Ten Activities to Feed the Kids' Passions (and Beat the Boredom) These School Holidays

Just like that, the sun is shining, and the spring school holidays are here. Wondering how you'll keep the minis busy while you're still working, cooking, shopping and the rest? We've come to your rescue — with ten irresistible activities happening in and around Melbourne.

Head to Werribee Park to meet more than 30 walking, talking, roaring dinosaurs. Then, make tracks to Werribee Open Range Zoo to go behind-the-scenes on the elephant trail. Plus, there are free ferry rides across Port Phillip Bay, new things to discover at The Show and loads more. Your house is now officially a whine-free zone.

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Image credit: Supplied

Get Up Close and Personal with the Prehistoric at Dinofest

Travel back to the Stone Age, as this prehistoric school holiday tradition is happening again at Nortons Park in Wartirna South. Running from Saturday, September 19–Sunday, October 11, there are more than 30 roaring, walking, life-sized dinosaurs to meet and greet. This is your chance to meet a Stegosaurus up close and give it a pat or a bite to eat. Other dinos that'll be keeping you company include a Triceratops, Spinosaurus, Pachycephalosaurs, Ankylosaur and the mighty Brachiosaurus, plus two adorable baby robot dinos. In between encounters, learn about the history of the Tyrannosaurus, go on a dino dig, feel a real dinosaur bone, and get into some dino-themed art and crafts.

Image credit: Supplied

Let Loose at Luna Park's School Holiday Events

Luna Park is embracing the spring school holidays with a bunch of activities centred around SCREAMTIME in 2026. With the freshly renovated Luna Palace open once more for carnival fun, two theme-park favourites are back: the Palace Dodgems and the Palace Arcade. All this action will have the little ones working up an appetite for fairy floss, hot dogs, burgers and all the sweet treats found in showbags. What's more, Luna Park is open every day of the school holidays, so it's great for last-minute plans.

Image credit: Supplied

Meet Friendly Giants at Werribee Open Range Zoo's Elephant Experience

Is your little one the next Doctor Dolittle? Nurture their love of animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo these school holidays. Highlights include the daily Elephant Experience, which gives you 75 minutes behind the scenes of the zoo's new, 21-hectare Elephant Trail. You'll visit an elephant barn, watch a training session and learn what it takes to look after a herd of four-tonne creatures. Meanwhile, Werribee Open Range Zoo has extended its Dinos at the Zoo experience until Sunday, October 4, bringing budding palaeontologists face to face with their favourite dinosaurs.

Image credit: Supplied

Hop Aboard Port Phillip Ferries' Free Rides

Port Phillip Ferries are celebrating the school holidays with a host of watery adventures. On Tuesday, September 22, climb aboard a Taylor Swift Singalong Cruise, where you'll spend an hour or two belting out your favourite Tay Tay tunes performed live by the hugely talented Lauren Barrett and Joss Russell. For dedicated Swifties, that means glitter, friendship bracelets, dancing in the aisles and more. And remember, any time you catch a regular service during the holidays, kids aged 4-16 can travel free.

Image credit: Supplied

Meet Thomas the Tank Engine on the Bellarine Railway

Thomas the Tank Engine and his array of friends have been adored by kids for 80 years. To celebrate, the Bellarine Railway at Queenscliff is hosting a Day out with Thomas on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4. Over two days, enjoy unlimited rides on Thomas, the chance to toot Henry's whistle, live music sessions throughout the day, non-stop mini fire engine rides and loads more. Family tickets (from $115 for two adults and two children) include a 45-minute ride along the Bellarine. All the action will take place at Queenscliff Station, and you can book via the Bellarine Railway website.

Have Tonnes of Fun at The Melbourne Royal Show

The Melbourne Royal Show is the biggest event on the spring school holiday calendar. Whatever your kid's into — from rides and show bags to food and animals — they can lap it all up from Thursday, September 24–Sunday, October 4, at the Melbourne Showgrounds. In one day, watch them meet a 1,000kg bull, shear a sheep and ride The Beast (for over 16s) or the Circus Train (for 0-5s). After that, catch a Blue Ribbon Competition or two — from the battle for best dog, starring more than 3,000 dogs, to the Royal Horses in Action contest.

Image credit: Visit Bendigo website

Snack, Sip and Frolick at Bendigo Bloom

From now till the end of November, Bendigo is celebrating spring with its annual Bloom festival. Nearly 100 activations are on the program, across wine, food, art, history, comedy and, of course, the great outdoors. Take the kids along to Bloom After Dark, a free illuminated trail of giant flower displays and interactive installations. Visit the Village of Gnomes in Canterbury Park Gardens. Stroll through hundreds of acres of canola fields on the Cornella Canola Walk in the Heathcote region. And, from Friday, October 2–Sunday, October 4, check out the Loddon Valley Arts Festival. You'll find the rest of the epic program on the Bendigo Bloom website.

Image credit: Eva Gorobets

Sing-along with Josh Pyke, Plus Free Arts and Crafts at State Library Victoria

The Activity Hub at State Library Victoria will be humming these spring school holidays, with Aussie singer-songwriter Josh Pyke celebrating the release of his new children's book These Long-Loved Things, illustrated by Ronojoy Gosh. Running from 12.30–1.45pm on Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23, Songs and Storytelling with Josh Pyke will see his latest book come to life with live music, singing and captivating tales, priced at $20 per child and $20 per adult. Meanwhile, the Activity Hub offers free craft activities, games and creative fun from 1–4pm on Saturday, September 19–Sunday, October 4.

Image credit: Chege Mbuthi

Trade Screen Time for Padel Skills at Colosso Padel and Social Club

Most parents want their kids to stay active during the school holidays. That's made all the easier when you enrol them in Colosso's Junior Padel School Holiday Program. Primed for kids of all ages, sessions suited to all skill levels run from Monday, September 21–Tuesday, September 22, and Monday, September 28–Tuesday, September 29, with drop-in ($120) and two-day ($220) sign-ups available (food and snacks provided). With the kids coached by the experts, they'll take part in drills, games and social match play, plus a few padel-aligned Spanish lessons. At the same time, parents can kick back courtside with freshly brewed ST. ALi coffee.

Sip & Sketch with the Kids in Pt. Leo Estate's Sculpture Park

Spend time in the sun and practice your arts and crafts, as Sip & Sketch returns to Pt. Leo Estate. Suited to kids aged six and up, the little ones will become immersed in one of Australia's most impressive outdoor sculpture parks. Then, with all the tools they need — an easel, paper, watercolour paints and coloured pencils — they can create their own mini-masterpiece. At the same time, parents can watch on with a complimentary glass of estate wine and snacks, or even get involved themselves. Plus, these daily 60-minute sessions ($40 per child, $60 per adult) include all-day access to the sculpture park.

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Top image: Supplied.