Can first term really be over? I must have stepped in a time machine or something because it has just whooshed by. For those of you that are planning for the upcoming April school holidays in Melbourne I’ve put together a list of ideas for keeping the kids busy (and you sane). Bearing in mind the challenges on our bank accounts during the school holidays the list includes free and costed activities.
Go some retro fun at Luna Park Melbourne
The beautiful, elderly carousel at Luna Park Melbourne
Luna park is suitable for all ages and with the vibrant colour, rides and amusements is a kid’s paradise. They have a day of Easter Egg hunting with eggs from Chocolatier onsite on Easter Sunday.
Hit the beach
St Kilda Beach
The April school holidays are the last opportunity to grab some sun and enjoy the Melbourne beaches before the chill really seeps in. The water may be a little cold for the adults to get in but it won’t stop the kids having fun and getting wet Check out my list of the best Melbourne Bayside Beaches for inspiration.
Visit Lights by Dreamworks
This extraordinary family event is on the Rosebud Foreshore (Village Green) until April 30th. Entry is all inclusive of Dreamworks lantern viewing, kids craft activities and rides.
Autumn means autumn leaves
As the weather cools we will start to see some golden autumn foliage. One of our favourite free activities this time of year is to head to the stunning parks and gardens around Melbourne where I let the kids go all out on leave fights. It may not be gentle but is fun and they love it. I’ve compiled a list for you of the best places to find autumn leaves around Melbourne.
Get scooting
Scooting is a great way to get active together as a family as well as to explore all kinds of environments. One of our favourite places to scoot is Westerfolds park but there is heaps of inspiration on this Micro Scooters map for scooting destinations around Australia (including Melbourne).
Go caving at Up Unlimited
Caving at UpUnlimited
Did you know you can taking your kids caving in Melbourne? Up Unlimited in Moorabbin features a caving simulation to introduce children to the sport. My own kids tried out caving there and LOVED it.
Enrol the kids in the EcoExplorers Bush School Holiday Program
The team at EcoExplorers run bush playgroups at bush parks around Melbourne during term time and these school holidays are conducting a number of bush school holiday programs. All at Currawong Bush Park in Doncaster East topics include bugs, nature art, reptiles and rope tying.
Kids Adventure Outdoors Festival in Anglesea
Surfing lessons were led by the folk at “Go Ride a Wave” who runs surf schools around Australia. FYA my son stood up 5 times.
Okay – it may not be in Melbourne but only a hop skip and jump away on the Great Ocean Road the Kids Adventure Outdoors Festival is happening April 8th and 9th. We check out the festival last year where my kids got a taste for climbing, surfing and stand up paddle boarding. There are heaps of adventure activities for kids to chose from it is worth getting out of the city.
Head to the Melbourne Museum
A dinosaur dig at the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery
The Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery at the Melbourne Museum is a wonderland of sensory play for young children. Officially for up to fives my young primary aged son loves it as well. Entry to the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery is free with museum entry.
For those of you with babies there will be a special baby-friendly screening of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on April 19th at 9.45 am in IMAX 2D. The session is customised for babies and youngsters with adjusted lighting and softened sound levels to ensure a comfortable cinema experience for all. Entry to the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery is discounted that day for those of you wanting to make a day of it.
Kids High Tea at the Langham
My personal favourite school holiday active is to take the children to the kids themed high tea at the Langham’s Melba restaurant. This school holidays the theme is Smurfs. Expect beautifully decorated decadent dessert for kids and adults.
Hang out with Hippos at the Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Head to Hippo Beach for fun in the sand, water play and the opportunity to see these amazing animals up close with a new daily Keeper presentation. Each day at 1.10pm, Keepers will providing a fascinating insight into the behaviours, care and unique personalities of the hippo group. Admission to the zoo is free for kids under 16 during the Victorian School Holidays.
Looking for more inspiration? For even more ideas (including school holiday programs check out the suggestions on Meetoo , Tot Hot or Not and Little Melbourne
Another great read thanks to you Danielle! I am always amazed at how you are able to write and make your readers feel that they are just talking to a friend. My favorite part is “Visit Lights by Dreamworks”. Keep writing please!