School holidays in Melbourne are the perfect excuse to get out and about. Whether you’ve got little adventurers, curious minds, or teens chasing thrills, the city has something for everyone. From penguins and rollercoasters to free trams and hidden gardens, there’s no shortage of fun to keep kids busy.

With an extended break for the summer holidays, warm weather and long days, it's the perfect time to get our and about and explore your own backyard. There's plenty of family-friendly events popping up across the city, too. 

Where is it? King and Flinders Streets, Melbourne CBD

When can you go? Daily, 10am - 5pm

How much is it? From AU$24 per child, AU$36 per adult

How much time will you need? 2 - 3 hours

Come face-to-face with sharks, stingrays, and Pinjarra, one of the largest crocs in the country. SEA LIFE is packed with hands-on experiences, from starfish touch pools to the Penguin Playground, making it a guaranteed hit for kids of all ages.

Where is it? Nicholson Street, Carlton

When can you go? Daily, 9am - 5pm

How much is it? Free for kids under 16, AU$18 per adult

How much time will you need? 3 - 4 hours

Dinosaurs, giant screens, and Indigenous culture all in one place. The Melbourne Museum mixes fun with learning by offering everything from life-size skeletons to interactive exhibits. It’s one of the city’s best spots for families wanting a balance of play and discovery.

Where is it? Booker Street, Spotswood

When can you go? Daily, 10am - 4.30pm

How much is it? Free for kids under 17, AU$15 for adults

How much time will you need? 2 - 3 hours

A planetarium, hands-on science displays, and the chance to test your skills in interactive zones. Scienceworks is where curious kids get to explore the big questions of space, science, and technology, all in a fun, family-friendly way.

Where is it? Lower Esplanade, St Kilda

When can you go? Weekends and school holidays

How much is it? Unlimited rides for AU$45 per child, AU$55 per adult

How much time will you need? 3 - 4 hours

Enter through the famous giant mouth and dive into carnival fun. From dodgems and thrill rides to the world’s oldest wooden rollercoaster, Luna Park is a Melbourne icon. Perfect for families looking for classic holiday entertainment by the bay.

Where is it? Salmon Street, Port Melbourne

When can you go? Daily, times vary

How much is it? From AU$58 per session

How much time will you need? 1 hour

Hit the track and race at speeds up to 60 km/h. Indoor go karting is perfect for teens and families who love a bit of friendly competition. Strap in, hit the accelerator, and see who really takes the crown as fastest driver.

Where is it? Riverside Quay, Southbank

When can you go? Daily, 12pm - 9pm

How much is it? AU$25 for children and AU$39 for adults

How much time will you need? 2 - 3 hours

Soak up 360° views from the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest observation deck. Brave The Edge glass cube if you dare, or try the VR Voyager Theatre for a next-level experience. Melbourne Skydeck is the ultimate way to see the city from above.

Where is it? Grampians National Park

When can you go? Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays

How much is it? From AU$155 per person

How much time will you need? 12 - 13 hours

Waterfalls, wildlife, and Aboriginal history all in one epic day trip. The Grampians deliver breathtaking hikes, sweeping lookouts, and the chance to spot kangaroos and emus. This tour is a brilliant way for families to explore Victoria’s natural beauty.

Where is it? Werribee and Ballarat

When can you go? Tuesdays and Saturdays

How much is it? From AU$174 per person

How much time will you need? 10 - 11 hours

Travel back in time to Victoria’s gold rush days. Explore the grand Werribee Mansion, then step into Sovereign Hill, a recreated 1850s gold-mining town. Kids will love the costumed actors, vintage shops, and underground mine tours.

Where is it? Phillip Island

When can you go? Daily, year-round

How much is it? From AU$145 per child, or AU$165 per person

How much time will you need? 12 - 13 hours

See Brighton’s beach boxes, spot seals, and get close to koalas before the main event: the evening penguin parade. Phillip Island tours are a full-day family adventure, with wildlife, beaches, and that famous penguin march to cap it all off.

Free fun is everywhere if you know where to look. Melbourne has plenty of school holiday activities that won’t cost a cent, making it easy to keep the kids entertained without touching the budget.

Melbourne has it all—wildlife, rides, culture, and plenty of free fun. Make planning simple with Traveloka, your go-to platform for booking activities, tours, and attractions. With everything in one place, you can lock in your school holiday plans quickly and spend more time enjoying the break.

Written by: Cristal Dyer

Cristal Dyer is a writer at Traveloka with more than a decade of travel writing experience that' has taken her to more than 70 countries. She travels full-time, sharing insider tips on her favourite cities, must-try food spots, and the best travel deals she can find.