About the Department

Winter school holiday activities

News bulletin: 22 June 2009

The winter holidays are a great opportunity for families to spend time together.  In Victoria, term three break runs from 27 June to 12 July. 

There are a range of activities for families and children to participate in throughout the state, including arts and crafts lessons, nature and wildlife activities and museum and gallery visits.

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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:

State Library of Victoria
Free events this June-July, include:

  • Mirror of the World: My type of books
  • Ned Kelly for Kids exhibition: Tues and Thurs, 10.30am, 30 June - 9 July
  • Super Action Storytelling: Sun 28 June and 12 July, 11am-12.30pm

For more information, see: Holiday Programs - State Library of Victoria

National Gallery of Victoria
Free events this June-July, include:

  • Art Sparks: Dali Kids, 13 June – 4 Oct
  • Five Elements – Water, 15 May – 26 July
  • Imperial Robes of China, 17 April - 6 September

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 happening in the hands-on children’s area. 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
Several free winter programs are offered throughout Victoria’s forests and parklands, from replanting programs and working bees to the Junior Ranger program in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. For more information, see: Parks Victoria

The Central Geelong School Holiday Fun Guide
A holiday guide for parents with information on free (as well as paid) activities for children of all ages in Central Geelong.  Free events include Eye Spy - Children’s Tours, storytelling, scrapbooking classes and the CSIRO Science Discovery Show.  For more information, see: Winter School Holiday Fun Guide

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Other activities

There are many other interesting activities running throughout Victoria that families and children can participate in.  Below are several excellent websites with tips on what to do and where to go this winter break.

  • 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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More information

For information on school term dates to help you plan your holidays, see: Term Dates