Mum tested experiences updated for 2026 holidays.
If the school holidays have arrived and the kids are already asking “What are we doing today?”, I can help you because Geelong gives you plenty of answers.
We’ve spent time exploring Geelong ourselves, and it’s one of those places where filling a day with kids is surprisingly easy. You can be wandering along the waterfront in the morning, climbing, bouncing or exploring a museum by lunchtime, and still squeeze in a playground or something sweet before heading home.
And, importantly, not everything costs a fortune.
There are some genuinely good free things to do in Geelong with kids, along with museums, indoor activities for rainy days, wildlife encounters and bigger-ticket attractions when you feel like making a proper day of it.
I’ve pulled them together here so you don’t have to spend half the school holidays Googling what’s open, what’s worth doing and whether the kids will actually enjoy it.
You’ll also find current Geelong school holiday events and activities at the top of this guide, followed by plenty of tried-and-tested ideas you can use year-round.
So have a scroll, pick a few favourites and keep this one handy.
Because apparently “just entertain yourselves” is never the answer they’re looking for.
Spring school holiday dates:
State schools finish on Friday 18 September 2026 and return to class on Monday 5 October 2026.
Spring school holidays in Victoria are Monday 21 September to Sunday 4 October.
Fun things to do for the Geelong school holidays
We have broken our list of fun Geelong school holiday activities this Summer into sections to help you:
- Fun things to do for the Geelong school holidays
- What's on in Geelong these December/January school holidays?
- BIG days out in Geelong these school holidays
- Cheap school holiday activities
- Free school holiday activities for December/January
- Theatres with kids shows on in Geelong these school holidays
- Geelong kids holiday ideas
- Even more VIC school holiday ideas:
- Spring school holiday dates:
What’s on in Geelong these December/January school holidays?
What’s happening right now in Geelong to keep the kids busy these school holidays (and what I think you need to know about them!)
Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival
Geelong is turning up the fun for kids with the Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival, running from 14–24 December/January.
There are performances, storytelling, creative workshops and hands-on activities happening across central Geelong, with a mix of free and ticketed events. The Big Wonder Weekend on 19–20 December/January brings even more activity into the city, including roving performers, live entertainment and family activities.
Our tip: Check the program before you go rather than simply turning up. Some activities are free, while others are ticketed or need to be booked.
Check the full program, dates and booking details on the Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival website.
On the Move at the National Wool Museum
If your kids like building things, vehicles or anything that moves, On the Move at the National Wool Museum is worth a look these holidays.
The interactive exhibition explores transport through hands-on activities, while from 21–27 December/January, kids can drop into Machine Making and use cardboard and recycled materials to create their own planes, trains, cars and machines of the future.
Children of all ages are welcome, although they need to be supervised by an adult. Machine Making runs from 10am–2pm daily and admission includes entry to the museum and On the Move exhibition.
See what’s on during the holidays and plan your visit on the National Wool Museum website
Winter Glow at Adventure Park
It might officially be summer, but Winter Glow at Adventure Park Geelong has been extended until 3 October, so there’s still time to play in the snow.
The festival includes a huge indoor real-snow play zone, a 2.5km lights trail, entertainment and unlimited rides on selected theme park attractions.
Our tip: Don’t confuse this with the regular Adventure Park water park season, which doesn’t reopen until November. Winter Glow operates on selected dates during the December/January holidays, so check the calendar and book before making the drive.
Check opening dates, what’s included and book tickets on the Adventure Park Winter Glow website
Free and cheap school holiday activities in central Geelong
For something easier on the school holiday budget, check out the Central Geelong Summer School Holiday Fun Guide.
It brings together free and low-cost activities for kids aged roughly 4–12, including creative workshops, performances, activities at The Dome Library, Platform Arts and The Carousel, plus events around the waterfront.
There’s also a 175th Anniversary Open Day at Geelong Botanic Gardens on Saturday 3 October, with children’s activities alongside the garden celebrations.
Our tip: This is a good one to check before heading into central Geelong. Pick one booked activity, then add something free from our list below and you’ve got most of the day sorted.
See everything happening these holidays in the Central Geelong Summer School Holiday Fun Guide
Day Out With Thomas at Bellarine Railway
Thomas fans can finish the school holidays with a Day Out With Thomas at the Bellarine Railway in Queenscliff on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October.
Kids can take unlimited short rides with Thomas in the Troublesome Trucks, then head off on a 45-minute train ride along Swan Bay with one of Thomas’ friends. There’s also live music, Thomas & Friends story sessions, mini fire engine rides, art activities and plenty of opportunities to meet the engines and take photos.
The event runs from 10am–4pm, with families choosing a departure time for their longer train journey when booking.
Our tip: Your booked time is for the 45-minute train ride, not your arrival time. You can enter the event from 10am, so arrive earlier and make the most of all the other activities.
Find ticket prices, available train times and book your visit on the Bellarine Railway Day Out With Thomas website.
BIG days out in Geelong these school holidays
Some school holiday activities fill an hour. These are the ones you build the whole day around.
From theme parks and treetop adventures to wildlife encounters and some wonderfully quirky family attractions, these are our picks when you want to make a proper day of it in Geelong and the surrounding region.
Some are a decent drive from Geelong, but I’ve included them because they’re worth the trip. And where I can find a good-value booking option online, I’ve linked that too.
Make a day of it at Adventure Park Geelong
If the weather is hot enough and you’re looking for an activity that will happily swallow up an entire day, Adventure Park Geelong is an easy one to put on the list.
It’s Victoria’s biggest water theme park, with everything from big thrill slides like the Tornado and Tsunami to gentler water attractions and theme park rides, so there’s enough variety if you’re visiting with kids of different ages.
This is definitely one of the more expensive school holiday outings, so I’d arrive early, pack the swimmers and plan to stay for the day to get your money’s worth. Entry includes unlimited rides for the day.
Our tip: Adventure Park is seasonal, so always check the opening calendar before promising the kids a day on the waterslides! The main water park generally operates over the warmer months, while special events including Winter Glow and the Christmas Festival of Lights run at other times of the year.
Check opening dates, current ticket prices and what’s operating on the Adventure Park Geelong website.
Fairy Park Anakie
We LOVED Fairy Park. I expected it to be a quick couple of hours. We ended up spending around three-quarters of the day here.
You can see the castle sitting high on the hill before you even arrive, and once you’re inside there are fairy-tale scenes tucked into castles, caves and cottages throughout the park. Some are delightfully old-school, which honestly is part of the charm. There’s also a big adventure playground, model trains, picnic areas and plenty to explore between the displays.
This isn’t a slick modern theme park, and I wouldn’t want it to be. It’s quirky, imaginative and completely different from the usual school holiday attractions.
Our tip: Allow much longer than you think. The park suggests around two hours for most families, but we happily spent most of the day here. Take a picnic if you want to keep costs down, although hot food is available onsite.
Find out more about Fairy Park here.
Get up among the treetops at Otway Fly
If you’re happy to venture further from Geelong for a proper day out, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures takes you right into the rainforest canopy of the beautiful Otway Ranges.
The Treetop Walk includes a 600-metre elevated walkway sitting around 25–30 metres above the forest floor. The highlight is the 47-metre-high Spiral Tower, plus a cantilever that gently sways above Young’s Creek. Allow around an hour to complete the full rainforest and treetop walk.
For older or more adventurous kids, you can take things up a notch with the 2.5-hour guided Zipline Tour, flying between platforms up to 30 metres above the forest floor.
Our tip: If you book the Zipline Tour, the Treetop Walk is already included in your ticket, so don’t book both separately. Kids need to be at least 125cm tall for the Zipline and children under 15 must be accompanied on the course by a paying adult.
Swim with dolphins and seals at Queenscliff
For a school holiday experience the kids are unlikely to forget in a hurry, head to Queenscliff and get into the water with wild dolphins and Australian fur seals.
The half-day experience takes families into the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, with wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins and instruction all provided. Along with looking for dolphins and seals, there’s plenty of other marine life to spot.
Not everyone has to get wet either. Sightseeing tickets are available if someone in the family would rather stay onboard and watch the action.
Check dates and book the Dolphin and Seal Swim at Queenscliff with Experience Oz.
Walk with wildlife in the Otways
If your Geelong holiday includes a trip along the Great Ocean Road, Wildlife Wonders at Apollo Bay is worth adding to your plans.
The 75-minute guided walk follows a gentle 1.4km trail through fern gullies, bushland and forest, with a conservationist guide helping families spot native wildlife living freely within the sanctuary.
It’s a lovely alternative to a traditional zoo and the pathway is suitable for sturdy prams and wheelchairs.
You can choose between the daytime Walk with Wildlife or, for something a little more special, book the Dusk Discovery Tour and explore as some of the Otways’ nocturnal animals start becoming active.
Our tip: Apollo Bay is a decent drive from Geelong, so don’t treat this as a quick attraction. Build it into a Great Ocean Road day trip or overnight stay.
Book the Otways Dusk Discovery Tour with Experience Oz.
Book the daytime Walk with Wildlife with Experience Oz.
Learn to surf at Torquay
You’re this close to one of Australia’s most famous surfing regions, so why not let the kids have a go themselves?
Head down to Torquay for a two-hour learn-to-surf experience, where beginners can learn the basics before getting into the water and hopefully standing up on a wave or two.
All the essential surf equipment is supplied, making this an easy way to try surfing without buying boards and wetsuits for something the kids may decide they’re never doing again!
It’s a particularly good option for older kids and teenagers who want something a little more adventurous than another playground or museum.
Our tip: Make a day of it. Allow time before or afterwards to explore Torquay and the beginning of the Great Ocean Road.
Check availability and book a Torquay surf experience with Experience Oz.
Take to the treetops at Live Wire Park
If your kids would rather climb, swing and zip through the trees than admire them from the ground, Live Wire Park in Lorne is worth adding to your Great Ocean Road plans.
There are different adventures depending on age and confidence. The Short Circuit is designed for kids and smaller teens, with 26 treetop activities to tackle over an hour, while the Super Circuit steps things up considerably with 53 challenges, suspended bridges, tree climbing and a Tarzan swing.
Then there’s the Shockwave Zip Coaster, a 525-metre ride twisting and turning through the trees. Apparently simply travelling from A to B in a straight line would be far too boring.
Even general admission includes the Summer Circuit trampolines and elevated Canopy Circuit, so there’s something to do if not everyone wants to tackle the ropes.
Our tip: Check the height requirements before getting the kids excited. The Short Circuit requires a minimum height of 110cm, while the Super Circuit requires 135cm. Closed-toe shoes are compulsory too.
Allow a few hours here, or combine it with exploring Lorne for a proper Great Ocean Road day out.
Visit the Livewire Park website for tickets prices here
Bounce Inc trampoline park
We’ve done BOUNCE in more than one city and it’s always a winner in our family. And yes, I bounce too. Why should the kids have all the fun?
BOUNCE Geelong has interconnected trampolines plus areas for tricks, basketball-style slam dunks and obstacle challenges, making it particularly good when you need the kids to burn off serious amounts of school holiday energy.
I also like BOUNCE because it works across a surprisingly broad age range. Little kids can bounce, bigger kids and teens can challenge themselves, and apparently mums in their 50s can still convince themselves they belong on a trampoline too.
Our tip: Don’t automatically nominate yourself as the person who “watches the bags”. Book yourself in. It’s much more fun from the trampoline.
Play, create and get messy at Museum of Art & Play (MoPA)
If you’ve got younger kids, MoPA Geelong (Museum of Play and Art) is one of those places where they can happily play while you tell yourself it’s educational. Because technically, it is!
Designed especially for children aged 1–7, MoPA combines imaginative play, art and hands-on activities across two levels, with plenty of opportunities for kids to create, explore and get involved rather than simply look at things.
There’s also a garden area and café onsite, making this a particularly easy option when you need somewhere to spend a couple of hours without worrying about the weather.
The activities change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s happening when you visit. During school holidays there are often extra creative activities and themed experiences alongside all the usual play.
Our tip: Book before you go. MoPA limits numbers so the museum doesn’t become ridiculously crowded, and both children and adults need tickets. This is definitely one to keep up your sleeve for a rainy Geelong school holiday day.
Check what’s on and book your visit to MoPA Geelong.
See Geelong from a helicopter
Okay, this one is firmly in the school holiday splurge category!
If you have an older child or teenager who would rather fly over Geelong than visit another playground, Experience Oz has scenic helicopter flights taking in Geelong, Corio Bay and the Bellarine Peninsula.
There are several flight lengths available, from short introductory flights to longer trips along the coastline, so this definitely isn’t going to suit every family’s school holiday budget.
But for a birthday, special occasion or one seriously memorable parent-and-teen experience? This would be pretty hard to beat.
Our tip: Check the different flight options rather than automatically booking the longest one. Even the shorter flights will give kids the thrill of taking off in a helicopter without quite as much damage to your wallet!
Check Geelong scenic helicopter flights with Experience Oz.
Cheap school holiday activities
School holidays don’t have to break the bank to leave a lasting impression. If you know where to look (and we do!) you will find some great fun things to do in the holidays. Plus, I have included some indoor activities in Geelong for when the weather isn’t so great.
Fort Queenscliffe Museum
Take a guided tour through a historic walled fort in Queenslcliffe, just outside Geelong. This important historic site lets you see a working lighthouse, plus preserved battery guns and historic buildings as well as a visit to the ammunition magazines buried under the cliffs. Stop off afterwards at the museum and hear the stories from when the fort was in action.
Visit the website for more information.
Bellarine Adventure Golf
Grab the family these holidays and enjoy a game of mini golf! Bellarine Adventure Golf offers two outdoor 18 hole courses set amongst gardens, creeks and waterfalls. This is not your average mini golf experience as each hole is creative and challenging. Enjoy a coffee and treat afterwards at the café.
Meerkat Manner Indoor Play and Café
This indoor playcentre is great all year round. If you visit these Summer holidays, you may find the (enclosed) log fire going, making it a wonderful cosy atmosphere. The venue is small enough not to be overwhelming and is perfect for letting kids blow off steam and for parents to relax with a coffee.
National Crime & Justice Museum – Geelong Gaol
I’m going to be straight with you about this one. Geelong Gaol was a miss for us. I found the history interesting, but Alex was bored when we visited.
However, we explored independently and there were no special activities happening that day. I think that makes a difference here.
During the December/January school holidays, the National Crime & Justice Museum is open daily from 12pm–5pm, with Escape from Geelong Gaol tours on Saturdays at 1.30pm and Ghost Tours running after dark. The Escape Tour follows the stories of prisoners who attempted to dig, climb and plot their way out, which could make the experience considerably more engaging for older kids.
Our tip: If your kids aren’t naturally interested in history, I wouldn’t just turn up and wander the cells as we did. Time your visit with one of the organised tours instead.
Waterfront Train Tours, Bungy Trampoline or Giant Ferris Wheel
Yes, these are touristy. And yes, we did them anyway and loved them.
The Waterfront Train runs between The Carousel and the Eastern Beach pools, so it’s a fun way to see the waterfront when little legs are getting tired. There’s also the Bungy Trampoline nearby and the enormous Giant Sky Wheel, which gives you brilliant views across Corio Bay.
The Sky Wheel stands around 50 metres high and a ride takes roughly 7–10 minutes. It looks particularly good lit up at night, but we loved seeing the waterfront from above during our visit.
Our tip: You don’t have to choose between the “touristy” attractions and exploring the waterfront. Do both. Walk, play and swim for free, then choose one paid activity as the treat.
Discover more than wool at the National Wool Museum
Don’t let the name fool you. The National Wool Museum is about much more than standing around looking at wool!
Set inside a beautiful old bluestone wool store in central Geelong, the museum tells the story of wool and its huge role in Geelong and Australia’s history. Kids can see working machinery, including the enormous 1910 Axminster carpet loom, and discover how fleece eventually becomes the things we wear and use.
What makes this one particularly worth checking during the school holidays, though, is the museum’s changing exhibitions and hands-on family activities. There is usually something extra happening alongside the permanent displays, so have a look at the current program before you visit.
Our tip: This is a great rainy-day option and it’s right in central Geelong, so it’s easy to combine with the library, waterfront and Carousel rather than making it a standalone day out.
Check the National Wool Museum What’s On before you go to see which exhibitions and kids’ activities are running.
Ride the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway
For some good old-fashioned school holiday fun that doesn’t cost a small fortune, take the kids for a ride on the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway.
The miniature trains wind their way through eight hectares of parkland beside Port Phillip Bay, and at just $4 per ride, this is one of those increasingly rare activities where you can say yes to “Can we go again?” without quietly calculating the damage.
There’s also a children’s playground, picnic tables, free electric BBQs and a kiosk, so pack lunch and turn a train ride into a relaxed few hours by the bay.
The railway doesn’t operate every day, so this is definitely one to plan rather than simply turn up and hope for the best.
Our tip: During school holidays the railway often adds extra Wednesday running days. Kids under two ride free, and a family day pass is also available if one ride is never going to be enough.
Check current running dates before you go on the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway website.
Check out the school holiday timetable.
Play your way at We Rock the Spectrum
For an indoor play option where all kids are genuinely welcome, check out We Rock the Spectrum Geelong in Grovedale.
This sensory-friendly kids’ gym has been designed for children of all abilities, with swings, climbing equipment, a zip line, trampoline and plenty of opportunities to move, play and explore. There’s also an arts and crafts area for kids who need a quieter change of pace.
What I particularly like about this one is the inclusive approach. The equipment has been designed with sensory needs in mind, but this isn’t a space exclusively for children with additional needs. Brothers, sisters and friends can all play together.
During the school holidays they also run special programs for children aged 4–12, with a mix of sensory activities, structured activities, supervised play and quiet time when needed.
Our tip: Don’t just turn up. Session times apply and bookings are essential, particularly during the school holidays. Check what’s running before you go because the holiday programs are booked separately from regular open play.
Check session times and book We Rock the Spectrum Geelong before you visit.
Ten pin bowling
Hit the lanes for a game or two of ten pin bowling these holidays. Geelong locals love Oz Tenpin with 28 lanes, for the great atmosphere and not to mention yummy food. There are bumpers for the little ones (or maybe the adults too!) and licenced café with extensive menu. Enjoy a great family experience for when the weather isn’t so great.
Visit Oz Tenpin on their website.
Geelong Carousel
The Geelong Carousel is another one that sounds ridiculously touristy until you actually do it. We loved it.
Sitting right on the waterfront inside its glass pavilion, this beautifully restored carousel dates back to around 1892 and has 36 hand-carved horses and two chariots. It’s one of only around 200 carousels of its kind still operating.
The pavilion is free to enter and the Carousel operates daily from 10am–5pm, so it’s an easy little add-on while you’re exploring the waterfront rather than something you need to plan an entire day around.
Our tip: Do it. Even if the kids think they’re getting too old for carousels, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about this one. And the waterfront setting makes it even better.
Barrabool Maze Estate
Who doesn’t love a good hedge maze! This maze is a must see for your holiday. Perfect for kids of all ages, they will fall in love with the magic of the maze. There are two lookouts built into the maze to give a view of the gardens (and maybe to help cheat a little?!) as well as a playground. Stroll the grounds and admire the gardens. The café onsite means you can refuel after.
Booln Booln Cultural Centre
Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre is now Booln Booln Cultural Centre, with the site transferred to the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative and reopening under Aboriginal ownership and leadership.
Located at 410 Surf Coast Highway in Grovedale, Booln Booln is a place to connect with Wadawurrung culture and community. Rather than relying on the old Narana information about wallaby feeding and the playground, I’d check the Wathaurong events calendar before visiting because activities and community events now vary.
During these December/January holidays, Wathaurong has a busy program running across its community, including school holiday activities through the Karroong Kanyool Youth Hub and weekly Smoking/Cleansing Ceremonies, which are open to everyone.
Our tip: Check carefully who each activity is for before booking. Some Wathaurong school holiday programs are specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, while other cultural events are open to the wider community.
Free school holiday activities for December/January
Sometimes the school holidays can seem like they go forever, so it is great to have a heap of free fun things to do in Geelong to fill in some time. Take a look at our list, because we know the kids will love everything on it.
Geelong waterfront
If you only have time for one free activity in Geelong, make it the waterfront. Alex and I spent hours wandering around here and there is enough going on that you really don’t need much of a plan.
We walked along Eastern Beach, checked out the famous Geelong bollards, wandered past the Carousel and stopped far too often for photos (see above). There’s the beach and saltwater swimming area when the weather is warm, plenty of grass for a picnic and lots of places nearby to grab a coffee or ice cream.
We finished up at the Eastern Beach playground, which is an easy way to squeeze a little more entertainment out of the day before heading home.
Our tip: Don’t rush it. The waterfront works best when you wander, stop when something looks interesting and let the kids dictate the pace.
Read about the waterfront before you go.
Bellarine Rail Trail
If your family prefers exploring on two wheels, the Bellarine Rail Trail runs for around 35km between South Geelong and Queenscliff.
The first section from South Geelong to Drysdale is sealed, while the trail becomes mainly compacted crushed rock between Drysdale and Queenscliff. You certainly don’t have to tackle the entire 35km with kids. Choose a section that suits your family and turn around when little legs have had enough.
The fun part is that from Drysdale towards Queenscliff, sections of the trail run alongside the heritage railway line, so you may even spot a train along the way.
Thomas fans: The Bellarine Railway also hosts Day Out With Thomas events, including during the summer school holidays. This is a separate ticketed event rather than part of the Rail Trail, but it could make a great addition to a Bellarine Peninsula day out.
Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
We love a good library activity in our family, and apparently that rule applies even when we’re on holidays! Alex and I have visited the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and joined in one of its free activities while we were there.
It’s worth visiting even without an event. The striking dome-shaped building has dedicated children’s and youth spaces and is right in central Geelong, making it easy to add to a day exploring the city.
The library runs activities throughout the year and additional sessions pop up around the school holidays, from creative activities and storytelling to workshops for older kids.
Our tip: Check the library’s What’s On calendar before your trip and book anything that catches your eye. We regularly hunt down free library activities when we travel because they’re an easy way to break up an expensive school holiday day.
Buckley Falls
When you are craving some time out of the city in the great outdoors, take a trip to Buckley Falls. While not exactly massive waterfalls (think small rapids) this is a great ways to spend a family morning. Take a look at the falls from above at the lookout, then head down to the rocks for a closer look. Families tip: If you have time, head further downstream to see the old paper mill. It is a beautiful walk and picturesque location.
Visit the website to find out more about this walk.
Poppy Kettle Playground
We didn’t just walk past Poppy Kettle Playground, take a photo and keep going. Alex happily spent around two hours here, which tells you pretty much everything you need to know!
Right on the Geelong waterfront, the playground has climbing equipment, slides and swings as well as sand and water play. Its location is the real winner because you can easily combine it with the beach, bollards, Carousel and the rest of the waterfront without getting back in the car.
Our tip: Don’t schedule this as a quick 20-minute playground stop if your kids love playgrounds. Ours lasted considerably longer than that. Pack snacks, grab yourself a coffee and let them play.
Read more about the playground here.
Geelong Playspace and Botanical Gardens
We combined the Geelong Playspace with a wander through the neighbouring Geelong Botanic Gardens and it makes a lovely free morning or afternoon.
The playspace is fully fenced and designed for children of different ages and abilities, with active and quieter areas and toilets nearby. There’s also a Liberty Swing for wheelchair users.
Then slow things down with a wander through the Botanic Gardens or spread out a picnic in Eastern Park. There are BBQs, picnic areas, walking tracks and plenty of open space around you.
Our tip: Pack lunch and make this a two-for-one outing. Let the kids burn energy at the playground first, then explore the gardens at a slower pace afterwards.
Geelong Bollard Trail Walk
The Geelong Bollard Trail is technically a walk, but for us it became just as much about the photos.
More than 100 colourful bollards stretch along the waterfront, created from old timber pier pylons and depicting characters from Geelong’s history. They make the walk much more interesting for kids and there are loads of fun photo opportunities along the way.
You absolutely don’t need to complete the whole trail. The full waterfront route has 48 sites and takes around two hours one way, while the City now also has a shorter curated trail of about 30 minutes each way.
Our tip: Hand the photography over to the kids. See who can find the funniest bollard, recreate a pose or get the best waterfront shot. It turns an ordinary walk into something much more entertaining and you’ll come home with some very Geelong photos.
Geelong Gallery
The Geelong Gallery is a wonderful place to spend a cultural morning with kids. The gallery offers a chance for kids to experience art through play based activities and story-telling. You can also download “Orby” a digital guide, before you go, aimed at taking kids on an augmented reality journey through the gallery. Make sure you take a look at the website before you go to see what else is happening these holidays.
Serendip Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is a great place for families to see kangaroos, emus, wallabies and a huge variety of birdlife. A perfect day trip, Serendip is conveniently located a short drive north of Geelong and is a great place to do some walks. There are four trails on offer, all no longer than 2km, meaning that it is doable even for little legs. Explore on your own or take a guided tour.
Address: 100 Windermere Road, Lara VIC 3212
Find out more about the sanctuary here.
Bunjil’s Nest (formerly Armstrong District Park)
We spent time at this one ourselves and it’s the kind of playground where you should arrive expecting to stay a while.
Bunjil’s Nest, which was previously known as Armstrong District Park, is a large nature-based play space at Mount Duneed. There are tunnels, slides, sand play, climbing areas, mini trampolines, table tennis and a skate area, with plenty to keep different ages occupied.
The name Bunjil’s Nest reflects Wadawurrung culture, with the wedge-tailed eagle sculpture at the entrance representing Bunjil, the creator spirit of the Wadawurrung and Kulin nations.
Our tip: Bring lunch rather than treating this as a quick playground stop. There are BBQ facilities and enough here to keep the kids busy while you settle in for a decent break.
Check out the park before you go.
Theatres with kids shows on in Geelong these school holidays
Nothing beats a good kids show for entertainment. Take a look at our suggestions to add to your school holiday list.
Geelong Arts Centre
This performing arts centre is the premier venue for performances in Geelong. Offering a range of live shows and music for children and families, make sure you check out what’s on.
Centre Stage
If you are looking for amateur theatre, then head to Centre Stage. With a range of family shows and reasonably priced tickets, a show here is sure to delight.
The Pivotonian Cinema
A trip to the cinema is always a hit! Easily accessible by public transport and located near the Geelong waterfront, you are sure to find a latest movie that the kids will love.
Geelong kids holiday ideas
If you’re looking for more things to do in Victoria, click here.
Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of Geelong days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays? These Geelong holiday ideas for kids 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:
