When it comes to finding the best school holiday activities in Bendigo this summer, look no further than this detailed article. It can be tough for parents to continually come up with summer school holiday ideas and sometimes even getting out of the house can be a struggle! So leave the December & January 2024 Bendigo school holidays to us because we have listed the best things to do in Bendigo with kids so you can just chose what works for you and your family.
Bendigo family attractions excel at showing off their unique history and they have a range of December & January 2024 school holiday activities on offer, from going through an underground mines to climbing a lookout tower! Bendigo locals embrace our history and region and with so many things to do in summer school holidays in Bendigo, we really are spoiled for choice.
Kids school holiday activities this summer 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 top attractions in Bendigo that can entertain children of all ages with these school holiday activities in Bendigo.
We have compiled the complete guide to the best school holiday activities in Bendigo over the summer school holidays to help make your life so much easier!
Here are the summer school holidays Bendigo dates:
Easter school holiday dates:
State schools finish on Thursday 28 March and return to class on Monday 15 April 2024.
Easter school holidays in Victoria are Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024.
Fun things to do for the Bendigo school holidays
We have broken our list of Bendigo school holiday activities for summer into sections to help you:
- Fun things to do for the Bendigo school holidays
- 10 fun free school holiday activities
- 10 fun cheap school holiday activities
- 10 BIG days out in Bendigo these summer school holidays
- 5 things to do at home these school holidays
- Theatres with kids shows on in Bendigo these school holidays
- Bendigo kids holiday ideas
- Even more VIC school holiday ideas:
- Easter school holiday dates:
We have also included in our fun things to do in Bendigo article, indoor activities in Bendigo and outdoor activities in Bendigo to suit most kids interests.
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.
10 fun free school holiday activities
Who doesn’t love a free day out with kids! Add these free kids activities in Bendigo to your list of fun things to do in Bendigo these holidays.We have covered the top family attractions in Bendigo plus things to do near Bendigo with kids.
Rosalind Park
Need some space for the kids to run around? Bring them to Rosalind Park on the outskirts of the CBD. This park has everything – play in a fabulous playground, climb the Poppet Head Lookout Tower, visit the conservatory or just RUN in 60 acres of space. A great outdoor location in the city.
Lake Weeroona
You would never believe this beautiful lake was once a dusty mining area! Bring the bikes and take a ride arounds the lake (20 mins – perfect for the little kids) or just wander the grounds and let the kids play at the playground while you get a coffee. Complete with barbeque facilities this is a great place for a day out. Families tip: Grab a tram from the city to add to the experience.
Find out more about Lake Weeroona.
Bendigo Creek Trail
The Bendigo Creek Trail is a unique trail that takes you past some of the region’s most unique and historic sites. See locations like the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Golden Dragon Museum then stop off at cafes and farms to sample local produce. This trail is 18km so pick a section that is appealing and have a great day.
Read about the Bendigo Creek Trail here.
Bendigo Botanic Gardens
Spend a morning (or a whole day) at these beautiful gardens just outside the CBD. Kids will love the playspace with a fort, secret garden and the roly-poly lawn. Make sure you check out the aviary with parrots and exotic pheasants and the wetlands and billabong garden. Picnic facilities are scattered throughout.
Crusoe Reservoir
This reservoir and parkland is surrounded by the Greater Bendigo National Park and is a great place to escape the city. Perfect for cycling, hiking and fishing this a lovely place to bring the family. The reservoir aims to preserve the history of the area by recreating parts of the waterways during the mining era.
Read more about the reservoir here you can also find a walking map of Crusoe Reservoir here.
Victoria Hill Mining Reserve
This historic gold mine produced billions of dollars worth of gold and was the deepest mine around at the time. Operating for 97 years, you can still see relics of mining times as well as how the landscape has evolved. Climb Poppet Head Tower for some great views.
Bendigo library
Need a little break? Visit the Bendigo library and maybe you can curl up with a book while the kids enjoy one of the school holiday programs or workshops on offer. StoryTime, Toddler Time and Rhyme Time happen all year round and so come down and enjoy some quiet time.
Bendigo Art Gallery
One of the largest and oldest galleries in the region, the Bendigo Art Gallery offers a great range of exhibitions. Housed in one of the oldest buildings is the Post Office Gallery, which is worth a visit to see the beautiful building alone. There are some wonderful Bendigo school holiday activities and programs on offer so be sure to add this to your ‘must do’ list.
Check out the Art Gallery here.
Camp Hill Playspace
Looking for an epic playground? The playground is on e of our top things to do in Bendigo. Make sure you check out Camp Hill Playspace. Located in the Botanical Gardens and part of the Camp Hill Primary School, the park features a huge climbing net, slides, ramps and a fireman’s pole. Families note: This playspace is only open to the public outside school hours.
Take a look at the playspace here.
Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
If you are looking for something different, take the kids to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, a Buddhist Pagoda (Stupa). This Pagoda is 50m all and 50m wide at the base and is an impressive site. Walk through the Peace Garden that surrounds the Pagoda and take a self-guided (or guided) tour of this unique attraction. Parents, take a break and relax at the StupaView Café.
Find out more about the Stupa here.
10 fun cheap school holiday activities
Good fun doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to know where to find it – and we do! Take a look at these and add them to your list of places to visit in Bendigo that wont break to bank.
Bendigo walking tour
Get the kids active and take a walking tour to find out the local tips about Bendigo. This two hour tour wanders the streets and gardens of this historic gold mining town. Listen to the stories and enjoy the sites. The walk itself covers less than 1km so it is suitable for even small children.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Built in 1895 this gothic style cathedral is sure to impress. It is the second tallest church in Australia with a spire rising more than 85m into the air. Listen to the bells and marvel over the pipe organ. Families tip: Make sure you bring a camera to capture the majesty of this place.
Take a look at this impressive cathedral online here.
Bendigo Pottery Museum
Explore the history of Bendigo Pottery at this unique museum. This hands on venue offers interactive activities for families like clay play and wheel throwing lessons. There are also a number of exhibitions and individual studios to explore. Stop in at the café for a coffee and snack.
Golden Dragon Museum
The Golden Dragon Museum is a unique museum which aims to interpret and preserve Chinese Heritage in Australia. There are a number of exhibits on display including dragons, textiles and much more. Walk through the gardens or stop in the tea house for some light refreshments. Be sure to check the website to see what events are happening before you go.
Bendigo Bowling Centre
Test your skills these holidays with a game (or two!) of tenpin bowling. Bendigo Bowling Centre has you covered with lanes of excitement and offers bumper lanes and ramps meaning that even the little kids can play. Make sure you check out the website for the family specials and to see when disco bowling is happening!
Read more about Bendigo Bowling.
Bendigo Joss House Temple
Visit this heritage-listed temple to discover more about Chinese beliefs and the story of the Chinese who came to Bendigo in search of gold. You will recognise it straight away, from the striking red bricks. It is an important part of Bendigo’s cultural history so take some time to listen to the guides talk about what life was like for the Chinese searching for gold.
Jumpz trampoline park
Get bouncing these holidays at Jumpz, a trampoline park with more trampolines than you could dream of. Try your hand at bouncing the basketball through the net or just enjoy the free jump area. There is also an area for mini jumpers so you can rest easy knowing the little ones are safe. Kids are sure to burn off some energy at this place!
Park Lane Play Centre
Four levels of fun awaits you as you enter Park Lane Play Centre. Climb, slide, play in the ball pit or just run wild at this colourful playcentre. Price includes access to the outdoor jumping pillow which all kids will love. Families tip: Park Lane is located within the BIG4 Holiday Park.
Confectionery Capers
***This store is temporarily closed while it looks for a new buyer.***
This unique location combines curiosity and confectionery, a seemingly unrelated pairing but it is deliciously sweet! Walk through and look at all the crazy machines on display, see a small scale steam locomotive, have fun with languages and puzzles before checking out some sweet treats.
Read up on Confectionery Capers here.
Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre
The Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre offers a great water play space for kids. This indoor facility has a colourful zero depth play area with slides, water jets, spinning water wheel and a tipping bucket. Parents will love the fact that the pools are heated – and the barista made coffee available! A great outing for a colder or rainy day.
10 BIG days out in Bendigo these summer school holidays
Big days out are sure to tire them out and leave them wanting more. Take a look at our list of attractions in Bendigo as well as our list of places near Bendigo that are great for kids. Amongst these Bendigo kids activities you are sure to find something to suit. Things to do in Bendigo school holidays just got easier!
Bendigo Tramways
What better way to explore Bendigo and its history than by historic tram. Each tram has been lovely restored and is an important part of Bendigo’s identity. There are different tours available, each with a different theme. Tickets are valid for 1 day, so why not hop-on and hop-off these unique vehicles while exploring the city.
Find out more about the trams here.
Central Deborah Gold Mine
The Central Deborah Gold Mine is a MUST for everyone these school holidays. It is a definite addition to your list of things to see and do in Bendigo. Take the kids on a mining tour and see what life was like underground working as a miner. The Central Deborah Gold Mine was one of the many mines working during the Bendigo gold boom and extracted over 900kg of gold. Put on a hard hat and go more than 60m below the ground. If that is a little much, take a self-guided ground tour.
Find out more about Central Deborah Mine here.
Bendigo Water World
For a splashing day out, bring the kids to Bendigo Water World. This water park is located just outside Bendigo and is the perfect place for a day out. Slide down the winding slides, splash in toddler park or just enjoy the beautiful surrounds. Free barbeques are available so bring lunch and make a day of it.
Find out more about the water park.
Discovery Science and Technology Centre
Science comes to life at this exciting and hands-on science centre. Shows, exhibits and an awesome school holiday program are on offer in the heart of Bendigo. Kids will love the Thong-A-Phone or looking at their reflection in the wacky mirrors.
Find out what’s on in Bendigo school holidays at the Science Centre here.
Bendigo Planetarium
The Bendigo Planetarium is located near the Discovery Science Centre’s main entrance. It is a high tech, state-of-the-art ‘dome theatre’ with the latest high resolution laser projectors and world’s best control system, able to screen an enormous variety of entertaining, educational and creative shows.
Find out what is showing this school holidays here.
Zone Fun Park
Zone Fun Park has something for all kids. Strap on your skates and get in the rink or choose to race the family on a go kart or play laser tag. For those wanting something a little tamer, have a round of mini golf. Zone Fun Park is a venue for a full day out.
Cobb and Co Carriages
Travel differently these holidays and take a horse drawn carriage for a trip around Bendigo. Kids will love looking out from the carriage as they watch the historic sites of Bendigo go by. This is a family owned business who breeds and trains their own horses, so will be able to answer any questions the kids may have.
Find out more about this unique experience here.
Victorian Goldfields Railway
Take a trip on this steam train and pass through some historic gold mining country. Parents will love taking time to explore Maldon and enjoy some lunch while kids will be fascinated by the train. Families tip: Give the kids an unforgettable experience and let them drive the train! Train experiences happen all year round (except for certain days) so sure to check the website for details.
Bendigo Farmers Market
Let the smells, sights and sounds of the local Bendigo Farmer’s Market greet you for a fun morning out. Taste local produce and speak with local growers about the seasonal foods. Bring your shopping basket and stock up on your groceries. Markets happen every second Saturday and every Thursday so make sure you read up on when and where before you go.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Specialising in native Australian animals and a large variety of exotic animals, the Ballarat Wildlife Park is well worth the trip. See presentations from zoo keepers or just wander around with the free roaming animals and see them in their native environment, free from cages. Grab a coffee from the café and let the kids enjoy the animals.
Read more about the park here.
You can get tickets to the Ballarat Wildlife Park here
Breakout Bendigo Escape Games
Can you escape? Can your family work together to follow the clues and break out? An escape room is a themed room where you are immersed in a story and need to solve the puzzle to get out. This is the ultimate family bonding experience and a great place to avoid rainy weather. Families note: This is suitable for older kids.
Click here for the Breakout website.
5 things to do at home these school holidays
Staying at in doesn’t have to be boring. Make some time and memories at home these school holidays.
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.
Theatres with kids shows on in Bendigo these school holidays
Nothing beats a good kids show for entertainment. Take a look at these Bendigo school holiday events and our suggestions to add to your school holiday list.
Star Cinema
This unique cinema has one thing that everyone will love – couches instead of hard seats! Operating out of the Eaglehawk Town Hall, this cinema is just a little different, showcasing arthouse and foreign films, along with some family favourites.
Bendigo Stadium
This world class stadium offers a range of shows including some spectacular family performances. Capable of seating up to 4000 people, this venue is sure to impress.
Find out what’s on at the Bendigo Stadium here.
The Capital
Bendigo’s popular music, theatre and performance venue The Capital hosts a range of family shows and performances. This grand theatre is ornately decorated and just seeing it is well worth the visit.
Ulumbarra Theatre
This theatre was once part of the Sandhurst Gaol! Definitely a unique site from the outside with guard towers at the entrance, it continues to impress on the inside. The box office is housed within an old cellblock. Make some time to arrive early to check out the building.
Bendigo kids holiday ideas
If you’re looking for more things to do in Victoria, click here.
Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of Bendigo days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays? These Bendigo holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.
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:
Great activities.. can’t wait to try it for my kids!
Great website guys!!! Plenty of ideas to keep the (grand)kids happy and entertained.