Term 2 School Holidays Melbourne 2026 — Winter Activities, Indoor Fun & Things to Do with Kids

Term 2 School Holidays Melbourne 2026 — Winter Activities, Indoor Fun & Things to Do with Kids

Winter school holidays in Melbourne — two words that strike a mixture of excitement and mild panic into every parent's heart. The kids are buzzing, the weather is freezing, and you've got roughly two-and-a-half weeks to fill with something other than screens and sibling squabbles.

Good news: Melbourne in winter is absolutely packed with things to do. From world-class museums and aquariums to snow day trips, cosy hot chocolate crawls, and enough indoor play centres to outlast the drizzliest July day, you'll have more options than you can possibly squeeze in.

This is your complete, no-fluff guide to the Term 2 school holidays 2026 in Melbourne — with real dates, real prices, real links, and a healthy dose of "we've been there, here's what actually works with kids" advice.

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1. Term 2 School Holiday Dates 2026 — When Do They Start?

Let's nail down the dates first, because nothing's worse than realising you've got the wrong week circled on the calendar.

According to the Victorian Government's official school term dates:

So the Term 2 school holidays run from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 12 July 2026 — giving you roughly 16 days (including weekends) to fill.

These dates apply to Victorian government schools. Catholic and independent schools often follow similar schedules but may vary by a few days, so always double-check with your school directly.

Key Things to Note

• The holidays fall right in the middle of winter. Average Melbourne temperatures in late June/early July hover around 7–14°C, with frequent rain. Plan for indoor activities as your backbone, with outdoor adventures slotted in on the drier days.
• School holiday programs fill fast. If there's a specific workshop, camp, or event you've got your eye on, book as soon as registrations open — typically 4–6 weeks before the holidays.
• Weekdays are your friend. Most attractions are significantly less crowded Monday to Friday during the holidays compared to weekends.

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2. King's Birthday Long Weekend 2026 — Does It Overlap?

The King's Birthday public holiday in Victoria falls on Monday 8 June 2026 — which lands during Term 2, not during the holidays themselves.

That means you get a lovely long weekend mid-term (Saturday 6 – Monday 8 June), but it doesn't extend the end-of-term break the way some parents hope. The actual holidays don't kick in until the 27th of June.

However, some families use that long weekend as a mini "preview" — booking a snow trip or short getaway to Mt Buller or the Mornington Peninsula. It's also when many winter events and exhibitions start launching, so it's a great time to scout what's coming up during the holidays.

Pro tip: If you can take Friday 26 June off work, your holidays effectively start at school pick-up on Thursday the 25th. That gives you a solid head start on booking those early-bird sessions at popular venues.

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3. Best Indoor Activities — Because Melbourne Winter Is No Joke

Let's be honest: you need a solid roster of indoor options. Melbourne in July can serve up four seasons in a day, and "the forecast says partly cloudy" is basically a lie. Here are the best indoor activities that'll keep the kids happy (and you warm).

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

The aquarium is an absolute winter holiday staple, and for good reason — it's warm, it's dark and moody (in a cool way), and kids of all ages are mesmerised.

Highlights:

• Penguin Playground — get up close to the king and gentoo penguins, including the internet-famous Pesto
• Night on the Reef — a bioluminescent underwater wonderland
• Bay of Rays — watch fiddler rays and Port Jackson sharks glide overhead
• Rocky Shores — the interactive new rockpool zone where kids can touch and explore

VIP Experiences:

• Penguin Passport (on-ice encounter)
• Glass Bottom Boat ride
• Jelly Lab experience
• Shark Dive Xtreme (for the brave older kids!)

Prices: Adults from $39, children (2–15) from $25, under 2s free. Book online in advance for the best prices — walk-up pricing during school holidays can hit $53 for adults. The Melbourne Big Ticket combo with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre starts from $49/adult.

📍 King Street, Melbourne CBD | visitsealife.com/melbourne

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne

If your kids are anywhere between 3 and 10, this is peak territory. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is an entirely indoor, climate-controlled LEGO paradise with rides, build stations, a 4D cinema, and creative workshops.

What kids love:

• The Build & Test race track (competitive LEGO car racing)
• 4D cinema screenings
• MINILAND — a miniature Melbourne built from LEGO
• Soft play areas for the littlest builders
• Hands-on building workshops with the Master Model Builder

Good to know: Adults must be accompanied by a child during standard hours (it's designed for families, not adult LEGO enthusiasts — though they do host special Adult Nights). Allow 2–3 hours for the full experience.

Prices: Book online for the best rates; combo tickets with SEA LIFE start from $49.

📍 Chadstone Shopping Centre | legolanddiscoverycentre.com/melbourne

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids can lose hours in the Children's Gallery (designed for ages 0–5), the dinosaur walk, the Forest Gallery (a living indoor rainforest!), and of course, the legendary Phar Lap — celebrating his 100th birthday year in 2026.

School holiday programs typically include hands-on workshops, science demonstrations, and themed tours. Check the Museums Victoria events page closer to the holidays for the specific 2026 program.

Prices: General admission is free for Victorian children under 16. Adult entry applies to special exhibitions.

📍 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton | museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum

Scienceworks

Out in Spotswood, Scienceworks is hands-on science heaven. The permanent exhibitions let kids experiment with everything from electricity to simple machines, and the Planetarium shows are genuinely spectacular — a dark, warm dome on a winter's day is pretty close to perfect.

Don't miss:

• The Lightning Room show (live high-voltage demonstrations)
• Think Ahead — an interactive exhibition about the future
• Planetarium films (check the schedule for kid-friendly sessions)
• School holiday workshops (robotics, coding, chemistry — they rotate each break)

Prices: Free general admission for Victorian kids under 16. Planetarium and special exhibitions may have additional fees.

📍 2 Booker Street, Spotswood | museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

Bowling, Trampolining & Escape Rooms

When you need something high-energy to burn off the cabin fever:

• Strike Bowling — locations in Melbourne Central, QV, and the suburbs. Great for rainy afternoons, plus they have laser tag and karaoke at some venues. strikebowling.com.au
• BOUNCE Inc — indoor trampolining at Glen Iris and Essendon Fields. Free Jump sessions, dodgeball courts, and the X-Park obstacle course. Perfect for kids 3+. bounceinc.com.au
• SkyZone — another trampolining option with locations in Alexandria and other suburbs. Foam pits, warped walls, and the SkyLadder climbing challenge.
• Escape rooms — venues like Trapt, Escape Room Melbourne, and Rush Escape Game offer kid-friendly rooms for ages 8+. Great for problem-solving teams of older kids and tweens.

Indoor Play Centres

For the younger crew (toddlers to about 8), Melbourne has dozens of indoor play centres:

• Lollipop's Playland — multiple locations across Melbourne with giant slides, ball pits, and climbing frames
• Chipmunks Playland — Epping, Croydon, and more. Usually has a café attached (coffee for you while they play — the dream)
• Inflatable World — pop-up and permanent inflatable obstacle courses

ArtVo

An immersive, trick-art gallery in Docklands where the whole family literally steps into the art. Think 3D optical illusions designed for hilarious photos. It's completely indoors, good for all ages, and takes about 60–90 minutes.

📍 26 Star Crescent, Docklands | artvo.com.au

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4. Winter-Specific Events — What's Happening in July 2026?

Melbourne's cultural institutions go all-out during winter school holidays. While specific 2026 programs are typically announced 1–2 months before the break, here's what reliably happens every year (and is very likely to return):

NGV Winter Exhibition

The National Gallery of Victoria runs a major winter exhibition series virtually every year, often including an immersive family-friendly component. Past years have featured the iconic NGV Kids programs with interactive installations, hands-on art making, and sensory experiences.

The NGV International (St Kilda Road) and NGV Australia at the Ian Potter Centre (Federation Square) both offer free entry to the permanent collection, with ticketed blockbuster exhibitions. School holiday programs often include drop-in creative workshops.

📍 NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road | ngv.vic.gov.au

Museum School Holiday Programs

Museums Victoria (Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, and Immigration Museum) runs structured holiday programs each break. Expect:

• Themed workshops (often tied to current exhibitions)
• Planetarium special screenings
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Science shows and demonstrations

Programs are announced on the Museums Victoria website around 4–6 weeks before holidays begin.

Ice Skating

Winter means ice skating! While rinks and pop-up rinks vary year to year, reliable options include:

• O'Brien Icehouse — Docklands. Melbourne's premier ice sports venue with public skating sessions year-round. During school holidays they typically extend sessions and offer learn-to-skate programs for kids. icehouse.com.au
• Pop-up rinks — keep an eye out for seasonal ice skating rinks at various shopping centres and events spaces. Federation Square and Geelong Waterfront have hosted them in previous winters.

Winter Night Markets

The Queen Victoria Market Winter Night Market is a beloved Melbourne tradition, running Wednesday evenings from June through August. While it's outdoors (rug up!), the atmosphere is magical — fire pits, mulled wine for the adults, hot food stalls, live music, and usually some family-friendly entertainment.

📍 Queen Victoria Market | qvm.com.au

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5. Snow & Ski Day Trips — Yes, You Can See Snow From Melbourne!

If your kids have never seen snow, the Term 2 holidays are the time to make it happen. Late June and early July mark the start of the Victorian snow season, and several resorts are within day-trip distance of Melbourne.

Mt Buller

Distance from Melbourne: ~3 hours drive (248 km via Hume Freeway and Maroondah Highway)

Mt Buller is Victoria's most popular ski resort and the most accessible from Melbourne. The snow season typically opens in the second week of June, so by the time school holidays roll around at the end of June, the resort should be in full swing.

What's available for families:

• Beginner ski and snowboard lessons (including kids' programs from age 3)
• Toboggan park for non-skiers
• Snow play areas
• Village dining and shopping (warm up with hot chocolate!)

Costs to budget for:

• Resort entry: ~$59–$75 per vehicle per day
• Lift passes: from ~$80 (child) to $150+ (adult) per day
• Ski hire: from ~$60–$90 per person per day
• Lessons: from ~$100 per session
• Chains hire: ~$30–$50 (mandatory to carry June–October)

Pro tip: Go midweek if humanly possible. School holiday weekends at Mt Buller mean heavy traffic, long queues, and higher prices. A Tuesday or Wednesday trip is a completely different (and much more pleasant) experience.

📍 mtbuller.com.au

Mt Baw Baw

Distance from Melbourne: ~2.5 hours drive (170 km)

Mt Baw Baw is Melbourne's closest ski and snow resort, making it a more manageable day trip — especially with younger kids. It's smaller and more low-key than Mt Buller, which is actually a selling point for families who just want snow play and toboggan fun without the overwhelming resort vibe.

The winter season typically runs from June to September. During the green season (October–May), the resort facilities are closed, but come winter everything opens up: ski lifts, lessons, food venues, and snow play areas.

Best for: Families with young kids who want a taste of snow without the full-day ski resort commitment.

📍 mountbawbaw.com.au

Lake Mountain

Distance from Melbourne: ~2 hours drive (120 km)

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is the easiest snow option for families — it's the closest alpine resort to Melbourne, has no overnight accommodation (it's a day-trip-only destination), and focuses on cross-country skiing, snow play, and tobogganing rather than downhill skiing.

Ideal for: First snow experience with toddlers and young kids, budget-friendly snow day, families who don't want to deal with overnight logistics.

Note: Snow cover at Lake Mountain can be less reliable than the higher resorts, particularly early in the season. Check conditions before heading up.

📍 lakemountainresort.com.au

Essential Snow Trip Tips

1. Check conditions before you go. All resorts have daily snow reports on their websites. Early-season snow can be patchy.
2. Carry chains. It's a legal requirement between June and October on mountain roads, even if conditions seem fine.
3. Layer up. Dress in thermals, fleece, and waterproof outer layers. Gumboots or waterproof snow boots are essential for kids.
4. Start early. Leave Melbourne by 6–7am to arrive before crowds, find parking, and make the most of the day.
5. Book everything online. Resort entry, lift passes, lessons, and hire are cheaper online and often sell out on busy days.

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6. Warm & Cosy Experiences — Embrace the Hygge

Sometimes the best winter holiday plan is… slowing down. Melbourne does cosy like nowhere else in Australia, and there's something genuinely lovely about leaning into the cold weather with warm drinks, good food, and mellow vibes.

Hot Chocolate Crawl

Turn it into an adventure — hit up Melbourne's best hot chocolate spots across a day (or spread it across the holidays):

• Koko Black — Flagship store on Royal Arcade. Rich, Belgian-style hot chocolate that borders on dessert. Kids' hot choc available.
• Mork Chocolate — North Melbourne. Specialty chocolate café with a "campfire" hot chocolate that's legendary. The dark drinking chocolate flights are perfect for older kids and adults.
• San Churro — Multiple locations. Pair your hot chocolate with churros for the ultimate winter comfort combo. Very kid-friendly.
• Ganache Chocolate — South Melbourne and Flinders Lane. Artisan drinking chocolate with single-origin options.
• Brunetti Classico — Lygon Street, Carlton. Italian-style cioccolata calda (thick, pudding-like hot chocolate) with pastries. The kids will think they've landed in a fairy tale.

Movie Marathons

Winter holidays are prime movie season. Beyond the standard cinema chains (Hoyts, Village, Event), consider:

• IMAX Melbourne — the largest screen in the Southern Hemisphere, located at Melbourne Museum. School holiday blockbusters on IMAX are a genuine event. imaxmelbourne.com.au
• Lido Cinemas — Hawthorn. Gorgeous art deco cinema with a rooftop bar (for the adults after the kids' film). lidocinemas.com.au
• Palace Cinemas — multiple locations. Check for their Junior and family-friendly screenings during school holidays.
• Sun Theatre — Yarraville. A beautiful heritage cinema that still has the old-world charm. Kids love the atmosphere.

Cooking Classes for Kids

Getting kids into the kitchen is a brilliant winter holiday activity, and several Melbourne venues run dedicated kids' cooking classes:

• Essential Ingredient — Prahran. Regularly runs holiday cooking workshops for kids aged 8+.
• Comune — various locations. Italian cooking classes sometimes offer family/kids sessions.
• Junior MasterChef-style workshops — pop up at various venues during school holidays. Check Eventbrite and the local council websites closer to the dates.

Library Programs

Don't overlook your local library! Melbourne's public library networks (City of Melbourne, Yarra, Moreland/Merri-bek, Stonnington, etc.) run fantastic free school holiday programs including:

• Story times and author visits
• Coding and robotics workshops
• Craft sessions
• LEGO building competitions
• Board game afternoons
• Movie screenings

Check your local council library website in early June for the school holiday program lineup.

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7. Outdoor Adventures That Work in Winter

Yes, it's cold. Yes, it might rain. But Melbourne's outdoor attractions are actually brilliant in winter — crowds are thinner, animals are more active in the cooler temperatures, and there's something special about rugging up and exploring.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is a year-round destination, and winter has some genuine advantages:

• Animals are more active. Many species — particularly the big cats, bears, and primates — are livelier in cool weather.
• Fewer crowds. Weekday winter visits can feel almost private compared to the summer crush.
• Indoor exhibits. The Butterfly House, the reptile house, and the aquarium provide warm retreats between outdoor enclosures.
• Keeper Kids programs run weekday sessions during term for ages 0–5, with nature play and storytime led by qualified educators.

Prices: Zoo membership starts from $12.42/month and gives unlimited entry to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Kyabram Fauna Park. Kids join free on adult memberships — genuinely one of the best-value memberships in Melbourne.

📍 Elliott Avenue, Parkville | zoo.org.au/melbourne

Healesville Sanctuary

About an hour from Melbourne, Healesville Sanctuary is home to Australian native animals — platypus, wombats, koalas, Tasmanian devils, and wedge-tailed eagles. The setting in the Yarra Valley is particularly beautiful in winter, with misty mornings and lush green surroundings.

Winter bonus: Platypuses are more active in cooler water, so you've actually got a better chance of seeing them during a winter visit. The Birds of Prey show is spectacular year-round.

📍 Badger Creek Road, Healesville | zoo.org.au/healesville

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

A winter walk through the Botanic Gardens is genuinely peaceful — the gardens are beautiful year-round, and winter brings out the deciduous colour changes, the misty lake views, and a quietness you never get in summer. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, throw on the rain jackets, and let the kids run.

Free entry always. The Children's Garden (open weekdays during school terms, check holiday hours) has nature-based play elements.

📍 Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra | rbg.vic.gov.au

Werribee Open Range Zoo

If your kids love African animals, Werribee's safari-style bus tour through open grasslands is unforgettable. Winter means the giraffes, zebras, and rhinos are active, and the cooler weather makes the outdoor walking trails much more comfortable than summer.

📍 K Road, Werribee South | zoo.org.au/werribee

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8. Creative & Educational Programs

School holidays are a great time to try something new. Melbourne is loaded with creative and educational programs specifically designed for the break.

STEM Workshops

• Scienceworks Holiday Programs — robotics, chemistry experiments, engineering challenges. Typically book out fast, so register early. museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks
• Code Camp — holiday coding camps for kids aged 5–13 run at various Melbourne locations. Kids build apps, games, and projects across multi-day programs. codecamp.com.au
• Robogals & Coding Schools — various providers run holiday STEM workshops. Check Eventbrite and ActiveActivities for current listings.

Art Classes & Creative Workshops

• ArtPlay — located next to Federation Square along Birrarung Marr, ArtPlay runs workshops where kids create alongside professional artists. Programs span visual art, music, performance, and design. Many are free or low-cost. melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay
• National Gallery of Victoria — NGV Kids programs during school holidays include drop-in art-making activities (usually free with entry), guided tours for families, and creative workshops. ngv.vic.gov.au
• Pottery and ceramics studios — venues like Slow Clay Centre (Collingwood) and Ceramica (various) sometimes offer kids' holiday workshops. Great for a tactile, screen-free afternoon.

Performing Arts

• Melbourne Recital Centre — runs family-friendly concerts during school holidays. Performances are designed for younger audiences and typically last 45–60 minutes.
• Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) — at Federation Square, ACMI runs interactive workshops and screenings during school holidays. Their permanent exhibitions are brilliant for kids interested in film, TV, games, and digital media. Free permanent exhibitions. acmi.net.au

Holiday Camps & Multi-Day Programs

If you need full-day coverage (because, let's face it, most of us are still working during the holidays), multi-day holiday programs are a lifesaver:

• Casey Cardinia YMCA, PCYC, and local leisure centres run supervised holiday programs.
• Sports camps — AusKick, NetSetGO, Tennis Hot Shots, and martial arts academies all run holiday clinics.
• Drama and theatre camps — providers like Melbourne Youth Theatre and NIDA Open offer multi-day workshops.
• Cooking camps — several providers run week-long kids' cooking programs.

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9. Rainy Day Ideas — Your Emergency Survival Kit

In Melbourne winter, you don't plan for rain if it happens — you plan for rain when it happens. Here's your emergency roster of guaranteed-fun rainy day activities:

Quick-Fire Rainy Day List

1. SEA LIFE Aquarium — warm, dark, mesmerising. (See Section 3 for details.)
2. Scienceworks — hands-on science for hours. Free for kids.
3. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre — 2–3 hours of indoor LEGO fun.
4. IMAX Melbourne — massive-screen movies next to Melbourne Museum.
5. ArtVo Docklands — trick-art photos and laughs for the whole family.
6. Local library — free, warm, and full of school holiday programs.
7. Bowling — Strike, AMF, or your local lanes. Easy, reliable, fun.
8. BOUNCE or SkyZone — jump the energy out.
9. Indoor rock climbing — venues like Hardrock Climbing (Nunawading) and Northside Boulders have kids' sessions.
10. Escape rooms — for the 8+ crowd who love problem-solving.
11. House Down Under — Australia's inverted house photo experience, right in the city. Quirky, fun, and totally indoors.
12. Science Gallery Melbourne — free gallery at the University of Melbourne where art meets science. Great for teens and tweens.
13. Immigration Museum — Melbourne's underrated gem on Flinders Street. Powerful, interactive, and free for kids.
14. Bake-off at home — sometimes the best rainy day plan costs nothing. Set up a family baking challenge with whatever's in the pantry.

The "I've Run Out of Ideas" Backup Plan

For those days when nothing works and the kids are climbing the walls:

• Shopping centre play areas — Chadstone, Highpoint, and Westfield Doncaster all have free kids' play zones.
• Hotel pool day — some Melbourne hotels offer day passes to their heated indoor pools. Worth investigating.
• Puzzle and board game café — venues like Fortress Melbourne (CBD) have tabletop games and VR experiences. Great for older kids and teens.

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10. Budget-Friendly Winter Fun — Free & Cheap Ideas

School holidays can drain the bank account fast. Here are your best options for keeping the fun going without breaking the budget:

Free Activities

• Melbourne Museum — free general admission for Victorian kids under 16
• Scienceworks — free general admission for Victorian kids under 16
• Immigration Museum — free for children under 16
• NGV (both galleries) — free permanent collection entry; many school holiday programs are also free
• ACMI — free permanent exhibitions
• State Library of Victoria — stunning building, free exhibitions, and school holiday workshops. Kids love the dome and the games area.
• ArtPlay workshops — many are free or gold coin donation
• Royal Botanic Gardens — free entry, always
• Fitzroy Gardens — free entry, plus the miniature Tudor Village and Cooks' Cottage (small entry fee for the cottage)
• Local libraries — free programs, free books, free warmth
• Birrarung Marr playground — the adventure playground along the river is brilliant and free
• Federation Square — regularly hosts free family events during school holidays

Under $20 Per Person

• Cooks' Cottage — Fitzroy Gardens, usually around $7 for adults, $4 for kids
• Polly Woodside — the historic tall ship at South Wharf, around $17 for adults and family tickets available
• Collingwood Children's Farm — $15 adult, $8 child. Animals, gardens, and café. Great for younger kids.
• Planetarium at Scienceworks — small additional fee on top of free entry
• Bowling — typically $15–$25 per person per game including shoe hire

Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy annual memberships — if you'll visit more than twice, Zoos Victoria membership ($12.42/month, kids free) and Museums Victoria membership pay for themselves quickly.
2. Book online — almost every attraction offers 10–25% off for online pre-booking.
3. Go off-peak — weekday visits are cheaper at most attractions.
4. Pack lunches — café prices at attractions are always marked up. BYO sandwiches and snacks.
5. Check your local council — many councils run free or heavily subsidised holiday programs.
6. Combo tickets — SEA LIFE + LEGOLAND combos, Museums Victoria multi-pass options, etc.

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11. Day Trips from Melbourne — Winter Escapes Worth the Drive

Sometimes you just need to get out of the city. These day trips from Melbourne are all enhanced by winter — not diminished by it.

Ballarat

Distance: ~1.5 hours west of Melbourne

Ballarat in winter is atmospheric and beautiful. The gold rush-era architecture looks stunning under grey skies, and the city has several indoor attractions perfect for families:

• Sovereign Hill — Australia's premier outdoor history museum recreating 1850s gold rush life. Watch gold being poured, pan for gold yourself, explore underground mines, and wander the period streets. The "Aura" sound and light show (evening) is spectacular. Budget around $45 adult, $22 child. sovereignhill.com.au
• Art Gallery of Ballarat — free entry, beautiful collection
• Ballarat Wildlife Park — feed kangaroos, meet koalas and wombats

Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Distance: ~1.5 hours northwest of Melbourne

Victoria's spa capital is a perfect winter day trip. The mineral springs region offers:

• Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa — the main attraction. While the full spa experience is adults-only, families can enjoy the mineral spring walks and the picturesque town.
• Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens — short walks with great views
• Daylesford cafés and bookshops — the town is packed with cosy spots for hot drinks and browsing
• Lake Daylesford walk — a flat, easy loop around the lake. Beautiful in winter mist.
• Convent Gallery — art, food, and gardens in a stunning heritage building

Phillip Island — Penguin Parade

Distance: ~2 hours southeast of Melbourne

Here's a secret many locals don't know: the Penguin Parade is actually BETTER in winter. The penguins come ashore in larger numbers during the colder months, and sunset is earlier (around 5:15pm in July), meaning you're not waiting until 9pm for the show like you would in summer.

What to expect:

• Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset
• The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre has interactive exhibits to fill the time before sunset
• Upgraded experiences include the Underground Viewing platform and Penguins Plus seating

Prices: General viewing from ~$30 adult, $15 child. Premium experiences cost more.

📍 Summerland Beach, Phillip Island | penguins.org.au

Winter tip: It will be COLD on the viewing stands. Dress in full winter gear — thermals, beanie, gloves, blanket. The wind off Bass Strait in July is no joke.

Yarra Valley

Distance: ~1 hour east of Melbourne

The Yarra Valley in winter is lush, green, and misty — a world away from the summer tourist crowds. Family-friendly highlights:

• Healesville Sanctuary — see above (Section 7)
• TarraWarra Museum of Art — free entry, stunning architecture and bushland setting
• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery — free entry, chocolate tastings, and a playground. A must-stop for families. yvci.com.au
• Warburton Rainforest Gallery — an elevated walkway through mountain ash forest. Magical in winter fog.

Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula

Distance: ~1 hour southwest of Melbourne

• Geelong Waterfront Carousel & Playground — the restored carousel is a classic, and the waterfront playground is excellent
• National Wool Museum — quirky and educational, right in central Geelong
• Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre — learn about Indigenous culture, meet native animals
• Adventure Park — if the weather cooperates, the water park section may be too cold, but they sometimes run winter events

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12. Frequently Asked Questions

When are the Term 2 school holidays in Melbourne 2026?

The Term 2 school holidays for Victorian government schools run from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 12 July 2026. Term 3 begins on Monday 13 July 2026.

How long are the Term 2 school holidays?

Approximately 16 days including weekends — from the Saturday after Term 2 ends (27 June) through to the Sunday before Term 3 starts (12 July).

Is the King's Birthday a public holiday during the school holidays?

No. In 2026, the King's Birthday public holiday falls on Monday 8 June, which is during Term 2 (not the holidays). You get a long weekend mid-term but it doesn't extend the holiday break.

What's the weather like in Melbourne during the July school holidays?

Expect winter weather: average highs around 13–14°C, lows around 6–7°C, frequent rain, and lots of grey skies. Melbourne can have sunny winter days too, but always pack layers and rain gear. Indoor backup plans are essential.

Are the ski resorts open during the Term 2 holidays?

Generally, yes. The Victorian snow season typically opens in early-to-mid June, so by late June/early July the resorts should be operational. However, early-season snow can be variable — always check resort snow reports before making the trip. Mt Buller, Mt Baw Baw, and Lake Mountain are the most accessible from Melbourne.

What are the best free things to do with kids during winter school holidays?

Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, NGV, ACMI, the State Library, ArtPlay, Royal Botanic Gardens, and most local libraries all offer free entry or free programs during school holidays. See Section 10 for the full rundown.

How do I keep my toddler entertained during winter school holidays?

Focus on indoor play centres (Lollipop's, Chipmunks), Melbourne Museum's Children's Gallery (designed for ages 0–5), Melbourne Zoo's Keeper Kids program, local library story time, and ArtPlay workshops. Toddlers also love the aquarium — the fish are mesmerising.

What's the cheapest snow experience near Melbourne?

Lake Mountain is generally the most affordable option — it's closer (less fuel), has lower entry fees, and focuses on snow play and tobogganing rather than expensive ski passes. Go midweek for the best prices.

Are there school holiday programs that run all day?

Yes. YMCA, PCYC, local council leisure centres, and various sports and arts providers run full-day (and multi-day) holiday programs with supervised care, typically from 8am–6pm. These are especially useful for working parents. Book well in advance as they fill quickly.

Can I take a day trip to the snow from Melbourne and back in one day?

Absolutely. Lake Mountain (2 hours each way), Mt Baw Baw (2.5 hours), and Mt Buller (3 hours) are all doable as day trips. Leave early (6–7am), spend the middle of the day at the resort, and aim to head home by mid-afternoon to avoid mountain road driving in the dark.

What are the best school holiday activities for teenagers?

For teens and tweens, try escape rooms, BOUNCE/SkyZone trampolining, Fortress Melbourne (gaming, VR, board game café), ACMI (film and game exhibitions), indoor rock climbing, IMAX movies, and Science Gallery Melbourne. For a day out, a snow trip or Phillip Island Penguin Parade work well.

Is it worth getting a Zoos Victoria membership for the holidays?

Yes, almost certainly. At $12.42/month with kids free on adult memberships, you only need about two visits to break even. A membership gives unlimited entry to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Kyabram Fauna Park — so you can visit one zoo per week across the holidays and come out ahead.

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Final Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying!) Winter School Holidays

1. Plan a mix of structured activities and downtime. Don't try to fill every day — burnout is real for parents and kids alike.
2. Book early for popular activities. Workshops, holiday programs, and snow trips sell out. Get in 4–6 weeks before.
3. Embrace the weather. Some of the best winter memories come from puddle-jumping in gumboots, not sitting inside avoiding the rain.
4. Rotate between free and paid activities. Museum one day, home baking the next, zoo on Wednesday, movie on Thursday. Balance keeps everyone happy and the budget intact.
5. Lower your expectations for productivity. If you're working from home during the holidays — it's going to be chaotic. That's normal. That's fine.
6. Check for last-minute deals. Attractions often release discounted tickets or flash sales during the holidays to fill midweek sessions.
7. Ask the kids what they want to do. Revolutionary concept, we know. But letting them choose one or two activities they're genuinely excited about means less dragging and more delight.

Melbourne in winter with kids isn't something to survive — it's something to enjoy. The city is at its atmospheric best, the cultural calendar is packed, and the hot chocolate is world-class. Get out there, rug up, and make some memories.

Happy holidays! ☃️

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This article was last updated in February 2026. Prices, dates, and program details are based on the most current information available at time of writing. Always check venue websites directly for the latest pricing, opening hours, and school holiday program announcements.

Have we missed your favourite winter school holiday activity? Get in touch and let us know!