Top FREE things to do in Melbourne these school summer holidays!
Holiday fun doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. These great ideas for your children during the summer school holidays are guaranteed to be entertaining, provide an opportunity for the best photos and create lasting happy memories. And all without breaking the bank!
- Beaches of Melbourne
Melbourne is blessed with so many beautiful and family friendly beaches. Pack a picnic and beach umbrella and head to Williamstown or Brighton Beach with its infamous colourful bathing boxes. Or head down to the stunning Mornington Peninsula and the many beaches there. Check out this amazing list of popular Melbourne beaches.
- City Circle Tram
The free city circle tram is a great way to entertain school aged children on their holidays. It even has amazing auditory commentary detailing the cities major attractions and landmarks. Jump on and off to your hearts’ content without having to pay! The City Circle Tram is a great way to explore the city of Melbourne.
- Queen Victoria Market
Check out the amazing and vibrant Queen Vic Market these school holidays. The ever-popular Summer Night Market is on every Wednesday night from November to March. They also have a fantastic January school holiday program, ranging from science workshops to sustainability workshops.
- Penguins at St Kilda Beach
Every night of the year, about 30 minutes after sunset you can see penguins on St Kilda breakwater located at the end of the pier. Your family will love seeing them waddle up on the rocks and swimming in the water.
- Royal Botanic Gardens.
The Royal Botanic Gardens has a little something for everyone over the school holidays. You can explore the luscious gardens, picnic on the grass or even watch a movie at the moonlight cinemas.
The District Slip and Slide.
These school holidays slip on over to the District Docklands and cool off on the giant 25-metre water slide! There are also garden games and the water mist zone for hours of entertainment.
Top PAID things to do these summer holidays in Melbourne
For those whose bank accounts haven’t been wiped out by Christmas presents, here are some fun ideas to entertain children these summer holidays.
- The Enchanted Adventure Garden
The Enchanted Adventure Garden in Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsula has so many activities and walks that you will lose a whole day exploring here! Your children can challenge themselves with the maze or puzzles, laugh their way down the tube slides or zip through the trees on a canopy walk.
- Sealife Aquarium
Check out one of Melbournes’ most popular attractions, the Sealife Aquarium. From the coral caves and penguin playground to the seahorse pier and mermaid garden, your children will love interacting with all the sea life.
- Melbourne Museum
There are always treasures to find and fun to be had at the Melbourne Museum. As well as the amazing permanent exhibitions such as the Children’s Gallery and the Science & Life Gallery, there are temporary exhibitions and a Melbourne school holiday program to keep your children entertained.
- Zoos Victoria
Take your pick from one of Zoos Victoria’s amazing facilities, from Melbourne Zoo to Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Each zoo provides a different immersive experience and is all a must-do activity for any animal lover.
- Luna Park
Why not take your family to the iconic Luna Park in St Kilda for tons of fun and rides! Step through Mr. Moon’s giant mouth and enjoy the carnival vibe, food, games and plenty of rides and attractions. Jump on the famous roller coaster – The Great Scenic Railway – and enjoy the view as you sit on the oldest continually running wooden roller coaster in the world!
- Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The Melbourne Star is the Southern Hemisphere’s only giant observation wheel. Come and ride the wheel with your family, and enjoy the spectacular views of Melbourne whilst admiring the smooth and quiet glide of The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.
So much fun to be had in Melbourne over the school summer holidays!
Wherever you live in Melbourne, there are so many activities (free and paid) to enjoy with your family these school holidays. Use this list and do your own research to have a blast this summer and beat the school holiday boredom!
