In search of something to occupy the kids during the holidays, but don’t want to spend a fortune after draining the bank account over Christmas? We’ve put together a list of some fun free activities across the state that will keep them off the screens and out of your hair until school starts for 2025 – just pack your SPF and water bottle and you’re all set!
In the Melbourne CBD
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is running their Kids Summer Festival again this year, from 11 to 17 January. The event includes loads of hands-on workshops and performances at NGV and Fed Square suitable for kids of all ages, such as Cats & Dogs at the Ian Potter Centre and interactive activities inspired by iconic artist Yayoi Kusama. Check the NGV website for more details.
At ArtPlay, located on Birrarung Marr behind Fed Square, families can enjoy RAIN, a theatrical installation that explores weather patterns and our connection with them. Open from 16 January to 15 June, it’s a sensory experience that encourages us to slow down, notice, and wonder. Find out more here.
In the east
Head to the Box Hill Town Hall between 9 January and 28 February to check out Whimsical Garden, a playful exhibition that explores how the world looks from a worm’s perspective. The kids will enjoy art, spotting creatures in gardens (both real and imagined), and the opportunity to create origami animals – all for free! More info is available here.
Feeling the heat? Warburton Water World is open for the summer season, with heaps of water play activities and a drenching bucket to keep you cool. Complete with a picnic and barbeque area and toilet facilities, it’s a great place to spend the day with the family. Located at 20 Woods Point Road, Warburton, it’s open from 8.00am to 8.00pm, except on days of Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger.
In the west
Wyndham Council’s libraries have a fantastic program of events planned for the school holidays, including LEGO, Rhyme Time, Dress Up Story Time and more happening at Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, and Point Cook. To find out what’s on and where, check out the Wyndham Libraries webpage.
If you’d prefer to have your fun in the sun, head to the Riverwalk and Crocodile Splash Parks in Werribee and Point Cook. They’re open until the end of April from 8.00am to 8.00pm each day, with water soaker cannons, a spray tunnel, and an array of sprinklers, spouts, and fountains for kids of all ages to enjoy.
In the south
At Frankston City Libraries you can see magician Tim Credible, create your own comic book, or join in a variety of art and craft activities throughout the holidays. All events are free with materials included but you do need to book online for some sessions, and some of the craft activities are only suitable for older children.
Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Youth Services program are offering a range of activities for 10- to 17-year-olds throughout January at their three youth hubs in Mornington, Hastings, and Rosebud. Each youth hub has free Wi-Fi, pool tables, games, and art supplies, and is open from 12.30 to 5.50pm, Monday to Friday. Activities are facilitated by qualified youth workers, making them a great option for parents who need to drop and run.
In the north
Hume Libraries are pulling out all the stops these holidays with some terrific events planned at Tullamarine, Sunbury, Broadmeadows, and Cragieburn libraries. From animal sand art and megafauna to zombie escape rooms and “crafternoons”, there’s something for everyone – you can even make your own bee hotel! Head to the website for the full schedule and to book your spot.
If you’re in the City of Whittlesea, there’s plenty to do at the Mill Park Library for kids of all ages. Teens can enjoy cooking classes at Mernda Community and Activity Centre, a basketball tournament at Peter Lalor Secondary College, or head to EDGE Youth Services at Westfield Plenty Valley for some Deadly creative arts with the Whittlesea Aboriginal Communities Team. Find out more on the council website.
Gippsland
The Forge Theatre in Bairnsdale has some great free performances scheduled during January, including FRITZ, a quirky show about a rabbit magician, and The Listies, as seen on ABC Kids. If you can’t get to the Forge there are performances elsewhere in the region too. You can check out show times and book tickets here.
Latrobe City Libraries also have heaps of events coming up, including family movies showing at Moe and Morwell and LEGO Lab at Moe, Morwell, Churchill, and Traralgon. For something a little more daring, head to Traralgon or Moe on 20 and 21 January – they will be celebrating the Chinese Year of the Snake with some snake and reptile experiences!
Greater Bendigo
The Living Arts Space in the Bendigo Visitor Centre is hosting an exciting new exhibition this summer called WILDIFE. It’s a selection of illustrations displayed within wild, natural surroundings and is open until 9 February, from 9.00am to 4.30pm daily. Find out more here.
There’s also a range of fun activities happening in Hargreaves Mall throughout January, including line dancing, Kelly Sports, and even a roller disco! Head to the Bendigo Summer in the Parks website for more info.
