About the Department

School Holiday Activities

News bulletin: 22 September 2009

Things to do in the school break

The September-October holidays are a great opportunity for families to spend time together.

In Victoria, school holidays run from 19 September to 4 October and there are a range of activities state-wide for children to participate in, including arts and crafts lessons, nature and wildlife activities and museum and gallery visits.

Below are several excellent websites with tips on what to do and where to go this winter break.

  • School holiday activities: General information on all school holiday activities from arts and craft, to sporting and cultural activities
  • Activities4kids: Information and contact details on activity providers and activities program schedules in Victoria
  • Raising Children Network:  Practical information on planning for holidays, where to go and what to do, accommodation tips and advice on breastfeeding when travelling
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FREE activities in Melbourne

In and around Melbourne there are free programs on offer for children during the school holidays. These include:

Australian Centre for Moving Images (ACMI)

  • Kids in the Studio: Make a spooky movie!: a free workshop where kids will be taught how to create and perform in their own spooky movie using green screen technology. Dates: 21 September to 2 October from 12pm - 4pm (Monday to Friday only). 

For more information, see: ACMI kids in the studio

Federation Square: Grand Final activities
For families that love footy, there are a number of child-friendly events on at Federation Square in the lead up to the Grand Final:

  • Spirit of Football Day: Thursday 24 September (from 10am)
  • Footy on Parade Day: Friday 25 September  (from 10am)
  • Grand Final Live: Saturday 26 September (from 10am)

For more information see: AFL finals events

State Library of Victoria
Free events this September-October, include:

  • Super-action storytelling
    Join storyteller Bernard Caleo to discover the Library's art collection. Children can also participate in a workshop to make their own picture book.
    Time: Sunday 20 & 27 September, 11am–12.30pm (ages 5 to 12)
    Venue: Experimedia
  • Ned Kelly tour for kids
    Discover the story of Ned Kelly and the notorious Kelly Gang. The tour includes a craft activity where children will make and decorate a replica of Ned's helmet.
    Time: Tues 22 & 29 September, Thurs 24 September, 10.30–11.30am, (ages 5 to 12).
    Venue: Meet in front foyer of library
    Bookings: Not required
  • Play Pod: Fun for kids
    A space in Experimedia where children can read, view digital art, play and even make their own books.
    Time: Daily during library hours
    Venue: Experimedia
    Bookings: Not required

For more information, see: State Library of Victoria

National Gallery of Victoria
Free events this September-October, include:

  • Art Sparks: Dali Kids, 13 June – 4 Oct
  • NGV Kids: Artcart, Australia Land
  • Persuasion: Fashion in the Age of Jane Austen: 22 May - 8 November
  • Five Elements – Water: 15 May – 4 October 2009

For more information, see: National Gallery of Victoria

Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens
Check the website for an array of current exhibitions and see what’s on for children. For more information, see: Melbourne Museum

  • The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
    Located at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, this is a great garden where kids can come and dig, build, play and explore. For more information, see: Royal Botanic Gardens
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FREE activities around Victoria

  • Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (RBC)
    Open 9-5pm daily and located in Cranbourne, the RBC offers access to 363 hectares of precious native bushland and wildlife for families to explore. For more information, see: Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
  • Parks Victoria
    Find information on where families can camp, walk and ride their bikes in in Victoria’s beautiful forests and parklands. For more information, see: Parks Victoria
  • City of Boroondara Library Service takes a Walk on the Wild Side
    Wild Action will be presenting their amazing Insect-a-mania show and Terry Cole, artist extraordinaire, will be performing his Circus in a Suitcase show.Dates: Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October.
    Bookings: Sessions are free but bookings are required
    For more information, see: City of Boroondara Library Service
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More information

For information on school term dates to help you plan your holidays, see: Victorian term dates 2009