After a term of dedicating many hours to schoolwork, the school holidays offer the perfect opportunity for kids to unwind, explore, and create lasting memories. Fortunately, there are plenty of school holiday activities in Victoria that allow them to nurture their creativity or unleash their inner adventurer. From exciting outdoor escapades to educational indoor activities, here are 12 activities for students during the 2026 school holidays.

 

Easter School Holidays (Autumn)

1

Seek the Thrill of Nature with Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM)

For adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts who want to engage in action-packed activities these school holidays, Wild Adventures Melbourne offers exhilarating multi-activity tours through the Peninsula’s prime destinations and hidden gems. Even if you’re a newbie or want to just connect with nature without the thrill-seeking intensity, there are adventures and itineraries that you can fully enjoy.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Different adventures for every type of adventurer, from coastal bushwalking to paddleboarding, whale and wildlife spotting, snorkelling, or skiing.

  • See for yourself what makes the popular destinations iconic and visit hidden gems that only locals and hardcore adventurers know about.

  • Free sunscreen, refreshments, meals, and equipment so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything but your sense of adventure.

When: Dates vary depending on your booked tour

Where: Lighthouse, 676 Point Nepean Rd, McCrae VIC 3938, Australia

Price: From $75

2

Craft Your DIY Masterpiece at Lightning Planet CBD

For little creators with big imaginations, Lightning Planet offers plenty of creative things to do during school holidays in Melbourne. This DIY workshop allows kids to design their own art pieces while also learning new skills in design and craftsmanship. All materials are provided, and the guided sessions ensure everyone leaves with a masterpiece.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Various DIY sessions to choose from, from painting to shoe and handbag design, DIY jewellery and accessories, and decoden art.

  • Group DIY sessions are available for families, friends, teams, and birthday parties.

When: Dates vary depending on your chosen DIY session. Check their booking page to see available dates.

Where: Kmart Centre, Shop 12/222 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Price: From $28

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.

July School Holidays (Winter Break)

3

Master the Skating Rink at Sk8house

Get your skates on and be ready for an action-packed day of fun and thrills. The whole family can learn how to master the art of balance on wheels as Sk8house makes speed-skating fun for all ages. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for winter school holiday activities near Melbourne that keep kids active indoors. Various classes are available for different skill levels, from beginner to advanced, so everyone can enjoy the fun at their own pace.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Under the professional guidance of coaches, you will be guided through stages of development and help build your confidence as your skating skills improve.

  • Skate your hearts out while the DJ hits the music in the General Sessions.

When: Open daily, with different classes available each day. Check their skate class schedule for more details.

Where: Unit 3/2 Amayla Cres, Carrum Downs VIC 3201, Australia

Price: From $17

4

Step Into a World of Kid-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 where children can explore their creativity through various exhibits and activities. From art workshops to interactive play spaces, MoPA is an engaging world that caters to the interests and imaginations of children of all ages.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Wander through the two-level museum filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and creative play zones designed to ignite your child’s imagination.

  • Recharge and refuel after a day of play and fun at the on-site café.

When: Open from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Monday to Friday), 9 AM to 5 PM (Saturday and Sunday)

Where: 51 McKillop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Price: From $10

5

Jump Across the Trampoline Wonderland of Bounce

There’s nothing like getting your sweat on with some intense indoor activities. Bounce offers the perfect mix of fun and fitness, making it one of the popular winter school holiday activities near Melbourne. In its massive 3000 square metres of trampoline wonderland, everyone can let loose and have a blast as they bounce, flip, and soar to new heights.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Master your first flip, practise your aerial moves, or just freely bounce and play around the interconnected trampolines and giant inflatable bags.

  • Race your mates or challenge yourself in the obstacle courses that will test your agility and stamina.

  • Unleash your free spirit with over 16 activities designed with different challenges and excitement levels.

When: Open daily and on public and school holidays. Check your selected venue as operating hours can vary by location.

Where: Multiple locations in Victoria (Geelong, Blackburn, Essendon Fields, Glen Iris, Heidelberg, Keysborough, and Wodonga)

Price: From $13

6

Conquer the Climb with The Rock Adventure Centre

Provide your little ones with a thrilling experience at The Rock Adventure Centre, where they can challenge themselves and build confidence through indoor rock climbing. Here, they will develop not just physical strength, but also mental resilience and problem-solving skills they will carry with them everywhere they go.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Climb through beginner-friendly walls under the supervision of professionals who will patiently show you the ropes.

  • Test your strength, agility, and problem-solving skills as you scale 25 towering walls with heights that reach up to 12 metres.

  • For more advanced climbers, bring your own rope and challenge yourself as you ascend through 11 walls specially designed for lead climbing.

When: Open from 4 PM to 9:30 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 AM to 5 PM (Saturday), 1 PM to 5 PM (Sunday)

Where: Rear/403 Pakington St, Newtown VIC 3220, Australia

Price: $20 (Adult) | $18 (Concession) | $16 (Child) | $80 (2 adults, 2 children)

September School Holidays (Spring Break)

7

Go on a Coastal Historical Tour at Point Nepean National Park

Take your kids’ history lessons beyond the books as they explore the rich historical landscape of one of the top destinations in Portsea: Point Nepean National Park. With its rich military and early European history, the park offers free, educational school holiday activities on the Mornington Peninsula.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Explore the military forts, tunnels, and gun emplacements that once protected Victoria at Fort Nepean.

  • Visit Quarantine Station, where immigrants arriving by ship were once isolated to prevent the spread of diseases.

  • Walk towards the park’s highest point, Cheviot Hill, where a monument dedicated to former Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt was mounted.

When: Open daily, with selected buildings open between 9 AM and 4:30 PM

Where: Ochiltree Rd, Portsea VIC 3944, Australia

Price: Free

8

Seek Thrills and Fun at Enchanted Adventure

Enchanted Adventure takes up a spot in our list of best things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula, and it’s no surprise why. If you’re looking for some action-packed school holiday activities, Enchanted Adventure offers plenty for your little thrill-seekers. With its expansive gardens, towering hedge mazes, and heart-pumping adventures, this place is a haven for families seeking fun and excitement during the school break.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Make your way through the hedge mazes with different sculptures and puzzles that will surprise you at every twist and turn.

  • Climb through over 50 aerial obstacles, bridges, and 5 zip lines across tree-based platforms in a grand tree surfing experience.

  • Pack your picnic bag and spread out a mat in the park’s themed gardens surrounded by the native bushland.

When: Open daily, from 9 AM to 5 PM (September to April) and 10 AM to 5 PM (May to August)

Where: 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936, Australia

Price: $30 to $40 (General Admission)

Christmas School Holidays (Summer)

9

Take a Scenic Cruise Trip with Searoad Ferries

Searoad Ferries is not just a means of transport: it’s an adventure in itself! As you sail across the pristine waters of Port Phillip Bay, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Pope’s Eye, Queenscliff’s iconic black lighthouse, and maybe even a few playful dolphins along the way. Onboard, there are school holiday activities for kids that will keep them entertained and engaged before you hop off onto your next adventure.

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 in the onboard café, which offers a view of Port Phillip Bay's surrounding waters. 

  • Have a brew with a view on the top deck bar while your little one enjoys hot chocolate or juice.

  • Let your young explorers use the binoculars located on the viewing decks and see which marvels of nature they can spot.

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)

Price: Standard and online fares vary, see Fare Timetable for more details

10

Sleep Among the Dinosaurs at Melbourne Museum

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to spend a night at the museum? Now’s your chance to find out and experience it yourself! The home of the dinosaurs, the Melbourne Museum, offers a unique, thrilling experience that lets you and your kid sleep (if you dare) among the dinosaurs. ​​This immersive experience is perfect for families looking for unforgettable activities for the school holidays in Melbourne, giving curious young explorers the chance to learn, play, and discover long after the museum closes.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Take part in hands-on activities that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages, from building starfighters to creating lightsabers out of LEGO bricks

  • Enjoy a movie on a crisp IMAX 4K Laser format

  • Wake up to a freshly cooked breakfast before you meet Horridus: the world’s most finely preserved triceratops fossil.

When: January 8, 2026

Where: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Price: $245 (Adult [Museum Member]) | $225 (Child [Museum Member]) |  $265 (Adult [Non-Member]) | $245 (Child [Non-Member])

11

Be a Junior Keeper at Moonlit Sanctuary

Located just a little under an hour from Melbourne CBD, Moonlit Sanctuary offers one of the most exciting school holiday events where your little one can immerse themselves in the world of Australian wildlife. This hands-on experience is perfect for young animal lovers aged 7 to 14, offering the chance to get up close with native species, all while learning about their care and conservation.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Get hands-on experience on how to feed and care for a variety of Australian animals, including kangaroos and koalas.

  • Learn about the importance of wildlife conservation and how everyone can contribute in their little ways.

  • Led by their Education Team, get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care, conservation efforts, and daily routines within the sanctuary.

When: During every Victorian school holiday period. Check their school holiday programs page for schedules.

Where: 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale VIC 3912, Australia

12

Turn Up the Water Fun at Adventure Park Geelong

Adventure Park Geelong is Victoria’s biggest water theme park and is one of the top attractions in Geelong. A popular destination during the summer, it is also one of the must-visit places to go on school holidays in Victoria. Adventure Park Geelong is home to a variety of exciting water rides, from heart-pumping slides to relaxing water play areas, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Test your courage at 21 water rides that cater to visitors of all ages and adrenaline levels.

  • Experience Victoria’s only triple-funnel waterslide and get ready to slide through snaking tunnels and whirlpool funnels 7.5 storeys down.

  • Bring your own picnic and packed lunches or just grab a bite from their on-site dining outlets.
     

When: Open daily from November to March, from 10 AM to 5 PM during the general season

Where: 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington Geelong VIC 3222

Price: From $45 (gate prices and online tickets vary)

Make the Most of Your School Break

From thrilling outdoor adventures to hands-on educational and creative experiences, this list of things to do during school holidays ensures there’s something for every student to enjoy during their well-deserved vacation. Whether you’re seeking some physically active fun or a chance to learn something you wouldn’t find inside the classroom, these activities provide the perfect balance of excitement and learning. 

Don’t miss out on the fun and plan your family’s perfect vacation by booking a cruise at Searoad Ferries when you’re heading to Mornington Peninsula or exploring the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. With stunning coastal views and family-friendly amenities, Searoad Ferries offers a fun and relaxing way to travel while making the journey part of the adventure!

Travellers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.
Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?
Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.