School Holidays – TOT: HOT OR NOT

What’s On in Melbourne: August 2024

Joyce Watts — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 20:00:00 +0000

We are now officially in the depths of winter! But that doesn’t stop August from shaping up to be a month that is full of wonderfully fun family-friendly events that will warm you up with joy.

Whether you’re into the arts, sports, outdoors, music, or just looking for fun things to do to keep the boredom at bay, these awesome activities and events will help you make the most of the remaining cold winter days!

This post is updated regularly so check back in to see what’s on in Melbourne today and this weekend, as well as what’s happening for the whole month.

Lightscape

Dates: August 4 – August 4

The immersive Melbourne hit returns to transform Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne after dark with a reimagined trail and brand-new installations. Surround yourself with the interactive Submergence as well as the beloved Winter Cathedral and Laser Forest at Fern Gully.

Enjoy delicious food at the welcome zone, along with tasty treats at The Terrace Food Hall.

Visitors to Lightscape make their way along a winding trail through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne’s landscape, awash in artistic lighting design. Along the way, they’ll encounter large lighting sculptures, colourful lighting effects and an accompanying soundscape.

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

Dates: August 2 – October 28

Get closer to dinosaurs than ever before in Jurassic World: The Exhibition!

Based on one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history, the exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in scenes inspired by the beloved movies.

Walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates as an honoured guest and gaze in wonder at a towering Brachiosaurus; come face-to-face with a Velociraptor; and get a rare up-close look at the most vicious dinosaur of them all, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring journey and remember, if something chases you… run!

The Art of the Brick Immersive Experience

Dates: July 25 – September 1

Enter into the renewed immersive version of The Art of the Brick!

Explore ten expansive themed rooms filled with impressive original collections as well as more than 100 artworks by artist Nathan Sawaya. From endangered species, human and non-human figures, enormous masks, artificial reality, cutting-edge technology, video mapping, and much more, this exhibition promises to be an event that's not to be missed.

Silver Events

Aug 9

Featured July 25 @ 9:00 am - October 20 @ 4:00 pm

Victoria the T. rex

Aug 9

Featured July 25 @ 10:00 am - September 22 @ 5:30 pm

The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” Exhibition

Aug 10

Featured 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Ancient Egypt for Kids

Free

Aug 1

July 16 @ 8:00 am - August 31 @ 5:00 pm

Swatch Collins Street Hosts Interactive Colouring Station

Free

Aug 1

Featured July 25 @ 9:00 am - September 1 @ 5:30 pm

The Art of the Brick Immersive Experience

Aug 1

Featured July 25 @ 9:00 am - October 20 @ 4:00 pm

Victoria the T. rex

Aug 1

Featured July 25 @ 10:00 am - September 22 @ 5:30 pm

The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” Exhibition

Aug 1

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Truffle Treasures

Free

Aug 1

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion

Aug 1

Featured 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Ancient Egypt for Kids

Free

Aug 1

12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

2024 Olympics LIVE Site at Fed Square

Free

Aug 1

Featured 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Lightscape

$32 – $40

What’s On in Melbourne August 2024 – Table of Contents

What’s On in Melbourne – CBD / Docklands

Groovy Tunes with ArtPlay (Fri 9- Thurs 29 Aug) – Join master drummer and multi-instrumentalist Kofi Kunkpe in a joyful music and movement workshop for preschool aged kids.
BEINGS By Universal Everything (Wed 22 May – Sun 29 Sep 2024) – A playful family adventure at ACMI filled with vibrant and playful digital art.
The Art of Banksy – Australia: “Without Limits” Exhibition” (Wed 12 Jun – Sat 3 Aug) – The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” is a stunning street art exhibition of museum quality featuring over 150 artworks, such as certified art, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, installations, digital installations, murals, mapping shows, and more.
Lightscape (Thu 4 Jul – Sun 4 Aug) – For the very first time, an immersive, after-dark experience comes to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne this winter. Iconic tree canopies will be drenched in colour, and vibrant bursts of light will tumble from the undergrowth and run-up trees like fizzing fireworks. Read the Lightscape Review.
Little Murmur (Thu 25 Jul – Sun 4 Aug) – A new international dance theatre performance featuring ground-breaking projections, an extraordinary soundscape and a blizzard of paper and confetti.
PAW Patrol Live! (Sat 31 Aug – Sun 1 Sep)- PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” is coming to Melbourne this August. Everybody’s favourite pups on stage for an action-packed, high-energy, musical adventure.

PAW Patrol Live!

Storytime by State Library Victoria (Wed 7 Aug) – Share the delight of stories, songs, and picture books with your preschooler on Wednesdays at the Library. Read the State Library of Victoria Review.
Winter Night Market (Wed 5 Jun – Wed 28 Aug) – this is one of the ultimate ‘whats on Melbourne’ events in winter! Every Wednesday evening enjoy delicious street food, hot bevvies, roaring open fires, great shopping, live music and fun at the silent disco. Read the Winter Night Market review.
Teeth & Tails – SEA LIFE Melbourne (Sat 19 Aug – Mon 4 Sep) – Explore the fascinating world of marine creatures! Learn about the moray eel’s sharp teeth and hidden jaws, sea stars’ unique digestion, and meet the impressive Mega croc Pinjarra.
Now or Never Art Trail (Thu 22 Aug – Sun 31 Aug) – Explore the Now or Never Art Trail, a magical journey to the future. Along the Docklands promenade, experience a luminous outdoor gallery merging the physical and digital worlds. Don’t miss this free and wondrous adventure!
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. Read the Story of the Moving Image ACMI Review.

The District Makers Market (Last Sunday of every month) – creative and colourful market stalls showcasing a variety of art, craft, jewellery, homewares, gifts and artisanal produce last Sunday of the month.
Polly Woodside (First Sunday of the Month) – Come aboard for a tour of the ship and discover what life was like on a tall ship sailing the seven seas. Read the Polly Woodside review.
Docklands Community Market (2nd & 4th Sunday of each month) – Grab your early morning coffee, enjoy a lovely stroll & support your local producers at this lovely market.
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.
Arts Centre Sunday Market (Sundays) – find unique, quirky and handmade items at the stalls. There are always some yummy treats too!
Leonardo Da Vinci (Sat 16 Mar – Sun 16 Sept) – Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius promises to be THE LUME Melbourne’s most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking experience yet.

THE LUME Melbourne

Soft Play (ongoing) – Play with your child and make community connections in a safe and fun indoor environment.
Kids Passport Queen Victoria Market (ongoing) – 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.
Into the Music – Composition Workshop 2024 (ongoing) – Participants in Into the Music – Composition Workshop will explore technology and techniques used to create the music they hear every day.
Escape the Gaol (Ongoing) – At Old Melbourne Gaol, kids can become inmates on a mission to hatch the perfect escape plan. Read my Old Melbourne Gaol review
SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium (ongoing) – See some of the world’s most incredible animals, including penguins, a 6-metre-long crocodile and thousands of tropical fish, plus the newly reopened oceanarium.

SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium

What’s on in Melbourne – North / North-East

Cosy Collage Matinée @ Missing Gorilla (Sat 27 Jul and Sat 10 Aug) – Dream of a screen-free, family-friendly winter escape by the fireplace, exploring contemporary collage, sipping drinks, and enjoying nibbles to French Jazz & Cafe music.
Meet Victoria the T. rex (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 20 Oct) – Victoria the T. rex is a world-class, interactive exhibition starring the real fossil skeleton of a 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus named Victoria.
Hurstbridge Wattle Festival (Sun 25 Aug) – A rural street festival held on the last Sunday in August in Hurstbridge.
Italian Day Festival (Sun 25 Aug) – Enjoy live entertainment, cooking demos, pop up food stalls, free kids activities, and more!
T.REX 3D (Fri 21 Jun – Sat 21 Dec) – Narrated by Sam Neill, experience the iconic T. rex come to life on the world’s biggest, best screen in this thrilling IMAX 3D documentary!

T. REX exhibition. Source Neon Global

Under 5s Art Classes (Fridays until 15 Sep) – Sessions will explore the elements of art such as colour, shape, texture and pattern through material exploration and experimentation.
Fitzroy Market (Saturdays) – a one-stop hub for everything produce, food, artisan, handcrafted, vintage, second hand and local.
Abbotsford Farmers Market (Saturday) – Shop local and seasonal produce and visit the Collingwood Children’s Farm which is just next door.
Keeper Kids Melbourne Zoo (Ongoing) – Educator-led daily activities that promote learning through storytelling, craft and play.

VU Play Coburg pop-up playspaces (Tuesdays – Saturdays) – VU early childhood pre-service teachers create pop-up play spaces for children to play.
Rose Street Artists’ Market (Saturdays and Sundays) – Shop directly from Melbourne’s best artists, designers, crafters and makers at Fitzroy’s iconic Rose Street Market.
Heide Art Babies (Tuesdays) – 30 minutes of sensory play in the gallery, looking, thinking and talking about art. Read the Heide Art Babies Review.
Diamond Valley Railway (Sundays) – miniature railway with a playground next door. Read the Diamond Valley Railway Review.

Heide Gallery Kids (Fridays) – Join Art Therapist Tanis Douglas, who supports pre-school children and their carers to gain confidence observing artworks in a small group.
Sensory Tray Sessions (ongoing) – Pour, scoop, splash and more at our sensory tray sessions!
Tiny Tours (ongoing) – A 45-minute tour created for early year audiences that will invite them to wonder, discover and be amazed.
Dinosaur Walk (ongoing) – Check out the real dinosaur bones at Melbourne Museum’s permanent exhibition featuring ten dinosaur skeletons, three pterosaurs, and other select megafauna artefacts such as huge teeth!
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.
Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs (ongoing) – An immersive voyage into a lost world, where visitors will explore the landscapes of the Cretaceous and get to know the creatures that thrived there.
Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery (Ongoing) – A world-class immersive learning and play experience – and a wonderland for little learners! The exhibition combines hands-on exploration and discovery, open-ended play-based learning, extraordinary immersive environments and unique museum collection objects.

What’s on in Melbourne – South / South-East / Bayside

Prehistoric Bayside Exhibition (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 25 Aug) – Prehistoric Bayside is an immersive family-friendly exhibition showcasing the tumultuous lives of bizarre beasts dating back roughly 5-6 million years.
Teen Digital Photography Project (Wed 24 Jul – Wed 11 Sep) – Engage in a range of hands-on activities, tapping into the realm of camera settings and controlled lighting, as you learn to craft captivating images that resonate with your unique perspective.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party tickets (Sat 10 Aug – Sun 11 Aug) – Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party presented by BIG W lets audiences see real-life versions of Hot Wheels monster truck toys, including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, and the new HW 5-Alarm fire truck, in exciting competitions and battles in the dark.
LINDEN PLAYS > FABRIC + PAPER MACHE BOWLS WORKSHOP (Sat 10 Aug) – Get ready to transform recycled fabric into unique paper mache bowls, bursting with colour and imagination! Under the guidance of facilitator Anna Zobel, children will explore the magic of upcycling while unleashing their artistic flair.
NGV TEENS: ART PARTY (Sat 10 Aug) – Experience an unforgettable night at NGV International complete with DJs, workshops, performance and inspiring talks exclusively for teens.
Circus Royale – Pakenham (Sat 29 Jul – Sun 10 Sep) – Step Right Up! Experience a Circus Like Never Before: Circus Royale Brings Australia’s Only 3D Hologram Display & Bonus Animatronic Dinosaur Exhibit to Pakenham!

Circus Royale

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party tickets (Sat 10 Aug – Sun 11 Aug) – Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party presented by BIG W lets audiences see real-life versions of Hot Wheels monster truck toys, including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, and the new HW 5-Alarm fire truck, in exciting competitions and battles in the dark.
Moorabbin Junction After Dark (Sat 10 Aug) – Station Street’s first-ever street party, celebrating local community. Experience the magic as neon light artist Carla O’Brien transforms the street into an interactive wonderland.
The Peasant Prince in 2024 (Mon 19 Aug – Tue 20 Aug) – The Peasant Prince tells the remarkable true story of a 10-year-old peasant boy’s journey from impoverished rural China to the international dance scene. This is a story of courage, resilience and unwavering hope.
Wonderbox by Sensorium Theatre (Wed 21 Aug – Sat 24 Aug) – Sensorium Theatre, Australia’s only theatre company making work specifically designed for young audiences with disability and their friends, invites children to roll the dice and set out along a safe, exhilarating pathway into the unknown.
Little Play Times (Every Wednesdays Starts Aug 9) – Legoland’s new program that is designed to teach pre-school children new skills through meaningful parent-child play!
Mini Makers (Wednesdays) – Back for Term 3, Mini Makers provides masterclasses for kids ages 2 – 5, where they can explore science, craft, cooking, music, movement and more!
Mornington Railway (Sundays) – Climb aboard the Mornington Railway steam train for a fun-filled outing.
Sonica Botanica: Stories and Sounds from the Gardens (Until 31 Dec 2024) – Weaving together interviews, field recordings and a musical score, this evocative listening experience responds to collectors’ passions, botanical knowledge, favourite memories, childhood impressions, historical anecdotes and cultural viewpoints
Little Play Times Legoland (ongoing) – An interactive parent-child Play & Learn session based on LEGO® DUPLO®

Bentleigh Sunday Market (Sundays) – plants, clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, books, videos, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods, and more! Every Sunday.
Young At Art (Tuesdays) – With the guidance of an experienced early childhood educator, participants work on a different hands-on creative activity every week, using materials from the take-home art materials box supplied each session.
Tune in Time Out Music Playgroup (Tuesdays) – A pre-school music group plus time for play and parents to relax. The group runs weekly on Tuesday Mornings from 10:00 – 11:30am during school terms.
Camberwell Sunday Market (Every Sunday) – second-hand retro, vintage, antique, fashion and collectible goods you just can’t find anywhere else.
National Steam Centre (Saturdays and Sundays) – A visit to the National Steam Centre will delight a wide audience from the pre-schooler obsessed with Thomas and train rides, to train enthusiasts of any age!
Gasworks Farmers’ Market (Third Saturday of every month until Sun 21 Dec) – On Saturdays soak up the vibrant atmosphere and sample the very best of local Victorian produce, directly from Victorian farmers and specialty makers.
Little Play Squad Legoland (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) – An interactive parent-child Play & Learn session based on LEGO® DUPLO®.
Prahran Market Mini Marketeers (Every Tuesday) – Enjoy free, guided activities teaching toddlers the fundamentals of eating well and putting the ‘yum’ in healthy food choices.
Aboriginal Heritage Walk (Sundays) – Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide.
The Explorer – Melbourne Gardens (ongoing) – Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus.
Shrine Kids (Daily) – The Shrine of Remembrance is the National War Memorial of Victoria and it makes for an educational (and sobering) outing for families. Read the Shrine Kids Review.

Nature Play (ongoing) – Come along to Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve for Nature Play, an outdoor, child-led playgroup session facilitated by a qualified ranger.
WIIILD Wednesdays, Gumbuya World (ongoing) – Dive into Wildlife Wanderers, the trail of free-roaming wildlife, savor two interactive shows, and hop on junior rides! Get up close with exotic animals, connect with nature, and enjoy exciting entertainment every week!
St Kilda Breakwater (ongoing) – Spot the Little Penguin colony just before dusk coming ashore from the promenade.
The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden (ongoing) – A dedicated, fully fenced space for families featuring plants, water, structures, and pathways that reflect Melbourne’s changing seasons.
Stories and Songs in the Square (Ongoing) – Nurture your child’s early literacy skills by joining in to read aloud stories and sing action songs and rhymes.
Little Lunies at Luna Park (Ongoing) – Discover a fantastic world of rides, attractions, and games to suit Little and Big Lunies! There’s something for everyone from old favorites like The Great Scenic Railway, Ghost Train, & Carousel to the big thrill rides like the Power Surge, Sky Rider, Twin Dragon, and more!
St Kilda Breakwater (Ongoing) – St Kilda Breakwater – Spot the Little Penguin colony just before dusk coming ashore from the promenade.
Gumbuya World Wildlife Wanderers (ongoing) – join a fun day for your little ones with a 30-minute program, which will include storytime, games and Nature Play-based activities.

Gumbuya

What’s on in Melbourne – East

BUSY BODIES (Tue 6 Aug – Tue 27 Aug) – Join the fun each Tuesday during the school term for FREE activity sessions tailored for pre-school aged children.
Bumble Bee Baby and Children’s Market (Sun 4 Aug and Sun 25 Aug) – high quality pre loved, handmade, and new goods at reasonable prices.
Creative Kids: Toddler Mornings (Wed 14 Aug) – Join us for our monthly craft sessions at Creative Kids, Burwood One. It’s totally free and open to all!
Park Orchards Market (Sat 17 Aug) – Enjoy music, kids activities, playgrounds, plenty of parking, coffee, bread, pastries, fresh fruit & veg, local eggs, honey, wholesale meat, artisan deli goods, cheese, wine, plants, gifts, homewares, dogs & cats painter, arts & crafts and jewellery.
Yarra Valley Railway (Every Sun) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Read the Yarra Valley Review.
Melbourne Tram Museum (Sat 10 Aug, Wed 14 Aug, and Sat 24 Aug) – Visit a Melbourne icon at this quirky museum. Read the Melbourne Tram Museum full review

ECOSS Valley Market (Fridays) – Experience the vibrant Valley Markets, connecting local growers, artisans, and musicians in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Wurundjeri Storytime (Fridays) – Join Rebecca from Wurundjeri Council in an interactive online storytelling session for kinders, early years groups and families aged 0 to 5 years. Children will learn about Wurundjeri culture, Woi-wurrung language and Dreaming stories through storytelling, rhyme and song. Please register each class group attending.
BUSY BODIES Malvern Central (Every Monday) – Experience FREE activity sessions for pre-school children every Monday during the school term. Play, learn, cook, and have fun with engaging activities tailored by experts to captivate little imaginations.
Mt Baw Baw (June – September but dates will vary depending on snow season) – Melbourne’s closest downhill ski resort is open for the winter season. Read the tips on visiting Mt Baw Baw with kids
Lake Mountain (June – September but dates will vary depending on snow season) – toboggan, cross country skiing and snow play, 2 hours from Melbourne. Read the visiting Lake Mountain with kids review

Eastland (ongoing) – Sign up to the free mini & me kids club at Eastland (for kids 4 and under) and receive exclusive offers, invites to free events and $5 valet parking!
Spirits of the Sky (ongoing) – See the natural behaviours of a variety of native birds at Healesville Sanctuary which may include the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard, Barking Owl, magnificent parrots and more.
Afternoons of Awesome at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre (ongoing) – Young builders can blast out of the classroom into a world of creativity, hop on electrifying rides, and set off on epic afternoon LEGO adventure!
Belgrave Big Dreams Market (2nd Sunday of the month) – discover original and bespoke design pieces, some of the yummiest and freshest produce the area has to offer, live music, bouncy castle and face painting for the kids.

Belgrave Big Dreams Market

What’s on in Melbourne – West

Australian Model Railway Association 2024 Exhibition (Sat 3 Aug – Sun 4 Aug) – Experience the Australian Model Railway Association (AMRA) 2023 Exhibition, a captivating showcase of model trains.
Kryal Castle’s: Highland Spectacular (Sat 17 Aug – Sun 18 Aug) – Step into Scotland this August. For two days only, August 17 and 18, Ballarat’s iconic medieval castle will welcome visitors to the world of pipe bands, highland dancing and clan tents, all paired with an array of decedent Scottish food and drink.
Bulla Railway (3rd Sunday of each month) – Ride the dinosaur trail on the miniature railway. Read the Bulla Railway Review.
Altona Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the month) – between 10am and 3pm ride this wonderful Miniature Railway.Read the Altona Miniature Railway review.
Grazeland (Fridays – Sundays) – huge dining precinct with city views and 50 stalls to choose from. Read the Grazeland Review

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. Read the Essendon Traffic School review.
Altona Homestead (recurring 1st Sunday of the month) – Experience the renowned Devonshire Tea at Altona Homestead on the first Sunday of every month. Reserve your spot in advance for a delightful time.
Altona Beach Market (recurring weekly every Tuesdays) – Experience Melbourne’s popular Altona Beach market, a weekly street market held on Pier Street, featuring fresh food stalls, unique crafts, and a scenic seaside backdrop, attracting both local residents and visitors from all over the city.
Art in the garden (Tuesdays) – It’s a combination of nature play, sensory play, process art, and playgroup. Run by ‘The Fun In Art’.
2024 Spartan Urban Event Weekend (Sat 3 Aug – Sun 4 Aug) – Conquer thrilling obstacles and overcome rugged terrain with the Spartan Kids Race! Prepare for smiles, medals and a whole lot of mud!

Spartan

Toddler and Kids Art Classes (Thurs + Fridays) – The Fun In Art’ provides art classes for toddlers and kids where they’re more about the fun of creation and less about the outcome of the artwork.
Ground Up: Building Big Ideas, Together (Ongoing) – An exhibition for babies to five-year-olds where curiosity is rewarded around each bend with surprising and intriguing sights, sounds and touch sensations.
Robotics and coding kit – Discover the power of mBot robots in this fun introductory workshop that explores how simple programs can control complex machines.
Animal Land (Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays) – Children’s Farm in Diggers Rest offering an authentic farm experience for children and families.
Playnastics (Wednesdays & Thursdays) – Casual open play sessions using a selection of Preschool Gymnastics equipment and resources, as well as puzzles, blocks and more.
Melbourne Planetarium (Ongoing) – Sit back and enjoy the wonder of the stars regardless of the time of day – or the weather!

Sunday Funday Station Hotel (Sundays) – Every Sunday The Station Hotel prepares an animal farm and other entertaining activities to keep the little ones busy, while you sit back and relax. Read the Station Hotel Review
Bells and Beats (Thursdays during school term) – Come along on a musical adventure with plenty of fun and dancing for 0 – 5 year old’s.
Enterprize Sail Williamstown (usually sails the third Sunday of every month) – go for a one hour sail on tall ship Enterprize in Williamstown
Werribee Open Range Zoo (ongoing) – Stroll through the Zoo spotting lions, hippos, cheetahs, monkeys, gorillas and more, catch the safari bus tour or explore the Ranger Kids indoor play space and Village Kids outdoor playground.
Air Playground (ongoing) – Air Playground has launched at Scienceworks. Levitate objects, engineer paper planes, & learn the physics of airflow.
Clocktower Centre Children’s Space (ongoing) – Parents and carers can sit back and relax with a coffee and a snack from the Clocktower Café while the kids explore the space, watch the trams go by or listen to their favourite book with the interactive Storytime Pod.
Incy Wincy Babies (ongoing) – Barking Spider Creative artist guides carers with their babies through a visual art experience at the Gallery.
Bounce Play Dates Essendon Fields (ongoing) – It’s not just jumping and rock climbing for kids, enjoy a minibouncer zone exclusive for toddlers (for kids <110 cm in height).

What’s on in Melbourne for August 2024 – PIN this picture to save this post!

This post contains paid inclusions. We carefully select who we include in our content and if you purchase with our partners it helps me to provide free, valuable and useful information for you! Thanks, Joyce

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6 Best Places to go Ice Skating in Melbourne with Family and Friends

Joyce Watts — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:00:00 +0000

One of the best things a Melbourne winter can offer is the chance to go ice skating!

And right now the Melbourne ice skating scene is buzzing as winter hits and ice skating season begins (although many ice skating rinks are open year-round).

Melbourne has a number of great places to go and enjoy an ice skating experience with the whole family. From the large outdoor public ice rinks to the smaller ice skating rinks located inside shopping centres and arcades, you can bet that this city has it all.

We love skating in the winter season! Not only does it offer tons of winter holiday fun but also poses a great opportunity to go out and get moving.

Each of these ice skating rinks is well worth a visit, but before you lace up those skates, here’s some info you’ll need to know about some of the best places to go ice skating Melbourne wide.

Ice Skating Melbourne

1. Winter in Williamstown, Williamstown

Escape to Winter in Williamstown this season and embrace the festive spirit at Commonwealth Reserve from 28 June to 14 July 2024.

Lace up your skates for a glide across the synthetic ice rink, marvel at the mesmerizing Winter Lights Display, and enjoy live entertainment with DJ sets and roving performers.

Williamstown Ice Skating in the Park:

All abilities are welcome!
Session running: 12pm – 6pm Sun to Wed, 12pm – 8pm Thurs to Sat
$1 Children, $5 Adults (13+) plus booking fees
Skates included
Penguin helper hire is FREE for small children (pre-book)

Winter in Williamstown, (From 12 pm daily, Sat 28 June to Sun 14 July 2024) Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown VIC 3016

Book ice skating tickets here

2. Eynesbury Winter Festival, Eynesbury

Opening on Thursday 27 June the Eynesbury Winter Festival – a spot that’s perfect for ice skating in Melbourne and for enjoying some tasty winter food and drinks, plus a bunch of other winter activities.

The winter celebration offers so much for families to see and do. On top of the hourly superstar ice skating experience, you’ll also get to be entertained by the live music and performances, wander the winter market and much more.

Eynesbury Winter Festival is a perfect winter outing and a destination that is a contender for best ice skating rink Melbourne wide. The festival is free to enter but you’ll have to pre-book tickets for the ice rink, sessions start at $15.

Eynesbury Winter Festival, 479 Eynesbury Road, Eynesbury, +61 3 9971 0414, events@eynesbury.com.au.

3. O’Brien Ice House, Docklands

Known as Australia’s premier Olympic ice sports venue, The O’Brien Icehouse is a HUGE ice skating rink with great facilities that is open all year round for skating. So if you’re looking to have some fun ice skating Docklands might just be the destination for you!

This rink is open seven days a week and offers ice skating classes, parties and events and school group bookings. It also has an onsite cafe and bar.

O’Brien Icehouse, 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands, 1300 75 66 99, Info@obriengrouparena.com.au

4. Olympic Ice Skating Centre, Oakleigh

Skating enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the public ice skating sessions at the Olympic Ice Skating Centre. The location is a training ground for future Olympians and offers free skate rental, along with free parking.

This spot is one of the nicest around and is definitely worth checking out If you’re looking for a great place to go ice skating as it’s perfect for a family outing and you’re sure to have a blast!

Olympic Ice Skating Centre, 1080 Centre Road, Oakleigh South, +61 3 9579 3755

5. Ice HQ, Reservoir

Formerly known as the Puckhandlers inline hockey stadium, Ice HQ is an indoor Ice Skating Rink that’s been transformed into a state-of-the-art ice skating centre for ice hockey games, lessons and general ice skating sessions.

Ice HQ is open for ice skating daily except on wednesdays. However, the rinks schedules may change from time to time so it would be best to check first before you vist.

Ice HQ, 1 Blake St, Reservoir, +61 3 9478 2876

6. Ballarat Winter Festival, Ballarat

The Ballarat Winter Festival is a celebration of the city’s signature season and for 2024 the joyous celebration is set to take place from 29 June to 21 July 2024!

On top of the unique events and various winter offerings, you can bet that one of the long awaited activities for the festival is the ever popular pop-up ice skating rink which will only be up for a limited three-week season (so it would be best to book your tickets online now to avoid missing out.)

Be sure to take the time to visit the Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights while you’re in town as well as eating and drinking your way through Ballarat’s burgeoning food scene.

Ballarat Winter Festival, Armstrong Street South, Ballarat Central, 1800 44 66 33, events@ballarat.vic.gov.au

Ballarat Winter Festival is your Family Getaway Destination This Winter School Holidays

Places to Ski, Enjoy Snow Play and Ice Skating in Melbourne & Victoria

Click here for my 10 tips for a family ski trip or snow holiday

Ice Skating in Melbourne – PIN this picture to save this post!

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Why Melbourne Museum Should Be On Your Hit-List These Winter School Holidays (2024)

Joyce Watts — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:28:45 +0000

Question: Where is a great place to go with kids in Melbourne when you’re trying to keep the kids entertained through weeks of school holidays AND the weather’s wet and cold?

Answer: Melbourne Museum!

Trust me, you’ll never hear “I’m boooored’ when your kids get to explore two storeys of curiosity and wonder, plus they always put on an excellent school holiday program.

Even better, general admission to Melbourne Museum is always free for kids 16 and under!

Playbound is the home of fun these Winter School Holidays

These winter school holidays, Melbourne Museum‘s program of special events and exhibitions is part of Playbound, a dynamic children’s festival taking over Melbourne from 29 June to 14 July 2024.

The creative children’s festival features over 40 programs spread across 14 city venues, offering interactive experiences grounded in play, nature, science, and imagination.

Playbound is presented by Museums Victoria, in partnership with the City of Melbourne, ArtPlay, Melbourne Recital Centre, Road to Zero and Gowrie Victoria

Here are some of the highlights at Melbourne Museum!

1. Victoria the T. rex Opening Weekend Dinosaur Party

Join the roaring fun at Melbourne Museum’s Dinosaur Party celebrating the opening of the Victoria the T. rex exhibition!

From mask-making to scavenger hunts, kids of all ages can enjoy a prehistoric adventure included with museum entry.

Get creative with 3-D T. rex masks, explore fossils with pop-up activities, and meet a real dinosaur lover for fascinating insights.

Hunt for 100 tiny dinosaurs, dance at the Dino Disco, and even meet a baby Triceratops up close.

It’s a weekend filled with dinosaur excitement and interactive learning that’s sure to delight both young and old palaeontology enthusiasts.

Sat 29 June + Sun 30 June from 10 am to 4.30 pm

Playbound Victoria the T. rex Opening Weekend Dinosaur Party at Melbourne Museum: Photo Rodney Start

2. Build your own T. rex Masks

Step into the exciting world of dinosaurs at Melbourne Museum and craft your own T. rex mask during the Playbound festival these school holidays.

Discover the incredible strength of the T. rex’s bite while engaging in a hands-on activity that combines creativity and science.

Channel your inner palaeontologist as you colour and construct your very own T. rex mask, creating a unique piece of prehistoric art to take home.

It’s a great before or after stop combined with a visit to Melbourne Museum’s iconic Dinosaur Walk.

Sat 29 Jun until Sun 14 Jul 2024

Playbound T.Rex masks at Melbourne Museum Source Museums Victoria Photo Eugene Hyland

3. NAIDOC Week Family Day

Melbourne Museum invites you to kick off NAIDOC Week with a special Family Day filled with engaging activities and performances on Sunday 7 July 2024.

The theme “Blak, Loud and Proud” celebrates Indigenous identity through the reclamation of narratives and the amplification of voices.

Witness a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, enjoy performances, and join maker activities like designing your own Kooyang Eel and learning about Dancing Dragonflies.

Explore exhibitions like “Biik Milboo Dhumba” and “Piinpi” showcasing Indigenous art and fashion. Listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue to foster a society where Indigenous wisdom and contributions are valued and respected.

This evocative and beautifully designed space is one of our favourite permanent exhibitions at Melbourne Museum.

Playbound NAIDOC Week Family Day at Melbourne Museum Source Museums Victoria Photo Eugene Hyland

4. Scavenger Hunt and Competition

Embark on an epic quest at Melbourne Museum to find 100 tiny dinosaurs scattered throughout the galleries!

Follow the trail of these miniature creatures as they make their way to welcome Victoria T. rex. Delve into the Dinosaur Walk and Gandel Gondwana Garden to uncover hidden dinosaur stickers and unscramble letters for a special code word.

Discover the shiny Crystal T. rex for a chance to win a grand prize pack worth $500! With each dinosaur found, learn more about these fascinating prehistoric creatures and their world.

Sat 29 Jun until Sun 14 Jul 2024

Playbound Tiny Dinos at Melbourne Museum Source Museums Victoria Photo Eugene Hyland

5. Join a tiny guided tour

Tiny Tours is where youngsters aged 3 to 5 can discover the enchanting world of museum objects like never before. Led by expert guides, this 45-minute adventure focuses on the significance of small wonders in a world dominated by giants.

From unravelling mysteries of 600 million years ago to uncovering the fate of the dinosaurs, children will be immersed in a captivating learning experience.

Every Friday at 10 am and 11.30 am.

Tiny Tours Melbourne Museum

6. Road to Zero Scavenger Hunt

Gear up for an exciting and informative experience at the Road to Zero Scavenger Hunt.

Visit the interactive Road to Zero gallery and engage in a thrilling scavenger hunt that combines entertainment with learning about pedestrian and cycling safety.

Work together with your family to solve puzzles and uncover the key principles of road safety, making this a memorable and educational experience for all.

Suited to children aged 4 to 13.

Mon 1 Jul to Sat 13 July (excluding Sun 7 July), from 10am to 3pm.

Playbound Road to Zero Scavenger Hunt at Melbourne Museum Source Museums Victoria

7. Explore the nature play space.

Gandel Gondwana Garden is an outdoor nature play space, suitable for children aged six to twelve but open to visitors of all ages, that offers a rich exploration of Australia’s natural history and Indigenous culture.

Roam through diverse ecosystems, encounter prehistoric megafauna, and immerse yourself in the stories of Creation as you traverse the garden’s interactive exhibits.

Gandel Gondwana Garden is included with museum entry.

Gandel Gondwana Garden Melbourne Museum

8. From Little Things…

Make sure you visit the Mini Mega Model Museum!

This quirky exhibition presents intriguing miniatures and small things in unexpectedly huge sizes, with opportunities to press buttons to operate models and interact with exhibits in fun ways.

It’s been one of the most popular temporary exhibitions with my kids, with requests to visit time and time again.

Mini Mega Model Museum is included with museum entry.

9. Get curious with your little ones

The Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery is one of the most popular locations for families at Melbourne Museum, full of sensory experiences and hands-on exhibits.

Inside and outside, there are so many opportunities for fun and delight with your little ones. Dig for dinosaurs, pump the bubbles, colour butterflies and more!

Note that the Children’s Gallery requires a separate entry booking in order to manage capacity, so make sure that you book a timeslot at the same time as booking your Museum ticket so you don’t miss out.

10. Step into an urban forest

When you need some peace and tranquility, take a deep, cleansing breath of fresh mountain air when you enter the Forest Gallery.

Located at the heart of Melbourne Museum, this unique natural space abounds with hidden creatures – it’s a wonderful place to play a little game of ‘I Spy’ with the kids.

This post was published in partnership with Melbourne Museum

The post Why Melbourne Museum Should Be On Your Hit-List These Winter School Holidays (2024) appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Hands-On Fun: Winter School Holidays At Scienceworks 2024

Amy Gardner — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:22:14 +0000

Scienceworks has prepared a Winter School Holiday program this year with exciting new shows at the Melbourne Planetarium, a curious augmented reality experience, exclusive on-site tours, and interactive workshops with air and aerodynamics at Air Playground, back by popular demand.

Scienceworks WINTER 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 29 June 2024 – 14 July 2024 | Daily | 12:00pm and 2:00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry

3. Guided Highlights Tour

For the first time ever, visitors can explore the museum on a guided tour!

With a knowledgeable guide, encounter some of Scienceworks’ truest treasures, including the world’s oldest surviving first-generation electronic computer, the Da Vinci Surgical System (the first ever used in Australia), a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite and much more.

Guided Highlights Tour, 29 June 2024 – 14 July 2024 | Daily | 1:30 pm | Adult $25, Senior $20, Child $10, Concession $10, Member $8 | Includes Scienceworks entry

4. 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, 29 June 2024 – 14 July 2024 | Daily | 1:00pm & 2:00pm | $3, $2 Museum Members

5. 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 – Solar System Adventures: Where’s the Water?

1:00pm – Starlight

2:00pm – Solar System Adventures: Where’s the Water?

3:00pm – Capturing the Cosmos

4:00pm – Dark Side of the Moon

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

6. 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

7. Pumping Station Orientation

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

8. 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 Winter

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Free Winter School Holiday Events in Melbourne 2024

Joyce Watts — Wed, 29 May 2024 20:00:00 +0000

School holidays can be an expensive affair, so here’s a list of free winter school holiday events Melbourne. That’s a free event you could visit, every day of the holidays!

Winter Street Party Werribee (Fri 28 Jun) – See the city light up after dark, with beautiful light installations, street performers, kids’ activities and warming winter treats from city traders.
Docklands Firelight Festival (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 30 Jun) – the traditions of a winter solstice and a modern celebration of arts, music, food, fire and fun.
EID @ FOOTSCRAY (Sat 29 Jun) – Immerse yourself in the vibrant Eid festivities of the many Muslim cultures that enrich multicultural Maribyrnong. Experience: food samplings, Ethiopian coffee, Henna, interactive arts, communal prayers and Qawwali.
School Holidays: Winter Wonderland Creations (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 5 Jul) – The school holidays are just around the corner and we are thrilled to invite you to an enchanting week of winter-themed activities that will delight the whole family!
Winter Wonderland (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 5 Jul) – Join the fun at our free winter themed school holidays! Sensory craft, an igloo photobooth and even a scavenger hunt.
FREE School Holiday Fun! (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – Enjoy Free School Holiday Fun, where kids can participate in an interactive ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ workshop during week 1, followed by a week of engaging mindful activities such as kids yoga, coloring, and bead craft in week 2.
Winter School Holidays at Queen Victoria Market (Tue 2 Jul, Thu 4 Jul, Tue 9 Jul, and Thu 11 Jul) – Get ready for a giant tumble of geometric planks, where little ones can explore their creativity and collaboration as they create giant shapes to craft larger-than-life snowflakes.
Kids Takeover: After Dark (Wed 3 Jul) – Let your kids take charge at this one-day winter extravaganza, where they’ll dominate the Library with arts, hip-hop, magic, and more.
Firefly Night Market (Sat 6 Jul) – fun for the whole family with roving performers, interactive art, street food, artisan stalls, cultural activities and live performances.
NAIDOC Week 2024 Dandenong Market (Sun 7 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Recognising the history and achievement of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this event contributes to the movement for our elders and original owners of the land both past and present.
NAIDOC Week Oration by Uncle Charles Pakana (Mon 8 Jul) – This year Moonee Valley’s NAIDOC Week events will commence with a NAIDOC-themed oration delivered by Uncle Charles Pakana at the Incinerator Gallery.
NAIDOC Week: Indigenous Cultural Presentation on Fire (Tue 9 Jul) – Discover the importance of fire and smoke in this educational Indigenous presentation.
NAIDOC Week Children’s Craft Workshops (Tue 9 Jul) – Join for FREE NAIDOC Week children’s craft workshops. Let the kids enjoy painting and colouring during these school holidays.
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.
Winter Night Market (Wed 5 Jun – Wed 28 Aug) – Rug up in your winter woollies and head to the Market for Melbourne’s best street food trucks and stalls, local brewers and distillers, shopping and lively entertainment.
Aboriginal Housing Victoria’s annual NAIDOC Family Day (Wed 10 Jul) -The theme of NAIDOC Week 2024, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud,” celebrates the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture, with fire symbolizing connection to Country, community, and traditions
Josh Deane: Crackle of the Cockatoos (Wed 10 Jul – Tue 16 Jul) – This intriguing installation by Palawa contemporary artist Josh Deane features a group of paper mache cockatoos, with each sculpture incorporating paper as a tribute to the library environment.
NAIDOC Exhibition Opening: Keep The Fire Burning (Thu 11 Jul) – Bluethumb is pleased to announce its annual NAIDOC week exhibition, ‘Keep The Fire Burning,’ which is dedicated to supporting the creative endeavours of Indigenous artists.
BLAKtivism. Build Blak Power. Fight for Change (Thu 11 Jul) – At this reflective and provocative panel event, Bebe Oliver discusses the currency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activism, guided by Laniyuk, Apryl Day and Iluka Sax-Williams.
NAIDOC Week: The Little Long Walk at EF (Thu 11 Jul) – For the third year, join us this NAIDOC Week for the Little Long Walk at Essendon Fields.
Haus of Dizzy Charm Bracelet Workshop (Thu 11 Jul) – Welcome to the ultimate bling-tastic workshop with self-confessed ‘Queen of Bling’, Wiradjuri designer Kristy Dickinson of Haus of Dizzy. Kristy’s jewellery celebrates and honours Aboriginal culture through bold and statement-making accessories.
NAIDOC 2024 KHT NAIDOC Market (Fri 12 Jul – Sat 13 Jul) – The 2024 NAIDOC Week theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud,” symbolizing the enduring strength, vitality, and traditions of First Peoples cultures.
NAIDOC in the City (Fri 12 Jul) – Following the annual NAIDOC march, NAIDOC in the City is an exciting celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, achievements and talents.
Bastille Day French Festival (Sat 13 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Shop from local French stallholders, indulge in mouth-watering delicacies, plus delight in traditional dance and musical performances from French jazz, Mauritian bands and mime artists!
NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATION 2024 (Sat 13 Jul) – Each year NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to acknowledge the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Melbourne Zoo Community Day (Sun 14 Jul) – Join us to close out NAIDOC week with a range of First Nations led activities for children, young people and families. A collaboration by Aboriginal Melbourne and Melbourne Zoo.
Junior Ranger Bush Food and Bizarre Bugs (Sun 14 Jul) – Kids! Why are bugs important to the world? What is bush food? Discover the answer to these questions and more in these activities led by City of Melbourne Park Rangers and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Linden New Art’s NAIDOC Week Community Day (Sun 14 Jul) – Linden New Art’s NAIDOC Week Community Day promises an engaging blend of cultural immersion and community building.
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.
Seek and Find Nature Cards (Until Sun 31 Dec) Set your young ones on an adventure exploring nature with our Seek and Find Nature Cards to be used at Melbourne Gardens or download the cards and go exploring in your own neighbourhood.
Free face painting Prahran Market (Thursdays) – face painter, Alysha, from Paint The Party.
Prahran Market Mini Marketeers (Tuesdays) – Enjoy free, guided activities teaching toddlers the fundamentals of eating well and putting the ‘yum’ in healthy food choices.
ECOSS Valley Market (Fridays) – Experience the vibrant Valley Markets, connecting local growers, artisans, and musicians in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Eynesbury Winter Festival (Thur 27 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – The perfect winter outing for the entire family! Hit the ice rink, enjoy some tasty winter food & drinks and more.
Junior Rangers (Ongoing) – Parks Victoria Ranger guided activities in various locations. Including Minibeast Discovery at Brimbank Park and Organ Pipes National Park. Read the Junior Rangers review.
NGV TEENS: DROP BY AND MAKE A BUSH FLOWER WITH SOPHIE HONESS (Daily) – This school holidays, join artist Sophie Honess in a free workshop making a bush flower inspired pom-pom to decorate your school bag. Together with the NGV Teen Council, meet like-minded people and develop your skills at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square
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
Bunnings D.I.Y Kids Workshop (Sat 8 Jul – Sun 9 Jul) – Get your kids to build their own crate for free in stores where they’ll be rewarded with a ‘License To D.I.Y’ certificate once their masterpiece is complete!
KNOX events, activities and festivals for everyone (Mon 26 Jun – Tue 26 Sep) – Explore a wide range of activities, festivals, and events happening near you. Join in the fun and embrace the vibrant community spirit.
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. Children under 16 FREE.
Eastland (Ongoing) – Sign up to the free mini & me kids club at Eastland (for kids 4 and under) and receive exclusive offers, invites to free events, and $5 valet parking! FREE.

Also remember that your local library and Melbourne Library Service hold free events plus check out the free ongoing Shrine Kids discovery trail for children at the Shrine of Remembrance. Full review.

Finally check out the following lists for free inspiration:

Click here for winter school holiday events in Melbourne- CBD and Docklands

Click here for winter school holiday events in Melbourne – north, south, east, west

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Melbourne School Holidays Winter – Friday 28 June to Sunday 14 July 2024

Joyce Watts — Wed, 29 May 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Melbourne is getting ready for some seriously fun and exciting events these winter school holidays, running from Friday 28 June to Sunday 14 July 2024.

From chilling out at ice rinks to enjoying festive markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Here are all the best school holiday events and activities happening throughout Melbourne’s suburbs. Find winter school holiday events in Melbourne CBD.

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

Do Awesome Stuff at BOUNCE these school holidays!

Featured Event

It’s not about having more, it’s about doing MORE! That’s more freestyle-fun, more adrenaline and more action-adventure awesomeness!

Jump, climb, and flip into more awesomeness every time you come to BOUNCE.

BOOK ONLINE

What’s On Melbourne Winter School Holidays 2024 – Table of Contents

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S NORTH / NORTH-EAST

Melbourne Museum Winter School Holiday Program (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Engage in exciting performances, workshops, crafts, and activities that blend play, nature, science, and imagination to ignite young minds and foster creativity.

Featured Event

Playbound T.Rex masks at Melbourne Museum: Source Museums Victoria Photo Eugene Hyland

ANTARCTICA 3D (Fri 21 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – With never-before-seen footage, Antarctica 3D will take you to the farthest reaches of this wild and majestic continent.
T-Rex 3D (Fri 21 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Dive into the breathtaking world of T-Rex 3D, exclusively presented in IMAX 4K Laser Digital!
21st Bonfire 2024 (Sat 22 Jun) – Trot down to Collingwood Children’s Farm to make this family-friendly fundraiser burn bright!
Meet Victoria the T. rex (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 20 Oct) – Victoria the T. rex is a world-class, interactive exhibition starring the real fossil skeleton of a 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus named Victoria.
BOUNCE Heidelberg Holiday Camp (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Join BOUNCE Holiday Camps for a morning filled with 3-hours of indoor adrenaline fun throughout the holiday period!
BOUNCE Essendon Fields Holiday Camp (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Join BOUNCE Holiday Camps for a morning filled with 3-hours of indoor adrenaline fun throughout the holiday period!

Victoria the T. rex Opening Weekend Dinosaur Party (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 30 Jun) – Celebrate the opening weekend of the Victoria the T. rex exhibition with mask making, scavenger hunts and dinosaur talks for kids – all free with your Melbourne Museum entry ticket.
Tracey Lister: Kids’ Gnocchi Class (Mon 1 Jul) – A fun way for kids to learn some basic cooking skills in a safe and supervised environment.
School Holiday Rolling Circus (Mon 1 Jul) – Step right up and prepare for the most dazzling pop-up roller rink of the winter school holidays!
Farmer for a Day (Tue 2 Jul – Thu 4 Jul & Mon 9 Jul – Thu 11 Jul) – learn all about what it takes to keep a busy Community Farm humming and what Collingwood Children’s Farm does to take care of their animals as well as the land that we all rely on.
Kindness Club (Wed 3 Jul – Sat 13 Jul) – A unique, hands-on and interactive experience for children aged 6-12 to engage with the animals and philosophy of farmed animal sanctuary, Edgar’s Mission.
Flower Power Roller Disco (Sun 30 Jun) – Get ready to boogie on down at the most groovy event of the year – the Flower Power Roller Disco! Mark your calendars for 30th of June 2024 and roll on over to the vrdl Factory at 2 Stott Street, Preston.

Flower Power Roller Disco

Naomi Gnomey: Kids’ Sushi-Making Class (Tue 2 Jul) – A fun way for kids to learn some basic cooking skills in a safe and supervised environment.
Tracey Lister: Kids’ Dumpling Making Class (Wed 3 Jul) – A fun way for kids to learn some basic cooking skills in a safe and supervised environment.
Winter Light Spectacular Diamond Valley Railway (Wed 3 Jul) – You’ll journey through the bushland of Eltham Lower Park, lit by the light shows, passing signals and locomotive headlights.
Night of Crime (Wed 3 Jul) – Michael Brissenden and Jane Sullivan talk about their new page turners with Adrian Hyland
Tracey Lister: Kids’ Ice Cream Making (Thu 4 Jul) – What better dish to learn and enjoy regardless of the season! In this 2-hour class your child will learn how to prepare chocolate parfait, summer fruit sorbet and granita in a fun and safe environment.
Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs (Daily) – An immersive voyage into a lost world, where visitors will explore the landscapes of the Cretaceous and get to know the creatures that thrived there.

Kids: Jon & Jero: The Forgotten Tales (Thu 4 Jul – Sun 7 Jul) – Get ready for a truly wondrous exploration of imagination filled with big characters, music, clowning and physical comedy. The Forgotten Tales is perfect for kids 5 and up!
Naomi Gnomey: Kids’ Sushi-Making Class (Tue 9 Jul) – This class allows your kids to roll up their sleeves and explore their culinary creativity through making their own sushi.
Kids craft – Aboriginal Rock Painting (Tue 9 Jul) – Bring your kids to Eltham Mall on Tuesday, 9th July, at 11am for a captivating Kids Craft session featuring Aboriginal Rock Painting!
Tracey Lister: Kids’ Biscuit Class (Wed 10 Jul) – This class allows your kids to roll up their sleeves and explore their culinary creativity through making double chocolate Snickerdoodles, Melting Moments, Jammy Dodgers and Kingston Biscuits with Chocolate Ganache
Snip, Snip, Hooray Collage Holiday Workshops (Mon 1 Jul, Wed 3 Jul, Thu 4 Jul, and Fri 5 Jul) – Ever heard of contemporary collage? Screen-free and PERFECT for friends, siblings, kids & parents, these mini family-friendly holiday collage art sessions will take place in Eltham Town Mall this July!

Snip Snip Hooray Collage Mini Holiday Workshops at Eltham Town Mall

Aboriginal Housing Victoria’s annual NAIDOC Family Day (Wed 10 Jul) -The theme of NAIDOC Week 2024, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud,” celebrates the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture, with fire symbolizing connection to Country, community, and traditions
Tracey Lister: Kids’ Ice Cream Making (Thu 11 Jul) – What better dish to learn and enjoy regardless of the season! In this 2-hour class your child will learn how to prepare chocolate parfait, summer fruit sorbet and granita in a fun and safe environment.
Eltham Town Square (Thu 11 Jul) – Join us for an exciting Photography Workshop – Capturing Your Memories, hosted by Little Things Photography on Thursday, 11th July at 11.00am, specifically designed for teenagers!
Dinos at the Zoo (Until 14 July 2024) – Have a ROAR-some time exploring the new trail of dinosaurs at Melbourne Zoo for a limited time only.
Dinos After Dark (Fri 5, Sat 6, Fri 12, Sat 13 July 2024) – Melbourne Zoo is transforming into a world where prehistoric creatures come to life at night!

Dinos After Dark

Keeper Kids Melbourne Zoo (Ongoing) – Educator-led daily activities that promote learning through storytelling, craft, and play at Keeper Kids Melbourne Zoo.
Dinosaur Walk (Daily) – Check out the real dinosaur bones at Melbourne Museum’s permanent exhibition featuring ten dinosaur skeletons, three pterosaurs, and other select megafauna artefacts such as huge teeth!
Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery (Daily) – Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery – A world-class immersive learning and play experience – and a wonderland for little learners! The exhibition combines hands-on exploration and discovery, open-ended play-based learning, extraordinary immersive environments and unique museum collection objects.
The District Makers Market (Last Sunday of every month) – enjoy entertainment and shop fine arts, crafts, jewellery, and artisan goods.
Diamond Railway Twilight Run (Sundays) – Journey through the bushland of Eltham Lower Park as it is lit by the light shows, passing signals and locomotive headlights.
VU Play Coburg pop-up playspaces (Tuesdays – Saturdays) – Victoria University Early Childhood pre-service teachers create pop-up play spaces for children to play.
The Rose Street Artists’ Market (Saturdays and Sundays) – Shop directly from Melbourne’s best artists, designers, crafters and makers at Fitzroy’s iconic Rose Street Market.
Junior Ranger (Ongoing) – Participate in activities that encourage kids to explore Victoria’s amazing parks

The Fitzroy Market (Saturdays) – a one-stop hub for everything produce, food, artisan, handcrafted, vintage, second hand and local.
Diamond Valley Railway (Sundays) – miniature railway with a playground next door. Read the Diamond Valley Railway Review
Mini Mega Model Museum (ongoing) – an exhibition featuring small and big things at Melbourne Museum. Read the Mini Mega Model Museum review.
YMCA School Holiday Programs (ongoing) – Explore YMCA’s school holiday programs for kids. Find a location near you. Fun-filled activities for children.
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.
Heide Gallery Kids (ongoing) – Join Art Therapist Tanis Douglas, who supports pre-school children and their carers to gain confidence observing artworks in a small group.

Heide Gallery Kids

Sensory Tray Sessions (ongoing) – Sensory Tray Session (Various dates) – Pour, scoop, splash and more at our sensory tray sessions!
Heide Gallery Kids (ongoing) – Join Art Therapist Tanis Douglas, who supports pre-school children and their carers to gain confidence observing artworks in a small group.
Inspiring Minds (Various days, Term 2 2024) – Workshops with hands-on activities to strengthen fine motor skills, explore STEM concepts, develop resilience and foster a love of learning. Held at both Essendon and Preston venues.
Under 5s Art Classes (ongoing) – Sessions will explore the elements of art such as colour, shape, texture and pattern through material exploration and experimentation.

Under s Art Classes

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S SOUTH / SOUTH-EAST / BAYSIDE

Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival (Tue 2 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – An interactive and dynamic program featuring performance and workshops in magic, puppetry, circus, dance, music, theatre and craft. Featured Event

Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival

Family Fiesta Monash Performing Arts Centre (Wed 3 Jul – Sat 6 Jul) – launch into space these school holidays at MPAC! Stellar live and participatory art and performance for 0-12 year-olds and their families. Featured Event

Family Fiesta Moon Moves

Creative Indoor School Holiday Fun at the Robert Gordon Outlet (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – The Robert Gordon Outlet is perfect for getting creative. Enjoy a Paint Your Own Pottery session, lunch at Nancy Café and shop the outlet.
Springvale Snow Fest (Fri 28 Jun) – Join in on the seasonal festivities as Springvale transforms into a magical winter wonderland on Sunday 28 July 12pm-7pm.
Glad Movement Open Day (Sat 29 Jun) – Starting every 30 minutes from 11:00 AM, our expert guides will ensure you have the knowledge and confidence to explore our ninja gym facility.
JUSTICE LEAGUE HERO ACADEMY (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Unleash your inner JUSTICE LEAGUE Super Hero and visit Chadstone – The Fashion Capital these school holidays.
Multi Sport School Holidays Program (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – Discover school holiday activities at Springvale Indoor Sports. Exciting programs for kids. Fun, active, and inclusive.
NAIDOC Week 2024 Dandenong Market (Sun 7 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Recognising the history and achievement of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this event contributes to the movement for our elders and original owners of the land both past and present.

Naidoc Week Celebrations at Dandenong Market

Super Stars Camp 7-10 year old program (Mon 1 Ju – Mon 8 Jul) – Experience a day filled with excitement as you participate in fully supervised cricket-based activities and games designed to enhance your skills and make you shine like a star!
Escalate (Tue 2 Jul) – Experience the pinnacle of juggling at Bunjil Place with Throw Catch Collective—award-nominated artists transforming rhythm into a thrilling, high-energy performance for all. Ages 8+.
Winter Family Films: Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy (Wed 3 Jul) – Snuggle up in the Bunjil Place Studio to enjoy this family film, presented as part of the HYBYCOZO Deep Thought program.
Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) (Sat 8 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – a festival of the best new kids’ films from across the world.
Gumbuya-dreaming (Sat 8 Jun – Sun 21 Jul) – ‍Prepare to be transported to a realm of wonder and awe as Gumbuya World Theme Park proudly presents ‘Gumbuya Dreaming’, a mesmerising digital light experience created by acclaimed Indigenous artist Wayne Quilliam.
Lightscape (Fri 14 Jun – Sun 4 Aug) – An immersive, after-dark experience comes to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne this winter. Iconic tree canopies will be drenched in colour, vibrant bursts of light will tumble from the undergrowth and run up trees like fizzing fireworks.

STEMBuddy Coding and Robotics for kids (Mon 1 Jul – Thu 8 Jul) – STEM Buddy’s school holiday program is a thrilling experience where kids engage in coding, robotics, and fun games.
Winter Family Films: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Wed 3 Jul) – Over the Winter School Holidays, as part of the HYBYCOZO Deep Thought program, we present the film Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Hybycozo – Deep Thought Installation (Fri 28 Jun) – Experience Hybycozo’s Deep Thought—a fusion of geometry and art, transforming Bunjil Place into a winter wonderland of peace with five world-class sculptures in our Plaza.
BOUNCE Keysborough Holiday Camp (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Join BOUNCE Holiday Camps for a morning filled with 3-hours of indoor adrenaline fun throughout the holiday period!
BOUNCE Glen Iris Holiday Camp (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Join BOUNCE Holiday Camps for a morning filled with 3-hours of indoor adrenaline fun throughout the holiday period!
Frosted – A Winter Spectacular Tickets (Fri 21 Jun – Sun 21 Jul) – Embark on a journey into an enchanted frost-laden realm at Frosted – A Winter Spectacular. Celebrating Christmas in July

Frosted A Winter Spectacular

The Southeast Area Throwdown (Sat 29 Jun) – Back for another year The Southeast Sessions are bringing an afternoon of vibrant and dynamic street dance culture for all ages
Prehistoric Bayside Exhibition (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 25 Aug) – Prehistoric Bayside is an immersive family-friendly exhibition showcasing the tumultuous lives of bizarre beasts dating back roughly 5-6 million years.
Kids Breakin Workshop (Sat 29 Jun) – Join Demi Sorono for a deep dive into Breakin’ for kids. Learn basic popping, locking and fun dance steps accessible to all age groups and dance abilities
National Steam Centre (Sun 29 Jun) – The museum engines are fired up and can be seen running on the last Sunday of each month.
Toon Creations Kids Cartooning Caufield (Wed 3 Jul – Fri 5 Jul) – Kids will have a blast learning to draw all their favourite cartoon characters. They incorporate fun games and activities and kids will take home lots of new tips and techniques to improve their drawing skills
Max and The Wild Things (Mon 8 Jul) – Max and The Wild Things – an Interactive Theatre Show based on Maurice Sendak’s beloved book, that invites children to Max’s wild world where big emotions rule!
Bunnings D.I.Y Kids Workshop (Mon 8 Jul – Tue 9 Jul) – Get your kids to build their own crate for free in stores where they’ll be rewarded with a ‘License To D.I.Y’ certificate once their masterpiece is complete!

Bunnings D.I.Y Kids

FREE School Holiday Fun! (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – Enjoy Free School Holiday Fun, where kids can participate in an interactive ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ workshop during week 1, followed by a week of engaging mindful activities such as kids yoga, coloring, and bead craft in week 2.
GRUG (Tue 9 Jul – Wed 10 Jul) – Grug is a Windmill Theatre Company production. Originally produced in association with Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Out of the Box Festival.
School Holiday Drop-in session – Flesh and Bones Drawing Activity (Wed 10 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – Children will be provided clues to reconstruct some of the most famous animals that have ever lived in Bayside. Suitable for ages 5+
DAVID WALLIAMS’ Ratburger (Thu 11 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – The team behind The 13-, 26-, 52-, 78- and 91-Storey Treehouses, Mr Stink and The Midnight Gang bring David Walliams’ screamingly funny Number One bestselling book to life on stage for children 6+ and their families.
Linden New Art’s NAIDOC Week Community Day (Sun 14 Jul) – Linden New Art’s NAIDOC Week Community Day promises an engaging blend of cultural immersion and community building.
School Holiday Drop-Off Programs at Activate by Hard Rock (Until Fri 7 Jul) – Explore an array of thrilling and convenient school holiday drop-off programs, including the exhilarating climbing program and more.
The South East Area Throwdown (Sat 29 Jun) – The Southeast Sessions are bringing an afternoon of vibrant and dynamic street dance culture to Bunjil Place for all ages.

Seek and Find Nature Cards (Until Sun 31 Dec) Set your young ones on an adventure exploring nature with our Seek and Find Nature Cards to be used at Melbourne Gardens or download the cards and go exploring in your own neighbourhood.
Aboriginal Heritage Walk (Until Tue 31 Dec) – Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide.
Young At Art (Tuesdays) – With the guidance of an experienced early childhood educator, participants work on a different hands-on creative activity every week, using materials from the take-home art materials box supplied each session.
The Fitzroy Market (Saturdays) – a one-stop hub for everything produce, food, artisan, handcrafted, vintage, second hand and local.
Gembrook Market (4th Sunday of Each Month) – a country market with a sustainable living focus located only 20 minutes from the south eastern suburbs.

Gembrook Market

Bentleigh Sunday Market (Sundays) – plants, clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, books, videos, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods and more! Every Sunday.
Mornington Railway (Sundays) – Climb aboard the Mornington Railway steam train for a fun-filled outing.
Gasworks Farmers’ Market (Third Saturday of every month until Fri 15 Dec) – On Saturdays soak up the vibrant atmosphere and sample the very best of local Victorian produce, directly from Victorian farmers and specialty makers.
Baby Pop-Up Playgroup (Fridays until 28 Jun 2024) – Come along and enjoy a range of activities for babies aged 0 to 12 months. With singing, playing and sharing activities that you and your baby could do at home whilst connecting with other families.
Afternoons of Awesome at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre (Until Fri 6 Dec) – Young builders can blast out of the classroom into a world of creativity, hop on electrifying rides, and set off on epic afternoon LEGO adventure!
Gasworks Kids Holiday Program (TBA) – Gasworks’ kids holiday programs offer creative and entertaining experiences for children aged 4 to 14 during the school holidays. Bringing together a range of energetic artists and performers who specialise in working with kids.
Prahran Market Kids’ Activities (ongoing) – every market day Prahran Market offers face painting, an animal farm, kids dance classes and music – most activities are free and no bookings necessary.
WIIILD Wednesdays, Gumbuya World (Ongoing) – Dive into Wildlife Wanderers, the trail of free-roaming wildlife, savor two interactive shows, and hop on junior rides! Get up close with exotic animals, connect with nature, and enjoy exciting entertainment every week!

WIIILD Fun Nights (Ongoing) – Experience the WIIILD Fun Nights this King’s Birthday weekend at Gumbuya World! Enjoy thrilling illuminated roller coasters, up-close encounters with Australian wildlife, and captivating shows.
LEGO Friends (Ongoing) – Visit LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne to meet your new Friends, receive fun show bags, join in a scavenger hunt activity and more!
Little Lunies at Luna Park (Ongoing) – Discover a fantastic world of rides, attractions, and games to suit Little and Big Lunies! There’s something for everyone from old favorites like The Great Scenic Railway, Ghost Train, & Carousel to the big thrill rides like the Power Surge, Sky Rider, Twin Dragon, and more!
Nature Play (Ongoing) – Come along to Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve for Nature Play, an outdoor, child-led playgroup session facilitated by a qualified ranger.
Stories and Songs in the Square (Ongoing) – Stories and Songs in the Square (Mondays & Wednesdays) – Nurture your child’s early literacy skills by joining in to read aloud stories and sing action songs and rhymes.
YMCA School Holiday Programs (ongoing) – Explore YMCA’s school holiday programs for kids. Find a location near you. Fun-filled activities for children.
Kids Dancehall Workshops (Sat 29 Jun) – Join Jungle City for a fun exploration of Jamaican Dancehall and Afro Fusion, taking you on a dancing journey from the likkle island of Jamaica all the way to the continent of Africa and the African Diaspora

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S EAST

School Holiday Program Kew Junction (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – It’s time again for our fabulous and famous school holiday program! Leave your kids with us while you enjoy a relaxing coffee, shop or beauty treatment in Kew Junction.
Eastland school holiday activation (Mon 1 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Unleash your inner athlete at Eastland’s fun, interactive Champions Arena and meet former basketball star Andrew Gaze and swimmer Mack Horton when they drop in.
School Holiday Fun at The Pines (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 5 Jul) – Looking for exciting ways to entertain the kids during the school holidays? This program is packed with fun activities to engage young minds and create unforgettable memories.
Champions Arena (Mon 1 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Face off against the goalie in the penalty shoot-out to claim the top spot on the leaderboard, challenge your reflexes on the beach volleyball reaction wall or showcase your basketball skills as you compete against friends (and the clock!) in the arcade-style game you know and love.

Eastland Champions Arena

Toon Creations Kids Cartooning Malvern (Wed 3 Jul – Thu 4 Jul) – Kids will have a blast learning to draw all their favourite cartoon characters. They incorporate fun games and activities and kids will take home lots of new tips and techniques to improve their drawing skills
Circus Royale Wantirna South (Fri 14 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Melbourne’s Favourite Circus Spectacular is coming to the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South with Australia’s #1 action-packed circus event and animatronic zoo.
Ladder Art Space School Holiday Family Sessions (Sat 22 Jun – Fri 6 Sep) – Invite your buddies and family members for a paint party at Ladder Art Space. This class is designed for all levels of painters, including beginners.
The Children’s International Film Festival | Lido and Cameo Cinemas (Fri 8 Jun – Sun 7 Jul) – A festival of the best new kids’ films from across the world. See the Moomins, a four-legged adventurer Titina, and more!

The Childrens International Film Festival

KNOX events, activities and festivals for everyone (Mon 26 Jun – Tue 26 Sep) – Explore a wide range of activities, festivals, and events happening near you. Join in the fun and embrace the vibrant community spirit.
School Holiday Programs Maroondah Leisure (Mon 26 Jun – Fri 30 Jun) – Experience a wide variety of holiday programs at The Rings and Maroondah Nets, catering to children aged 5 to 14. Keep your child active, entertained, and engaged during school holidays, regardless of the weather.
Silvers Circus Spectacular (Fri 28 Jun) – Silvers Circus has returned with a 90-minute spectacular by elite artists from around the globe, including the Walison Muh as seen on Australia’s Got Talent.
BOUNCE Blackburn Holiday Camp (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Join BOUNCE Holiday Camps for a morning filled with 3-hours of indoor adrenaline fun throughout the holiday period!
Winter Wonderland (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 5 Jul) – Join the fun at our free winter themed school holidays! Sensory craft, an igloo photobooth and even a scavenger hunt.

Ladder Art Space School Holiday (Sat 29 Jun – Sat 13 Jul) – At Ladder Art Space, they offer an exciting and enriching school holiday experience for children aged 5 to 12 years old. Their holiday program is designed to inspire creativity, foster imagination, and provide a fun-filled learning environment for young artists.
JOIN AUSTRALIA’S MOST EXCITING HOLIDAY CAMP! (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Book your BOUNCE Holiday Camp for a 3-hour session filled with indoor adrenaline fun throughout the holiday period!
The Mini Mart (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 2 Jul) – Discover a school holiday adventure at the Mini Mart, featuring bowling, mini golf, prizes, and more! Don’t miss out!
Play Unstoppable (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 21 Jul) – Dive into a bricktastic adventure of unstoppable play and creativity! Build LEGO® flowers at the Flower Cart and watch NEW 4D LEGO Friends movie!
Lake Mountain (June – September but dates will vary depending on snow season) – toboggan, cross country skiing and snow play 2 hours from Melbourne. Read my tips on visiting Lake Mountain with kids

Ruccis Circus School Holiday Program (Sat 29 Jun – Thu 9 Jul) – Discover new skills, be mesmerized by show-stopping performances, and engage in interactive circus experiences.
A Little Bit of Blue (Thu 11 Jul) – A Little Bit of Blue is an interactive detective show for families, told with puppetry.
Heide Art Babies (Tuesdays) – 30 minutes of sensory play in the gallery, looking, thinking and talking about art. Read the Heide Art Babies review.
Ninja Parc School Holiday Program (Weekdays) – plenty of running, climbing and balancing activities to keep your kids moving and having fun during the holidays
Mt Baw Baw (June – September but dates will vary depending on snow season) – Melbourne’s closest downhill ski resort open for winter season. Read my tips on visiting Mt Baw Baw with kids

Auburn Kids Sunday Funday (Sundays) – Petting zoo, fairies, mermaids, superheroes, face painting and balloon animals galore!
ECOSS Valley Market (Fridays) – Experience the vibrant Valley Markets, connecting local growers, artisans, and musicians in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Yarra Valley Railway (Sundays) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Read the Yarra Valley Railway review
Camberwell Sunday Market (Sundays) – second-hand retro, vintage, antique, fashion and collectible goods you just can’t find anywhere else
Belgrave Big Dreams Market (2nd Sunday of the Month) – discover original and bespoke design pieces, some of the yummiest and freshest produce the area has to offer, live music, a bouncy castle and face painting for the kids.

Belgrave Big Dreams Market

Box Hill Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the Month) – Ride this wonderful Miniature Railway, the track winds through the picturesque surrounds of Elgar Park. Read the Box Hill Miniature Railway Review
Mooroolbark Miniature Railway (Runs 4th Sunday each month) – miniature rail running every 4th Sunday.
Bounce Playdates (Weekdays During Term Time) – Extended toddler sessions offer little adrenaline hunters time to explore and play, while parents can choose to join in, or watch on from nearby.
Spirits of the Sky (Daily) – See the natural behaviours of a variety of native birds which may include the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard, Barking Owl, magnificent parrots and more.
Wurundjeri Storytime (Fridays) – Join Rebecca from Wurundjeri Council in an interactive online storytelling session for kinders, early years groups and families aged 0 to 5 years. Children will learn about Wurundjeri culture, Woi-wurrung language and Dreaming stories through storytelling, rhyme and song. Please register each class group attending.
Dinos at Healesville Sanctuary (Until 14 July 2024) – Let your imagination run wild as you explore a new trail of animatronic dinosaurs coming to life before your eyes for a limited time only.

Dinos Healesville

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S WEST

Scienceworks Winter School Holiday Program (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Experience a blend of education and entertainment at Scienceworks these winter school holidays. Engage in hands-on activities at Air Playground, witness the power of air in the Air-Palooza show, embark on guided tours of museum treasures, and more.

Featured Event.

Air Playground at Scienceworks. Photo by Wilk. Source Museums Victoria.

Winter Art Fun at Little Big Art (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – Keep your child entertained during the winter break with fun, colourful and creative art classes, parties, events and much more for little to big artists.
It’s Not Rocket Science (Thu 20 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Join The Expedition! All ages can be space-age explorers at It’s Not Rocket Science by ENESS because you’re never too young or old to be beguiled by the universe.
Adventure Park – Winter Glow (Fri 22 Jun – Sun 21 July) – Discover a glowing winter wonderland of snow, lights, fire and ice.
Eynesbury Winter Festival (Thur 27 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – The perfect winter outing for the entire family! Hit the ice rink, enjoy some tasty winter food & drinks and more
Newport Folk Festival (Fri 28 Jun – Sat 29 Jun) – Discover the vibrant Newport Folk Festival, a celebration of music, community, and artistic performances in Newport.
Grazeland (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 30 Jul)- Melburnians are invited to rug up and head to Grazeland as the food precinct transforms into a winter wonderland each weekend. Read the Grazeland Review
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride – Queenscliff (Sat 29 Jun) – Get ready to take a magical journey as THE POLAR EXPRESS stops at Queenscliff this winter in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the film.

Winter Wonderland at Grazeland (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 28 Jul) – Farewell the winter blues at Grazeland’s annual Winter Wonderland! Melbourne’s foodie playground is heating up with an array of food, drink and entertainment.
The 13-Storey Treehouse (Sat 29 Jun, Sun 30 Jun, and Mon 1 Jul) – A play by Richard Tulloch. Adapted from the multi-award winning book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton.
EID @ FOOTSCRAY (Sat 29 Jun) – Immerse yourself in the vibrant Eid festivities of the many Muslim cultures that enrich multicultural Maribyrnong. Experience: food samplings, Ethiopian coffee, Henna, interactive arts, communal prayers and Qawwali.
Winter School holiday fun in Moonee Valley (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Discover a whole range of hands-on activities for kids of all ages.

Winter School holiday fun in Moonee Valley

Aa is for Art Holiday Programs (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – Discover the exciting holiday programs at AA is for Art. Engage in art activities, unleash your creativity, and have fun in a vibrant and inspiring environment.
Victoria Hotel Yarraville (Tue 2 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – Free School Holiday Activities – These Holidays Victoria Hotel we will be holding free activities for the kids on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30am! Visit our website!
Unleash your inner Superstar (Tue 2 Jul – Fri 5 Jul) – Spark your child’s creativity this winter at Footscray Community Arts! Join professional musicians Isobel, Bianca, and Max for a music-filled adventure. Unleash their talent through singing, band formation, and creative exploration.
Kids: Jon & Jero: The Forgotten Tales (Thu 4 Jul – Sun 7 Jul) – Get ready for a truly wondrous exploration of imagination filled with big characters, music, clowning and physical comedy. The Forgotten Tales is perfect for kids 5 and up!
Firefly Night Market (Sat 6 Jul) – fun for the whole family with roving performers, interactive art, street food, artisan stalls, cultural activities and live performances
Super-Hero High Tea (Thu 4 Jul) – The perfect family day out; delicious food, an assortment of games and activities suited to all ages, a photobooth, Witchmount sweet cart!

Super Hero High Tea

Get adventurous with Extreme Arts (Tue 9 Jul – Thur 11 Jul) – Get ready for an unforgettable school holiday experience filled with hat-making, experimental music, and circus fun using recycled materials.
Metro Comic Con (Sat 13 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Step into a world of excitement and fun at Metro Comic Con, the ultimate destination for fans of film, TV, animation, gaming, cosplay, collectibles, publishing, and comics.
100 Story Building (Dates TBC) – Let your imagination run wild with holiday fun with 100 Story Building. Explore different story making activities, from game design, character creation and world building.
SciencePlay Kids Holiday classes 4-12yo (Dates TBA) – SciencePlay offers engaging kids classes for 4-12-year-olds. Explore science through hands-on experiments, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and STEM skills in a fun and messy way.
Art in the garden (Last Friday of the month) – It’s a combination of nature play, sensory play, process art, and playgroup. Run by ‘The Fun In Art’.
Bulla Railway (3rd Sunday of each month) – Ride the dinosaur trail on the miniature railway. Read the Bulla Railway review.

Tarneit Makers and Growers Market (3rd Friday of each month) – a free market experience featuring high quality hand-made or designed textiles, stationery, ceramics, homewares & jewellery, locally grown produce & authentic culinary experiences.
Enterprize Sail Williamstown (usually sails the third Sunday of every month) – go for a one hour sail on tall ship Enterprize in Williamstown
Sunday Funday Station Hotel (Sundays) – Every Sunday The Station Hotel prepares an animal farm and other entertaining activities to keep the little ones busy, while you sit back and relax, Read the Station Hotel review
Altona Homestead (recurring 1st Sunday of the month) – Experience the renowned Devonshire Tea at Altona Homestead on the first Sunday of every month. Reserve your spot in advance for a delightful time.
Altona Beach Market (recurring weekly every Tuesdays) – Experience Melbourne’s popular Altona Beach market, a weekly street market held on Pier Street, featuring fresh food stalls, unique crafts, and a scenic seaside backdrop, attracting both local residents and visitors from all over the city
100 Story Building Winter Holiday Program (Tue 9 Jul – Wed 10 Jul100 Story Building is offering two immersive all-day workshops for kids aged 8-12. Dive into the world filled with creativity, imagination and hands-on activities!

Altona Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the month) – between 10 am and 3 pm, ride this wonderful Miniature Railway. Read the Altona Miniature Railway review.
Werribee Open Range Zoo (Daily) – Stroll through the Zoo spotting lions, hippos, cheetahs, monkeys, gorillas and more, catch the safari bus tour or explore the Ranger Kids indoor play space and Village Kids outdoor playground.
Air Playground (Daily) – Air Playground has launched at Scienceworks. Levitate objects, engineer paper planes, & learn the physics of airflow.
Melbourne Planetarium (Daily) – Sit back and enjoy the wonder of the stars regardless of the time of day – or the weather!

Melbourne Planetarium

Ground Up: Building Big Ideas, Together (Daily) – An exhibition for babies to five-year-olds where curiosity is rewarded around each bend with surprising and intriguing sights, sounds and touch sensations.
Playnastics (Wednesdays + Thursdays) – Casual open play sessions using a selection of Preschool Gymnastics equipment and resources, as well as puzzles, blocks and more. Read our review here.
Toddler and Kids Art Classes (Thurs + Fridays) – The Fun In Art’ provides art classes for toddlers and kids where they’re more about the fun of creation and less about the outcome of the artwork.
Clocktower Centre Children’s Space (Daily) – Parents and carers can sit back and relax with a coffee and a snack from the Clocktower Café while the kids explore the space, watch the trams go by or listen to their favourite book with the interactive Storytime Pod.
A Little Bit of Blue puppetry performance and workshop (Tue 2 Jul) – An interactive puppetry show inviting children and families to become detectives for a day. Then test out your creative ideas in a Paper Puppetry workshop.

Click here for the best indoor play centres in Melbourne

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Top places to go Ice Skating in Melbourne with Family and Friends

What’s On in Melbourne Winter School Holidays – PIN this picture to save this post!

The post Melbourne School Holidays Winter – Friday 28 June to Sunday 14 July 2024 appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Winter School Holidays Melbourne CBD – Friday 28 June to Sunday 14 July 2024

Joyce Watts — Wed, 29 May 2024 20:00:00 +0000

The winter school holidays are here from Friday 28 June to Sunday 14 July 2024!

To make sure you don’t miss out on the fun, we’ve created this mega list of school holiday events and activities in Melbourne CBD for the winter school holidays, including free, affordable low-cost events and family attractions.

If you’re looking for events and activities happening in Melbourne’s suburbs, go to Melbourne Winter School Holidays – Suburbs.

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

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE CBD/DOCKLANDS

Featured Event

Taylor Swift Singalong Port Phillip Ferries (Tue 2 Jul + Tue 9 Jul) – Get ready to shake it off with an unforgettable afternoon on the water dedicated to the music of Taylor Swift!

Featured Event

Immigration Museum Winter School Holidays (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Join a guided tour of the Joy exhibition and explore the power of joy, connection, and celebration in this unique and enchanting family-friendly tour.

Joy Immigration Museum

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE CBD/DOCKLANDS

Leonardo Da Vinci (Sat 16 Mar – Sun 16 Sept) – Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius promises to be THE LUME Melbourne’s most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking experience yet.
History of the Library Tour (Wed 1 May – Sat 31 Aug) – Discover the fascinating history of State Library Victoria and explore some of the many iconic spaces with a one-hour tour hosted by our friendly and passionate volunteers.
BEINGS By Universal Everything (Wed 22 May – Sun 29 Sep 2024) – A playful family adventure at ACMI filled with vibrant and playful digital art.
Winter Night Market (Wed 5 Jun – Wed 28 Aug) – Rug up in your winter woollies and head to the Market for Melbourne’s best street food trucks and stalls, local brewers and distillers, shopping and lively entertainment.
Hop into the boots of SEA LIFE Melbourne’s penguin keepers this winter (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 21 Jul) – Enjoy keeper talks and an interactive trail where guests will dive into the world of penguins, gaining knowledge about feeding, habitat, enrichment and conservation.

Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) (Sat 8 Jun – Wed 7 Jul) – The Children’s International Film Festival is back with a month-long celebration of cinema throughout winter school holidays at Classic Cinemas, Lido Cinemas and Cameo Cinemas.
The Art of Banksy – Australia: “Without Limits” Exhibition” (Wed 12 Jun – Sat 3 Aug) – The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” is a stunning street art exhibition of museum quality featuring over 150 artworks, such as certified art, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, installations, digital installations, murals, mapping shows, and more.
T.REX 3D (Fri 21 Jun – Sat 21 Dec) – Narrated by Sam Neill, experience the iconic T. rex come to life on the world’s biggest, best screen in this thrilling IMAX 3D documentary!
Millie Mak Craft: Paper Dolls (Sat 29 Jun – Tue 2 Jul) – Create your own paper doll in this drop-in craft activity, inspired by Alice Pung and Sher Rill Ng’s book, Millie Mak the Maker.
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC TEA PARTY (Mon 1 Jul – Fri 12 Jul) – “Bring your favourite Teddy Bear for a delightful and charming tea party. Set in a cozy room with miniature kids tea party treats and sweets!”
Care Bears Afternoon Tea, The Langham (Mon 8 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – A joy-filled experience for families, during the July school holidays, this heartwarming event will bring the beloved Care Bears to life in a magical setting.

Firelight Festival (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 30 Jun) – Over three fiery nights, Melbourne’s epic winter festival, Firelight, takes over Docklands with fire pits, mesmerising light shows, live music, pop-up foodie feasts and more.
School Holidays at MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Upon entry, each child will receive a new activity pack, with fun tasks to complete during their visit and to continue the fun at home.
Fitzroy Gardens Winter Wander: Cottage Detective Quest (Sat 29 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – Starting off at Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre, kids can collect their activity booklet and head to Cooks’ Cottage. Once there, they’ll meet eight of Kylie’s animal friends on their search for the missing hat. After answering all the questions, they can head back to the visitor centre to collect a prize.
Firelight Labyrinth (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 14 Jul) – This winter, a subterranean space underneath Melbourne’s iconic Marvel Stadium will be transformed into a mythical labyrinth of light and sound. Interact with state-of-the-art technology, offering an unprecedented experience unlike anything witnessed in Australia before.

Academy at Arts Centre Melbourne (Mon 1 Jul – Sat 13 Jul) – Unleash your potential at Arts Centre Melbourne’s The Channel, discovering the strengths within you through the captivating stories of successful artists.
Melbourne Magic Festival (Mon 1 Jul – Sat 13 Jul) – See over 130 performances of 30 different shows including top international guest magicians from all over Australia.
Millie Mak Workshop: Scrunchies and Bags (Mon 1 Jul – Sat 7 Sep) – Turn old clothes into something new in our DIY workshops with Alice Pung and Sher Rill Ng.
Winter School Holidays at Queen Victoria Market (Tue 2 Jul, Thu 4 Jul, Tue 9 Jul, and Thu 11 Jul) – Get ready for a giant tumble of geometric planks, where little ones can explore their creativity and collaboration as they create giant shapes to craft larger-than-life snowflakes.
Paper Planet workshops (Thu 4 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Join a unique school holiday activity of paper play and making.
VCES School Holiday Workshop: LEGO® Robotics – Build Me a Story (Thu 4 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Armed with a passion for LEGO® brick building, your primary schooler (5–8-year-olds) and family members will work together to create and code a LEGO® brick robot while learning about the Library’s collection items.
Winter Kids Takeover (Wed 3 Jul) – Let your kids take charge at this one-day winter extravaganza, where they get to run the show at the Library. From arts and crafts workshops to hip-hop classes and magical performances, there’s something for every child.

The World Is Lava, Please Calm Down (Thu 4 Jul – Sun 7 Jul) – Jump into a physical challenge obstacle course experience followed by a playful investigation of calming techniques
NAIDOC Week Oration by Uncle Charles Pakana (Mon 8 Jul) – This year Moonee Valley’s NAIDOC Week events will commence with a NAIDOC-themed oration delivered by Uncle Charles Pakana at the Incinerator Gallery.
NAIDOC Week Children’s Craft Workshops (Tue 9 Jul) – Join for FREE NAIDOC Week children’s craft workshops. Let the kids enjoy painting and colouring during these school holidays.
NAIDOC Week: Indigenous Cultural Presentation on Fire (Tue 9 Jul) – Discover the importance of fire and smoke in this educational Indigenous presentation.
Josh Deane: Crackle of the Cockatoos (Wed 10 Jul – Tue 16 Jul) – This intriguing installation by Palawa contemporary artist Josh Deane features a group of paper mache cockatoos, with each sculpture incorporating paper as a tribute to the library environment.
Inside Out – Dinosaur Dreams (Thu 11 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Explore a different idea and activity each time you visit; make a dinosaur sculpture out of cushions or felt; then turn it into a fabulous home for your fossils. Draw your favourite dinosaur’s food or wrap and weave a nest for them using ribbon and rope.
NAIDOC Week: The Little Long Walk at EF (Thu 11 Jul) – For the third year, join us this NAIDOC Week for the Little Long Walk at Essendon Fields.
NAIDOC Exhibition Opening: Keep The Fire Burning (Thu 11 Jul) – Bluethumb is pleased to announce its annual NAIDOC week exhibition, ‘Keep The Fire Burning,’ which is dedicated to supporting the creative endeavours of Indigenous artists.
BLAKtivism. Build Blak Power. Fight for Change (Thu 11 Jul) – At this reflective and provocative panel event, Bebe Oliver discusses the currency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activism, guided by Laniyuk, Apryl Day and Iluka Sax-Williams.
Haus of Dizzy Charm Bracelet Workshop (Thu 11 Jul) – Welcome to the ultimate bling-tastic workshop with self-confessed ‘Queen of Bling’, Wiradjuri designer Kristy Dickinson of Haus of Dizzy. Kristy’s jewellery celebrates and honours Aboriginal culture through bold and statement-making accessories.
Junior Ranger Bush Food and Bizarre Bugs (Sun 14 Jul) – Kids! Why are bugs important to the world? What is bush food? Discover the answer to these questions and more in these activities led by City of Melbourne Park Rangers and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

Junior Rangers in action

NAIDOC in the City (Fri 12 Jul) – Following the annual NAIDOC march, NAIDOC in the City is an exciting celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, achievements and talents.
NAIDOC 2024 KHT NAIDOC Market (Fri 12 Jul – Sat 13 Jul) – The 2024 NAIDOC Week theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud,” symbolizing the enduring strength, vitality, and traditions of First Peoples cultures.
Bastille Day French Festival (Sat 13 Jul – Sun 14 Jul) – Shop from local French stallholders, indulge in mouth-watering delicacies, plus delight in traditional dance and musical performances from French jazz, Mauritian bands and mime artists!
NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATION 2024 (Sat 13 Jul) – Each year NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to acknowledge the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Melbourne Zoo Community Day (Sun 14 Jul) – Join us to close out NAIDOC week with a range of First Nations led activities for children, young people and families. A collaboration by Aboriginal Melbourne and Melbourne Zoo.
SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium (Open daily) – See some of the world’s most incredible animals, including penguins, a 6-metre-long crocodile and thousands of tropical fish, plus the newly reopened oceanarium.

Polly Woodside (First Sunday of the Month) – Come aboard for a tour of the ship and discover what life was like on a tall ship sailing the seven seas. Read the Polly Woodside 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.
Christmas in July Winter Night Market (Every Wednesday) – The Winter Night Market returns to Queen Victoria Market! Indulge in incredible street food, spiced Milo, mulled wine, specialty shopping offering unique and one-of-a-kind treasures, crackling fires and live entertainment.
Aboriginal Heritage Walk (Until Tue 31 Dec) – Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide.
Silvers Circus Spectacular (Fri 28 Jun – Sun 21 Jul) – Silvers Circus has returned with a 90-minute spectacular by elite artists from around the globe, including the Walison Muh as seen on Australia’s Got Talent.

Escape the Gaol (Ongoing) – At Old Melbourne Gaol, kids can become inmates on a mission to hatch the perfect escape plan. Read my Old Melbourne Gaol review.
NGV TEENS: DROP BY AND MAKE A BUSH FLOWER WITH SOPHIE HONESS (Daily) – This school holidays, join artist Sophie Honess in a free workshop making a bush flower inspired pom-pom to decorate your school bag. Together with the NGV Teen Council, meet like-minded people and develop your skills at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square
The Explorer – Melbourne Gardens (Until Tue 31 Dec) Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus.
Winter Igloo Garden Wharf Hotel (Daily until September 2024) – get back outside and cosy up beneath a sky of twinkling fairy lights on the banks of the Yarra. Feast on a grazing board in your own private winter wonderland. Read the Wharf Hotel igloos review.

CRFT* WRK (Last Saturday of every month) – one of the best Melbourne June events if you love craft markets, Crft*Wrk celebrates contemporary locally-made crafts under the iconic open-air sheds at Queen Victoria Market.
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.
Arts Centre Sunday Market (Sundays) – find unique, quirky and handmade items at the stalls. There are always some yummy treats too!
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.
Into the Music – Composition Workshop 2024 (ongoing) – Participants in Into the Music – Composition Workshop will explore technology and techniques used to create the music they hear every day.
Melbourne Town Hall Tours (every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) – Take a free guided tour of Melbourne’s historic Melbourne Town Hall, one of the city’s most iconic buildings and the site of many of Melbourne’s proudest moments.
Shrine Kids (Daily) – The Shrine of Remembrance is the National War Memorial of Victoria and it makes for an educational (and sobering) outing for families.

What’s on in All Melbourne Suburbs for the Winter School Holidays

Click here for the best indoor play centres in Melbourne

Click here for indoor rock climbing centres in Melbourne for kids

Top 5 Places to go Ice Skating in Melbourne with Family and Friends

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25 Best Family Hotels Melbourne for a Fabulous City Staycation

Joyce Watts — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Are you planning a family escape but don’t want to travel too far?

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.

Marriott Melbourne

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

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Batman’s Hill in Collins

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

BOOK CITADINES MELBOURNE

Citadines Melbourne

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

BOOK NEXT HOTEL

Next Hotel

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

BOOK NESUTO DOCKLANDS

Nesuto Docklands

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

BOOK GRAND HOTEL MELBOURNE

Grand Hotel Melbourne

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

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Novotel Melbourne on Collins

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

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DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne

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

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Crowne Plaza Melbourne

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,

BOOK MELBOURNE MARRIOTT

Marriott Melbourne

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

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Lancemore Crossley St.

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

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Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer

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

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Pan Pacific Melbourne

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

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Shado w Play By Peppers

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

BOOK THE OAKWOOD PREMIERE

The Oakwood Premier

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

BOOK THE SEBEL MELBOURNE DOCKLANDS

The Sebel Melbourne Docklands

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

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Holiday Inn on Flinders,

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

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Clarion Suites Gateway

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

BOOK THE WESTIN MELBOURNE

The Westin, Melbourne

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

BOOK MANTRA ON RUSSEL

Mantra on Russell

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

BOOK PEGASUS APART’HOTEL

Pegasus Apart’Hotel

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

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Treasury on Collins Apartment Hotel

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

BOOK VOCO HOTEL MELBOURNE

Voco Hotel Melbourne

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

BOOK THE LANGHAM MELBOURNE

Langham Hotel

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

BOOK VIEW HOTEL MELBOURNE

View Hotel Gaming Room

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

BOOK LE MERIDIEN MELBOURNE

Le Meridien Melbourne Hotel

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13 Best Horse Riding Tours In Melbourne & Victoria

Joyce Watts — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:00:00 +0000

There’s nothing like heading out on a ride in some amazing scenery. These places offer horse riding in Melbourne and Victoria including pony parties, riding lessons, trail rides, trail riding trips and more.

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

Yarra Valley Trails Ponyland

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The post 13 Best Horse Riding Tours In Melbourne & Victoria appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Luna Park Melbourne, St Kilda: Unforgettable Thrills for the Whole Family

Joyce Watts — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Ready for some old-fashioned family fun? Luna Park Melbourne is an iconic amusement park on the St Kilda foreshore and its laughing mouth entrance is on many a Melbourne postcard.

Every time we visit St Kilda the kids plead to go inside the ‘big scary mouth’ – otherwise known as Mr Moon mouth.

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Luna Park Rides

Luna Park Melbourne offers a carnival-like atmosphere at all times of the year. It’s big enough to keep kids entertained for a whole day, but if your kids are old enough it’s also small enough for them to roam around freely while you relax at ‘home base’.

The iconic Scenic Railway and Carousel are probably the two ‘must-do’ rides at Luna Park. The Scenic Railway is the world’s oldest continually operating wooden rollercoaster and the views from up the top are magnificent!

Having said that, my kids favourite ride is the Spider.

Other more low-key rides include the Ferris Wheel and dodgem cars.

Note there are height restrictions on rides, with some rides only available for kids taller than 110cm, 120cm or 130cm. Sometimes an adult can accompany a shorter child on a particular ride.

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Luna Park Melbourne Events

Depending on the season you can also enjoy other events such as Christmas in July, a giant Easter Egg Hunt or Halloween.

While Luna Park is a popular attraction in summer thanks to its beachside location, I actually think that visiting during the cooler months is a better time.

Fewer people means fewer lines…and the more energetic rides will definitely keep you warm!

During the winter school holidays, Luna Park often celebrates Christmas in July with Christmas decorations. On weekends you can expect fake snowfalls, Santa will be available for photo opportunities and there are chocolate balls galore. Plus Santa’s Elves gather kids around for Santa’s special Storytelling Sessions.

On our recent visit to the Christmas activation it ran for about 15 minutes so if you miss the hourly slot, you’ll have to wait for the next hour. The set-up is fun for junior kids but older kids may find it a bit kitsch.

Luna Park Melbourne Food

Unlike many amusement parks, you can bring your own food and water, unlike other amusement parks I’ve visited.

You can buy food from the fairy floss stand and the diner caravan. Parties are hosted in the vintage tram!

Luna Park Melbourne Tickets

Luna Park is one of the must-do activities that every Melburnian needs to visit at least once.

It you only want to go on a few rides then a single-ride ticket will suffice, or go nuts and get unlimited rides for better value for money.

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HOT Tips:

If you want to enter Luna Park Melbourne without going on any rides there’s a $5 entry fee. There is no entry fee for children 3 years and under.
You can upgrade to a ride ticket anytime.
Luna Park ride tickets must be purchased from the ticket office at the entrance. You can buy single ride tickets or get an unlimited ride wristband.
Buy your tickets online and you have 12 months to use them.
All ride tickets include the $5 entry fee.
Annual passes are available $120 any age.
There are height restrictions on rides, with some rides only available for kids taller than 110cm, 120cm or 130cm. Sometimes an adult can accompany a shorter child on a particular ride.
You can bring your own food and drinks or purchase food from the vendors.
Note that there’s not a lot of shelter, so bring sunscreen and hats in summer and warm clothes in winter.
All paths are pram accessible;
Closest parking is at Beaconsfield Parade, Jacka Boulevard and the carparks near Palais Theatre. It’s $5.40 per hour or $12.40 for the whole day. Credit card payment available;
Trams No.96/16/3/67 and 79 stop at the entrance.

DON’T MISS OUT!

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YES PLEASE