!

Billabong Ranch Adventure Park, Cnr Glanville and Tehan Rd, Echuca, 03 5483 5122

13. Yarra Valley Trails Ponyland, Christmas Hills

A tranquil ride through the picturesque Christmas Hills with Yarra Valley Trails Ponyland will have you wanting to come back time and again!

They offer guided trail rides, as well as day programs and holiday camps – catering to all skill levels.

Set amongst 300 acres of pasture and bushland, abundant with wildlife, you won’t believe it’s only an hour from Melbourne CBD.

Minimum age is 10 years old, private and group bookings are welcome.

Yarra Valley Trails Ponyland, 35 Osborne Road, Christmas Hills VIC 3775, (03) 9730 1334, ponyland@bigpond.com

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Scienceworks AUTUMN School Holiday Program

1. Air Playground

Air Playground welcomes curious kids and their families to play with air, the amazing invisible force, and experience the science of aerodynamics.  Whoosh, swirl, gust, squish, flow, float and more!

Float objects in mid-air, place material in fast-moving air-jets, squish a giant inflatable tentacle sculpture with your body, launch balls sky-high with compressed air, craft paper planes to soar and more.   

Air Playground, 30 March 2024 – 6 October 2024 | Daily | 10:00am – 4:30pm | Adult $25, Senior $20, Child $10, Concession $10, Member $8 | Includes Scienceworks entry 

2. Air-Palooza

Immerse yourself in the wonders of air at a free 20-minute live science show, Air-Palooza.

Uncover these secrets of invisible forces, witness levitation demonstrations, and explore the fascinating power of air pressure through interactive experiments.   

Air-Palooza 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 12:00pm and 2:00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry 

3. FlushBack

FlushBack, Scienceworks’ new, award-winning AR adventure, brings to life the awe-inspiring heritage-listed Spotswood Pumping Station. 

Travel back to 1942 and complete challenges based on real historical events. You must ensure the Pumping Station continues to operate so Melbourne doesn’t turn back into ‘Smellbourne’!

You’ll be guided by actual workers from the past, brought to life on your device using augmented reality (AR). They will introduce you to each of the major components that enabled the Pumping Station to pump Melbourne’s sewage away from the city for treatment. 

FlushBack, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 1:00pm & 2:00pm | $3, $2 Museum Members 

4. Planetarium shows

Book into the Planetarium and enjoy an out-of-this-world show exclusive to Scienceworks.  

11:00am – Tycho Goes to Mars 

12:00pm – Tilt 

1:00pm – Solar System Adventures: Where’s the Water?   

2:00pm – Starlight 

3:00pm – Solar System Adventures: Where’s the Water?   

4:00pm – Dark Side of the Moon 

Planetarium Shows, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | $10 child and concession / $8 Museum Members 

5. Lightning Room Shows

Take a seat in our Lightning Room and be mesmerised by The Glow Show, a stunning 30-minute live science show.

Explore the fascinating processes behind luminosity, including the many ways a glow can be produced. Discover the science of fluorescence, how animals can appear bright at night and the brilliant, coloured effects of using different materials to make light.

In the spectacular finale, witness a giant Tesla coil light up the theatre with lightning using more than 2 million volts of electricity 

Lightning Room Shows, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm | $10 child and concession / $8 Museum Members | Includes Scienceworks entry 

6. Pumping Station tours

Sniff out some of the smelly stories from the pumping station straining well and explore the magnificent engine room, marvelling at the engineering feat that helped overcome the stench of 19th century Melbourne in daily Pumping Station tours. 

Pumping Station Tours are available every day and run for thirty minutes. However, do note that the tours are sometimes closed for private events so it would be best to check Scienework’s What’s On Page first to see if tours are running.

Pumping Station tours 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 11:00am | Included with Scienceworks entry  

7. Collection Store Tours

Take an exclusive look behind the scenes with a tour of the Scienceworks Collection Store. 

Get a glimpse of some of the rare 40,000 collection items stored at Scienceworks, and hear some amazing stories belonging to these unique objects. 

Collection Store Tours, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 12:00pm and 2:00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry 

Check out the Scienceworks’ must-do permanent exhibitions including Ground Up and Beyond Perception

Eat and drink at Grazeland next door

Click here for more things to do in Melbourne this Autumn

This article has been published in collaboration with Museums Victoria.

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Enjoy family-friendly shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, create a marvellous underwater work at the Creative Lab and build a 5-star safety cardboard car with Road to Zero!

Check out these fantastic programs, events and exhibitions running at Melbourne Museum from Saturday 30 March to Sunday 14 April 2024.

Melbourne Museum Autumn School Holiday Activities & Workshops

There are lots of things to see and do at Melbourne Museum these school holidays!

1. Creative Lab

In this fun, creative and crafty watercolour workshop about underwater creatures, kids aged 3-10 are invited to learn through play and imagination.

Young minds will build a lavish habitat for their favourite Victorian animal and will take home digital photographs to remember their creation!

This ticket is an add-on to Melbourne Museum General Admission and participating children and guardians must have a museum entry ticket.

Creative Lab | Sat 30 Mar to Sun 14 Apr | Child $10 | Member Child $8

2. Make a Car, Be a Star!

Wonder if your family’s car meets five-star safety standards?

Create a cardboard car model to take home and explore activity stations to understand road safety ratings with this free workshop for kids. Parents, grandparents, and carers can also check their vehicle’s crash protection during the activity!

Make a Car, Be a Star! is free and does not require Melbourne Museum entry.

Make a Car, Be a Star! |Tue 2 Apr to Sat 13 Apr 2024 | FREE

3. Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition

Collect your boarding pass and embark on a journey to explore the powerful stories of those who travelled and worked onboard the legendary ship.

Read our Titanic Exhibition review.

Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition | Until Sun 21 Apr | Adult $32.50 | Child $18 | Concession $22.50 | Member $14 – Includes Museum entry

Melbourne Museum Autumn School Holiday Shows

4. Melbourne International Comedy Festival Shows

Laugh out loud these autumn school holidays with a side-splitting lineup of comedy shows designed for kids and their fun-loving families.

Melbourne Museum is the Home of Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a program of hilarious performances, bubble extravaganza, comedy circus, grosstastic gags, silly acrobatics and First Nations dance and storytelling filled with humour.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival at Melbourne Museum | Sat 30 Mar – Sun 14 Apr | Does not include entry to Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum Autumn School Holiday Exhibits

While you have free time during the school holidays, make sure you visit these awesome exhibits at Melbourne Museum.

• Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery (Daily Exhibition) – a wondrous place for babies to five-year-olds to explore, play and learn.
• Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs (Daily Exhibition) – Come face to face with one of the most awe-inspiring creatures ever to walk the Earth—the Triceratops.
• Gondwana Garden (Daily Exhibition) – Wander through Gondwana Garden and step into ecosystems of the past.
• Dinosaur Walk (Daily Exhibition) – Walk among skeletons of prehistoric animals.
• 600 Million Years (Daily Exhibition) – The origin and evolution of life in Victoria.
• Dynamic Earth (Daily Exhibition) – A brilliant, immersive exhibition about our ever-changing Earth.
• Top Designs 2024 (Sat 23 Mar – Sun 14 Jul) – Discover the future of Victorian design at Top Designs, a multidisciplinary exhibition celebrating some of the finest works created by VCE and VET students.
• Mini Mega Model Museum (Daily Exhibition) – Welcome to the Mini Mega Model Museum, where the apples are wax and the Colosseum is small!

Check out the rest of Melbourne Museum’s must-do permanent exhibitions

Play outside at Carlton Gardens

Click here for more things to do in Melbourne this Autumn

This sponsored post has been published in collaboration with Museums Victoria. It also contains affiliate links. If you order using the links there is no extra cost to you and I earn a small commission that helps me to provide valuable and useful information for you! Thanks in advance – Joyce

The post Fall into an Amazing Autumn Holiday at Melbourne Museum 2024 appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

The festival of flowers is open every day of the Autumn school holidays and Easter Break, from Saturday, 23 March to Sunday, 21 April 2024. It’s a wonderful day out for the whole family.

When is the Kabloom Flower Festival in 2024?

The Kabloom Festival Flowers 2024 will be held from 23 March to Sunday, 21 April 2024.

Tesselaar Kabloom Festival

We have been attending the Tesselaar Kabloom Festival every year since it started and it just gets better and better! There are lots of activities and things to do and see included in the entry fee – and the best thing is that kids under 16 years are free!

Be ready to enter a world of floral enchantment, where millions of blooms cover five breathtaking acres in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges.

PRO TIP: Tickets for the Autumn Fever Weeks (25 -28 March and 15-19 April) are discounted and offer a tranquil escape outside of the school holiday rush. 

Step into a realm of fantasy and enchantment at the Bespoke Flower Circus, a captivating highlight of Tesselaar KaBloom Festival.

Watch in awe as flower fairies, sprites, and pixies come to life among the vibrant blooms, weaving a tapestry of magic and wonder.

Be mesmerised by the dazzling performances of Circus Oz artists, who will thrill and entertain with their daring acts and acrobatics. 

The Enchanted Flower Picnic is performed three times daily (excluding 25-27/3, 2/4, 8-9/4 & 15-16/4).

In addition, families can enjoy stunning theatrics from roaming performers, and participate in circus workshops, drumming, and fairy garden storytelling.

Take in the picturesque surroundings, play lawn games, complete the obstacle course, and hop on a tractor-train guided tour of the farm.

You can purchase or hire large rainbow umbrellas and ‘Queen’s croquet’ games for free at the Flower Shop and Souvenir Shop; just leave a driver’s licence as security.

To fully immerse your little ones in the fun of fantasy, head to the face painting, and fairy craft sessions.

Make a day of it by bringing your own picnic or purchasing food and drinks from the market stalls. Try the Kabloom special ice cream ‘Fire and Ice’ with a swirl of dragonfruit and vanilla soft serve topped with sprinkles and lollies.

Note that there are no barbecues. There is a scatter of plastic tables and chairs around or bring a sturdy picnic rug as the red soil can get muddy very quickly.

Kabloom Festival of Flowers is a lovely way to spend a sunny day in the Dandenong Ranges. We spend almost three hours there, soaking in the scenery and the atmosphere.

Make sure you pick up some beautiful blooms on your way home!

Getting to Tesselaar KaBloom Festival by public transport is fairly easy and convenient. From Belgrave Station, there are shuttle services available during the festival period.

For those driving to the festival, it takes around an hour from Melbourne and there is ample car parking available on-site. Additionally, there are designated drop-off and pick-up points for those arriving by taxi or rideshare services.

TIPS FOR TESSELAAR KABLOOM FESTIVAL 2024

• Arrive early at 10am so that you can take pictures without crowds of people in the way.
• Also, available parking is much closer and the tours groups don’t tend to arrive right at 10am;
• Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid queues;
• Some activities require pre-booking and additional costs, check the website for further information;
• Midday is peak hour;
• Wear gumboots and easily washed clothes. The red clay gets muddy very quickly with the number of people walking around and the dirt marks everything. White sneakers, high heels and sandals are not a good idea!;
• Take a jacket for the strong breeze that rolls into the valley;
• If you can, try to avoid taking a pram or stroller. Given the crowds and soggy ground conditions it’s really best enjoyed by children who are able to walk steadily; 
• If your kids are old enough, give them a phone camera to experiment with. The flowers are stunning and it’s hard to take a bad shot;
• Expect to spend 3+ hours with all the activities on offer;
• Note that you can’t pick the flowers yourself, but purchase a beautiful bunch to take home with you on your way out;
• Tickets for the Autumn Fever Weeks (25 -28 March and 15-19 April) are discounted and offer a tranquil escape outside of the school holiday rush;
• Family-friendly amenities include stroller hire, baby-change facilities, restrooms and quiet areas for nursing or resting with young children;
• The festival has designated areas with trained staff to assist in case of emergencies and lost children, ensuring a safe and secure environment for families;
• A variety of food vendors with options for different dietary needs, including kid-friendly meals and snacks to keep young ones satisfied throughout the day;
• We highly recommend the festival special ‘Fire and Ice’ ice cream;
• Visit the Flower Shop and Souvenir Shop;
• If traveling by train, shuttle services run throughout the day from Belgrave Station;
• Plenty of car parking onsite.

Click here for more things to do with kids in the Dandenong Ranges

Click here for more Autumn school holiday events

Easter events in Melbourne

The post Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers, Silvan appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

If you’ve been searching for Easter craft ideas, you’re in luck! I’ve rounded up some of the best Easter craft boxes that offer great fun in one easy package to help you and your family make beautiful Easter crafts this Easter.

When is Easter 2024?

Easter is on Friday 31 March to Tuesday 2 April 2024.

Easter Craft kit for Kids

1. Little Learners Spring Bunny Creative Box by My Creative Box

Looking for the perfect way to get your little ones hopping with excitement this Easter?

The Little Learners Spring Bunny Creative Box by My Creative Box is bursting with fun and creativity, making it a sure hit with kids of all ages. With five STEAM, craft, and play activity kits included, there’s something for every child to enjoy.

From creating their own wooden puppets for imaginative play to decorating their own bunny headband, this box is packed with hands-on fun and learning. It also includes STEAM science experiments that explore the spectacular chemistry of fizzing eggs.

My Creative Box has other Easter-themed craft boxes for you to choose from as well.

Buy the Little Learners Spring Bunny Creative Box Use promo code TOTEASTER15 to enjoy 15% off all Easter Collection (not valid in conjunction with other offers).

2. Mini Explorers Bunny Creative Box by My Creative Box

Aimed at ages 2-4 – This Bunny Creative Box is sure to make toddlers everywhere
have the biggest bunny binky!

This box includes everything needed for a fun and creative Easter break!

These Easter-themed crafts and educational toys will give kids the opportunity to experience learning in a more fun and creatively empowering way through the hands-on crafts, educational toys and reusable activities included in this box.

The Mini Explorers Bunny Creative Box is packed with five craft and play activity kits and everything needed for a creative hands-on and fun learning experience.

Buy Mini Explorers Bunny Creative Box Use promo code TOTEASTER15 to enjoy 15% off all Easter Collection (not valid in conjunction with other offers).

3. Big Creatives Eggs-Cellent Creative Box by My Creative Box

Aimed at kids ages 8-12 – Experiment and get creative with these egg-cellent STEAM projects kits for kids.

Explore robotics and mechanics with the Big Creatives Eggs-Cellent Creative Box that will get kids to tinker with chemical reactions in order to make chocolate scented bath bombs, make a walking baby chick and marble dye some eggs!

Buy Big Creatives Eggs-Cellent Creative Box. Use promo code TOTEASTER15 to enjoy 15% off all Easter Collection (not valid in conjunction with other offers).

4. Easter Craft Box by Castle and Kite

The Easter Craft Box from Castle and Kite is a box full of eggs-travagant Easter activities! 

Inside you will find six activities for your kids to enjoy including a wooden bunny to paint and decorate, a DIY egg wreath and much more! 

To top it all off, once they’ve finished all six activities, the included bonus Digital Activity Pack gives kids another twelve Easter-themed activities to enjoy and entertain themselves throughout the Easter season.

Buy Easter Craft Box

5. Happy Easter Sticker Countdown by Pipsticks

Count down the days until Easter with this egg-cellently awesome Easter Sticker Countdown Calendar!  

The Happy Easter Sticker Countdown includes 10 days’ worth of super fun Easter-themed prompts, activities and stickers, eight sheets of the sweetest Pipstickers, two big vinyl stickers and a collectable giant puffy sticker to personalise your calendar!

Buy Happy Easter Sticker Countdown

6. Elegant Easter A6 Sticker Sheet by Postix

The Elegant Easter Sticker Sheet by Postix will add a splash of pastel colour and style to your child’s Easter crafting activities or decorations! This sticker sheet features 26 beautiful stickers which are also perfect for personalising gifts to loved ones.

Buy Elegant Easter Sticker Sheet

7. Funny Bunnies A6 Sticker Sheet by Postix

The Funny Bunnies Sticker Sheet is a lovely sticker sheet featuring bunnies that add a bit of attitude to your crafts, decorations, cards and more!

Buy the Funny Bunnies Sticker Sheet

Send the best Easter gifts & hampers in Melbourne

Best places to buy Easter Eggs online

Easter Pyjamas for Kids & Adults

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using the links there is no extra cost to you and we earn a small commission that helps us to continue to provide valuable and useful information for you.

The post 7 Cute Easter Craft Boxes That You Can Buy Right Now appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

So here’s my list of free activities to enjoy during the Autumn 2024 school holidays. Some activities may require bookings, so it’s best to check any you might want to do well in advance to avoid disappointment.

I’ve also published posts specifically for Easter events, school holidays events in Melbourne CBD and school holiday activities in Melbourne’s suburbs.

Find out when are school holidays in Melbourne.

When are Autumn School Holidays in Melbourne in 2024?

Victorian Autumn School Holidays 2024 are from Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024.

School holidays 2024 Melbourne – free events

• IT’S ‘GAMEON’ AT TIMEZONE WITH $20 BONUS VOUCHER (Mon 13 Mar – Tue 30 Apr) – Until April 30, Timezone is giving guests $20 bonus credit. To claim the bonus credit, download the Timezone Fun App and enter the code GAMEON.
• Easter Fun at Preston Market (Sun 24 Mar – Wed 10 Apr) – Preston Market is coming alive this Easter school holidays with fun FREE activities for the whole family to enjoy.
• Kids Explorer – Cranbourne Gardens (Thu 28 Mar – Mon 15 Apr) – Children ride FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through the Gardens.
• Kids Explorer – Melbourne Gardens (Thu 28 Mar – Mon 15 Apr) – Children ride for FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through Melbourne Gardens.
• The (Very) Big Laugh Out Loud Fed Square (Fri 29 Mar) – World-class street performers and the best physical and musical comedy in da biz.
• Wood and Weather Workshop (Mon 1 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Calling makers! Craft your paper person inspired by Melbourne’s upcoming wooden world game (weekdays only).
• ACMI + Freeplay Arcades (Mon 1 Apr – Sat 13 Apr) – Explore four new micro-games commissioned by ACMI and Freeplay Independent Games Festival. Created by RMIT students, diverse genres offer family-friendly fun.
• Po’s Dragon Warrior School at EASTLAND (Mon 1 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Little ones can dive into the art of puppet making and panda sandwich crafting. They’ll also love showcasing their Kung Fu skills in action-packed demonstrations.
• SkyHigh Dandenongs Easter School Holidays Fun (Tue 2 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – dine in at the SkyHigh bistro or maze cafe while your kids can enjoy the awesome free fun on top of the mountain
• April School Holiday Fun at Casey Central (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – We’ve got a great schedule of FREE activities running at Casey Central these school holidays. Bookings not required, limited spots available.
• April School Holiday Fun at The Pines (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – We’ve got a great schedule of FREE activities running at The Pines these school holidays. Bookings not required, limited spots available.
• Pacific Werribee Joins Zoos Victoria in the Fight for Wildlife Conservation (Mon 2 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Pacific Werribee invites local families to embark on an exciting adventure during the upcoming school holidays at the ‘Endangered Zone’, running until April 14.
• Thomas the Tank Engine at Burwood One (Wed 3 Apr – Sun 7 Apr) – All aboard! Thomas The Tank Engine returns for free rides throughout the centre. Bring the kids down to experience a tour of Burwood One.
• Bees by Polyglot Theatre (Thu 4 Apr – Sat 6 Apr) – This school holidays, visit the bushland at Cranbourne Gardens for a day of bee-inspired fun and nature play led by by Polyglot Theatre.
• Kubik Frankston Music & Light experience (Fri 5 Apr – Sat 20 Apr) – Kubik Frankston is an electrifying fusion of Melbourne’s pulsating music culture and vibrant culinary food trucks, all set against the backdrop of a family-friendly environment with free entry all week and ticketed events on the weekend.

• Master Shifu’s Storytime at EASTLAND (Fri 5 Apr) – Gather ’round, young warriors, as Eastland embarks on a quest with little ones for wisdom and wonder with Master Shifu himself.
• School Holiday Fun: Design a Pencil Case (Mon 8 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Let the creativity flow and design your own pencil case. Free fun for kids of all ages!
• Junior Rangers (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Learn all about the history of iconic landscapes and environmental work that Parks Victoria rangers tackle every day. Jump onboard activities like rambling through rock pools, exploring tall rainforests and searching for creepy crawlies this autumn!
• Get a taste of Creative West (Sat 6 Apr) – Maribyrnong City Council will present an afternoon of music and live performance in the heart of Footscray on Saturday 6 April.
• Nature Play Melbourne (Tue 9 Apr – Wed 10 Apr) – Delight your child’s senses with free nature play experiences on Oak Lawn and in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden this autumn.
• School Holidays at Queen Victoria Market (Tue 11 Apr – Thu 20 Apr) – Let the little ones don their chef hat for some delicious school holiday cooking workshops.

• Party in the Park Cruden Farm (Sun 7 Apr) – mini sports, an obstacle course, face painting, animal farms and lots more.
• Little Food Festival Fed Square (Wed 10 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – Two days of fun activities that aim to teach kids about the supply chain and its relationship to the health of our bodies and the planet.
• Bluey 28 Minute Special Screening (Sun 14 Apr) – Enjoy the 28-minute Bluey special with your family and furry friends (dogs welcome!) and catch the most anticipated wedding of the year!
• Free Guided Walk (Until Tue 31 Dec) – Led by a passionate guide, discover sensational views and the remarkable plant diversity of this sanctuary in the middle of bustling Melbourne.
• Free face painting Prahran Market (Thursdays) – face painter, Alysha, from Paint The Party.
• Kids Passport Queen Victoria Market (Friday, Saturday & Sundays) – Collect your passport, then journey around the Market collecting stamps from our friendly traders, before making your way to the Queen Victoria Market Visitor Hub to claim your prize.

• Mini Twitchers Heide (ongoing) – Be a twitcher for a day and spot some beautiful birds in the Heide Sculpture park! Use a map to locate each area where the twelve painted birds are hidden in trees in the sculpture park.
• The Story of the Moving Image (ongoing) – Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation and captivating stories. ACMI review.

• Shrine Kids (ongoing) – free discovery trail for children at the Shrine of Remembrance. Shrine Kids review

Best Free things to do with Kids in Melbourne

Easter in Melbourne Events

Best Hot Cross Buns Melbourne

Victorian school holidays and public holiday dates

The post Free Autumn School Holidays Melbourne Activities – Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024 appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Find out when are school holidays in Melbourne. If you’re looking specifically for Easter events then here’s what happening for Easter in Melbourne.

Featured event – Melbourne museum

This April School Holidays, stay entertained at Melbourne Museum with side-splitting Melbourne Comedy Festival shows, creative augmented reality workshops and access to the new Gandel Gondwana Garden.

On top of this, help the museum decorate their Bunjil wall while learning about the importance of caring for Country, and spark your creativity with crafty make-and-take activities.

Get your tickets here to avoid missing out

When are Autumn School Holidays in Melbourne in 2024?

Victorian Autumn School Holidays 2024 are from Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024

What’s on Autumn School holidays – Melbourne North / North-east

• IT’S ‘GAMEON’ AT TIMEZONE WITH $20 BONUS VOUCHER (Mon 13 Mar – Tue 30 Apr) – Until April 30, Timezone is giving guests $20 bonus credit. To claim the bonus credit, download the Timezone Fun App and enter the code GAMEON.
• School holidays at Melbourne Museum (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 14 Apr) – Explore, create, giggle and learn with fun and educational activities for the whole family, including comedy shows presented by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and creative and crafty watercolour workshops for everyone aged 0 to 12.
• Easter Fun at Preston Market (Sun 24 Mar – Wed 10 Apr) – Preston Market is coming alive this Easter school holidays with fun FREE activities for the whole family to enjoy.
• BK Gym & Swim (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Enjoy gymnastics-based activities and games and gymnastics training.
• Junior Rangers (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Learn all about the history of iconic landscapes and environmental work that Parks Victoria rangers tackle every day. Jump onboard activities like rambling through rock pools, exploring tall rainforests and searching for creepy crawlies this autumn!
• Greek Day Preston Market (Sun 7 Apr) – Live entertainment, food trucks, kids activities, and pop up stalls.
• Children’s Pizza Making Masterclass Brunswick (Mon 8 Apr) – These highly skilled pizzaioli at 400 Gradi will show your bambino how to make pizza dough from scratch and transform it into an award-winning pizza!
• Diamond Valley Railway (Sundays) – miniature railway with playground next door. Read my review
• The Listies Make Some Noise! at Darebin Arts (Fri 12 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Make Some Noise! is a comedy concert for humans aged 4-400. Join the maestros of mirth, Rich and Matt, as they belt out a bunch of songs with the LOLs turned up to 11.

What’s on Autumn School holidays – Melbourne South/ South-east/ Bayside

• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Movie Launch In-Park Activation (Sat 30 Mar) – Experience spine-tingling excitement and ghostly fun as Luna Park Melbourne celebrates the launch of Sony’s latest Ghostbusters installment, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
• Junior Rangers (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Learn all about the history of iconic landscapes and environmental work that Parks Victoria rangers tackle every day. Jump onboard activities like rambling through rock pools, exploring tall rainforests and searching for creepy crawlies this autumn!
• Primesci! School Holiday Science Workshops (Wed 3 Apr – Fri 5 Apr) – Engaging hands-on science workshops for curious kids from Foundation to Year 8 at Swinburne Wantirna.
• Bayside School Holidays (Wed 3 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – variety of activities open to young people aged 12-17 years old including dumpling making and sailing.
• Farmer For a Day Collingwood Children’s Farm (Wed 3 Apr – Wed 10 Apr) – Be a farmer for a day, meet animals, do hands-on farm work, and participate in a workshop.
• Empowerment and Joy RISE: Wellbeing Workshop (Mon 4 Apr – Tue 9 Apr) – School holiday workshop that utilises the creative arts to foster confidence, kindness and self-belief in 7 -11 year old’s.
• Kubik Frankston Music & Light experience (Fri 5 Apr – Sat 20 Apr) – Kubik Frankston is an electrifying fusion of Melbourne’s pulsating music culture and vibrant culinary food trucks, all set against the backdrop of a family-friendly environment with free entry all week and ticketed events on the weekend.
• Possum Magic Clayton (Fri 5 Apr – Sun 7 Apr) – A delightful magical stage adaptation of Mem Fox and Julie Vivas’ beloved Australian story ‘Possum Magic’ returns to the stage. Featuring spellbinding magic, puppetry and original music, Monkey Baa’s award-winning team has turned the whimsical world of the book into an exciting live experience for audiences aged 3-8 and their families.

• Children Pizza Making Masterclass (Wed 27 Mar – Wed 10 Apr) – Calling all budding pizza chefs! It’s time to get your hands messy these school holidays and join Pullman Melbourne on the Park’s Pizza Making Masterclass.
• Kids Explorer – Cranbourne Gardens (Thu 28 Mar – Mon 15 Apr) – Children ride FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through the Gardens.
• Bees by Polyglot Theatre (Thu 4 Apr – Sat 6 Apr) – This school holidays, visit the bushland at Cranbourne Gardens for a day of bee-inspired fun and nature play led by by Polyglot Theatre.

• LEGO Ninjago Training Camp (Fri 7 Apr – Sun 23 Apr) – Train through interactive and build challenge activities to help protect NINJAGO from its marauding enemies.

• BK Gym & Swim (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Enjoy gymnastics-based activities and games and gymnastics training.
• Activate by Hardrock School Holiday Drop Off Programs (Fri 5 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – enjoy hours of fun as your kids enjoy climbing activities, caving activities, arts, crafts and active games.
• Polite Mammals Bunjil Place (Thu 11 Apr) – Celebrate animals of all kinds: real, imaginary, sparkly, stinky, polite and rude!
• A Little Bit of Blue Bunjil Place (Fri 12 Apr) – Puppet Detectives Unite! “A Little Bit of Blue” blends mystery, Satin Bowerbirds, and fun for the whole family.

• Briars by Night (Thu 13 Apr) – Briars by Night is a free, non-ticketed event, which includes live acoustic music, games, food trucks and a projection trail. 
• Weaving Workshop for Families Bunjil Place (Sat 15 Apr) – Families are invited to join us at Bunjil Place to work together to create a woven creation at this hands-on weaving workshop.
• Mayor’s Party in the Park Cruden Farm (Sun 7 Apr) – Join the Mayor for free activities for the kids, educational information for parents, music, magic and laughter for everyone, set within the picturesque Cruden Farm.

• Teddy Bear Picnic Book Reading  (Tues 18 Apr) – Elm & Willow’s Adventures at Rippon Lea: Teddy Bears’ Picnic – Meet the author and hear the story in the gardens of Rippon Lea Estate.

• School holidays at Bricks4Kidz (Tue 2 Apr – Sun 21 Apr) – LEGO®, Robotics and Coding workshops.
• Kickstart Soccer (Tue 2 Apr – Wed 10 Apr) – focus is on skill development and game time.

• Children’s Pizza Making Masterclass Mornington (Tue 2 Apr) – These highly skilled pizzaioli at 400 Gradi will show your bambino how to make pizza dough from scratch and transform it into an award-winning pizza!
• The Art Factory Malvern (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 April) – various activities and workshops.
• National Institute Circus Arts (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 April) – juggling, tumbling, mini tramp, static trapeze, aerial ring, tissu, hula hoops, tight wire and more. Read my review.

• Y(our) Fest (Sat 13 Apr) – connect and get creative through free live music, arts and dance workshops, festival activities and food!
• Free face painting Prahran Market (Thurdays) – face painter, Alysha, from Paint The Party.
• Gumbuya World (Daily) – Make the most of Oasis Springs before it closes for the season, with eight epic water slides, the heated 300-metre-long Lazy River and The Break, Victoria’s most impressive wave pool. Plus theme park rides and wildlife trail. 

Autumn School Holidays Melbourne East

• Kabloom (Sat 25 Mar – Tue 25 Apr) – Come and enjoy our flower fields bursting with a sea of colour with over a million flowers. A wonderful day out with all the family. Kabloom Review
• Charge up your Dragon Core at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre A NINJAGO quest awaits! (Fri 29 Mar – Sun 28 Apr) – Power up your NINJAGO Dragon Core and dive into action-packed LEGO builds led by Master Model Builders. Seasoned Ninja, or trainee, unleash your inner ninja!
• Po’s Dragon Warrior School at EASTLAND (Mon 1 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Little ones can dive into the art of puppet making and panda sandwich crafting. They’ll also love showcasing their Kung Fu skills in action-packed demonstrations.
• Master Crane’s Cookie Decorating Workshop at EASTLAND (Tue 2 Apr) – Ben & Jerry’s is bringing an action-packed extravaganza to Eastland. Little ones can channel Master Crane himself and decorate cookies inspired by their favourite characters.
• April School Holidays Croydon Central (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Design and create your own furry friend at our Build-A-Bear workshop sessions and kids can personalisee their very own donut to enjoy at delicious donut decorating workshops.
• Junior Rangers (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Learn all about the history of iconic landscapes and environmental work that Parks Victoria rangers tackle every day. Jump onboard activities like rambling through rock pools, exploring tall rainforests and searching for creepy crawlies this autumn!

• Zookeeper for a Day Reptile Encounters (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 5 Apr) – Become a zookeeper for a day and interact with native Australian wildlife, learn about conservation, and participate in feeding activities.
• Hop Into Easter (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – We’ve got a great schedule of FREE activities running at Croydon Central these school holidays, including Build-A-Bear and Donut Decorating sessions.
• April School Holiday Fun at Forest Hill Chase (Tue 2 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – We’ve got a great schedule of FREE activities running at Forest Hill Chase these school holidays, including our Virtual Reality Adventure.
• April School Holiday Fun at Casey Central (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – We’ve got a great schedule of FREE activities running at Casey Central these school holidays. Bookings not required, limited spots available.
• April School Holiday Fun at The Pines (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – We’ve got a great schedule of FREE activities running at The Pines these school holidays. Bookings not required, limited spots available.
• Thomas the Tank Engine at Burwood One (Wed 3 Apr – Sun 7 Apr) – All aboard! Thomas The Tank Engine returns for free rides throughout the centre. Bring the kids down to experience a tour of Burwood One.
• Empowerment and Joy RISE: Wellbeing Workshop (Mon 4 Apr – Tue 9 Apr) – School holiday workshop that utilises the creative arts to foster confidence, kindness and self-belief in 7 -11 year old’s.
• School Holiday Fun: Design a Pencil Case (Mon 8 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Let the creativity flow and design your own pencil case. Free fun for kids of all ages!

• Ninja Parc Bayswater (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – The Ninja Parc School Holiday Program has you covered with plenty of running, climbing and balancing activities to keep your kids moving and having fun during the holidays.
• Master Shifu’s Storytime at EASTLAND (Fri 5 Apr) – Gather ’round, young warriors, as Eastland embarks on a quest with little ones for wisdom and wonder with Master Shifu himself.
• Children’s Pizza Making Masterclass Eastland (Tue 9 Apr) – These highly skilled pizzaioli at 400 Gradi will show your bambino how to make pizza dough from scratch and transform it into an award-winning pizza!
• Wyreena School Holiday Program (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Enjoy a wonderful range of creative and fun activities.
• Booroondara School Holiday Activities (Thu 21 Mar – Fri 12 Apr) – fun, low-cost activities you can get involved in every school holiday.

• Asian Cooking with Parents and Kids (Sun 7 Apr) – If your child loves to eat and have fun, you want them enrolled in our kid cooking classes. More important than having fun, your child will begin to learn a fresh and healthy alternative to foods. We use all-natural and healthy ingredients in every dish.
• The Art Factory Balwyn (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 April) – various activities and workshops.
• BK Gym & Swim (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Enjoy gymnastics-based activities and games and gymnastics training.
• SkyHigh Dandenongs Easter School Holidays Fun (Tues 2 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – dine in at the SkyHigh bistro or maze cafe while your kids can enjoy the awesome free fun on top of the mountain.
• Junior Chocolatier Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (Wed 10 Apr) – chocolate-making workshop and free chocolate tastings. Read my review.

• Yarra Valley Railway (Sundays) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Yarra Valley Railway review
• Gembrook Market (4th Sunday of each month) – a country market with a sustainable living focus. Find crafts, plants, fresh produce, hot food selections fresh coffee and more.
• Blue Lotus Water Garden (until Sun 14 Apr) – thousands of beautiful blooms, picnic areas, fairy garden, workshops. Read my review.
• Mini Twitchers Heide (ongoing) – Be a twitcher for a day and spot some beautiful birds in the Heide Sculpture park! Use a map to locate each area where the twelve painted birds are hidden in trees in the sculpture park.

Autumn School Holidays Melbourne West

• Flemington and Kensington Bowling Club Family Open Day (Fri 29 Mar) – enjoy a family fun day with barefoot bowling, an Easter egg hunt, face-painting, a monster raffle and more.
• Easter School Holidays at Grazeland (Fri 29 Mar – Sun 18 Apr) – HOP INTO GRAZELAND’S EGGSTRA-SPECIAL SCHOOL HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES THIS EASTER Indulge in chocolate delights before grooving the night away to vibrant rhythms at Grazeland’s Latin Fiesta.
• The Gruffalo at Kryal Castle (Fri 29 Mar – Sun 21 Apr) – Join Kryal Castle these Easter school holidays on an adventure to find the Gruffalo to celebrate 25 years of the beloved children’s tale!
• Scienceworks (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 14 Apr) – Jump into Autumn Holiday fun at Scienceworks! Enjoy shows, activities and more.
• Pacific Werribee Joins Zoos Victoria in the Fight for Wildlife Conservation (Mon 2 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Pacific Werribee invites local families to embark on an exciting adventure during the upcoming school holidays at the ‘Endangered Zone’, running until April 14.
• Easter Holidays Little Art Big Art (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 11 Apr) – Enjoy a fun-filled holiday program for all ages from arts and crafts to creative workshops.
• Junior Rangers (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Learn all about the history of iconic landscapes and environmental work that Parks Victoria rangers tackle every day. Jump onboard activities like rambling through rock pools, exploring tall rainforests and searching for creepy crawlies this autumn!

• BK Gym & Swim (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Enjoy gymnastics-based activities and games and gymnastics training.
• Superstars Footscray Community Arts (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 5 Apr) – Kick-off on a four-day adventure with the Fast Fashun art collective and join us in crafting a unique DIY fashion show experience together!
• Learn-to-Sew Kids Holiday Workshops (Wed 3 Apr – Fri 5 Apr) – Kids Can Sew Too! School holiday sewing workshops kids aged between 8 and 18. In age-appropriate classes, kids and teens will build their skills in classes of up to 10 kids – with two teachers on hand for the whole day.
• Junior Chocolatier Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Thu 4 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – chocolate making workshop and free chocolate tastings. Read my review.

• Day Out With Thomas – Queenscliff (Sat 6 Apr – Sun 7 Apr) – Pop’ on down to Queenscliff and spend some time with Thomas, Henry, Douglas, those Troublesome Trucks and Sir Topham Hatt!
• Get a taste of Creative West (Sat 6 Apr) – Maribyrnong City Council will present an afternoon of music and live performance in the heart of Footscray on Saturday 6 April.
• Dinos After Dark Werribee Zoo (Sun 7 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Explore the River Trail after sundown and see 14 life-sized animatronic pre-historic marvels, illuminated by a mesmerising after-hours light show.
• Westgate Vacation Care (Mon 8 Apr – Fri 19 Apr) – a range of activities that will help build your child’s confidence, support their interests, explore their curiosity and encourage the development of a variety of skills that will allow your child to get the best start in life.
• 100 Story Holidays Autumn program: Imagine, Illustrate, Invent! (Tue 9 Apr – Wed 10 Apr) – Imagine, illustrate and invent with two all-day workshops for kids aged 8-12 at 100 Story Building these Easter holidays!
• Extreme Arts Footscray Community Arts (Tue 9 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – Each day, children engage in a rotation through three workshops led by experienced professional artists and assistant teachers. Classes are grouped by age, ensuring every child receives support to explore and express their creative abilities.

• The Smeds and The Smoos Clocktower Centre (Fri 12 Apr) – Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
• Supercheap Auto Racing team launch at Grazeland (Fri 12 Apr) – Supercheap Auto are super excited to launch the 2024 Wildcard season and livery in a thrilling display of motorsport excitement at Melbourne’s foodie hotspot, Grazeland.
• The Smeds and The Smoos (Fri 12 Apr) – Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (also seen in the TV animation on ABC Kids).
• Possum Magic Geelong (Fri 12 Apr – Sat 13 Apr) – A delightful magical stage adaptation of Mem Fox and Julie Vivas’ beloved Australian story ‘Possum Magic’ returns to the stage. Featuring spellbinding magic, puppetry and original music, Monkey Baa’s award-winning team has turned the whimsical world of the book into an exciting live experience for audiences aged 3-8 and their families.

• Essendon Traffic School (Saturdays) – Essendon Traffic School is a mini road set up for kids aged two to ten years, complete with road signs, railway bells and traffic lights. Essendon Traffic School review.
• Fulldome Flicks (Saturdays in April and May) – A spellbinding cinema experience for the whole family is returning to the Melbourne Planetarium this autumn.

Autumn School Holiday events Melbourne CBD

Easter in Melbourne Events 2024

AmazingCo Family Experiences

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The post Melbourne School Holidays Autumn – Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024 appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Autumn school holiday major events to look forward to include Easter (Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April 2024) and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (Friday 29 March to Sunday 21 April 2024).

Here’s my list of activities and events in Melbourne CBD during the Autumn School Holidays 2024 (Here are school holiday activities in Melbourne’s suburbs). If you’re looking specifically for Easter events then here’s what’s happening for Easter in Melbourne.

Find out when are school holidays and public holidays in Victoria.

When are Autumn School Holidays in Melbourne in 2024?

Victorian Autumn School Holidays 2024 are from Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024.

Featured event – Melbourne museum

Fall for laughter, creativity and adventure these autumn school holidays with Melbourne Museum‘s FUN-tastic program!

Enjoy family-friendly shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, create a marvellous underwater work at the Creative Lab, build a 5-star safety cardboard car with Road to Zero, dive into the Titanic story and don’t forget to explore all the kids’ favourite exhibitions like Triceratops and Gondwana Garden.

School Holidays 2024 Melbourne CBD

• The (Very) Big Laugh Out Loud Fed Square (Fri 29 Mar) – World-class street performers and the best physical and musical comedy in da biz.
• Kids Explorer – Melbourne Gardens (Thu 28 Mar – Mon 15 Apr) – Children ride for FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through Melbourne Gardens.
• Melbourne International Comedy Festival (Wed 27 Mar – Sun 21 Apr) – comedy events for kids include The Very Big Laugh Out Loud Federation Square.
• Intolerant (Wed 27 Mar – Tue 2 Apr) – Uma has a problem — everything she eats makes her sick, but don’t worry, it’s TOTALLY FINE!

• Turtley awesome school holiday fun at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium (Wed 27 Mar – Sun 28 Apr) – Learn about sea turtle conservation. Become a Junior Turtle Rescuer at the Turtle Rescue Station. Identify injuries, check x-rays, and release your rescued turtle toy!
• Monopoly Dreams – School Holiday Fun! (Thu 28 Mar – Fri 24 Apr) – Embark on a nostalgic journey and reignite family fun with MONOPOLY DREAMS. Gather your crew for a classic board game experience like never before.
• Pirate Day at Polly Woodside supporting the Good Friday Appeal (Fri 29 Mar) – Enjoy a great day out for the whole family and experience the Pirate Life aboard Polly Woodside – all while a supporting worthy cause.
• Kaboom! Arts Centre Melbourne (Fri 29 Mar – Sun 14 Apr) – Join the mad scientist Magnus Danger Magnus for an electromagnetic extravaganza featuring explosions, experiments, hilarity, and audience participation.
• Peter Pan: A Neverland Adventure Arts Centre Melbourne (Sat 29 Mar – Sun 7 Apr) – Return to Neverland with J.M Barrie’s classic story about Peter Pan, Wendy, Nana, Tinker Bell, Pirates, Mermaids, and a ticking crocodile.
• Kids Day Out At Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (Fri 29 Mar) – Melbourne’s favourite family day is returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre this Good Friday.
• Comedy Club for Kids (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 14 Apr) – Comedy Club for Kids brings cheeky holiday fun and LOLs to kids aged five to 12!

• Wood and Weather Workshop ACMI (Mon 1 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Calling makers! Craft your paper person inspired by Melbourne’s upcoming wooden world game (weekdays only).
• ACMI + Freeplay Arcades (Mon 1 Apr – Sat 13 Apr) – Explore four new micro-games commissioned by ACMI and Freeplay Independent Games Festival. Created by RMIT students, diverse genres offer family-friendly fun.
• Power & Motivation Workshop (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – Explore Shakespeare’s themes and language through drama exercises and games with a focus on character development and performance skills. 
• Krispy Kreme Doughnut Decorating (Tue 2 Apr – Wed 10 Apr) – Fun-filled activity for children to decorate doughnuts with toppings and coloured icing, includes take-home Krispy Kreme hat, balloon, and certificate.

• Guru Dudu Silent Disco (Tue 2 Apr – Sat 13 Apr) – Join the Guru Dudu team on a tour through various spaces of Arts Centre Melbourne, interpreting art through dance and creating spontaneous flash mobs.
• Music Play (Wed 3 Apr – Thu 4 Apr) – Velcro your dancing shoes, grab your baton, capture your creativity and get ready to play.
• Play Date (Thu 4 Apr – Sat 6 Apr) – Play Date is a new pop music duo presenting dance parties for children aged 4 – 7 and families, singing catchy tunes about identity, body positivity, family structures and the power of imagination.

• Old Melbourne Gaol (ongoing) – Delve into the highlights and history of Old Melbourne Gaol and enrich your understanding of this significant site.
• Easter at Queen Victoria Market (Sat 8 Apr – Thu 20 Apr) – Meet the Easter bunny, explore the Market with your kids Passport or take part in the FREE kids school holiday activities.
• Holiday Programs (Mon 8 Apr – Wed 10 Apr) – Introducing our exciting “Holiday Program for Kids” At our program, we aim to ignite kids’ passion for innovation using “Real Robots” and “Real Codes”.
• I’m a Refugee… Get Me Out Of Here! (Tue 9 Apr – Sun 21 Apr) – Hailing from Ethiopia via New Zealand, Melbourne’s freshest comedy voice brings a critical and fresh view to Australia’s comedy scene.

• Nature Play Melbourne (Tue 9 Apr – Wed 10 Apr) – Delight your child’s senses with free nature play experiences on Oak Lawn and in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden this autumn.
• Little Food Festival Fed Square (Wed 10 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – Two days of fun activities that aim to teach kids about the supply chain and its relationship to the health of our bodies and the planet.
• Australasian Quilt Convention (Thu 11 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Australia’s premier quilting event is back! Experience a magnificent quilt show, all the latest fabrics, patterns and machines and an amazing lineup of classes!
• The Flying Canoe (Thu 11 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – The Flying Canoe is an interactive theatre experience for families that will transport them to the islands of Kiribati! This interactive adventure for families features an immersive soundscape where attendees will meet some sassy, salty spirits, fend off giant mud crabs, and dive into crystal blue waters.

• The Greatest Magic Show (Tue 11 Apr – Thu 13 Apr) – a family-friendly magic & circus spectacular starring Sam, Justin & the enchanting ringmaster!
• Tomorrow is a Brand-New Day (Thu 11 Apr – Sat 13 Apr) – A kids’ event featuring Orchestra Victoria and Janet McLeod.
• Kids Holiday Workshop – Stencil Street Art (Wed 3 Apr, Tue 9 Apr) – an introductory workshop to spray-painting. Kids will design and create their own stencil that they will cut from acetate and use basic freehand skills and stencilling techniques that they will use to spray-paint a canvas that they will get to keep.
• Kids Holiday Workshop – Freehand Street Art (Wed 3 Apr – Thu 11 Apr) – This freehand workshop offers an exclusive chance to learn a variety of spraypainting techniques from a renowned street artist right here at the famous Blender Studios.
• Marvel Universe Live! (Fri 12 Apr – Mon 15 Apr) – Fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel Universe and experience it all with their family…LIVE!
• Sean Choolburra: Didj & Dance (Fri 12 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Cheeky, clever and charismatic, Sean’s entrancing blend of pop culture, dance, comedy and hip hop delivers a high-energy, feel-good show for all the family!
• Bluey 28 Minute Special Screening (Sun 14 Apr) – Enjoy the 28-minute Bluey special with your family and furry friends (dogs welcome!) and catch the most anticipated wedding of the year!

• The LUME (ongoing) – Immerse yourself in the work of Leonardo da Vinci at Australia’s digital art gallery.
• Melbourne Book Market (Saturdays & Sundays) – curated collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved titles selected and presented by 15 of Melbourne’s most experienced booksellers.
• The Story of the Moving Image (open daily) – Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation and captivating stories. ACMI review.

• Shrine Kids (ongoing program) – free discovery trail for children at the Shrine of Remembrance. Shrine Kinds review
• Kids Passport Queen Victoria Market (Every market day) – Collect your passport, then journey around the Market collecting stamps from our friendly traders, before making your way to the Queen Victoria Market Visitor Hub to claim your prize.

What’s on in Melbourne – Easter

What’s on Autumn School Holiday – All suburbs

AmazingCo Family Experiences

The post Melbourne School Holidays Autumn CBD – Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024 appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Some events are free, some require tickets and pre-booking – so hop to it!

Note that this post is regularly updated so make sure to check back for new events.

In 2024 Easter is at the start of the Victorian Autumn school holidays, so we’ve also published separate listings for school holidays events in Melbourne CBD and school holiday activities in Melbourne’s suburbs.

Check here for Victorian school holidays and public holiday dates.

When is Easter 2024?

Easter is on Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April 2024.

MELBOURNE Easter EVENTS

Easter Events in Melbourne – CBD / DOCKLANDS

• Easter Events in Melbourne – CBD / DOCKLANDS
• Easter at Queen Victoria Market (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Meet the Easter bunny, book for the Easter Bunny tea party and explore the Market with your Kids Passport.
• Grand Easter Celebration Grand Hyatt Melbourne (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – the Grand Hyatt Melbourne is serving an exuberant High Tea and Buffet Lunch, inspired by the wonders of Easter.
• Pirate Day at Polly Woodside supporting the Good Friday Appeal (Fri 29 Mar) – Enjoy a great day out for the whole family and experience the Pirate Life aboard Polly Woodside – all while a supporting worthy cause.
• Mad Hatter’s Easter High Tea Stamford Plaza (Sat 6 Apr) – Indulge in a whimsical high tea experience with Easter-themed treats and activities.

Easter Events in Melbourne – NORTH / NORTH-EAST

• Easter at Preston Market (Sun 24 Mar – Wed 10 Apr) – Enjoy the Roving Easter Bunny, follow the map to find all the hidden Easter eggs in the Easter Egg Hunt, enjoy kids face painting and balloon twisting and animal farm.
• Easter School Holiday Activities (Sun 24 Mar – Wed 10 Apr) – Join the Easter fun at Preston Market! March 24th: Egg hunt & bunny visit. April 3rd: Face painting & balloon twisting!
• Eaglemont Egg Hunt (Fri 22 Mar) – Join in on the Easter fun with an egg hunt in Eaglemont Village.

• Easter Morning Tea Greensborough Plaza (Sat 23 Mar) – Enjoy an exciting Morning Tea filled with chocolatey goodness and a special appearance by the Easter bunny!
• Little Explorer Wednesdays Greensborough Plaza (Wed 27 Mar) – Easter craft and hunt.
• Farm Vigano Easter Egg Hunt (Sun 31 Mar) – Visit the Easter Bunny, take a photo and join our annual community Easter Egg Hunt at Farm Vigano

Easter Events in Melbourne – SOUTH / SOUTH-EAST / BAYSIDE

• Easter Cookie Decorating Class – Beginner (Sat 16 Mar) – Learn all about cookie decorating and decorate 6+ small Easter themed cookies (bunny, flower, chick, carrot, egg and hop).
• Kids Easter Egg Decorating & Bunny Dance Party (Sat 23 Mar) – Join in on an egg-citing journey of decoration and fun at our Egg-stravagant Easter party at Little Party House.
• Easter Eggstravaganza (Sun 24 Mar) – Hop on over to Landcox Park for “Easter Eggstravaganza” for an egg-citing afternoon packed with Easter-themed delights that will leave smiles on faces of all ages.
• Busy Bodies Easter Edition (Mon 25 Mar) – Enjoy some Easter Cooking in this FREE activity sessions for pre-school aged children.
• Easter Bunny & Royal High Tea (Sat 30 Mar) – Enjoy a Mini mani, Mini pedi, meet & Greet the Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs, games, & delicious High Tea.
• Acland’s Easter Trail (Sat 30 Mar & Sun 31 Mar) – Complete the Easter Trail anytime over the Easter weekend and be in the draw to win BIG prizes!

• Easter Egg-traviganza at Boneo Discovery Park (Sun 31 Mar) – Hop into Easter fun at Boneo Discovery Park! Egg hunt, Easter bunny, races, face painting, crafts, and more included with park entry.
• Easter Day Family Day Out (Sun 31 Mar) – Hop along to Rippon Lea and enjoy open-air markets, picnics around the grounds and join in the Great Rippon Lea Egg & Spoon Race.
• MPNG Mornington Easter (Sun 31 Mar) – To celebrate one of Clip Clop Club’s biggest days of the year, Mornington Racecourse will transform into a spectacle of carnivalesque action and family-friendly entertainment where young racegoers can enter free and enjoy unlimited rides.
• Easter Egg Hunt Boneo Discovery Park (Sun 31 Mar) – Hop into the Easter spirit at Boneo Discovery Park for an egg-stravaganza of fun! Our day starts with an egg-citing traditional Easter egg hunt.

• The Great Luna Park Easter Egg Hunt (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Meet the Easter Bunny and join the egg hunts for over 30,000 Chocolatier eggs for kids of all ages.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Bottega188 (Sat 30 Mar) – Join Bottega on an exciting Easter eggs hunt with your kids, snacks and drinks included.
• Kids Easter Tea & Craft Party (Sun 3 Apr) – Create your own Easter bonnet hat, enjoy a delicious tea party, and dance with the Easter Bunny at Little Party House.

Easter Events in Melbourne – EAST

• Hop Into Easter (Mon 18 Mar – Wed 27 Mar) – Round-up the family and head in-centre in the lead-up to Easter for free activities and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
• Easter Egg Hunt Croydon Main Street (Sat 23 Mar) – Hunt for Cadbury eggs hidden in various stores along Croydon Main Street Shops, following the Easter ears on the map to track down those delicious treats. Free face painting, crafts, and hot cross buns for early birds.
• Diamond Creek Eggstravagant Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic (Sat 30 Mar) – Families are invited to celebrate Easter at the Diamond Creek playspace with an Easter egg hunt for children.
• Hop Into Easter at Forest Hill Chase (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Round-up the family and head in-centre over the Easter weekend to experience our Carrot Patch and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
• Hop Into Easter at Casey Central (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Round-up the family and head to Casey Central over the Easter weekend to experience our Carrot Patch and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
• Hop Into Easter (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Round-up the family and head to The Pines over the Easter weekend to experience our Carrot Patch and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
• Easter Egg Hunts at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Little hunters ages 12 and under will search for hidden clues throughout the grounds that will allow them to redeem a special Easter Gift Box from the Easter Bunny!
• The Big Goose Easter Eggstravaganza (Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) –collect as many plastic Easter eggs as you can until The Easter Bunny rings his bell, find the golden easter egg, enjoy active fun on the Adventure Playground, Pirate Ship Playground and more!
• Easter at Mt Buller (Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) – Enjoy mountain biking, bushwalks, trail running, the Mountain High Fun Run, markets, the fabulous Buller Air Zone’s indoor rock climbing and trampolining, and the famous Easter Egg Hunt with over 10,00 eggs

• Easter Lunch & Egg Hunt Balgownie Estate (Sun 31 Mar) – Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The kids will have a blast participating in our annual Easter Egg hunt. 
• Easter Sunday at Tokar Estate (Sun 31 Mar) – Easter Sunday enjoy an Easter-egg-hunt and cuddle in the petting zoo while you relax with wine or boozy hot chocolate at the Cellar Door!

• Tesselaar Kabloom Easter Rabbit Hunt (Sat 30 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) – This year our Easter Hunt is all new and instead of hunting eggs, you will be hunting rabbits! This is a scavenger hunt for all ages and prize includes a fluffy, cuddly bunny and eight Cadbury eggs.
• Giant Easter Egg Hunt Chirnside Park (Sat 30 Mar) – egg hunt, inflatables, face painting, sausage sizzle.
• Auburn Hotel Easter Long Weekend (Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) – petting zoo, face painting, kids entertainers. Plus, an appearance from the Easter Bunny on Sunday.
• Hop Into Easter (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – We’ve got a great schedule of FREE activities running at Croydon Central these school holidays, including Build-A-Bear and Donut Decorating sessions.
• Kids Egg-venture and Family Picnic (Fri 12 Apr) – Join us for a morning of family fun at Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct with crafts for the little ones and a scavenger hunt.

Easter Events in Melbourne – WEST

• Newport Lakes Pop-up (Mon 18 Mar) – Toddler and Pre-School Kids Art with egg-shaped cardboard plus more hands-on, fun, and relaxed art event for toddlers and pre-school kids aged 1-5.
• Lara Easter Market (Sat 23 Mar) – A country market featuring arts & crafts, food vendors, a petting farm, and an Easter Bonnet & Mad Hatters Hat Competition with fun prizes.
• Easter Pop-up in Williamstown (Mon 25 Mar) – A hands-on, in-person, fun, and relaxed event for toddlers and pre-school kids to enjoy various Easter-themed arts and crafts activities.
• B is for Bunny (Wed 27 Mar – Thu 28 Mar) – Enjoy afternoon tea with the Easter Bunny and live shows with Trixie the Easter Pixie in the RT Pollard Gardens Sunshine. Catch bubbles, play table tennis with roving performers, enjoy a free sausage, get your bunny face on and relax under the shade with your family and friends.
• Easter in Werribee City Centre (Fri 22 Mar – Wed 3 Apr) – Enjoy free Easter fun, including meeting the Easter bunny, face painting, and free kids activities at Station Place. 
• Kids Easter Day Overnewton Castle (Sat 23 Mar) – Enjoy a spectacular three tiered high tea brunch in the Grand Ballroom or Sherry Room, serving traditional finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, fresh scones and free flowing tea and coffee. The Easter Bunny may just visit us, in between a busy program of games and activities, followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade – so don’t forget to bring your most creative bonnet!
• Easter Fun 2024 (Sat 23 Mar) – The Easter Bunny and helper will be appearing in various locations in Melton, offering photo opportunities and free giveaways.

• Pre-Easter Sunday Kids Funday (Sun 24 Mar) – Enjoy Easter egg hunts, pony rides Petting Zoo, inflatable rides, ‘Hop’ movie screening, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
• Easter in Wonderland (Sun 24 Mar) – Experience Easter in Wonderland with Easter craft, face painting, entertainment, outdoor activities, Easter egg hunt, and more!
• Pre-Easter Sunday Kids Funday by Eynesbury (Sun 24 Mar) – Join in on an egg-citing pre-Easter Funday at Eynesbury, featuring an enormous egg hunt, kids entertainment, rides, and a visit from The Easter Bunny and Easter Bonnie.
• Mini Makers – Easter Cooking Workshop (Wed 27 Mar) – Make your own Easter nest with fruit and meringue in this cooking workshop
• Easter School Holidays at Grazeland (Fri 29 Mar – Sun 18 Apr) – HOP INTO GRAZELAND’S EGGSTRA-SPECIAL SCHOOL HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES THIS EASTER Indulge in chocolate delights before grooving the night away to vibrant rhythms at Grazeland’s Latin Fiesta.
• Good Friday Trips – Queenscliff (Fri 29 Mar) – Take a scenic trip along Swan Bay for a fun way to donate to The Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal!
• Easter Weekend Specialss – Queenscliff (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Take a scenic trip from Queenscliff, along picturesque Swan Bay to Lakers Siding to see the Easter Bunny.
• Easter Egg Hunt Bellarine Estate (Sat 30 Mar) – Join us for a fun-filled day of searching for colourful Easter eggs hidden throughout the venue.

• Easter Egg Hunt at Mount Buninyong Winery (Fri 22 Mar) – Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt with lots of activities, fairy floss, face painting, garden games, and more.
• Easter Egg Hunt at the Chocolaterie (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Bring four different clues to the Easter Bunnies and each participating child will receive their special Easter Gift Box
• Bellarine Railway Easter Train (Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) – different activities / timetable each day – ‘Bunny Spotto’ activity, Easter Bonnet comp judged by the Easter Bunny, Egg and Spoon Trail for children and Photo op’s with the Easter Bunny!

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