Melbourne School Holidays Activities September

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When it comes to finding the best school holiday activities in Melbourne for spring we have compiled the best, newly updated list of ideas. When I look for things to do in the Melbourne school holidays, I always look for things that I would do myself, or more accurately things I HAVE done myself with my kids. I update this article in the lead up to every set of school holidays with new events, activities and ideas to help save you time (and money)!

So leave the September fun school holiday activities to me, because we went out and experienced these activities ourselves, so you can just choose what works best for you and your family.

Here are my picks for the best school holiday activities for the spring school holidays:

What is there to do in Melbourne school holidays?

There are so many things to do over the school holidays in Melbourne and we have listed the best ones! Kids school holiday activities don’t have to be a chore, even if you stay at home (check out our stay at home ideas included below). So no matter the weather, you will find something to entertain children of all ages with these September school holiday activities in Melbourne.

We have listed indoor activities and outdoor activities. We have ideas for toddlers, kids and teens. This article is your one stop show for school holiday events Melbourne.

If you are looking for Melbourne school holiday programs and/or vacation care, where you can leave your child for a 1/2 or full day of fun while being cared for, read our Melbourne guide and book your child in now!

Fun school holiday activities in Melbourne this spring

I always like an organised list of things to do in Melbourne, so in this article you will find our list of Melbourne school holiday activities for September in sections to help you:

As with everything at the moment, please check with the venue directly (either by their website or social media pages) to ensure they are open during the times you wish to attend. You should also check their current policy around advanced bookings, entry requirements and timings.

BIG days out in Melbourne these school holidays

Need to make an impression these school holidays? Choose something that they won’t forget in a hurry. These brag-worthy activities are sure to hit the mark when they return to school.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo, located just minutes from the centre of the city , showcases over 300 species of animals within its beautifully landscaped settings.

Embark on a leisurely stroll through an Asian village and garden environment to witness the awe-inspiring Asian elephants. Discover the wonders of unique Australian wildlife, observe the grace of Sumatran tigers, witness orangutans gracefully swinging through trees, or dive into an underwater world to glimpse Victoria’s native penguin species and Australian fur seals.

Interactive exhibits also await, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the zoo’s animals, the ongoing fight to protect wildlife from extinction, and ways visitors can contribute.

Children under 16 years old enjoy free entry every weekend, during Victorian Government school holidays, and on Victorian public holidays.

Insiders Tip: All members and visitors must pre-book a ticket online. You will not be able to book tickets at the gate.

Check out the Melbourne Zoo website and book your tickets here.

SEA LIFE

Take your ocean lovers to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium where they can learn and play. Find out about marine creatures while also enjoying watching sharks and rays get fed.

Take a look at the Sea Life website here.

Grab your ticket here to skip the queue.

Legoland Discovery Centre

The Legoland Discovery Centre in Melbourne is the ultimate destination for kids who love Lego! Located in Chadstone Shopping Centre, this indoor playground has everything from exciting rides to interactive exhibits that kids of all ages will enjoy.

From building their own Lego creations to exploring Miniland, where iconic Melbourne landmarks have been recreated using Lego bricks, there is something for everyone. Your kids can even learn from the experts and take part in masterclasses to improve their Lego-building skills. The Legoland Discovery Centre is perfect for a fun-filled day out during the school holidays, rain or shine.

Read up on Legoland here.

Grab your tickets here.

Old Melbourne Gaol

Immerse your teenagers in an exhilarating slice of history at the Old Melbourne Gaol. This infamous gaol, once home to Australia’s most notorious criminals (including the legendary Ned Kelly!), invites you to embark on captivating tours and experiences that are bound to ignite excitement. Step inside the cells and witness firsthand how the prisoners lived their lives. Cast your gaze upon the gallows, where the condemned met their fate. For those brave enough, night tours are even available, adding an extra thrill to the experience!

Read about the gaol online and book a ghost tour here.

Ride Puffing Billy

If you have not done this and want a full day excursion, this is it! We loved, loved, loved, our day out on Puffing Billy! Like us, you can experience the beautiful rainforest of the Dandenong Ranges and ride an iconic steam train! Puffing Billy was constructed in the early 1900’s and today, with it’s open sided carriages, allows the imagination of children to run wild. And yes! you really can hang out the side, like we did in the photo above!

Take a look at the Puffing Billy website.

Grab tour tickets here.

Phillip Island

If you really want to get away from it all, spend a day at Philip Island. With beautiful coastlines, stunning scenery and activities for everyone, you probably won’t want to leave! Stay on and enjoy the evening penguin parade, a truly unforgettable event.

Find out what you can do on Philip Island.

Get tickets for the penguin parade here.

Moonlit Sanctuary

More than 70 wildlife species await you at the Moonlit Sanctuary. Experience an animal encounter, listen to a zoo keeper or even take a night tour at this sanctuary less than an hour from Melbourne Central. We loved our visit and highly recommend the Moonlit Sanctuary. At only 1 hour out of the CBD on the Mornington Peninsular, you should definitely add this to your schools holiday list!

Visit the website to see what animals you can get up close and personal with.

Grab your tickets before you go here.

Go surfing

Forget waiting for the perfect wave these September holidays, URBN Surf Park offers the perfect wave all year round! The waves are always rolling in and you can choose your level or for the beginners, take a lesson.

Take a look at Australia’s first surf park here.

Buy your learn to surf lessons here.

Werribee Open Range Zoo

See giraffes, hippos, rhinos and so much more at this incredible open range zoo. With education and exhibits to excite the imagination, a day out here is something the whole family will enjoy. We went to the Werribee Open range Zoo and wrote a detailed review here.

Take a look at their website for a range of tailored itineraries.

Get your discounted tickets here.

Gumbuya World

What do you get when you cross a zoo with a water park? A whole world of FUN! Gumbuya World is exactly that – visit the zoo to see animals up close, relax in the rockpools or race your friends down the slides.

Read the Gumbuya website here.

Tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Go behind the scenes at this iconic Melbourne venue and walk on the oval where many historic sporting moments have occurred. Home to cricket and football, the ‘G’ as it is affectionately known, will delight the sporting fans in your family. Families tip: Take the tram to add to the excitement and forget about the stress of parking.

Click here for the Melbourne Cricket Ground website.

You can book tour tickets here.

Flight Experience

We LOVED doing this experience. Master 16 took to the skies (almost!) with this ultimate flight experience. This is as close as it gets to operating a full-size passenger airliner. He got to step inside Australia’s state-of-the-art flight simulator experience and we got to be his passengers!

He took off and landed at airports of his choice (he chose Melbourne, Paris, London and Brisbane) in a 1 hour long experience. The pilot who trained him was wonderful and I can hand on heart highly recommend this activity if you have a child who is interested in flying! You will get the ultimate Boeing 737 experience as a pilot and is a great rainy day activity for kids too!

Find out more online here.

You can buy the experience here.

Skydeck

Have you been to Melbourne’s Skydeck? I have and I have to admit, I was scared! Why? Well, because we had the opportunity to enter a glass ‘box’ that slides out from the building, complete with a glass floor. Take a look at the photo above to understand what I mean. Personally, I didn’t find it enjoyable (although I’m glad I did it), but my son absolutely loved it!

Both of us were blown away by the stunning view of the city from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. It was an experience like nothing we had ever encountered before. From Level 88, we gazed out over the Yarra River, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and all the famous landmarks and architectural wonders. The panoramic view was simply breathtaking. I must say, despite the terrifying aspect, the experience was worth it, and I highly recommend a visit to Melbourne’s Skydeck for anyone living in or visiting the city.

Find out more about Skydeck here.

Fun CHEAP school holiday activities

While not everything in life is free, these activities won’t break the bank. These low cost activities are great options these school holidays in Melbourne.

Royal Botanical Gardens – Children’s Playground

The Royal Botanic Gardens are the living heart of the city. They have displays, walks and activities on every school holidays designed especially for kids. We spent the afternoon in the Children’s Garden. When you go to the playground, you will notice that it is not man-made.

The Children’s Garden is designed to be an interactive outdoor play space that encourages kids to get up close and personal with plants and the natural world. There’s a range of activities and features here, including a bamboo forest, a wetland area, and a plant tunnel that kids can crawl through. There’s even a kitchen garden where your kids can learn about growing their own fruit and vegetables.

One of the things I love most about the Children’s Garden is that it’s designed to be inclusive of all ages and abilities. There are plenty of sensory elements here, such as the musical instruments and the water play area, which means kids of all ages and abilities can enjoy the garden. I love this. Check it out!

Insider tip: There is a fantastic cafe, right next door!

Find out what is happening at the Royal Botanic Gardens this September here.

ArtVo

Located in the Docklands, ArtVo is perfect for teenagers who love to take selfies and cool photos on their mobiles! They have over 80 artworks and they guide you through how to take the best photos of each. The gallery is considered a ‘trick’ photography gallery because you can take amazing photos with your mobile that look incredible!

Insiders tip: The City Circle free tram stops right outside The District Shopping Centre, Docklands Drive. Take Tram 70 (via Flinders Street) OR Tram 86 (Via Bourke Street) to the The District tram stop.

Take a look at the website here.

Grab your tickets here.

Federation Square – children’s activities

Fed Square offer an range of free and paid for activities each set of school holidays to entertain and engaged your kids.

This September your kids can enjoy a range of activities including:

• The Reset school holiday program – multiple activities available

Find out more about what’s on at Fed Square this school holidays here.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Another fantastic indoor venue is Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, located in Docklands, is no ordinary arcade. Here, you will find state-of-the-art virtual reality games and thrill rides, bumper cars and some of your favourite video games including Dance Dance Revolution, NBA Hoops and a life-size Mario Kart race car driving game. Simply purchase your one or two-hour game card online here to tap away and enjoy unlimited activities within a time limit. It’s the new way to play thanks to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq.

You an grab your tickets in advance here.

Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens

Spending a day getting lost in Australia’s oldest and most famous maze. Kids will love the great gnome hunt and woodland fairy walk activity sheets and maybe you can treat them to a lavender ice-cream at the end. Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic in the 25 acres of stunning gardens.

Take a look at the website.

Tickets for the maze can be found here.

Scienceworks

Scienceworks has always got cool events and activities on over the school holidays. If you have not yet checked out, what you need to know is that is is a hands-on science museum that’s designed to inspire curiosity and wonder in both kids and adults.

The museum is packed with interactive exhibits and installations that cover a wide range of scientific topics, from space and astronomy to physics and chemistry. Your kids will love the chance to get hands-on with science experiments, play with interactive displays, and learn about the world in a fun and engaging way.

One of the highlights of Scienceworks is the Lightning Room, where you can see and hear the power of lightning up close. There’s also a planetarium where you can experience a simulated night sky, as well as a range of temporary exhibitions that cover cutting-edge scientific topics.

Click here for Melbourne Scienceworks.

Fire Services Museum

Bring the kids along to the Fire Services Museum to see what fighting a fire is all about. Staffed by retired firefighters who will happily tell the kids a story or two, this museum showcases the history of firefighting and lets you get up close to old firefighting trucks.

Take a look at the website here.

Rippon Lea House and Garden

Rippon Lea House and Garden is an historic mansion and garden that is a fantastic place to explore with your little ones. They offer plenty of fun activities and beautiful scenery to enjoy.

Your kids will love exploring the stunning gardens, which are filled with winding paths, secret nooks, and beautiful blooms. They can also discover the mansion’s rich history through interactive exhibits and displays, and even dress up in period costumes to get a feel for life in the past.

Plus, there are plenty of fun events and activities on offer throughout the year, from outdoor concerts to craft workshops and more. So why not pack a picnic and head on over for a day of family fun and adventure at Rippon Lea House and Garden?

Have a look at what is happening on the Rippon Lea website.

Grab your tickets here.

Altona Miniature Railway

If you’re looking for a fun and unique activity to do with your kids in Melbourne, you won’t want to miss the Altona Miniature Railway. This charming railway is run by a team of passionate volunteers and features a variety of miniature trains that are sure to delight kids of all ages.

Your little ones will love riding the trains around the tracks and taking in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding park. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some local wildlife, like ducks and turtles, in the nearby lake. The railway is a popular spot for families, and it’s especially great to visit during the school holidays. The rides are affordable and there’s plenty of space to run around and play in the park.

Insider tip: Be sure to check the opening hours before you go, as they can vary depending on the time of year.

Have a read about the trains here.

Collingwood Children’s Farm

The Collingwood Children’s Farm is a non-profit organisation passionate about community engagement and getting kids out in green space. Just four kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD you can cuddle a goat and interact with farm animals, so bring the family along and enjoy a day at the farm.

Click here for the website.

O’Brien Icehouse Ice skating

Kids go energy to burn? Why not take them ice-skating! Another activity located at Docklands and is perfect for school holiday fun!Watch them (or join in!) doing laps with their friends or enrol them in skate school while you sit back with a coffee at the café.

Find out more about ice-skating here.

Clip n Climb

Climbing meets theme park at Clip ‘n Climb Williamstown. Give your kids a vertical challenge and let them climb the walls, literally! There are a range of different climbs to conquer, including speed walls and the twister. Plus, there is a café onsite so you can enjoy some downtime while your small people tests out their skills.

Get climbing here.

FREE school holiday activities Melbourne

If you are wondering ‘What do you do in school holidays with no money?’ our article lists 12 things to do this spring that are all FREE! Who doesn’t love a free day out?! A cultural museum visit, a family walk and days at the park, these are some of the best things to do in Melbourne without spending a cent. Check out our list of great free family activities in Melbourne.

NGV Ian Potter Centre

The National Gallery of Victoria is a place for everyone and warmly welcomes children, teenagers and families. NGV Kids exhibitions and programs reflect the Gallery’s commitment to providing creative experiences for young people and their families. We love visiting when we are heading into the CBD. Located centrally in Federation Square, it is a must do over the holidays.

Find out about their school holiday exhibits here.

St Kilda Penguins

How incredibly lucky that as Melbourne locals we have penguins in our own city! Witness the wonder of a penguin colony at the beautiful St Kilda Breakwater these school holidays. This self-guided experience allows you to watch these incredible creatures as they go about daily penguin life.

Read more about the penguins here.

Royal Park Nature Play

Based on natural elements, this park is a wonderful outdoor space for children. With equipment to excite the kids – ropes course, climbing structures and more – as well as a water play area, there is something for kids of all ages. That is our kiddo in the photo above, this is one of his favourite playgrounds in Melbourne!

Take a look at what you can do there.

State Library of Victoria

If you want to get the kids excited about visiting a library, remind them that the State Library of Victoria houses Ned Kelly’s armour! The library also has a range of talks, workshops and children’s story time on offer all year round.

You can always find something special for the kids in the Children’s Quarter of the library. That is the photo I took above.

These school holidays you can see

• World of the Book – Present – 12 May 2024

Visit the library website to see their school holiday guide.

The Queen Victoria Market

This open air market is a wonderland for the senses and one our family often visits. Yummy food and smells greet you as you enter this expansive outdoor market. This iconic market has been running for 140 years and is a must see these school holidays. Try on silly hats, sample some treats at the food stalls or buy some fresh food and take it home to cook up a storm with your kids. They will be learning about measuring, weighing and timing… but don’t tell them they are learning… ssshhh!

Browse the Queen Victoria Market website.

RAAF Museum

A visit to the RAAF Museum will ignite the passion for flying in your kids. See aircraft up close and learn about the history of the air force. Open days and flying displays are held throughout the year so make sure you add them to the list!

Take a look at their website to learn more.

Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a fantastic school holiday activity, We went recently and we got to explore the free museum and memorial, which showcases Australia’s rich military history. We were fascinated by the exhibits and displays that illustrated the stories of those who served and sacrificed for their country. These included the Gallipoli campaign, the First and Second World Wars, and subsequent conflicts. There are also various artworks and sculptures that pay tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of those who served their country.

The highlight of our visit was the observation deck at the top of the Shrine, where we could take in breathtaking 360 views of the city and the Royal Botanic Gardens. That is a photo of my son above. We were thrilled to see Melbourne from such a unique vantage point, and we both learned a lot about the city’s history and geography.

Insiders Tip: Visit during the Last Post Service. The brief, family-friendly ceremony takes place outside on the Shrine Forecourt and includes bugle calls and bagpipers, the Shrine Guard in historic uniform, a wreath-laying, recital of the Ode and lowering of the flags.

Find out more about the Shrine Of Remembrance here.

National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria has three locations and lots to offer kids these school holidays. The Gallery is committed to expanding the creativity of children with a range of programs, exhibits and activities all year round.

Click here for the website.

Melbourne Museum

If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids over the school holidays, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Melbourne Museum. Check out the Dinosaur Walk exhibition, where you can step back in time and come face-to-face with some of the most impressive prehistoric creatures to have ever roamed the earth. Another popular exhibit is the First Peoples exhibition, which delves into the rich cultural history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Through interactive displays and multimedia experiences, you and your kids can learn about the customs, traditions, and beliefs of these fascinating communities.

The Melbourne Story exhibition is another must-see, offering an immersive journey through the city’s history from its earliest days to the present. You’ll discover the stories of the people who have shaped Melbourne, as well as the events that have shaped its identity and culture.

Other notable static displays include the Forest Gallery, which showcases Victoria’s diverse flora and fauna, and the Bugs Alive! exhibition, which is a hit with kids thanks to its interactive displays and live insect displays. For the really little ones (up to 5 years) there is an interactive children’s gallery where you can let them explore and have fun.

Read what else you can do at the Melbourne Museum.

ArtPlay

ArtPlay is a venue that encourages creativity and self-expression. Workshops and programs are on offer for a range of age groups and it is centrally located in Melbourne City behind Federation Square.

Insiders tip: Allow sometime to play at the playground located beside ArtPlay. My son loved rolling down the grassy hill!

These school holidays you can see:

• The Flying Canoe (17 May – 17 Nov)
• I See You Like This (10 Aug – 26 Nov)

Find out what’s on offer here.

City Circle Tram

Did you know?

The trams that run in the inner CBD of Melbourne are 100% free? We rode them around the city centre last time we were in the city and had an absolute blast getting to the places we wanted to see. You can find the map of where the free trams travel to here.

As well the normal free trams, we also loved experiencing the old world charm on this historic Melbourne Tram. It was a fun and easy way to explore Melbourne’s inner city, and it offered us a commentary along the way about Melbourne’s landmarks and history. Free and fun!

Take a look at the historic tram route here.

If you want even more things to do for FREE in Melbourne during the school holidays we listed 30 free ideas here.

Things to do at home these school holidays

When you just can’t leave the house, these stay at home activities will be crowd pleasers with the kids. Sometimes the best memories are made in your own home.

Go on a treasure hunt

Make a list of things you can easily find in your backyard and send the kids out to find them. Make it even more interesting by getting them to draw some things as well.

Build a cubby house with sheets

Building a cubby never gets old. Grab some sheets, towels and their favourite toys and make a cubby under the kitchen table.

Put on a show

Give the kids a theme and ask them to put on a show. Let them raid your wardrobe for costumes. You might be amazed with what they perform.

Plant a veggie garden

Getting kids outside is always a great idea. Grab some seeds from your local nursery or hardware store and start a veggie patch. It is a great way for kids to interact with nature and see where food comes from.

Make your own jigsaw puzzle

Ask you kids to do a drawing and then cut it into shapes. Watch them enjoy trying to put it all back together again.

Tip: Glue the picture onto cardboard first to give it a solid backing before cutting it out.

We have 10 more ideas of things to do at home here:

• 52. Watch a movie or binge-watch a TV series.
• 53. Read a book or start a new hobby like knitting or painting.
• 54. Cook or bake something new and delicious.
• 55. Play board games or video games with family or friends.
• 56. Exercise or practice yoga at home.
• 57. Have a spa day with face masks, bubble baths, and massages.
• 58. Listen to music, podcast, or audio books.
• 59. Write in a journal, compose poetry or short stories.
• 60. Declutter and organize your home.
• 61 Build a fort in the living room with blankets and sheets.

Theatres with kids shows on in Melbourne these school holidays

If you are looking for something a little different, take a look at these venues who all offer family friendly shows and programs over the school holidays.

Arts Centre Melbourne

Located on the banks of the Yarra River, Arts Centre Melbourne really does embrace families and children. Not only do they host a range of kids show and workshops, but they also offer interactive experiences for little ones, designed to spark wonder in them.

Take a look at their website for even more school holiday ideas.

Athenaeum Theatre

This beautiful theatre was founded in 1839 and offers shows to surprise and delight families these holidays. Families tip: Located in the CBD, you can catch a show at the theatre then enjoy a free ride on the city circle tram ride!

These school holidays you can see:

Click here for the Athenaeum website.

Princess Theatre

The Princess Theatre in Melbourne is a stunning venue that has been entertaining audiences for over a century. This majestic theatre boasts a rich history and features a beautifully ornate interior that transports visitors back in time. The Princess Theatre is renowned for hosting some of the world’s most beloved stage productions, including musicals, plays, ballets, and operas. Its grand auditorium can seat over 1400 people, making it one of Melbourne’s largest theatres. With its iconic façade and exquisite interior, the Princess Theatre is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of live theatre in Melbourne.

These school holidays you can see:

• Mama Mia The Musical – from 4 October

Find out what is playing these school holidays here.

Regent Theatre

The landmark Regent Theatre holds a key part in our city’s history since opening as a grand picture palace in 1929. Having survived a fire, a flood, twenty years in darkness and many threats of demolition to turn the magnificent theatre into a car park or tabaret, the venue reopened in August 1996 meticulously refurbished and returned to its breathtaking former glory.

These school holidays you can see:

• Moulin Rouge – from 20 August

Find out what’s on at the Regent Theatre these holidays here.

Fun activities in Melbourne at night with kids

We have a whole article dedicated to things to do in Melbourne at night have have broken the list into toddler, younger kids and teens to help you plan your school holidays.

Melbourne kids holiday ideas

If you’re looking for more things to do in Victoria for the school holidays, click here.

Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of Melbourne days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays? These Melbourne holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page. If you re looking or things to do in Melbourne with teenagers, then read that article too!

Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!

Even more VIC school holiday ideas:

If you are heading off on a Victorian road trip these school holidays check out our other articles:

• Bendigo school holiday activities
• Geelong school holiday activities
• Ballarat school holiday activities
• Warrnambool school holiday activities

And if you are heading to our nations capital, we have listed he best school holiday activities in Canberra too!

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