After a busy term of schoolwork, the spring school holidays from 19 September to 4 October are the perfect time for kids to unwind, explore, get creative and make 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 14 activities for students during the 2026 school holidays.

 

September/Spring School Holidays

1

Go on a Coastal Historical Tour at Point Nepean National Park

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 to Cheviot Hill, the park’s highest point, then continue towards the Cheviot Beach viewing area, where a granite memorial plinth honours former Prime Minister Harold Holt.

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

Where: Ochiltree Rd, Portsea VIC 3944, Australia

Price: Free

2

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

Make the Journey Part of the Fun with Searoad Ferries:

Looking for a school holiday activity that’s exciting from start to finish? Hop aboard a 40-minute ferry ride from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula. With spacious lounge areas, outdoor viewing decks, onboard cafés and bars, and even a children’s playground, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained along the way. Kids will love spotting dolphins in the water, while adults can relax and take in the coastal views.

Book Your Ferry Trip

3

Let Your Imagination Run Wild at Imaginator

IMAGINATOR is for anyone looking for engaging school holiday activities in Melbourne, where technology, light, and imagination come together. It’s an immersive playground of glowing sculptures, colourful spaces, interactive installations and imaginative challenges that encourage kids to explore, play, and see the world from a different perspective.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Explore immersive spaces filled with light, colour, sound and interactive experiences.
  • Discover playful installations, including a Chroma room, AI character and luminous surprises.
  • Enjoy an immersive walk-through session of up to one hour, moving through the installations at your own pace.

When: Selected dates until 4 October 2026

Where: The District Docklands, underneath the Melbourne Star

Price: From $29.95 (adults), family tickets for 2 adults and 2 kids are for $88

4

Unleash Your Inner Artist at Kids Holiday Workshops

For the budding artists looking for things to do during the school holidays in Melbourne, The Blender Studios offers hands-on kids holiday workshops that will get their creative juices flowing. Here at Melbourne’s longest-running urban and fine art studio, little creatives can experiment with street-art techniques under the guidance of professional artists. These hands-on school holiday activities give children the chance to learn spray-painting, stencilling and skateboard-art techniques while creating something of their own.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Learn street-art techniques through freehand spray painting, stencilling, or skateboard painting.
  • Work alongside experienced artists in Melbourne's renowned Blender Studios.
  • Create a unique artwork while developing new creative skills using insider techniques and secret tricks.

When: Selected dates during the spring school holidays, with sessions generally running for around 2 hours

Where: 400 Spencer St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia

Price: From $75, depending on the workshop

5

Make Learning History Fun at Melbourne Museum

Make the most of the spring holiday with a visit to Melbourne Museum, where curious kids can discover dinosaurs, ancient history, science and the natural world. With hands-on activities inspired by ancient Rome, including the Creative Lab: Rise of the Gladiators and the free Mosaic Monuments activity, it’s one of the school holiday activities in Melbourne that can be both entertaining and educational.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Create a gladiator identity through craft and imaginative play at Creative Lab: Rise of the Gladiators.
  • Colour your own mosaic tile and add it to the museum’s growing collection at Mosaic Monuments.
  • Explore the Our Wondrous Planet exhibition and step into the vibrant ecosystems from all around the world.

When: 19 September to 4 October, 2026

Where: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Price: General museum entry: adults $18; seniors $12; children 16 and under free. Some special workshops and experiences have additional fees.

6

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: General Admission from $32 for children and $42 for adults. Grand Tree Surfing is separately priced and includes General Admission.

 

7

Spark Big Imaginations at Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival

Turn a spring weekend into a celebration of creativity at the Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival. Running across Geelong Arts Centre and other locations, the festival brings together performances, hands-on adventures, immersive experiences and free activities for everyone from babies and toddlers to pre-teens.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Enjoy two days of family entertainment, creativity, and play.
  • Discover performances, interactive experiences, roving performers, kid buskers and drawing stations.
  • Choose from free activities or ticketed shows and workshops for different ages.

When: 14 to 24 September 2026, with the Big Wonder Weekend taking place on 19 and 20 September.

Where: Geelong Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Price: Free activities available, with ticketed events generally starting from $10–$20 depending on the experience.

Christmas/Summer School Holidays

8

Be a Junior Keeper at Moonlit Sanctuary

Located just a little under an hour from the CBD, Moonlit Sanctuary offers one of the most exciting school holiday activities near Melbourne 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.
  • Get up close with native wildlife and learn how keepers care for different Australian species.
  • 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

Price: $114 per child, per day

9

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 on selected days from November to March. Check their monthly schedule before visiting to see specific opening times.

Where: 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington Geelong VIC 3222

Price: Gate prices and online tickets vary. Check the official website before visiting.

Easter/Autumn School Holidays

10

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 and paddleboarding to wildlife spotting and snorkelling.
  • See for yourself what makes the popular destinations iconic and visit hidden gems that only locals and hardcore adventurers know about.
  • Many tours include equipment, sunscreen, refreshments and other essentials, helping make it easier to get out and enjoy the adventure.

When: Dates vary depending on your booked tour

Where: Meeting point varies by tour, with some experiences departing from McCrae Lighthouse.

Price: From $75

July/Winter School Holidays

11

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 guidance of professional coaches, you will move through each stage of development, which helps build your confidence as your skating skills improve.
  • Skate your hearts out while the DJ hits the music in the General Sessions.

When: Session and class times vary by day during the school holidays; check the current timetable before visiting. Check their skate class schedule for more details.

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

Price: From $17

12

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 younger kids.

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

13

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: School-holiday pricing varies by venue and session. Check your selected BOUNCE location for current on-peak rates.

14

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: 

During School Term:

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

During School Holidays:

Open from 12 PM to 6 PM (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)), 12 PM to 9:30 PM (Tuesday and Thursday)

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

Price: $22 (Adult) | $20 (Concession) | $18 (Child) | $95 (2 adults, 2 children)

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 the 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Searoad Ferries Team

The Searoad Ferries Team is a collection of local travel experts who believe every journey deserves a deeper story. Through extensive research and firsthand insights, we craft compelling narratives that spotlight culture, community, and lesser-known experiences, guiding readers toward travel that feels more personal, informed, and genuinely memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do with kids during school holidays in Melbourne?

Families in Melbourne can keep kids entertained with creative and active experiences, such as making their own masterpieces at The Blender Studios, exploring imaginative displays at IMAGINATOR, dancing on roller skates at Sk8house, and discovering dinosaurs and immersive exhibits at Melbourne Museum.

What are some fun activities for school holidays in Victoria, Australia?

Some of the best school holiday activities are spread across Melbourne, Geelong, and the Mornington Peninsula. Kids can enjoy creative workshops and indoor adventures in Melbourne, interactive play at MoPA, or outdoor adventures at Enchanted Adventure on the Mornington Peninsula. Families can also make the journey between the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsula part of the fun with Searoad Ferries.

Where to take kids on holiday in Victoria?

For a plant-based breakfast in Rye, Hunter Cafe is an excellent choice, serving a variety of breakfast and lunch options. It's a relaxed and welcoming option for both vegan travellers and anyone simply looking to try something different.