School Holiday Fun in Melbourne (Spring Break Edition)

Spring school holidays are the perfect chance to get the kids outdoors, try something new, and make the most of the warmer days coming in.

From playground adventures to creative workshops, the friendly team at Woodards have put together this round-up of fun, family-friendly activities in your local suburbs this spring break with options for both rain or shine!

Ascot Vale

• Maribyrnong River Trail – Hire bikes or scooters, family ride with café stops.
• Aquatic centres or local pool sessions – Always a winner when you need to burn energy indoors.

Bentleigh

• Victory Park – Playground with wide lawns for sports, picnics, and exploration.
• Godfrey Street Community House Holiday Program – Creative arts, movement, and community-led fun.

Blackburn

• Blackburn Lake Sanctuary – Junior ranger programs, wildlife spotting, walking trails.
• Holiday-themed nature hunts – Self-guided wildflower spotting or bird-themed walks (check local council guides).

Camberwell

• Bowen Gardens Playground – Classic play structures and ideal picnic setup.
• Creative holiday workshops – Local community centres often run arts or movement-based sessions (check council alerts).

Carlton

• Melbourne Museum – Dino skeletons, hands-on exhibits, IMAX screenings.
• Science or storytelling sessions – Often found in museum programs or library holiday events.

Carnegie

• Carnegie Swim Centre – Water play, lap pool, and toddler splash areas.
• Studio Ghibli Art Workshop – Creative art sessions inspired by Studio Ghibli, date-specific during school holidays.

Coburg

• Coburg Leisure Centre – Indoor water slides, family swim times, warm pools.
• Coburg Library events – Creative craft sessions like “Weave a Colourful Bowl” (e.g., July 8).

Croydon

• Aquahub (Croydon Leisure Centre) – Pools, slides, indoor play—great in any weather.
• Weekend park markets – Check for local market days offering crafts, snacks, and family-friendly stalls.

Elsternwick

• Classic Cinemas – School holiday movie specials and kid-friendly flicks.
• Magic Camp at MelbMagic Academy – Let your child learn magic tricks, play games, and make friends (14-16 July, 9am-3pm).
• Funky Monkey Play Centre – Indoor play zone packed with slides, swings, and party packages

Essendon

• Queens Park – Playgrounds, duck ponds, open lawns—and often hosts pop-up holiday events.
• Community centre kids' crafts – Regular craft mornings or school holiday programs available locally.

The Inner North (Fitzroy North)

• Edinburgh Gardens – Skate park, playground zones, open lawns for all ages.
• Local café and corner-shop hunts – Combine a walk with a location-based scavenger hunt for sweet treats and exploration.

Heidelberg

• Heide Museum of Modern Art – Sculpture gardens plus creative school-holiday workshops.
• Art trail hunts – Self-guided walks through nearby sculpture paths and natural installations.

Keilor

• Brimbank Park – Riverside play area with nature trails and wooden playgrounds.
• Bike rides along the river – Family-friendly paths and wildlife spotting on the Maribyrnong

Lilydale

• Lilydale Lake – Kayak hire, walking circuits, playgrounds with lakeside views.
• Mini train rides – Seasonal weekend rides around the gardens (if running)—check local listings.

Macedon Ranges

• Mount Macedon Camel Farm – Meet, ride, and learn about camels in a scenic rural setting.
• Forest Glade Gardens – Explore stunning seasonal blooms in a heritage-inspired garden.

Manningham

• Ruffey Lake Park – Multiple playgrounds, bike paths, wide lawns for flying kites or mini soccer.
• Boathouse café visits – Combine a walk with a café pit stop—great for parents needing coffee too.

Mornington Peninsula

• Enchanted Adventure Garden – Hedge mazes, tube slides, canopy walks, vibrant garden backdrops.
• Local beach play – Safe, sandy spots ideal for building sandcastles and splashing around.

Mount Waverley

• Valley Reserve Adventure Playground – Adventure play area with flying foxes, climbing equipment, and open space.
• Nature walk trails – Short treks through bushland that light up with spring wildflowers—perfect for curious explorers.

Oakleigh

• Warrawee Park – Shady playgrounds and picnic lawns right near Oakleigh shops.
• Local library story sessions – Many run school-holiday storytimes or craft mornings—check council events listings.

Pascoe Vale

• Austin Crescent Reserve – New adventure playground, climbing frames, open space.
• Sport or dance camps – Local centres often hold booking camps during school holidays.

South Yarra

• Royal Botanic Gardens Children’s Garden – Interactive water play, bamboo forest, exploration zones.
• Boating on the lakes – Seasonal boat hire and garden-themed guided walks.

Yarra Valley

• Alowyn Gardens – Wisteria arch, colourful themed gardens, occasional kids’ workshops.
• Trail hikes through gardens – Self-guided strolls with blossoms, sculptures, and fairy-like nooks.