13 great school holiday activities in Melbourne

School holidays are the best time to get out, explore, and enjoy quality time with the kids. As parents, we know how important it is to find activities that are not only fun but also keep them engaged and active. A day trip to the playground just isn't going to cut it. We've tried and tested countless experiences across Melbourne and put together this list of school holiday activities in Melbourne that our own families have loved. Whether you're after an exciting day out, hands-on learning opportunities, or just a great way to keep the kids entertained, these ideas will help you make the most of the break. We've put together the ultimate list of school holiday activities in Melbourne, packed with exciting adventures and hidden gems to keep the kids entertained throughout the break.

Looking for a one-stop venue for school holiday fun? Have the ride of your life at Ace Karts. We have a range of karts for all ages and skill levels. Book now and secure your spot on the leaderboard.

1. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

When was the last time you spent a day in Melbourne's stunning Royal Botanic Gardens? The holidays are a great time to take the kids to explore the lush grounds. Even in the cold of winter, it's important that we all get outside and enjoy the sunshine. If the city gardens are too far away, go to your local gardens or park instead.

2. Drop into a farm

The Collingwood Children's Farm is only 5km from Melbourne's city centre and is open every day of the year. Get up close and cuddly with guinea pigs, chickens, and goats, or watch the pigs enjoy their breakfast. The Farm Cafe has a great kid-friendly menu, and the beautiful surrounds of the Abbotsford Convent are always worth exploring.

3. Tee up with mini golf

Mini golf is so much cooler than it used to be. Melbourne's reigning pop-culture themed mini golf venue, Holey Moley, has you covered over the school holidays. Suitable for all ages and abilities, their golf courses are a putt above the rest. You can even have a family singalong in one of their private karaoke rooms.

4. Go berserk at Luna Park

From rollercoasters to the Ghost Train, there are rides and attractions at Melbourne's Luna Park. If you're not a thrillseeker, spend some time in the Mirror Maze, or test your skills and win a prize at any of the carnival games. Book as a family and save on ride prices — kids under 16 often get discounts!

From rollercoasters to the Ghost Train, there's plenty of attraction at Melbourne's Luna Park. If you're not a thrillseeker, spend some time in the Mirror Maze, or test your skills and win a prize at any of the carnival games. Book as a family and save on on ride prices.

5. Book a racing session

Ready to get those hearts racing? Ace Karts has one of the biggest and best go-kart tracks in Melbourne, and we're open rain, hail, or shine. Pop in over the school holidays and allow us to shift your fun into gear. We offer Rookie Karts for beginners, Super Karts for pros, and 2-Seater Karts so that parents and kids can race together.

For young racers finding their groove

Are you starting your racing journey? Our Rookie Kart is ideal for beginners, offering safe speeds and easy handling for ages 6-11. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids to the excitement of go karting, with plenty of fun around every corner.

Top Speed

40km/h

Handling

Easy steering for beginners

Learn more

For little ones and their grown-up co-drivers

For young racers not quite ready to drive solo, our 2-Seater Kart is the perfect solution. Share the excitement with an adult in our tandem karts while enjoying the smooth handling and mid-speed thrills of our popular outdoor karting track.

Top Speed

55km/h

Handling

Easy and comfortable

Learn more

For thrill-seekers who crave adrenaline

Our Super Kart is perfect for thrill-seekers who love high-speed fun and want to feel the speed with the fastest karting on the track. With a finely tuned Honda engine boasting impressive horsepower and highly responsive handling, it’s designed for those ready to test their limits on our technical turns to test your skills and wide and twisty track.

Top Speed

75km/h

Handling

Highly responsive

Learn more

6. See a movie

If the weather is cold and miserable, sometimes the best thing to do is keep cosy. There's plenty of movies on show these school holidays, including a range of mind-blowing features at Melbourne's IMAX theatre. Choose your favourite flick and secure the best seat in the house.

7. Go wild at the zoo

Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo both offer free admission to kids on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. These zoos have heaps of exciting attractions on offer, from rare animals to recreations of dinosaurs and megafauna.

8. Get cultural

If you're into art and history, there's plenty on offer around the Melbourne CBD. MoMA at the NGV has exciting interactive displays, and a huge collection of contemporary and modern art from all over the world. Melbourne Museum has a fantastic collection of taxidermy, historical artefacts, and modern treasures, plus exhibitions that change throughout the school holidays for you to explore.

9. Leap into the school holiday fun at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre!

Melbourne has gone crazy for LEGO this school holidays! There are heaps of programs on offer that will have you piecing your own fun together, brick by brick. Visit the LEGO Education Centre at Docklands, or the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at Chadstone.

Dive into an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a must-visit for families looking for immersive experiences. Kids can run through the interactive ocean tunnel, where sharks and stingrays glide above them. The penguin encounter is always a hit, especially during feeding time! There are interactive displays throughout, making learning about marine life fun for all ages. If you're after activities in Melbourne that are both educational and exciting, this should be at the top of your list.

11. Take on thrilling flips at an indoor trampoline park

If your kids get restless indoors, an indoor trampoline park is the perfect way to burn off energy. Venues like Bounce Inc offer wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and even virtual reality games for a unique twist on traditional jumping fun. The family-friendly environment ensures that children of all ages, from little ones to teens, have a blast while getting a full-body workout.

12. Enjoy a day of fun at Grazeland and Queen Victoria Market

If you’re after food and drink options that the whole family can enjoy, Grazeland is a favourite spot for families. This family-friendly food precinct in Docklands offers endless cuisine choices, live music, and roving entertainers to keep the kids entertained. If you’re looking for low-cost options, Queen Victoria Market is great for browsing fresh produce, delicious street food, and fun market stalls.

13. Get lost in the mind-bending world of Monopoly Dreams and the Inverted House

For a truly unique experience, Monopoly Dreams at Melbourne Central offers a real-life take on the beloved board game. Kids can wander through themed rooms, play life-size Monopoly, and even try out a 4D cinema experience. If you're looking for something even wilder, the Inverted House flips reality upside down — literally! This upside-down attraction makes for the most mind-boggling photo opportunities and hours of school holiday fun.

Make unforgettable memories with the best school holiday activities in Melbourne!

With so many amazing school holiday activities in Melbourne, there's no reason for boredom this break. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, discovering Melbourne's top attractions, or hitting the track at Ace Karts, there’s something for everyone. Looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush? Book a go-karting session today and give the kids an experience they won’t forget!