Free & Affordable School Holiday Ideas

School holidays can be a lot of fun, but they can also get expensive.

If you're looking for ways to keep the kids busy without spending a fortune, we've put together some cost effective ideas for families across our local area.

Have a cost effective activity that should be on this list?

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GRANITE HILLS MAJOR COMMUNITY PARK

Granite Hills Major Community Park offers a fantastic space for families to get active and enjoy the outdoors.

Featuring modern playground equipment, walking paths, open grassed areas and places to relax, the park is ideal for children to explore while parents enjoy the surrounding natural environment. It's a great local destination for a free day of outdoor fun.

HILLTOP PLAYGROUND & SPLASH PARK

Hilltop Playground & Splash Park is a favourite destination for families looking to keep children active and entertained.

Featuring climbing structures, slides, interactive play elements and water play areas, the park offers hours of fun for children of different ages.

With picnic facilities and plenty of space to relax, it's an ideal location for a family day out.

MELBOURNE ZOO - DINO TRAIL

This winter, Melbourne Zoo is bringing the prehistoric world to life with the return of the popular Dino Trail.

Running throughout the school holidays from 27 June to 12 July, the experience features more than 30 life-like animatronic dinosaurs, fossil dig zones and roaming dinosaur puppets.

Alongside the zoo's incredible animals, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable adventure that combines education and entertainment. Children under 16 receive free admission during the school holidays.

For bookings and information, visit Melbourne Zoo | Zoos Victoria

WERRIBEE ZOO OPEN RANGE

Experience wildlife and dinosaurs in a whole new way at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

During the school holidays, children under 16 receive free admission, making it an affordable family adventure.

Visitors can also enjoy Dinos After Dark, a special after-hours event running from 4 to 11 July, where illuminated prehistoric creatures come to life after sunset.

The combination of wildlife, immersive displays and evening entertainment makes this one of the most unique holiday experiences.

For bookings and information visit Werribee Open Range Zoo | Zoos Victoria

HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

Get up close to some of Australia's most iconic native animals at Healesville Sanctuary.

Families can explore beautiful bushland settings while meeting Koalas, Kangaroos, Wombats and Birds of Prey.

Daily presentations and keeper talks provide fascinating insights into Australia's wildlife and conservation efforts.

Children aged 0–15 receive free admission, making it a fantastic school holiday destination for families

For bookings and information visit What's On at Healesville Sanctuary

MELBOURNE MUSEUM

Melbourne Museum offers plenty for curious young minds during the school holidays.

The Children's Gallery provides a dedicated indoor space where children can crawl, play and discover through hands-on experiences designed for younger visitors.

Dino Days adds an extra layer of prehistoric fun, featuring dinosaur-themed activities and experiences that are sure to delight budding palaeontologists. Entry is free for children aged 0–16.

For more information visit Dino Days | What's on | Melbourne Museum

SCIENCEWORKS - LIGHTS COLOUR ACTION!

Discover the science behind light and colour at Scienceworks' free live show, Lights, Colour, Action!

Running daily from 27 June to 12 July at 12 noon and 2pm, the show explores how colours mix, bend and bounce through exciting demonstrations and audience participation.

Perfect for curious minds, the experience combines learning with entertainment and is included with museum admission.

Children aged 0–16 receive free entry to Scienceworks.

For bookings and information visit Lights, Colour, Action! | What's on | Scienceworks

NATIONAL GALLERY VICTORIA

Get inspired by art and creativity at the National Gallery Victoria's free Drop By Drawing sessions.

Running every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm between 5 and 26 July, these workshops encourage visitors of all ages to experiment with drawing techniques and express their creativity.

No booking is required and all materials are provided, making it an easy and accessible activity for families.

YAN YEAN RESERVOIR PARK

Enjoy a day outdoors at Yan Yean Reservoir Park, one of Victoria's oldest reservoirs.

Families can explore the walking trails, enjoy a picnic by the water and take in the stunning natural surroundings.

With open green spaces, birdlife and scenic views, it's a great option for a relaxed and affordable day out during the school holidays.

INFLATABLE FUN DAY

Jump, bounce and play at Inflatable Fun Day at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 8 July from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

The giant inflatable obstacle courses and activities provide a fun and energetic experience for children aged five years and over. Admission is $11.90 per child, while current Swim School students can attend free of charge.

It's a great opportunity for children to stay active and have fun during the holidays.

For more information visit Inflatable Fun Day - Seymour | Mitchell Shire Council

FEDERATION SQUARE FIFA WORLD CUP

Football fans can head to Federation Square to be part of the excitement of the FIFA World Cup.

The venue will host live screenings, family-friendly entertainment and opportunities to join fellow supporters in celebrating the world's biggest sporting event. 

PAPERBARK PAINTING & WEAVING

Celebrate NAIDOC Week with a special Paperbark Painting and Weaving workshop hosted by Whittlesea Youth Services.

This hands-on activity provides young people with the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture through creativity, storytelling and traditional art practices.

Participants will create their own artworks while gaining a deeper understanding of culture and connection to Country. Snacks will be provided throughout the session.

For bookings and information, visit Paperbark Painting & Weaving | Whittlesea Youth Services

WALLAN WINTER WONDERLAND DISCO

Young people aged 12–18 with a connection to Mitchell Shire are invited to join the Wallan Winter Wonderland Disco for an evening of music, dancing and fun.

Held at Wallan Seniors Hall, the event will feature DJ Hannah G playing favourite tunes throughout the night, along with free snacks including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Participants are encouraged to embrace the Winter Wonderland theme with creative costumes inspired by snow, ice and winter magic.

For bookings and information, visit Wallan Winter Wonderland Disco | Mitchell Shire Council

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Spend a day exploring one of Melbourne's most beautiful attractions at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Families can wander through stunning landscaped gardens, discover unique plant collections, enjoy peaceful walking trails and take part in seasonal activities.

With plenty of open space and opportunities to connect with nature, the gardens provide a perfect school holiday outing for visitors of all ages

EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY - YARRA PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

Step beyond reality and explore exciting new worlds through virtual reality technology at Yarra Plenty Regional Library.

Using Meta Quest 3 headsets, participants can experience immersive natural environments, interactive games, sporting activities and 360-degree videos.

Whether you're trying virtual reality for the first time or are already a technology enthusiast, this hands-on experience offers something unique and engaging.

For bookings and information visit Experience Virtual Reality | Yarra Plenty Regional Library