The best school holidays activities in Melbourne

Sometimes, it helps to look at the world from a different perspective – upside-down, perhaps? At this new photo experience opening underneath the (now defunct) Melbourne Star, you'll certainly be able to see things from a different point of view. 

The inverted house experience, House Down Under, will bring topsy-turvy fun to Docklands from December 2. From the outside, the house appears to have dropped from the sky, Wizard of Oz style, and inside you can capture surreal and creative photos.

This faithful revival of the bewitching blockbuster sees the show fly into Melbourne for the third time in 15 years with an abundance of pine-hued pizazz, after celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Broadway premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

There are few voices more recognisable and beloved than that of Sir David Attenborough's. For decades now, the famous British biologist's dulcet tones have accompanied countless incredible documentaries showcasing the wonders of the planet we call home.  

A new immersive audiovisual experience from BBC Earth will transport you inside one of those documentaries at the Melbourne Convention Centre this year. Stepping in, you'll be surrounded by massive multi-angle screens playing a documentary from one of BBC Studios' award-winning natural history series, Seven Worlds, One Planet.

Back by popular demand, Scienceworks is once again blowing visitors away with an exhibition all about the power of air. Air Playground is a 600m2 playspace full of fun and fiscovery, where kids can explore the invisible but important resource. They’ll learn the basics of aerodynamics by designing their own paper planes, play around with the physics of airflow, and even make objects float. 

There'll be giant air-filled tentacles, giant bubble shows and a huge inflatable sculpture for kids to bounce around on. Air Playground is perfect for a fantastical school holiday activity for the whole family. You can find out all the details on the Scienceworks website. 

Looking for more family-friendly fun? Check out our guide to the best activities for kids in Melbourne.

Grab your wands and your Hogwarts house tie, because a brand new magical experience that is every Potterhead's dream is coming to Melbourne.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is apparating to the Mornington Peninsula in 2024, with a mystical encounter that will have you living out your witch or wizard fantasies in the muggle world. Follow in the daring footsteps of Harry himself through the infamous Forbidden Forest, where you'll meet hippogriffs and unicorns, as well as cast powerful spells.

Did you know that children aged 16 or younger can get free entry to the Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo over the school holidays? Plan a visit to check out your favourite creatures, including giraffes, koalas, monkeys and so much more. To be eligible for free entry, children must be accompanied by an adult. 

If your kids have dreamed of running away with the circus, then this is your chance. Melbourne’s eccentric and wonderful National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) has unveiled its circus holiday program dates for 2024.

Keep the kids blessedly busy with NICA’s school holidays program, running from April 3 to 12. No matter what their fitness level, they’ll be able to learn fun tricks like juggling, tumbling, plate-spinning, pyramids, unicycling and more.

As the weather warms up, there's nothing better than getting outside and into nature. Take the family to one of these beautiful waterfalls peppered across Victoria, with cascading rivers, plunge pools you can swim in and some dotted beside awe-inspiring bush walks. Be sure to pack a picnic so that you can sit back, relax and take in the views. 

Code Camp, one of Australia’s leading school holiday programs where kids design, code and create, has opened up bookings for its 2023 spring schedule held across Melbourne and regional Victoria. From coding and animation to YouTube creation and drone training, there's something to suit every child and their passions.

Take a ride on the historical steam train through the forest-covered hills of the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Emerald Lake every day of the school holidays.

Put your putt-putt skills to the test on the two-level, 18-hole mini-golf course or head to the old school arcade and grab a joystick, pretend it's 1985 and play classic games like Space Invaders and Pacman. For those uninterested in a blast from the past, there's also a new school arcade boasting an ever-evolving collection of contemporary games and immersive experiences. Sing your favourite song at one of Funderdome's private and spacious box-style karaoke lounges, or head to the Clubhouse for some competitive sports like cornhole, shuffleboard, pool, air hockey, foosball and more.

MoPA is a children’s museum, a place where kids can engage with fun, immersive exhibits created in line with childhood education guidelines. While all children develop at different rates, the exhibits at MoPA are designed for tots aged one to nine. Kids can suss out their fine motor skills in the soft play area, build and race in the Zoom Room, climb up to Sunset City for a sweet view of the museum and get creative at the MoPA Art Car.

This brick-filled play centre will delight little and big Lego fans. The space is packed with more than two million Lego bricks and features attractions including Miniland Melbourne, where the city's best-known landmarks have been recreated out of thousands of Lego bricks, as well as play zones for the kids and Lego-themed rides. There is also a 4D cinema (it’s a sensory cinematic adventure – the wind will actually blow in your hair) so you can rewatch your favourite Lego movies on the big screen, a Lego factory tour and heaps more. 

Too cold for outdoor activities? Catch some thrills in the air at an indoor trampoline park. On top of being super fun, it's also a form of exercise in disguise – it's a great workout for building strength, coordination and balance.