Fun Activities for Kids in Melbourne These Winter School Holidays — June & July 2026
- Toon Creations
- May 27
- 5 min read
The Victorian winter school holidays 2026 run from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 13 July — two and a half weeks to keep the kids entertained, inspired, and away from screens.
Melbourne in winter has a reputation for unpredictable weather, but that's actually what makes it such a great city for school holidays. There are world-class indoor attractions, incredible free cultural experiences, and a fantastic range of kids workshops and activities that thrive in the cooler months.
Whether you're looking for something creative, active, cultural, or just genuinely fun — here's our guide to the best things to do with kids in Melbourne these winter school holidays.
1. Cartooning Workshop — Toon Creations South Caulfield
For something genuinely different these school holidays, Toon Creations is bringing its popular cartooning and drawing workshop to South Caulfield on Sunday 29 June — right at the start of the Victorian school holidays.
Toon Creations uses a unique teaching method that reveals the hidden shapes, letters and numbers inside popular cartoon characters — from superheroes and anime to gaming icons and Disney classics. Even kids who think they can't draw leave with a portfolio of finished artworks they're genuinely proud of.
The workshop runs from 9am to 3pm at Princes Park DC Bricker Function Room, Beech St, Caulfield South and is suitable for kids aged 5–12. No experience needed — just enthusiasm.
📅 Sunday 29 June 2026
⏰ 9am – 3pm
📍 Princes Park DC Bricker Function Room, Beech St, Caulfield South VIC 3162
💰 Early bird: $75 per child (book by 8 June) — Full price: $85 per child
👶 Ages 5–12 · No experience needed · Sibling discounts available
👉 Book your spot here — spots are limited so book early to avoid missing out.
2. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) — Free Entry
The NGV is one of Melbourne's greatest assets for families — and the permanent collection is completely free. During school holidays the NGV runs special family programs, workshops, and guided tours designed specifically for kids.
The gallery's international collection spans thousands of years of art history, and the family-friendly programming makes it genuinely engaging for children of all ages. Check the NGV website for specific school holiday programs running from 28 June.
📍 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 💰 Free (permanent collection) — some special exhibitions ticketed
3. Melbourne Museum — School Holiday Programs
The Melbourne Museum in Carlton runs dedicated school holiday programs that blend science, history, nature, and culture in hands-on, interactive formats. The museum's permanent exhibits — including the dinosaur gallery, the forest gallery, and the children's gallery Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery — are endlessly engaging for kids aged 3 and up.
During the winter holidays look for special workshops and activity sessions running alongside the permanent collection.
📍 11 Nicholson St, Carlton 💰 Adults from approx. $15 · Children free with paying adult
4. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
For a warm, fully indoor activity on a cold Melbourne winter's day, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium at the CBD waterfront is a fantastic option. Kids can explore Antarctic penguins, giant stingrays, sharks, and thousands of marine creatures across multiple zones.
The aquarium regularly runs school holiday programs that combine marine education with hands-on activities — check the website for what's running these July holidays.
📍 King and Flinders Streets, Melbourne CBD 💰 From approx. $35 per child — book online for discounts
5. Scienceworks
Scienceworks in Spotswood is one of Melbourne's best kept family secrets — a science museum packed with interactive exhibits that make learning genuinely fun. The Lightning Room show is a particular highlight, and the dedicated children's area Nitty Gritty Super City is perfect for younger kids.
School holiday programs at Scienceworks typically include hands-on science workshops and special planetarium shows. Book ahead as these fill up quickly.
📍 2 Booker St, Spotswood 💰 From approx. $15 per adult · Children free with paying adult
6. Bounce Melbourne
For high-energy kids who need to burn off steam, Bounce has multiple Melbourne locations with giant trampoline parks, dodgeball arenas, and foam pits. It's a brilliant option for a cold or rainy day when outdoor activities aren't appealing — and it completely exhausts kids in the best possible way.
Book online in advance during school holidays as sessions fill up fast.
📍 Multiple Melbourne locations — Port Melbourne, Nunawading, Campbellfield 💰 From approx. $20 per child per session
7. Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden — Rainy Day Wild Play
Tucked inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden is a magical outdoor play space designed specifically for kids under 12. Even in winter it's a wonderful space — kids can splash in water features, explore bamboo tunnels, and play in dedicated nature zones.
On milder winter days this is one of Melbourne's most beautiful free family experiences.
📍 Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra 💰 Free · Note: check seasonal opening hours
8. Local Library Holiday Programs — Free
Melbourne's library network runs free school holiday programs across the city during every holiday period. Programs vary by council area and typically include craft workshops, coding sessions, storytelling, and reading challenges.
Some Melbourne library networks with strong holiday programs include:
Glen Eira Libraries (Caulfield, Carnegie, Elsternwick)
Stonnington Libraries (Prahran, Malvern, Toorak)
Port Phillip Libraries (St Kilda, Port Melbourne)
Bayside Libraries (Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton)
📍 Your local library 💰 Free
Tips for planning Melbourne school holiday activities — winter 2026
Book early. Melbourne school holiday programs fill up fast — especially the first and last week of the holidays. If you see something you want, don't wait.
Layer up for outdoor activities. Melbourne winter weather is unpredictable. Always have a jumper and a light jacket on hand even if the morning looks mild.
Mix paid and free. The NGV, Botanic Gardens, and local libraries are all free or very low cost — balance these with one or two paid experiences for the best value holiday.
Use your Creative Kids voucher. NSW families visiting Melbourne or Victorian families with an active voucher — Toon Creations is a registered Creative Kids provider. Email info@tooncreations.net to apply your voucher to the 29 June workshop.
Book the early bird. The Toon Creations South Caulfield workshop early bird price of $75 closes on 8 June — saving $10 per child.
Book your spot at the Toon Creations Melbourne workshop
Spots are limited for the South Caulfield workshop on 29 June. Early bird pricing closes 8 June — book now to save $10 per child.
🎨 Kids Cartooning Workshop — South Caulfield 📅 Sunday 29 June 2026 · 9am–3pm 📍 Princes Park DC Bricker Function Room, Beech St, Caulfield South VIC 3162 💰 Early bird $75 · Full price $85
📞 0411 789 878 📧 info@tooncreations.net
Toon Creations runs cartooning and drawing workshops for kids aged 5–15 during school holiday periods across NSW, VIC, and QLD. School incursions, OOSH vacation care programs, and birthday parties also available across Melbourne. Find out more here.