The Best Kids Activities in Melbourne: School Holiday Edition

Spring in Melbourne is a magical time, with the city transforming into a playground of adventure and wonder. With the school holidays here, it's time to plan some unforgettable experiences for the kids. Whether your little ones are budding scientists, energetic adventurers, or creative dreamers, Melbourne has something special for everyone.

From exploring interactive galleries and getting lost in the world of the T.Rex, the options are endless.

Let’s dive into the coolest activities that will make this September school holiday the best one yet, filled with laughter, learning, and memories that will warm your hearts all spring long.

Nine Yards Armadale Goes Mini with Mocka these School Holidays

Get ready for a school holiday treat, Melbourne! Mocka is bringing its mini magic to Nine Yards Armadale for a day of pint-sized fun on September 24th! Dive into a world where tiny furniture meets Melbourne’s café culture in a whimsical pop-up event designed just for little ones.

From miniature Sherpa stools to adorable bites like mini Aussie French Toast and mini waffles, this is a celebration of creativity and deliciousness in perfect kid-sized portions. Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities and grab a goodie bag to take home!

Tuesday 24th September

Book your spot here

1203 High Street, Armadale

Turn Up the Fun at Grazeland

Turn up the fun these school holidays at Grazeland! Melbourne’s biggest food precinct is set to transform into a family hotspot packed with entertainment and delicious eats.

Kids can dive into action at the interactive play zones with Funky Monkey Bars, Giant Jenga, and endless games at Gamesland. Expect roving entertainers, glowing stilt walkers, face painting, and live tunes from AYDAN.

With AFL finals on the big screen and over 50 food vendors to satisfy every craving, Grazeland in Spotswood is the perfect destination for family fun and flavour-filled adventures these school holidays in Melbourne. 

Saturday 21st September to Sunday 6th October 

20 Booker Street, Spotswood

Try This Oh-So-Sweet Collaboration Cannoli in Celebration of the AFL Finals 

Get ready for the ultimate footy treat! Starting this Friday, September 20th, Cannoleria and the legendary American Doughnut Kitchen have teamed up for a Grand Final dessert special that’ll have your little footy fan cheering!

Right up until October 3rd, Melburnians can dig into a limited-edition jam doughnut-cannoli hybrid, inspired by the iconic footy jam doughnut. Available at all Cannoleria stores, this Flavour of the Fortnight is a must-try for any football-loving champs.

Don’t miss this sweet celebration of two Melbourne legends – it'll be one of the most delicious kids activities in Melbourne to get around these school holidays!

Friday 20th September to Thursday 3rd October

All Cannoleria stores

See T.rex in 3D at IMAX 

Get ready to roar with excitement at IMAX Melbourne as Sam Neill narrates a mind-blowing 3D journey into the world of the Tyrannosaurus rex!

This groundbreaking documentary combines cutting-edge visuals with top-tier science to bring the legendary T. rex to life like never before. Travel to Hell Creek, Montana, and join a thrilling dig alongside kids and palaeontologists as they uncover an epic discovery.

Watch as the fierce T. rex faces off against Museums Victoria’s own Horridus the Triceratops in an unforgettable showdown. Pair it with Melbourne Museum’s Victoria the T. rex exhibition for the ultimate dino experience!

Multiple dates and times available

IMAX Melbourne, Carlton Gardens

Unlock the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt for Kids

Dive into the wonders of Ancient Egypt with the free exhibition Ancient Egypt for Kids! Perfect for families during the spring school holidays, this interactive experience invites children to explore the art and culture of ancient Egypt through a treasure trove of activities and displays.

Catch this captivating showcase at the same time as the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Pharaoh at NGV International. Kids will be amazed by a 2,500-year-old decorated coffin lid, a dazzling space with golden walls, and towering hieroglyphs. They’ll discover golden funerary head coverings and intricately decorated coffins, all while learning about ancient Egyptian gods, goddesses, and craftsmanship.

Get ready for a fun and educational adventure that brings the magic of ancient Egypt to life!

Free activity; no booking required

NGV Melbourne, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 

Spring School Holidays Fun at Fed Square's RESET Festival

Get ready for a jam-packed school holidays at Fed Square with the RESET festival, running now until October. Perfect for families, this festival offers a mix of markets, art installations, film screenings, interactive talks, and hands-on experiences—all focused on environmental sustainability and connecting with nature. 

Kids (and grown-ups!) can dive into activities like waste minimisation workshops, learn about backyard ecology, explore sustainable home solutions, and get creative with recycling—all in fun and immersive ways! 

Don’t miss highlights like the Seek & Find treasure hunt, The Plants by Playable Streets interactive installation, Slow Art Collective’s Takenoko Weave House, Bupa’s Take Action for Nature bike event, Big Toy Swap, and Young Earth Protectors activities.

With so much to see and do, Fed Square is your go-to spot for eco-friendly family fun this school holidays. 

Fed Square, Melbourne CBD

Meet Le Petit Chef at The Langham Melbourne 

For the first time ever, Melbourne welcomes the world’s tiniest culinary maestro, Le Petit Chef, all the way from Marseille, France! Dive into a magical dining experience at The Langham, Melbourne, where this miniature chef will dazzle you with a four-course meal brought to life through enchanting visual mapping.

Enjoy an exquisite set menu while Le Petit Chef prepares your dishes right on your table, accompanied by themed music and props. With four unique menus to choose from, this immersive theatre dining experience promises a culinary adventure like no other. Don’t miss your chance to dine with the tiniest chef in town!

Multiple dates and times available

Swanston Room at The Langham, 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank 

Step Inside House Down Under: Where Everything’s Upside Down

Flip your world on its head and let your imagination run wild at House Down Under, the quirky inverted house that seems to have fallen from the sky, Wizard of Oz style! This fun-filled attraction invites you to capture surreal and creative photo memories while enjoying a laugh with family and friends.

Walk (or dance) on the ceilings, explore an upside-down bathroom with a quirky toilet, and wander through inverted rooms like the kids’ space, home office, lounge, bedroom, and kitchen.

With your entry ticket, you get unlimited time to snap as many photos as you like on your own devices. Opening hours vary by season, so be sure to check their socials before you go. 

Open daily, 10am to 7pm

Book here

Under the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands 

Explore ACMI's Guided Play-Based Experience for Young Learners

ACMI offers a monthly guided play-based experience perfect for preschool children aged two to five. Each session is designed to help young learners engage with the ideas and concepts explored at the museum, which covers film, TV, video games, and digital art.

With a new theme each month, there’s always something fresh to discover and enjoy. Parents, grandparents, or carers are required to stay with the children throughout the session. Make sure to arrive 10 minutes early, as sessions begin promptly.

Friday 20th September, 10.30am to 11.00am

ACMI, Flinders Street, Melbourne

Josephine Wants to Dance

She’s bold, she’s bouncy, and she’s back!

Josephine Wants to Dance is a hilarious musical that celebrates the power of believing in yourself and chasing your dreams—plus, there's a dancing kangaroo!

Follow Josephine, a kangaroo with a passion for dance, as she defies her little brother Joey's doubts and heads into town to see the city ballet perform Swan Lake. There, all her dancing dreams come to life.

Based on the beloved book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, this musical is full of heart, humor, and plenty of toe-tapping fun. It's one of our top picks for kids activities in Melbourne during the September school holidays.

Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th October, 11am and 1.30pm sessions

Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank 

Explore the city as it bursts into bloom and create unforgettable memories with your family with our guide to fun kids' activities in Melbourne. Once you've worked up an appetite, head over to these top family-friendly restaurants for a delicious meal that everyone will love.