School Holidays Are Here – Time for Family Fun!
The winter school holidays are officially here in Victoria! Running from Monday July 7th to Friday July 18th, 2025, these two weeks are the perfect opportunity to create magical memories with your kids. Melbourne transforms into a winter wonderland of activities, shows, and adventures designed specifically for families.
Whether you’re looking for indoor escapes from the chilly weather, educational experiences, or just pure fun, we’ve got you covered with 10 awesome activities that will keep the kids entertained and happy throughout the holidays.
1. Experience the Magic at Melbourne Magic Festival
When: July 7-19, 2025 (Perfect timing for school holidays!)
What: Over 140 shows across 40 venues featuring world-class magicians
Perfect for: All ages – family-friendly matinees and kids’ workshops available
The Melbourne Magic Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere! With shows ranging from hilarious family entertainment to mind-boggling illusions, there’s something for every age group. Kids can even attend magic workshops to learn tricks from professional magicians.
Highlights:
- “Once Upon a Rhyme” – A magical musical romp through fairy tales
- Tim Credible’s Family Magic – Interactive workshops for kids
- “Mr E Family Magic” starring Eric LeClerc from Canada
- Magic School workshops – Kids learn actual magic tricks
Venue locations: From Northcote to CBD, Richmond to Brunswick
Booking: melbournemagicfestival.com
Tip: Book early – 90 shows sold out last year!
Perfect for: Families with kids 3+, magic enthusiasts, anyone wanting unique entertainment
When: July 7-19, 2025 (multiple show times daily)
Cost: From $15-40 per ticket depending on show
Don’t miss: Magic workshops where kids learn real tricks to take home
2. Visit Melbourne Zoo for FREE (Kids Under 16)
Free entry: Kids 16 and under visit FREE during school holidays and weekends
Location: Royal Park, just minutes from the city
Must-see: Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Australian wildlife
Melbourne Zoo offers over 300 species of animals in beautifully landscaped settings. Kids will love watching feeding times, exploring interactive exhibits, and learning about wildlife conservation. The zoo also offers special experiences like “Mix with the Meerkats” and giraffe encounters.
New highlights:
- Enhanced Asian elephant exhibit
- Penguin and seal underwater viewing
- Interactive learning experiences
- Winter animal activities
Important: All visitors need pre-booked tickets, even kids with free entry
Website: zoo.org.au/melbourne
Perfect for: Animal lovers, families with kids of all ages, educational day out
When: Daily 9am-5pm (school holidays)
Cost: Kids under 16 FREE, adults from $42
Don’t miss: Feeding times and keeper talks throughout the day
3. Explore the NEW Elephant Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo
What’s new: World-class 21-hectare elephant habitat
Free for kids: Under 16s visit free during school holidays
Experience: See nine Asian elephants in their stunning new home
The elephants have moved to their incredible new digs at Werribee! This massive new habitat allows visitors to see the elephant herd up close in a natural environment. Combined with the zoo’s other African animals, it’s like taking a safari without leaving Melbourne.
Other Werribee highlights:
- Open Range safari experience
- Giraffe feeding opportunities
- Lions and African animals
- Adventure playground
Location: Werribee (about 30 minutes from Melbourne)
Tickets: Pre-booking essential at zoo.org.au/werribee
Perfect for: Safari enthusiasts, families wanting a day trip, elephant lovers
When: Daily 9am-5pm (school holidays)
Cost: Kids under 16 FREE, adults from $42
Don’t miss: The new Elephant Trail – Australia’s largest elephant habitat
4. Get Hands-On at Melbourne Museum
Kids under 16: FREE entry to permanent exhibitions
Special activities: School holiday workshops and IMAX experiences
New attraction: Star Wars Galactic Café experience
Melbourne Museum comes alive during school holidays with special workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on activities. Kids can create tiny dioramas, discover the science behind bugs, and even sleep among the dinosaurs with special overnight programs.
School holiday highlights:
- IMAX experiences: “Elephants” and “Whales” in immersive 3D
- Star Wars Galactic Café: Australia’s first themed café
- Bug Lab workshops: Design and creativity with insects
- Diorama workshops: Create miniature worlds
- Dinosaur sleepovers: Once-in-a-lifetime prehistoric adventure
Location: Carlton Gardens
Website: museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum
Perfect for: Curious kids, science enthusiasts, families wanting indoor activities
When: Daily 10am-5pm (school holidays)
Cost: Kids under 16 FREE, adults $15, IMAX extra $10-15
Don’t miss: Star Wars Galactic Café and hands-on school holiday workshops
5. Dive into SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Special program: Junior Penguin Keepers (June 29 – July 21)
New experience: Animal Crossing: New Horizons immersive adventure
Features: Over 10,000 marine creatures including sharks and crocodiles
Kids can become junior penguin keepers, learning about feeding schedules, habitat maintenance, and marine conservation. The aquarium also features an exciting Animal Crossing experience based on the popular Nintendo game, with character displays and meet-and-greets throughout.
Don’t miss:
- Shark feeding sessions
- Crocodile lair experience
- Ray bay touch pool
- Seahorse kingdom
- Penguin playground
Location: Flinders Street, Melbourne
Combo deals: Save money with zoo combination tickets
Website: visitsealife.com/melbourne
Perfect for: Marine life lovers, Nintendo fans, families with kids 3+
When: Daily 10am-6pm (school holidays)
Cost: Kids from $32, adults from $42, combo deals available
Don’t miss: Animal Crossing experience and Junior Penguin Keeper programs
6. Play at the Ultimate MONOPOLY DREAMS Experience
Location: Melbourne Central (7 days a week)
Experience: Life-size MONOPOLY board and immersive games
Perfect for: Families who love board games and interactive experiences
Step into the world’s first MONOPOLY theme park! Kids can walk through a life-size MONOPOLY board, participate in challenges, and even win MONOPOLY money. It’s the classic board game brought to life without the family arguments!
What to expect:
- Interactive game challenges
- Life-size MONOPOLY board experience
- Photo opportunities with MONOPOLY characters
- Immersive themed rooms
- Family-friendly competition games
Location: Level 3, Melbourne Central
Bookings: Available online for guaranteed entry
Perfect for: Board game fans, families with kids 5+, interactive entertainment lovers
When: Daily 10am-8pm (school holidays)
Cost: Kids from $29, adults from $39, family packages available
Don’t miss: Walking through the life-size MONOPOLY board
7. Watch AFL Games for FREE (Kids Under 14)
Free entry: Kids 14 and under get free access to AFL matches
When: Rounds 16-19 (perfect timing for school holidays)
Bonus: Kids eat free on game days with adult meal purchase (weekends)
Take the kids to experience the excitement of AFL without breaking the budget! Children 14 and under get free entry to matches during rounds 16-19, and many venues offer kids’ meals free with adult purchases on weekends.
Melbourne venues:
- MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
- Marvel Stadium (Docklands)
- Various suburban grounds
What kids love:
- Pre-game entertainment
- Mascot appearances
- Half-time activities
- The atmosphere and excitement
Check schedules: afl.com.au
Perfect for: Sports fans, families wanting free entertainment, first-time AFL experience
When: Various times during Rounds 16-19 (check AFL website)
Cost: Kids under 14 FREE, adult tickets vary by venue
Don’t miss: Pre-game entertainment and mascot meet-and-greets
8. Discover LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Location: Chadstone Shopping Centre
Perfect for: LEGO fans aged 3-10
Features: Interactive rides, building workshops, and Miniland Melbourne
The ultimate destination for LEGO lovers! Kids can enjoy exciting rides, watch 4D movies, participate in building workshops, and explore Miniland where Melbourne landmarks are recreated entirely in LEGO bricks.
Holiday highlights:
- LEGO workshops: Learn from master builders
- Kingdom Quest ride: Interactive laser adventure
- Merlin’s Apprentice ride: Pedal-powered fun
- Miniland: Melbourne in LEGO form
- 4D Cinema: LEGO movies with special effects
Special workshops with Ryan McNaught: Australia’s only LEGO Certified Professional
Website: legolanddiscoverycentre.com.au/melbourne
Perfect for: LEGO enthusiasts ages 3-10, creative kids, indoor family fun
When: Daily 10am-6pm (school holidays)
Cost: From $32 per person, family packages available
Don’t miss: Miniland Melbourne and hands-on building workshops
9. Experience Playbound Festival (July 5-20)
When: July 5-20, 2025
Where: City of Melbourne venues
Ages: Designed for children 0-12
What: 16-day family festival with performances, workshops, and activities
Playbound is Melbourne’s premier children’s arts festival featuring performances, workshops, exhibitions, and creative activities spread across the city. It’s designed to inspire creativity and provide unique cultural experiences for young minds.
Festival highlights:
- Interactive theatre performances
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Music and movement sessions
- Storytelling experiences
- Creative exhibitions designed for kids
Many events are FREE!
Program details: Check What’s On Melbourne for full schedule
Perfect for: Creative kids 0-12, arts enthusiasts, families wanting cultural experiences
When: July 5-20, 2025 (various times daily)
Cost: Many events FREE, ticketed events from $10-25
Don’t miss: Interactive theatre performances and hands-on workshops
10. Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
When: July 4-27, 2025
Location: Ballarat (1.5 hours from Melbourne)
Perfect day trip: Christmas in July magical experience
Transform your school holidays with a magical day trip to Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights! This Christmas in July celebration features dazzling light projections, artificial snow, over 18km of fairy lights, and photos with Santa.
Winter Wonderlights includes:
- Sound and light projections
- Artificial snow experiences
- 18km+ of fairy lights
- Photos with St Nicholas (Santa)
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Christmas carols by brass ensemble
- All regular Sovereign Hill attractions
Regular activities: Gold panning, pantomimes, candle making, underground mine tours
Website: sovereignhill.com.au
Tip: Consider staying overnight at RACV Goldfields Resort
Perfect for: Christmas lovers, families wanting a magical day trip, history enthusiasts
When: July 4-27, 2025 (day and evening sessions)
Cost: Day tickets from $42 kids, $59 adults, evening from $49 kids, $69 adults
Don’t miss: Photos with Santa and the spectacular light projections
FREE School Holiday Activities
Don’t want to spend a fortune? Here are some fantastic free options:
- State Library of Victoria: Free workshops, story times, and activities
- NGV (National Gallery of Victoria): Free entry with special kids’ programs
- ArtPlay Playground: Federation Square’s adventure playground
- Junior Ranger programs: Free nature activities with Parks Victoria
- City Circle Tram: Free heritage tram rides around the city
- Queen Victoria Market: Free kids’ activities and tours
- Fitzroy Gardens: Free treasure hunt activities
Planning Your School Holiday Adventures
Essential tips for parents:
- Book ahead: Popular attractions fill up quickly during school holidays
- Check weather: Winter in Melbourne can be unpredictable – pack layers!
- Free parking: Many museums and attractions offer free parking
- Combo tickets: Save money with attraction combination deals
- Public transport: Kids travel free on weekends and public holidays
- Pack snacks: Keep energy levels up and save money
Special Deals & Discounts
Make your money go further:
- RACV Members: Discounts at many attractions across Melbourne
- Zoo combo tickets: Visit multiple Zoos Victoria locations
- Early bird bookings: Many shows offer discounted advance tickets
- Group bookings: Discounts for 20+ people at Magic Festival
- Family passes: Better value than individual tickets
Stay Connected
Useful websites and apps:
- What’s On Melbourne: Official events guide
- PTV Mobile: Public transport journey planner
- Only Melbourne: Comprehensive activity listings
- School Holiday Activities: Specialized school holiday guide
Make These School Holidays Unforgettable!
These July 2025 school holidays offer an incredible array of activities designed to entertain, educate, and inspire kids of all ages. From magical performances and wildlife encounters to hands-on learning and creative workshops, Melbourne truly transforms into a playground for families.
Whether you choose one big adventure or mix and match several smaller activities, your kids will return to school with amazing stories to tell and memories that will last a lifetime.
What are you most excited to try these school holidays? Let us know in the comments below which activities made it to your must-do list!
School holidays run from Monday July 7th to Friday July 18th, 2025. Start planning now to secure your spots at the most popular attractions!
Updated: July 2025 with current pricing, dates, and special school holiday programs.
