Second Week Magic – When the Real Fun Begins!
The second week of school holidays is where the magic happens! By now, the kids have recovered from their first week adventures and are ready for something fresh and exciting. Melbourne offers an incredible array of activities perfect for this sweet spot of the holidays – when you want to balance relaxation with adventure, learning with pure fun.
Whether you’re dealing with holiday boredom, looking for new experiences, or wanting to make the most of the remaining break, these 20 fantastic activities will transform your second week into an unforgettable adventure. From hands-on workshops to outdoor escapades, cultural experiences to thrilling challenges, here’s your ultimate guide to second-week success! 🌟
🎨 1. Pottery Painting at Clay Café Studios – Creative Masterpieces
The Experience: Transform plain ceramics into personalized masterpieces! Kids choose from hundreds of pottery pieces – mugs, plates, figurines, or tiles – and paint them with professional glazes. The studio provides everything needed, plus expert guidance for stunning results.
Why It’s Perfect for Week 2: After a week of high-energy activities, this offers a perfect balance of creativity and calm. Kids love seeing their finished pieces after firing, and it creates lasting keepsakes from the holidays.
Perfect for: All ages, rainy days, creative expression
Cost: $8-25 depending on pottery piece chosen
Duration: 2-3 hours
Locations: Multiple studios across Melbourne
Takes home: Finished pieces ready in 7 days
🏰 2. Medieval Adventure at Kryal Castle – Knights and Princesses
The Experience: Step into a real medieval world with castle tours, knight demonstrations, dragon encounters, and hands-on medieval activities. Kids can try archery, watch jousting tournaments, and explore dungeons and torture chambers (age-appropriate versions!).
Holiday Special: School holiday programs include medieval workshops, costume try-ons, and special character meet-and-greets that make the experience even more immersive.
Perfect for: History lovers, fantasy enthusiasts, adventure seekers
Cost: $25 adults, $20 children, family passes available
Duration: Full day recommended
Location: Leigh, 1 hour from Melbourne
Best features: Interactive shows, costume experiences, adventure playground
🧪 3. Science Experiments at Scienceworks – Mad Scientist Fun
The Experience: Beyond the regular exhibits, Scienceworks offers special holiday workshops where kids become real scientists. From creating slime and volcanoes to building rockets and conducting chemistry experiments, it’s hands-on learning at its best.
Special Holiday Programs: Week 2 often features specialized workshops like “Kitchen Chemistry,” “Rocket Science,” and “Explosive Experiments” that aren’t available during regular school terms.
Perfect for: STEM enthusiasts, curious minds, future scientists
Cost: Museum entry plus workshop fees $5-15
Duration: Workshops 1-2 hours, museum exploration 3-4 hours
Age range: Different workshops for 5-8 and 9-14 years
Booking: Essential for popular workshops
🎤 4. Circus Skills Workshop at Circa Circus – Juggling and Acrobatics
The Experience: Professional circus performers teach kids juggling, plate spinning, diabolo, stilts walking, and basic acrobatics. These workshops build confidence, coordination, and provide endless entertainment as kids master new skills.
Skill Development: Perfect for developing hand-eye coordination, balance, and self-confidence. Many kids discover hidden talents and want to continue circus training after the holidays.
Perfect for: Active kids, skill building, confidence development
Cost: $35-45 per child for 2-hour sessions
Duration: Half-day workshops available
Age range: Programs for 6-16 years
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and water bottle
🏛️ 5. Ancient Civilizations at Melbourne Museum – Time Travel Adventure
The Experience: Explore ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome through interactive exhibits, handle real artifacts, and participate in archaeology workshops. Kids can create hieroglyphics, build pyramids, and learn about mummies and ancient cultures.
Holiday Workshops: Special programs include “Young Archaeologist” sessions where kids excavate replica sites and “Ancient Art” workshops creating papyrus and pottery using historical techniques.
Perfect for: History buffs, cultural education, hands-on learning
Cost: Kids under 16 FREE, Adults $15, workshops extra $10
Duration: 4-6 hours including workshops
Special features: Real artifact handling, expert-led tours
Educational value: Curriculum-linked ancient history content
🌊 6. Surf Lessons at URBNSURF Melbourne – Ride the Perfect Wave
The Experience: Learn to surf on Australia’s first surf park with consistent, safe waves perfect for beginners. Professional instructors provide personalized coaching in a controlled environment where every wave is perfect for learning.
Second Week Perfect: After a week of rest, kids have the energy and enthusiasm for this physical challenge. The controlled environment means guaranteed success and confidence building.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers, water lovers, new experiences
Cost: From $85 for beginner sessions
Duration: 1-2 hour lessons
Age requirement: 7+ years
Includes: Professional instruction, all equipment, wetsuit
🎭 7. Drama and Theatre Workshop at Arts Centre Melbourne – Stage Stars
The Experience: Young performers explore acting, singing, dancing, and stagecraft in professional theatre spaces. Workshops culminate in mini-performances for families, giving kids the full theatre experience.
Creative Development: Kids develop confidence, public speaking skills, and creative expression while working with professional theatre educators in world-class facilities.
Perfect for: Performers, creative kids, confidence building
Cost: $40-60 for half-day workshops
Duration: 3-4 hour intensive workshops
Age groups: 6-10 and 11-16 year programs
Culmination: Family showcase performance
🦅 8. Birds of Prey Experience at Healesville Sanctuary – Majestic Raptors
The Experience: Get up close with eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons during special raptor encounters. Kids learn about conservation while watching flight demonstrations and meeting these magnificent birds.
Educational Impact: Beyond entertainment, this teaches wildlife conservation, Australian native species, and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Perfect for: Animal lovers, nature education, wildlife photography
Cost: Entry plus experience fees, family packages available
Duration: Full day with multiple shows
Best time: Morning flight demonstrations are spectacular
Distance: 1 hour from Melbourne
🏧 9. LEGO Architecture Workshop – Master Builder Challenge
The Experience: Design and build famous landmarks, cities, or dream creations using thousands of LEGO pieces. Professional facilitators guide complex builds while encouraging creative problem-solving and engineering thinking.
Skills Development: Develops spatial reasoning, engineering concepts, patience, and creative problem-solving while being incredibly fun and engaging for all skill levels.
Perfect for: Building enthusiasts, engineering minds, collaborative play
Cost: $35-50 for 3-hour sessions
Duration: Half-day intensive workshops
Age range: 6-14 years, sometimes adult sessions too
Take home: Photos of creations, building techniques learned
🎨 10. Street Art Workshop – Urban Art Creation
The Experience: Learn from professional street artists in legal graffiti spaces. Kids explore color theory, design principles, and urban art techniques while creating their own mural masterpieces on practice walls.
Cultural Education: Beyond art skills, workshops teach about Melbourne’s street art culture, the difference between art and vandalism, and respect for urban spaces.
Perfect for: Creative teens, urban culture interest, artistic expression
Cost: $45-65 including all materials
Duration: 4-hour workshops
Age range: Usually 10+ years
Safety: All professional equipment and safety training provided
🔬 11. Robotics and Coding Camp – Future Tech Stars
The Experience: Build and program robots using professional equipment while learning coding fundamentals. Kids work in teams to solve challenges, compete in robot games, and take home basic programming skills.
Future Skills: Develops computational thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and introduces STEM careers in an engaging, hands-on environment.
Perfect for: Tech enthusiasts, problem solvers, future engineers
Cost: $80-120 for full-day programs
Duration: Full-day intensives or 3-day programs
Age groups: 8-12 and 13-16 year programs
Equipment: All provided, kids build take-home projects
🏺 12. Archaeological Dig Experience – Young Indiana Jones
The Experience: Excavate replica archaeological sites using real tools and techniques. Kids uncover artifacts, learn dating methods, and create detailed excavation records just like professional archaeologists.
Educational Method: Combines history, science, and hands-on learning while teaching patience, attention to detail, and scientific method through exciting discovery.
Perfect for: History lovers, patient learners, scientific minds
Cost: $40-55 for half-day experiences
Duration: 4-hour programs
Age range: 8-16 years
Take home: Excavation diary and “discovered” artifacts
🎩 13. Magic Workshop with Professional Magicians – Abracadabra Skills
The Experience: Learn card tricks, coin magic, and illusions from professional entertainers. Kids receive magic kits and detailed instruction books to continue practicing their newfound skills at home.
Confidence Building: Magic builds self-confidence, public speaking abilities, and fine motor skills while providing entertainment value that lasts long after the holidays.
Perfect for: Shy kids, entertainers, confidence development
Cost: $35-45 including magic kit
Duration: 2-3 hour workshops
Age range: 7-15 years
Take home: Professional magic kit and instruction manual
🌿 14. Bush Telegraph Aboriginal Culture Workshop – First Nations Learning
The Experience: Learn about Aboriginal culture through traditional storytelling, didgeridoo playing, boomerang throwing, and bush tucker tasting. Indigenous educators share 65,000 years of cultural knowledge.
Cultural Respect: Authentic experiences taught by Aboriginal educators help kids understand and respect Australia’s First Nations people and their ongoing cultural traditions.
Perfect for: Cultural education, respectful learning, unique experiences
Cost: $25-35 per child
Duration: 2-3 hours
Age range: All ages with age-appropriate content
Location: Various parks and cultural centers
🏊 15. Synchronized Swimming Taster Session – Aquatic Artistry
The Experience: Learn the basics of synchronized swimming including underwater skills, artistic movements, and team routines. Professional coaches teach water confidence and coordination in a supportive environment.
Unique Appeal: Offers something completely different from typical swimming lessons, combining athletics with artistry and teamwork in an aquatic environment.
Perfect for: Swimmers, dancers, team activities
Cost: $20-30 for taster sessions
Duration: 1-2 hours
Age range: 6+ years
Requirements: Basic swimming ability essential
🎯 16. Archery Adventure Course – Robin Hood Training
The Experience: Learn proper archery technique on professional ranges with various targets and challenges. Progress from basic shooting to moving targets and competitive games in a safe, supervised environment.
Physical Benefits: Develops focus, hand-eye coordination, upper body strength, and patience while providing an exciting challenge that builds confidence.
Perfect for: Focus development, individual challenge, outdoor adventure
Cost: $25-40 for 2-hour sessions
Duration: Half-day programs available
Age range: 8+ years
Safety: Professional instruction and equipment provided
🍳 17. Junior MasterChef Cooking Classes – Culinary Creations
The Experience: Professional chefs teach kids fundamental cooking skills through fun, hands-on classes. From pasta making to cake decorating, kids learn techniques while creating delicious meals to enjoy.
Life Skills: Beyond cooking, kids learn food safety, nutrition basics, measuring skills, and following instructions while gaining independence and confidence in the kitchen.
Perfect for: Food lovers, independence building, practical skills
Cost: $45-65 including ingredients and take-home
Duration: 3-4 hour classes
Age groups: 6-10 and 11-16 year classes
Take home: Recipes and finished food creations
🏰 18. Escape Room Challenges – Puzzle Solving Adventure
The Experience: Work in teams to solve puzzles, crack codes, and escape themed rooms within time limits. Family-friendly escape rooms offer age-appropriate challenges that encourage teamwork and problem-solving.
Cognitive Benefits: Develops critical thinking, teamwork, communication skills, and persistence while providing exciting entertainment for the whole family.
Perfect for: Problem solvers, team activities, family bonding
Cost: $25-35 per person
Duration: 1-2 hours including briefing
Age range: 8+ years depending on room difficulty
Tip: Book family-friendly rooms for younger participants
🎨 19. Mosaic Art Workshop – Colorful Creations
The Experience: Create stunning mosaic artwork using colorful tiles, glass pieces, and traditional techniques. Kids design and construct their own mosaic masterpieces while learning about this ancient art form.
Artistic Development: Combines planning, color theory, fine motor skills, and patience while creating beautiful, lasting artwork that kids can display with pride.
Perfect for: Patient creators, art lovers, fine motor skill development
Cost: $30-45 including materials
Duration: 3-4 hours
Age range: 6+ years
Take home: Completed mosaic artwork
🌱 20. Urban Farming Workshop – Green Thumb Development
The Experience: Learn sustainable gardening, composting, and urban farming techniques while creating mini-gardens to take home. Kids plant seeds, learn about nutrition, and understand food production.
Environmental Education: Teaches sustainability, environmental responsibility, healthy eating, and the connection between food and health while developing nurturing skills.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, environmental awareness, healthy living
Cost: $25-35 including plants and containers
Duration: 2-3 hours
Age range: 5+ years
Take home: Mini garden setup and knowledge
Second Week Success Strategies
Energy Management for Week 2:
- Balance high-energy and calm activities
- Consider kids’ attention spans after a week of stimulation
- Mix familiar and completely new experiences
- Allow for longer, more involved activities
Learning Integration:
- Choose activities that build on week 1 experiences
- Look for workshops that develop specific skills
- Consider activities that connect to school curriculum
- Include cultural and educational components
Social Considerations:
- Week 2 is perfect for friend activities and groups
- Consider team-building activities that strengthen friendships
- Include both individual achievement and group collaboration
- Plan activities that accommodate different personality types
Budget-Smart Second Week Planning
Cost-Effective Combinations:
- Pair expensive workshops with free activities
- Look for multi-session discounts and family packages
- Consider half-day rather than full-day premium experiences
- Mix DIY activities with professional workshops
Value Maximizers:
- Choose activities that provide take-home components
- Look for workshops that teach ongoing skills
- Consider activities that include meals or snacks
- Prioritize experiences that create lasting memories
Weather-Proof Planning
Indoor Options:
- Pottery painting, cooking classes, escape rooms
- Museum workshops, drama classes, robotics camps
- Magic workshops, art classes, science experiments
Outdoor Alternatives:
- Archery (covered ranges available), surf lessons
- Archaeological digs (often have indoor components)
- Urban farming (greenhouse settings available)
Flexible Activities:
- Many workshops offer both indoor and outdoor components
- Museums and centers often have weather contingency plans
- Look for venues with covered outdoor spaces
Age-Specific Second Week Recommendations
Ages 5-8 (Early Primary):
- Pottery painting, basic cooking classes, simple science experiments
- Circus skills, bush telegraph workshops, urban farming
- Focus on hands-on, immediate satisfaction activities
Ages 9-12 (Late Primary):
- Robotics, archaeology, magic workshops, synchronized swimming
- Escape rooms, archery, more complex cooking classes
- Balance skill development with fun challenges
Ages 13-16 (Secondary):
- Street art, advanced coding, complex escape rooms
- Surf lessons, drama workshops, archaeological digs
- Focus on skill mastery and potential career exploration
Making Week 2 Memorable
Documentation Ideas:
- Create a holiday journal with photos and experiences
- Video kids explaining their new skills
- Display artwork and certificates from workshops
- Start a collection of business cards from instructors
Skill Development Focus:
- Week 2 is perfect for deeper skill development
- Choose activities that complement natural interests
- Consider follow-up classes or ongoing programs
- Connect holiday learning to school projects
Social Connection:
- Plan friend group activities for social development
- Include family bonding experiences
- Consider activities that grandparents can join
- Build new friendships through group workshops
Perfect Second Week Success!
The second week of school holidays offers the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into new experiences and skill development. With the initial holiday excitement settled, kids are ready for more focused, intensive, and meaningful activities that create lasting memories and genuine learning.
These 20 activities balance excitement with education, individual achievement with social connection, and immediate fun with long-term skill development. Whether your kids are creative artists, future scientists, outdoor adventurers, or cultural explorers, Melbourne’s incredible holiday offerings ensure the second week becomes the highlight of the entire break.
Remember, the second week is about quality over quantity – choosing fewer, more meaningful experiences often creates better memories than cramming in too many activities. Focus on your children’s interests, allow for genuine skill development, and prepare for the satisfaction that comes from mastering something new.
Which second week adventure will become your family’s new favorite tradition? The perfect combination of learning and fun awaits in Melbourne’s amazing holiday programs!
Prices and availability vary by season and provider. Always check current schedules, age requirements, and booking conditions before planning. Many workshops require advance booking, especially during peak holiday periods.
