Term 1 School Holidays Melbourne 2026 — Best Activities, Events & Things to Do with Kids

Term 1 School Holidays Melbourne 2026 — Best Activities, Events & Things to Do with Kids

If you're a Melbourne parent staring down the barrel of two-and-a-half weeks of school holidays and wondering how on earth you'll keep the kids entertained (without losing your mind or your savings), you've landed in the right place.

Term 1 holidays in 2026 are a big one — they overlap with Easter, which means public holidays, chocolate hunts, and a few extra days to squeeze in some proper family adventures. Whether you're after free nature walks, rainy-day museum visits, adrenaline-pumping outdoor fun, or budget-friendly day trips, we've rounded up everything you need to plan the best school holidays ever.

Bookmark this page. You're going to need it.

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📅 1. Term 1 School Holiday Dates 2026 — When Exactly Are They?

According to the Victorian Government's official school term dates, here's what the 2026 calendar looks like:

So when are the actual holidays?

The Term 1 school holidays run from Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026 — that's a generous 17 days (just over two-and-a-half weeks) before the kids head back for Term 2 on Monday 20 April.

Quick reference:

• Last day of Term 1: Thursday 2 April 2026
• First day of holidays: Friday 3 April 2026
• Easter long weekend: Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April 2026
• Back to school (Term 2): Monday 20 April 2026

That's plenty of time for a mix of lazy mornings, planned outings, a day trip or two, and — let's be honest — a healthy amount of screen time. No judgement here.

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🐣 2. How Easter Overlaps with the Holidays (and Why It Matters)

Here's the thing that makes Term 1 holidays in 2026 particularly interesting: Easter falls right at the start of the break.

Key Easter 2026 Dates

• Good Friday: Friday 3 April (public holiday — the very first day of holidays!)
• Holy Saturday: Saturday 4 April
• Easter Sunday: Sunday 5 April (Daylight Saving ends — clocks go back 1 hour)
• Easter Monday: Monday 6 April (public holiday)

What does this mean for families?

The good news:

• The Easter long weekend kicks off the holidays with a bang — four days straight of no work, no school, pure family time
• Many venues run special Easter programs, egg hunts, and themed events
• Some attractions offer Easter discounts and family packages

The heads-up:

• Popular venues like Melbourne Zoo, Puffing Billy, and Phillip Island get extremely busy over the Easter weekend — book ahead or plan for mid-week visits instead
• Some smaller businesses and restaurants may close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday (check before you go)
• Daylight Saving ends on Easter Sunday — you gain an hour of sleep (parents, rejoice!) but sunset comes earlier from then on
• Accommodation for day trips and getaways books out fast — if you're planning a night away, don't leave it to the last minute

Pro tip: If you can, save the big-ticket attractions for the second week of holidays (week of 13–17 April) when the Easter crowds have died down. Prices stay the same but the queues are much shorter.

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🆓 3. Top FREE Activities for Families

Melbourne is genuinely one of the best cities in Australia for free family fun. Here are the top picks that won't cost you a cent:

Museums & Galleries (Free Entry)

Melbourne Museum The permanent collection at Melbourne Museum is free for children under 16. Adults pay standard admission, but the Children's Gallery and many exhibitions are included. The "Our Wondrous Planet" exhibition is currently running and it's brilliant for curious kids.

• 📍 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
• 🕐 Open daily 10am–5pm
• 💰 Free for kids under 16; adults ~$15
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3–14

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Both NGV International (St Kilda Road) and NGV Australia (Fed Square) offer free entry to their permanent collections. The NGV Kids program runs special school holiday workshops — check their website closer to the date for the 2026 program.

• 📍 180 St Kilda Road (International) / Fed Square (Australia)
• 🕐 Open daily 10am–5pm
• 💰 Free (some special exhibitions ticketed)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 4–12

ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) Located in Federation Square, ACMI is a treasure for screen-obsessed kids (so... all of them). The permanent exhibition exploring film, TV, video games, and digital culture is free. They often run school holiday workshops too.

• 📍 Fed Square, Flinders Street
• 🕐 Open daily 10am–5pm
• 💰 Free (cinema screenings ticketed)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 5–15

Immigration Museum An underrated gem at Museums Victoria. The interactive exhibits about migration stories are genuinely moving and surprisingly engaging for kids, especially those studying history or HASS.

• 📍 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne
• 💰 Free for kids under 16
• 👶 Best for: Ages 7–14

Science Gallery Melbourne This free gallery at the University of Melbourne blends art and science in thought-provoking ways. Best for older kids and teens.

• 📍 Grattan Street, Parkville
• 💰 Free
• 👶 Best for: Ages 10+

Parks, Playgrounds & Nature Walks

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Absolutely stunning in autumn, the Royal Botanic Gardens are free to enter every day of the year. The Children's Garden (open daily during school holidays) is a particular highlight with water play, kitchen garden, and bamboo forest.

• 📍 Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra
• 🕐 Gardens: 7:30am–7:30pm daily; Children's Garden: 10am–7:30pm (open daily during holidays)
• 💰 Free
• 👶 Best for: All ages

Birrarung Marr The riverside park between Federation Square and the MCG has a brilliant playground, art installations, and the "Birrarung Wilam" walk telling the story of the Yarra River through Aboriginal perspectives. Pack a picnic.

• 📍 CBD, along the Yarra River
• 💰 Free
• 👶 Best for: Ages 2–10

Jells Park (Wheelers Hill) One of Melbourne's best adventure playgrounds, with a massive play structure, a lake, walking tracks, and BBQ facilities. Perfect for burning off energy.

• 📍 Waverley Road, Wheelers Hill
• 💰 Free
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3–12

Braeside Park A hidden gem in Melbourne's south-east. Wetlands, bushwalks, bird hides, and a nature play area. Bring bikes and binoculars.

• 📍 Lower Dandenong Road, Braeside
• 💰 Free
• 👶 Best for: Ages 4–12

St Kilda Beach & Pier Walk along the breakwater at sunset and you might spot the famous Little Penguins that nest in the rocks. Free, magical, and the kids will be talking about it for weeks.

• 📍 St Kilda Pier
• 💰 Free
• 👶 Best for: All ages (supervise near water)

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly National Rhododendron Gardens) Gorgeous in autumn with changing leaves, walking trails, and a lovely lawn for picnics. Free entry, small parking fee.

• 📍 The Georgian Road, Olinda
• 💰 Free (parking ~$6)
• 👶 Best for: All ages

Free Library Programs

Melbourne's public libraries run free school holiday programs every term break. These typically include:

• Storytelling sessions
• LEGO building challenges
• Craft workshops
• Coding clubs (Scratch, Micro:bit)
• Movie screenings
• Author visits

Check your local council library website from mid-March for the full Term 1 holiday program. The State Library of Victoria in the CBD also runs free family activities — their exhibitions (like "Make Believe" and "Creative Acts") are always free and kid-friendly.

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🏠 4. Indoor Activities — Perfect for Rainy Days

April in Melbourne means the weather is... well, April in Melbourne. Expect anything from 25°C sunshine to 12°C drizzle. Here's your rainy-day arsenal:

Scienceworks

Scienceworks is arguably Melbourne's best school holiday destination — and it's just opened fresh exhibitions including "Sportsworks" and "Think Ahead". The Planetarium shows are a must (book ahead as they sell out during holidays). The "Ground Up" hands-on building exhibition is perfect for younger kids.

• 📍 2 Booker Street, Spotswood
• 🕐 Open daily 10am–4:30pm
• 💰 Free for kids under 16; adults ~$15; Planetarium extra ~$6
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3–14
• 🔗 museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Over 10,000 aquatic animals across themed zones. The walk-through oceanarium tunnel never gets old. They often run school holiday programs with behind-the-scenes experiences.

• 📍 King Street, Melbourne (next to Crown)
• 🕐 Open daily 10am–5pm
• 💰 ~$42 adult / ~$30 child (book online for discounts — often 20% off)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 2–12
• 🔗 visitsealife.com/melbourne

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

An indoor LEGO wonderland in Chadstone Shopping Centre. Rides, 4D cinema, building workshops, and a miniland of Melbourne made from LEGO. A solid 2–3 hour outing.

• 📍 Chadstone Shopping Centre, Chadstone
• 💰 ~$30–$35 per person (book online for better rates)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3–10
• 🔗 legolanddiscoverycentre.com/melbourne

ArtVo — Immersive Art Gallery

An interactive 3D trick-art gallery where you become part of the artwork. Kids love posing for photos with the optical illusions. Great for all ages and extremely Instagram-worthy.

• 📍 26 Star Crescent, Docklands
• 💰 ~$28 adult / ~$20 child
• 👶 Best for: Ages 4–14

Bounce Inc / BOUNCE Trampoline Park

Indoor trampolining with free-jump areas, dodgeball, slam-dunk lanes, and the infamous Big Bag (a giant airbag you leap into). Multiple locations across Melbourne.

• 📍 Glen Iris, Blackburn, Essendon
• 💰 ~$20–$28 per session (1 hour)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3–16
• 🔗 bounceinc.com.au

AMF Bowling

Classic rainy-day fun. Most centres have bumper bowling for the little ones, and the arcade games keep them busy afterwards. Multiple locations.

• 📍 Various (CBD, Highpoint, Knox, etc.)
• 💰 ~$15–$22 per person per game
• 👶 Best for: Ages 4+

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Experience the thrill of freefall in a vertical wind tunnel. An unforgettable experience for older kids and teens (minimum age 3, but best from about age 6+).

• 📍 Essendon Fields, English Street
• 💰 ~$89 for intro package (2 flights)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 6–16

House Down Under

Melbourne's inverted house experience — walk through a house that's completely upside down. Quirky, fun, and great for photo ops.

• 📍 South Wharf
• 💰 ~$22 adult / ~$16 child
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3–12

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🌿 5. Outdoor Adventures

When Melbourne's autumn weather plays nice (and it often does — April can be gorgeous), get outside and make the most of it.

Melbourne Zoo

A perennial favourite and for good reason. Melbourne Zoo runs special school holiday programs, Keeper Kids activities, free animal talks throughout the day, and has excellent play spaces to break up the animal viewing. The "Keeper Kids" program offers nature-based activities that foster a love of wildlife.

• 📍 Elliott Avenue, Parkville
• 🕐 Open daily 9am–5pm
• 💰 ~$42 adult / ~$21 child (4–15); free for kids under 4; check for family passes
• 👶 Best for: All ages
• 🔗 zoo.org.au/melbourne

Healesville Sanctuary

If your kids love Australian wildlife, this is the place. Platypus, wombats, koalas, and the spectacular Birds of Prey show (don't miss it — it's easily the best live animal show in Victoria). About an hour from the CBD, making it a perfect day trip combined with a Yarra Valley visit.

• 📍 Badger Creek Road, Healesville
• 💰 ~$42 adult / ~$21 child; family pass available
• 👶 Best for: Ages 2–14
• 🔗 zoo.org.au/healesville

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Experience an African-safari style adventure in Melbourne's west. The bus tour through the savannah is a hit with kids of all ages — seeing giraffes, zebras, and rhinos roaming in open grasslands is genuinely thrilling.

• 📍 K Road, Werribee South
• 💰 ~$42 adult / ~$21 child
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3–14
• 🔗 zoo.org.au/werribee

Money-saving tip: A Zoos Victoria Membership (~$180 for a family) gives unlimited entry to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Kyabram Fauna Park for a whole year. If you visit more than twice during the holidays, it's already paid for itself.

Puffing Billy Railway

A heritage steam train ride through the stunning Dandenong Ranges. Kids can sit on the open-sided carriages with their legs dangling over the edge (supervised, of course). The Belgrave to Lakeside route is the most popular. Combine it with a bushwalk or a visit to the Lakeside Visitor Centre.

• 📍 Departs from Belgrave Station
• 💰 ~$62 adult / ~$31 child (Belgrave to Lakeside return)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 2–14
• 🔗 puffingbillyrailway.org.au

Phillip Island — Penguin Parade

Watch hundreds of Little Penguins waddle ashore at sunset. It's one of Victoria's most iconic wildlife experiences and kids are absolutely spellbound by it. Book the "Penguins Plus" experience for better viewing.

• 📍 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerlands, Phillip Island
• 💰 ~$30 adult / ~$15 child (general viewing); Penguins Plus ~$60/$30
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3+ (young kids need to be patient — it starts at dusk)
• 🔗 penguins.org.au

Collingwood Children's Farm

Feed animals, collect eggs, pat the resident donkeys, and enjoy a sausage sizzle. A Melbourne institution that's been running since 1979. The farmers' market on Saturdays is worth combining with your visit.

• 📍 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
• 💰 ~$15 adult / ~$10 child
• 👶 Best for: Ages 1–8
• 🔗 farm.org.au

Myuna Farm (Doveton)

A free community farm (yes, free!) run by the City of Casey. Feed goats, rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs. Simple, wholesome, and perfect for toddlers and young kids.

• 📍 Kidds Road, Doveton
• 💰 Free (small charge for animal feed bags)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 1–7

Polly Woodside — Historic Ship

This beautifully restored 1885 tall ship moored at South Wharf offers interactive exhibits about life at sea. Kids love climbing aboard and exploring the decks.

• 📍 21 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf
• 💰 ~$18 adult / ~$10 child
• 👶 Best for: Ages 5–12

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🎨 6. Creative & Educational Activities

School holidays don't have to mean the brain shuts off. These creative and educational options keep kids learning while having a blast.

ArtPlay

ArtPlay is a dedicated creative arts centre for children, run by the City of Melbourne. During school holidays they offer a jam-packed program of workshops led by professional artists — think printmaking, puppet-making, animation, music, and theatre. Many are free or low-cost.

• 📍 Birrarung Marr (next to Federation Square)
• 💰 Free to ~$15 per workshop
• 👶 Best for: Ages 3–12

NGV Kids Programs

The National Gallery of Victoria runs dedicated school holiday workshops for kids, often tied to current exhibitions. Past programs have included screen printing, sculpture, collage, and digital art. Check the NGV website from mid-March for the full program.

• 📍 NGV International & NGV Australia
• 💰 Free to ~$20
• 👶 Best for: Ages 4–12

Coding Camps & Tech Workshops

Several organisations run school holiday coding camps in Melbourne:

• Code Camp — Week-long coding programs where kids build their own apps and games. Multiple locations and online options.

  • 💰 ~$300–$400 per week
  • 👶 Ages 5–13
  • 🔗 codecamp.com.au

• Robogals / CoderDojo — Free coding clubs often run during holidays at libraries and community centres. Check your local council for details.

  • 💰 Free
  • 👶 Ages 7–17

Science Programs at Scienceworks

Beyond the standard exhibition, Scienceworks runs special school holiday shows and hands-on science workshops. The Glow Show (a live science demonstration) is a standout. Planetarium shows change regularly — topics like Mars missions and deep space exploration captivate kids.

• 🔗 museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on

Library Holiday Programs

As mentioned in the free activities section, your local library is an absolute goldmine. Here's what you can typically expect:

• City of Melbourne Libraries — Craft sessions, LEGO clubs, storytime specials
• Yarra Libraries — Maker spaces, 3D printing workshops, coding
• Monash Public Library — STEM activities, author events, holiday reading challenges
• Whitehorse Manningham Libraries — Creative writing, robotics, and movie afternoons

Check your council's library website from mid-March for bookings. Popular sessions fill up fast!

Junior Baking & Cooking Classes

Several cooking schools offer kids' classes during the holidays:

• The Essential Ingredient (Prahran) — Kids' cooking classes ~$80
• Savour Cooking School (various locations) — Holiday programs for junior chefs
• Community centres — Many run affordable cooking workshops ($10–$30)

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⚽ 7. Sports & Active Fun

For kids who need to move (basically all of them), these active options are guaranteed energy-burners.

Ice Skating

O'Brien Icehouse — Melbourne's premier ice sports centre in Docklands. Public skating sessions run throughout the day, and they often add extra sessions during school holidays. Skate hire included.

• 📍 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
• 💰 ~$28 per person (includes skate hire)
• 👶 Best for: Ages 4+ (penguin skating aids available for beginners)
• 🔗 icehouse.com.au

Rock Climbing & Bouldering

Hardrock Climbing (multiple locations) and Northside Boulders (Brunswick) offer beginner-friendly climbing sessions. Many gyms run kids' holiday programs with instruction included.

• 💰 ~$18–$25 per session
• 👶 Best for: Ages 5–16

Swimming Pools & Aquatic Centres

April can still be warm enough for outdoor pools early in the holidays, and Melbourne's indoor aquatic centres are fantastic year-round:

• Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC) — Albert Park. Wave pool, water slides, 50m pool. ~$8 child / ~$12 adult.
• Aquarena (Doncaster) — Great toddler pool and water play area.
• Monash Aquatic Centre — Water slides and heated pools.
• WaterMarc (Greensborough) — Water play area and leisure pool.

Mini Golf

• Glow Golf (Docklands / Chadstone) — Indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf. ~$16 per person.
• Enchanted Adventure Garden (Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsula) — Outdoor mini golf plus tube slides and a hedge maze. Perfect for a day trip. ~$25–$45 per person depending on combo.
• Puffin's Mini Golf (various) — Classic outdoor mini golf from ~$14 per round.

Go-Karting

Le Mans Entertainment (multiple locations including Dandenong South and Port Melbourne) — Indoor go-karting with junior karts for kids. Minimum height restrictions apply (usually 140cm for junior karts).

• 💰 ~$25–$35 per session
• 👶 Best for: Ages 8+ (depending on height)

Tree-Top Adventures

Live Wire Park (Lorne, Great Ocean Road) — High ropes, zip-lining, and flying foxes through the treetops. A brilliant day-trip add-on.

• 💰 ~$35–$55 per person
• 👶 Best for: Ages 4–16 (different courses for different ages)

Bike Riding

Melbourne has some brilliant bike paths perfect for family rides:

• Main Yarra Trail — Flat, scenic path along the Yarra River
• Bay Trail — Port Melbourne to Brighton and beyond
• Lilydale to Warburton Trail — A longer ride through the Yarra Valley for active families
• Hire bikes from Lekker Bikes or Humble Vintage in the city, or BYO

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🚗 8. Day Trips from Melbourne for Families

Sometimes you just need to get out of the city. These day trips (all within 1.5 hours of the CBD) are perfect for a family adventure.

🍷 Yarra Valley

Drive time: ~1 hour from CBD

While the Yarra Valley is famous for wineries, there's plenty for families:

• Healesville Sanctuary — Australian wildlife up close (see above)
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery — Free entry, chocolate tastings, and the most incredible hot chocolate. Kids go nuts (pun intended). 📍 35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen
• TarraWarra Museum of Art — Free entry, gorgeous architecture, and scenic grounds for a wander
• Warburton Rainforest Gallery — An elevated walkway through temperate rainforest. Free, stunning, and educational.

🌊 Great Ocean Road (Torquay to Apollo Bay)

Drive time: ~1.5 hours to Torquay

A classic Victorian road trip. Don't try to do the whole thing in a day with kids — instead, pick a section:

• Torquay — Surf lessons for kids (from age 5), beach play, and the Australian National Surfing Museum
• Anglesea — Split Point Lighthouse walk and kangaroos on the golf course
• Lorne — Erskine Falls walk (easy, 30 min return), playground, and Live Wire Park
• Apollo Bay — Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, beach, and the Otway Fly Treetop Walk (~$30 adult / $17 child)

⚒️ Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

Drive time: ~1.5 hours from CBD

Step back in time to the 1850s gold rush. Kids can pan for real gold, watch blacksmiths at work, explore underground mines, and ride a horse-drawn coach. It's essentially a full day out, and one of Victoria's best family attractions.

• 📍 Bradshaw Street, Ballarat
• 💰 ~$45 adult / ~$20 child; family passes available
• 👶 Best for: Ages 4–14
• 🔗 sovereignhill.com.au

🧖 Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Drive time: ~1.5 hours from CBD

A gorgeous country town perfect for a relaxing family day out:

• Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens — Free, beautiful autumn colours
• Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve — Pump your own mineral water (free!)
• The Convent Gallery — Art, gardens, and a great café
• Lake Daylesford — Pedal boats and lakeside walking tracks

🏖️ Mornington Peninsula

Drive time: ~1 hour from CBD

An absolute treasure trove for families:

• Enchanted Adventure Garden (Arthurs Seat) — Maze, tube slides, mini golf, and treetop walk. Allow half a day. ~$25–$55 per person.
• Arthurs Seat Eagle — Gondola ride with stunning views over the bay. ~$25 adult / $16 child.
• Point Nepean National Park — Bushwalks, historic fortifications, and stunning coastal scenery. Parks Victoria entry ~$12 per car.
• Peninsula Hot Springs — The family bathing section is open to children. A unique experience on a cool autumn day. ~$40–$60 per person.
• Strawberry picking — Several farms around Main Ridge and Red Hill offer pick-your-own berries in autumn.

🦘 Phillip Island

Drive time: ~1.5 hours from CBD

More than just the Penguin Parade:

• Penguin Parade — See the evening section above
• Churchill Island Heritage Farm — Working farm with daily demonstrations. ~$14 adult / $7 child.
• Koala Conservation Centre — Elevated boardwalks through koala habitat. ~$14 adult / $7 child.
• The Nobbies Centre — Free entry, coastal boardwalks, and seal viewing.

Save with a combo ticket: Phillip Island Nature Parks offers "4 Parks Pass" combining Penguin Parade + Churchill Island + Koala Conservation Centre + Antarctic Journey for significant savings.

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💰 9. Budget-Friendly Ideas — Under $20 Per Kid

You don't need to spend a fortune to have a great holiday. Here are the best options for families watching their budget:

Completely Free

1. Royal Botanic Gardens — Children's Garden open daily during holidays
2. NGV permanent collection — World-class art, zero dollars
3. ACMI — Interactive screen culture exhibition, free entry
4. Federation Square — Often hosts free holiday events and performances
5. Myuna Farm — Free community farm in Doveton
6. Library holiday programs — Craft, LEGO, coding, storytime — all free
7. St Kilda Pier penguin spotting — Free at sunset
8. Beach day — Brighton, St Kilda, Half Moon Bay — pack a picnic
9. Bushwalking — 1000 Steps (Kokoda Track, Ferntree Gully), Sherbrooke Falls, Organ Pipes National Park
10. State Library of Victoria — Free exhibitions and kids' activities

Under $10

11. Melbourne Museum — Free for kids; adult ~$15 (averages out)
12. Scienceworks — Free for kids; Planetarium add-on ~$6
13. Local council swimming pool — Most are $5–$8 per child
14. Bike hire and trail ride — Many free trails; some bike hire from $10
15. Collingwood Children's Farm — ~$10 per child

Under $20

16. BOUNCE trampolining — From ~$20 per session
17. Mini golf — From ~$14–$16 per person
18. Bowling — ~$15 per person per game
19. Rock climbing — From ~$18 per session
20. ArtPlay workshops — Many under $15

Smart Saving Tips

• Book online: Almost every attraction offers 10–20% off for online bookings
• Visit mid-week: Some venues have cheaper weekday rates
• Pack lunches: A family of four eating out adds $50–$80 to any outing. BYO sandwiches and snacks
• Check Groupon & Scoopon: Discount vouchers for attractions often pop up just before school holidays
• Library cards: Free entry to movies, ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines
• Kids Go Free promotions: Many venues run these — check individual websites

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🌧️ 10. Rainy Day Backup Plans

Melbourne in April. You know the drill. Here's your emergency rainy-day toolkit:

Quick-Fire Indoor Options

At-Home Rainy Day Ideas (When Nobody Wants to Leave)

• Easter egg hunt at home — Hide chocolate eggs around the house/garden
• Movie marathon — Build a blanket fort, pop some popcorn
• Baking day — Hot cross buns, Easter cookies, ANZAC biscuits
• Board game tournament — Monopoly, Uno, Ticket to Ride
• Arts & crafts — Kmart has $2–$5 craft kits that entertain for hours
• Science experiments — Baking soda volcanoes, slime-making, crystal growing
• Indoor treasure hunt — Write clues, hide prizes
• Video call the grandparents — They miss the kids too

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📝 11. Tips for Parents — How to Survive (and Enjoy) the Holidays

Planning Ahead

1. Book popular attractions NOW. Puffing Billy, Penguin Parade, Scienceworks Planetarium shows, and Peninsula Hot Springs all book out during school holidays. Don't wait until Easter week.

2. Map out your weeks. You don't need every day planned, but having a rough idea of "one big outing, one small outing, one rest day" per week keeps everyone sane.

3. Mix free and paid. Alternate between free activities (park day, library, beach) and paid attractions to keep the budget in check.

4. Check for school holiday event guides. Most council websites publish their holiday programs by mid-March. Sign up to mailing lists for Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, NGV, and ACMI.

Packing & Practical Tips

5. Always pack layers. April weather in Melbourne can swing 15 degrees in a day. A light jacket, hat, and sunscreen should live in your bag permanently.

6. Bring snacks. Always. The number one cause of family meltdowns (kids AND parents) is hunger. Pack a snack bag for every outing.

7. Sunscreen isn't just for summer. April UV can still be moderate on clear days. Slip, slop, slap still applies.

8. Charge devices before you leave. Portable charger + downloaded shows/podcasts = lifesaver for car trips and restaurant waits.

Transport Tips

9. Use public transport where you can. Parking near popular attractions is expensive and stressful during holidays. The free City Circle Tram (#35) loops the CBD and passes Fed Square, Docklands, and the Melbourne Museum precinct.

10. Kids travel free on weekends. Children under 13 travel free on Myki on weekends and public holidays — perfect for Easter weekend outings.

11. Plan around nap times. If you've got littles, schedule big outings for the morning. Post-lunch is danger zone for toddler meltdowns.

12. Don't overbook. It's a holiday, not a bootcamp. Leave room for lazy mornings, spontaneous play, and unstructured time. Kids need it. You need it too.

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❓ 12. Frequently Asked Questions

When are the Term 1 school holidays in Victoria 2026?

The Term 1 school holidays run from Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026. Term 1 ends on Thursday 2 April, and Term 2 begins on Monday 20 April. That's 17 days of school-free bliss (or chaos, depending on your perspective).

Does Easter fall during the school holidays?

Yes! Easter 2026 lines up perfectly with the start of the holidays. Good Friday is 3 April (the first day of the break), and Easter Monday is 6 April. This means the Easter long weekend kicks off the holiday period.

When does Daylight Saving end in 2026?

Daylight Saving Time ends at 3:00am on Sunday 5 April 2026 (Easter Sunday). Clocks go back one hour, so you gain an extra hour of sleep. Sunset will be about an hour earlier from this point — plan evening activities like the Penguin Parade accordingly.

What are the best free things to do in Melbourne during school holidays?

Our top free picks: Royal Botanic Gardens (Children's Garden open daily during holidays), NGV (permanent collection free), ACMI (free exhibitions), Melbourne Museum (free for under 16s), local library holiday programs, Myuna Farm, St Kilda Pier penguin spotting, and bushwalks in the Dandenong Ranges.

What indoor activities are good for rainy days?

Scienceworks, ACMI, SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, BOUNCE trampolining, bowling, ArtVo, O'Brien Icehouse, and IMAX Melbourne are all excellent wet-weather options. See our full rainy day guide in Section 10.

How much does Melbourne Zoo cost during school holidays?

Melbourne Zoo entry is approximately $42 for adults and $21 for children (4–15). Kids under 4 are free. Family passes are available. Consider a Zoos Victoria Membership (~$180 for a family) if you plan to visit multiple times — it covers Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Werribee Open Range Zoo.

What are the best day trips from Melbourne for families?

Our top picks: Sovereign Hill in Ballarat (gold-rush experience), Yarra Valley (Healesville Sanctuary + Chocolaterie), Mornington Peninsula (Enchanted Adventure Garden + Arthurs Seat Eagle), Phillip Island (Penguin Parade + farms), and the Great Ocean Road (Torquay to Lorne section).

Are there coding or STEM camps during Term 1 holidays?

Yes! Code Camp runs week-long coding programs at various Melbourne locations (~$300–$400). Free options include CoderDojo sessions at libraries and Robogals workshops. Scienceworks also runs science-focused holiday programs.

What should I book in advance?

Definitely book ahead for: Puffing Billy Railway, Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, Scienceworks Planetarium shows, Peninsula Hot Springs, Sovereign Hill (especially for mine tours), and any coding/creative workshops. Mid-week visits to popular attractions generally don't need pre-booking, but Easter weekend absolutely does.

Is Melbourne Zoo open on Good Friday?

Most major attractions including Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, and the NGV are open on Good Friday and Easter weekend, though some may have reduced hours. Always check the specific venue's website before heading out, as hours can change. Some smaller businesses and cafés may be closed on Good Friday.

What's the weather like in Melbourne in April?

April in Melbourne averages highs of 17–20°C and lows of 10–12°C. It's proper autumn weather — some days are beautifully sunny and mild, others are grey and rainy. You might get both in the same day. Always pack layers, a light rain jacket, and hope for the best.

Are there Easter egg hunts in Melbourne?

Many venues run Easter egg hunts over the long weekend, including Melbourne Zoo, Collingwood Children's Farm, Enchanted Adventure Garden, and various local parks and community centres. Council event pages and local Facebook groups are the best places to find Easter egg hunt listings — they're usually announced in late March.

Can I use Myki to get around during the holidays?

Absolutely. Myki works on all Melbourne trains, trams, and buses. Children under 13 travel free on weekends and public holidays (which covers the Easter long weekend perfectly). The free City Circle Tram (#35) runs around the CBD every day and is a great way to get between attractions.

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Wrapping Up

There you have it — your ultimate guide to Term 1 school holidays in Melbourne 2026. Whether you're planning Easter egg hunts, museum marathon days, day trips to the coast, or simply surviving on a diet of park visits and library sessions, Melbourne has you covered.

The best holidays aren't about ticking off every attraction on the list. Pick a handful of things that suit your family's vibe (and budget), leave room for spontaneity, and don't forget to actually relax. The kids will remember the blanket forts and the beach days just as much as the big-ticket outings.

Have an amazing break, Melbourne families. You've earned it. 🐣

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Last updated: February 2026. Prices are approximate and may change — always check venue websites for the latest information before visiting. This article contains links to external websites for your convenience; we are not affiliated with any venues listed unless stated.

Looking for more school holiday guides? Check back closer to June for our Term 2 School Holidays Melbourne 2026 guide.