This 2026, the Easter long weekend runs from Friday, 3 April (Good Friday) to Monday, 6 April (Easter Monday), the perfect time for families to slow down, unwind, and reconnect with each other. From festive egg hunts to family-friendly festivals and outdoor adventures, Easter activities offer a perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together.  Here, we’ve rounded up the best things to do for Easter that everyone, from the kids to toddlers and adults, can enjoy.

Easter Activities for Kids

Get ready for big smiles, chocolatey fingers, and non-stop excitement! These Easter activities are perfect for primary school-aged children who love egg hunts, carnival rides, creative crafts, live performances, and hands-on fun.

1

Experience the Iconic Chinese Dragon Parade at the Bendigo Easter Festival

This Easter, Rosalind Park and its surrounding streets will transform into a vibrant hub of culture as Bendigo celebrates its Chinese heritage in the Bendigo Easter Festival. With an extensive program of Easter weekend events, this festival offers something for everyone, from exciting carnival rides to family-friendly entertainment. The highlight of the festival is the iconic dragon parade, with the sounds and sights of musicians, traditional lion dancers, and performers filling the streets of Bendigo with colour and culture.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Be on the hunt for thousands of Easter eggs on Good Friday, experience the kid-friendly and thrill-inducing rides of Carnival Central, and find a treasure at the Rotary Market.
  • Get in the festive atmosphere as the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, Dai Gum Loong, weaves his way through the historic streets of Bendigo in the iconic Sherridon Homes Gala Parade.
  • Rock along to live music and keep the kids busy with hands-on activities and performances.

When: 3 April to 6 April 2026. The main festival precinct and activities will run from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, while smaller community-run events will be held on Easter Monday. Check the program guide for more information.

Where: Different events in various locations around Bendigo. See the event map for more details.

2

Celebrate Easter the Rural Way at the Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival

The charming historical gold and ironbark town of Rushworth celebrates Easter with heritage and festivity. At the Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival, various market stalls line the main street’s historic median strip, with plenty of Easter activities for kids and families to enjoy.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Explore a bustling community market with stalls showcasing local crafts, produce, food and vintage treasures along Rushworth’s historic High Street.
  • Enjoy the annual Grand Parade, featuring vintage tractors, steam machinery, classic cars, horse‑drawn carriages and the Easter Bunny.
  • See historic demonstrations and displays, such as vintage steam engines and draught horse presentations.

When: 4 April 2026, from 9 AM to 2 PM

Where: High Street, Rushworth, Victoria, 3612

3

Join in a Day of Fun and Entertainment for a Cause at the Kids Day Out

Each year, the Good Friday Appeal raises funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital, helping to provide world-class care for children in need. This Easter, families from across Melbourne and Victoria come together to support this meaningful cause while enjoying an array of entertainment at Kids Day Out. With plenty of free Easter events in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, everyone will leave with smiles on their faces and hearts full of joy.


What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Bring your favourite teddy to the Teddy Bear Hospital for fun check‑ups with teddy doctors.
  • Enjoy a variety of carnival rides and giant inflatables for kids and families.
  • Get your body moving in the Bunnings Sports Zone and participate in the Kids Day Out Games.
  • Unleash your creativity with Easter craft activities at the Family Fun Fair.

When: 3 April 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia

Turn Travel into a Memorable Adventure

Enjoy a leisurely 40-minute ferry ride between Queenscliff on the Bellarine and Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. With comfortable lounge areas, viewing decks, onboard cafés and bars, a children’s playground, and the chance to spot dolphins along the way, Searoad Ferries transforms a simple journey into a memorable coastal experience.

4

Join the Hunt for Easter Eggs at the Geelong Easter Fest

Geelong Easter Fest is a four‑day family‑friendly Easter celebration, featuring the region’s biggest and most exciting Easter egg hunt. But beyond the giant egg hunt, there’s a lot more to do that will keep everyone fuelled throughout the day. This festive wonderland is packed with colour, laughter, and non-stop entertainment for kids and families.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Geelong’s giant Easter egg hunt with plenty of eggs to find and fun for kids of all ages.
  • Take part in the Easter Bonnet Parade with prizes up for grabs.
  • Enjoy the amusement rides and games that will keep the whole family entertained.

When: 3 April to 6 April, 2026, from 10 AM to 6 PM

Where: Geelong Racecourse, 99 Breakwater Rd, Breakwater VIC 3219, Australia

Easter Activities for Toddlers (Ages 1 to 3)

From colourful displays and sensory-friendly outings to relaxed adventures where they can safely explore at their own pace, these activities make celebrating Easter easy, joyful, and stress-free for both little ones and parents.

5

Step Into a World of Kids-Friendly Play and Fun at the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)

The Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) is an interactive and imaginative space specially designed for toddlers and young children (ages 1 to 7). Every corner is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity while remaining safe and age-appropriate, making it the perfect Easter outing for little ones who love to explore. For any special Easter activities for toddlers, check their website for updates and announcements. 

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Explore vibrant hands‑on exhibits built around play‑based learning that inspire imagination, creativity, and discovery.
  • Let little ones crawl, climb and explore in soft play areas designed especially for toddlers and budding early learners.
  • Join in themed activities and programs developed by early childhood educators to make play joyful and meaningful.

When: Opens daily, from 9 AM to 5 PM (weekends) and 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (weekdays)

Where: 51 McKillop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

6

Hop Aboard the Bellarine Railway Train

The Bellarine Railway offers special weekend trips for kids and families. Riding the heritage carriage feels straight out of a fantasy book, and the scenic journey along Swan Bay makes it even more magical. The Good Friday Trips, Easter Specials, and Swan Bay Express all deliver unforgettable experiences and plenty of photo-worthy moments for the whole family.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Good Friday Trip: Enjoy a 45-minute trip along Swan Bay, with a 15-minute stopover at Lakers Siding. Proceeds will be donated to The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
  • Easter Specials: Meet the Easter Bunny at the halfway stop, and you’ll receive an Easter chocolate egg!
  • Swan Bay Express: Climb aboard fully enclosed heritage carriages and collect a Spotto activity sheet at the booking office.

When: 

  • Good Friday: 3 April 2026, with trains departing from Queenscliff at 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM
  • Easter Special: 4-5 April 2026, with trains departing from Queenscliff at 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 1:45 PM, and 3:15 PM
  • Swan Bay Express: 6 April 2026, with trains departing from Queenscliff at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2:15 PM, and 3:15 PM

Where: 20 Symonds St, Queenscliff VIC 3225, Australia

Easter Activities for the Whole Family

Looking for something everyone can enjoy? These Easter experiences are ideal for mixed-age groups and grown-ups who want a touch of culture, creativity, or coastal charm alongside the festivities.

7

Set Sail on a Scenic Journey with Searoad Ferries

Searoad Ferries takes you on a scenic cruise between Queenscliff (Bellarine Peninsula) and Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula) that is as exciting as the destination itself. With first-class amenities onboard and stunning views all around, Searoad Ferries ensures your journey across Port Phillip Bay is as memorable as your itinerary for the rest of the day. 


What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Sit back and relax while the little ones entertain themselves in the kids' playground and colouring corner.
  • Indulge in freshly prepared drinks and treats at the onboard café, which offers views of Port Phillip Bay. 
  • Have a brew with a view from the top-deck bar (available from 12 noon daily) while your little one enjoys hot chocolate or juice.
  • Let your young explorers use the binoculars on the viewing decks for an opportunity to spot dolphins and other marvels of nature.

When: Open daily, with ferries departing every hour from 7 AM to 6 PM

Where: Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia (to Queenscliff) | 1 Wharf St E, Queenscliff VIC 3225, Australia (to Sorrento)

8

Spend a Colourful Easter Weekend at the Tarra Festival

The Tarra Festival is a community‑celebrated Easter festival held over the long weekend around Yarram and Port Albert. The festival brings together fun-filled Easter activities for kids and the whole family, including colourful parades, markets, art exhibitions, live music, and a beautiful floating lantern remembrance event on the foreshore.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Enjoy a lively parade with floats, entertainment and artisan market stalls lining the streets of Yarram.
  • Sing or dance along to local bands and performers at various venues and open‑air spaces.
  • Fly your eco-friendly lantern at the Remembrance Lantern Festival (5 April 2026) as a tribute to friends and loved ones who have passed.

When: 3 April to 6 April 2026. Check their event schedule for the full timetable of parades, concerts, and family events happening across the long weekend.

Where: Various locations throughout Yarram and Port Albert, Victoria, Australia.

9

Immerse Yourself in Art with Stunning Bay Views at the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron Easter Art Show

Now in its 16th year, the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron (BYS) Easter Art Show offers a chance for art enthusiasts and the local community to come together in support of a great cause. This art show not only showcases the incredible talent of local and regional artists but also raises essential funds for the BYS rescue boat fleet, which plays a crucial role in supporting junior, community, and disabled sailing programs.


What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Marvel at artistic works created by artists from Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, and Bellarine Peninsula.
  • Walk through the deck and lawn, adorned with outdoor sculptures and art.
  • Unwind in the BYS bistro and deck with stunning views of the bay.

When: 3 April to 6 April 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM (Saturday and Sunday) and 10 AM to 2 PM (Monday)

Where: 2900 Point Nepean Rd, Blairgowrie VIC 3942, Australia

10

Flip Your World at Australia's First Upside-Down House

Are you looking for unique and fun things to do on Easter Monday? Head to House Down Under and be ready to boggle the minds of your social media friends once you start snapping pictures of yourself upside down! Every room of this house is flipped on its head, so you’ll find endless opportunities for fun photos and laughter.


What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Pose for hilarious photos that look like you’re walking on the ceiling or floating in mid-air.
  • Explore rooms where everyday objects are defying gravity and experience a space that makes you question reality.
  • No need to bring a tripod or a selfie stick. There’s always a staff member willing to assist you with some poses and snap a few photos of you and your group.

When: Open daily, from 12 PM to 6 PM (Weekdays) and 10 AM to 6 PM (Weekends)

Where: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia

11

Experience the Magic of Snow White’s Happily Ever After Egg Hunt

At Snow White’s Happily Ever After Egg Hunt, fairytale fun meets a classic Easter tradition. Designed for kids and families, this special Good Friday Appeal event transforms the Animal Land Children’s Farm into a whimsical world filled with imagination and engaging activities for all ages. Proceeds from this event help raise vital funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Explore at your own pace and say hi to friendly animals that call the farm home.
  • Embark on an exciting story-led Easter egg hunt that makes you feel like a character in a storybook hunting for treasure!
  • Take photos with fairytale-inspired farm characters.

When: 3 April 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM

Where: Animal Land Children’s Farm, 200 Duncans Ln, Diggers Rest VIC 3427, Australia

12

Celebrate History and Community at the Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival

The Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival is one of Victoria’s most beloved regional festivals. This street festival brings the whole community together in a joyful tribute to heritage, creativity and local spirit. The streets buzz with colourful parades, live music, bustling markets, family activities and plenty of things to do for Easter.


What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Watch the Grand Parade down Ford Street with floats, performers, stilt walkers and old-fashioned pageantry celebrating the town’s gold rush history and community pride.
  • Jam to live music and watch roaming entertainers fill the streets with energy.
  • Take part in family-friendly Easter activities like the classic egg hunt.

When: 3 to 6 April 2026

Where: Ford Street, Beechworth, Victoria, 3747

Get Ready for an Easter Filled with Fun and Adventure!

From outdoor hunts and vibrant festivals to indoor high teas and immersive exhibitions, Easter in Victoria is packed with activities for families of all ages. With so many creative and exciting events, it’s time to start planning your Easter weekend so you won’t miss out on the fun. Gather the family, explore new traditions, and create unforgettable memories during one of the most festive times of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are public transport and services in Victoria affected over the Easter long weekend?

Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April) are public holidays in Victoria, which may result in altered or reduced timetables for trains, trams, and buses. Check the latest announcements to plan your travel, as some services may run on holiday schedules, and popular routes to festivals and events can be busier than usual.

2. What kinds of Easter events are available for families and kids across Victoria?

Victoria hosts a wide range of events, including giant Easter egg hunts, regional festivals, parades, art shows, and themed rides or attractions.