Melbourne School Holidays Winter – Friday 23 June to Sunday 9 July 2023

Melbourne is getting ready for some seriously fun and exciting events these winter school holidays, running from Friday 23 June to Sunday 9 July 2023.

From chilling out at ice rinks to enjoying festive markets, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Here are all the best school holiday events and activities happening throughout Melbourne's suburbs. Find winter school holiday events in Melbourne CBD.

Note that this post is regularly updated to make sure to check back for new events.

When are the Victorian Winter School Holidays 2023?

The Winter school holidays 2023 in Victoria are from Friday 23 June to Sunday 9 July 2023.

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S NORTH / NORTH-EAST

• Winter Solstice Bonfire 2023 (Sat 17 Jun) – Like a phoenix from the ashes, the Winter Solstice Bonfire will rise again this year.
• Farmer for a Day (Mon 26 Jun – Thu 29 Jun & Mon 3 Jul – Thu 6 Jul) – learn all about what it takes to keep a busy Community Farm humming and what Collingwood Children's Farm does to take care of their animals as well as the land that we all rely on.
• Confident Kids (Wed 6 Jul) – give your kids the opportunity to explore mindfulness, emotional intelligence and crystal knowledge to teach them confidence, change the way they speak to themselves and help harness their abilities.
• Chris Morant’s Magical Circus Show (Tue 4 Jul- Sat 8 Jul) – Don't miss Chris Morant's Magical Circus Show, a fun and empowering family experience featuring juggling, magic, and more.
• ANTARCTICA 3D (Until Wed 13 Jul) – With never-before-seen footage, Antarctica 3D will take you to the farthest reaches of this wild and majestic continent.

• Diamond Railway Twilight Run (Sundays) – Journey through the bushland of Eltham Lower Park as it is lit by the light shows, passing signals and locomotive headlights.
• Bite-Sized Science (First Saturday of the Month) – Discover our natural world and uncover the secret life of the creatures around us and their ecosystems in these monthly Bite-Sized Science sessions!
• VU Play Coburg pop-up playspaces (Tuesdays – Saturdays) – Victoria University Early Childhood pre-service teachers create pop-up play spaces for children to play.
• The Rose Street Artists' Market (Saturdays and Sundays) – Shop directly from Melbourne’s best artists, designers, crafters and makers at Fitzroy’s iconic Rose Street Market.
• The Fitzroy Market (Saturdays) – a one-stop hub for everything produce, food, artisan, handcrafted, vintage, second hand and local.

• Diamond Valley Railway (Sundays) – miniature railway with a playground next door. Diamond Valley Railway Review
• Mini Mega Model Museum (ongoing) – an exhibition featuring small and big things at Melbourne Museum. Mini Mega Model Museum review. 
• YMCA School Holiday Programs (ongoing) – Explore YMCA's school holiday programs for kids. Find a location near you. Fun-filled activities for children.
• Junior Ranger (TBA) – Participate in activities that encourage kids to explore Victoria's amazing parks!

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S SOUTH / SOUTH-EAST / BAYSIDE

• Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) (Sat 27 May – Mon 12 Jun) – a festival of the best new kids' films from across the world.
• Pirates & Mermaids Treasure Hunt Day (Sat 24 Jun) – Join the treasure hunt at Rippon Lea Estate! Explore, solve clues, and have a pirate and mermaid adventure. Dress up and enjoy the fun!
• Multi Sport School Holidays Program (Mon 26 Jun) – Discover school holiday activities at Springvale Indoor Sports. Exciting programs for kids. Fun, active, and inclusive.
• Lightscape (Fri 16 Jun – Sun 6 Aug) – For the very first time, an immersive, after-dark experience comes to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne this winter. Iconic tree canopies will be drenched in colour, vibrant bursts of light will tumble from the undergrowth and run up trees like fizzing fireworks.
• Melbourne’s Winter Wonderland (Fri 23 June – Sun 9 July) – Get ready for 3 hours of non-stop fun and excitement with an exclusive offer of unlimited access to ice skating, tobogganing, amusement rides, ride-on reindeers, inflatable jumping castles, engaging activities, selfie stations, meet-and-greet with beloved characters, and more!
• Lost Dogs’ Disco (Sat 24 Jun – Sun 16 Jul) – Experience the whimsical world of The Lost Dogs' Disco, a temporary sculpture that pays tribute to the special bond between humans and dogs.
• FREE School Holiday Fun! (Mon 26 Jun – Fri 7 Jul) – Enoy Free School Holiday Fun, where kids can participate in an interactive ‘Kids in the Kitchen' workshop during week 1, followed by a week of engaging mindful activities such as kids yoga, coloring, and bead craft in week 2.
• STEMBuddy Coding and Robotics for kids (Mon 26 Jun – Thu 6 Jul) – STEM Buddy's school holiday program is a thrilling experience where kids engage in coding, robotics, and fun games.
• National Steam Centre (Thu 29 Jun) – The museum engines are fired up and can be seen running on the last Sunday of each month.

• Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival (Tue 27 Jun – Fri 7 Jul) – an interactive and dynamic program featuring performance and workshops in magic, puppetry, circus, dance, music, theatre and craft.
• Family Fiesta (Wed 28 Jun – Sat 1 Jul) – A jam-packed four-day celebration of Australian children’s literature, theatre, art and music
• The Velveteen Rabbit (Wed 28 Jun – Fri 30 Jun) – Experience the magical storytelling of The Velveteen Rabbit as Born in a Taxi weaves a captivating tale infused with audience participation, music, and live projections, creating a truly immersive and enchanting experience for all.
• Disney's FROZEN Kids – Presented by Masquerade Youth Productions (Fri 30 Jun – Sat 1 Jul) – Experience the magic of Disney's FROZEN Kids with beloved songs, a sing-a-long, and a chance to meet Elsa, Anna, and more.

• State Youth Ballet – Cinderella (Sat 1 Jul) – Be captivated by the State Youth Ballet Company as they bring to life the beloved tale of Cinderella. Immerse yourself in the magical world of love & transformation, where virtue is rewarded & dreams come true.
• Funky Farm at McClelland (Sun 2 Jul & Fri 7 Jul) – Experience an up-close encounter with a variety of Australian native animals, including reptiles, mammals, birds, and the possibility of encountering a crocodile.
• School Holiday Drop-Off Programs at Activate by Hard Rock (Until Fri 7 Jul) – Explore an array of thrilling and convenient school holiday drop-off programs, including the exhilarating climbing program and more.
• Seeing the Invisible (Until Fri 30 Sep) – contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology, is presented in six countries simultaneously with Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne as the exclusive Australian locations.
• Sonica Botanica: Stories and Sounds from the Gardens (Until Sun 31 Dec) – Weaving together interviews, field recordings and a musical score, this evocative listening experience responds to collectors’ passions, botanical knowledge, favourite memories, childhood impressions, historical anecdotes and cultural viewpoints
• Seek and Find Nature Cards (Until Sun 31 Dec) Set your young ones on an adventure exploring nature with our Seek and Find Nature Cards to be used at Melbourne Gardens or download the cards and go exploring in your own neighbourhood.
• Gumbuya Wildlife Wanderers (every Wednesday & Thursday) – Storytime, games, Nature Play-based activities plus the opportunity to meet some very special animals!

• Bentleigh Sunday Market (Sundays) – plants, clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, books, videos, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods and more! Every Sunday. 
• Mornington Railway (Sundays) – Climb aboard the Mornington Railway steam train for a fun-filled outing.
• Gasworks Farmers’ Market (Third Saturday of every month until Fri 15 Dec) – On Saturdays soak up the vibrant atmosphere and sample the very best of local Victorian produce, directly from Victorian farmers and specialty makers.
• Prahran Market Kids’ Activities (ongoing) – every market day Prahran Market offers face painting, an animal farm, kids dance classes and music – most activities are free and no bookings necessary.
• YMCA School Holiday Programs (ongoing) – Explore YMCA's school holiday programs for kids. Find a location near you. Fun-filled activities for children.
• Camelot Traffic School (Weekends and School Holidays) Ride or scoot in this miniature city and get practical experience riding and learning some road rules. Located in Bentleigh East. Check their hours on their website before you go as they are subject to change. Read my review.
• Storytelling Festival Glen Eira (TBA) – diverse events that celebrate stories and those who tell them.

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S EAST

• Little Feet Music (Mon 24 Apr – Fri 23 Jun) – You’ve heard them on the ABC Kids Listen App, now come and see the real band live! Enjoy lots of fun and laughter, plus singing and dancing for all who want to join in! 
• Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) (Sat 27 May – Mon 12 Jun) – a festival of the best new kids' films from across the world.
• Sustainable Cooking Workshop For Kids FREE (Thu 29 Jun) – Unleash your child's culinary creativity with a quick and easy ‘cheat' pizza, while learning to minimize food waste and save money.
• Kew Junction School Holiday Program (Mon 6 Jun – Fri 7 Jul) – Get ready for an action-packed school holiday program featuring Junior Ballet, cooking workshops, galaxy goo fun, winter parties, musical theatre workshops, LEGO building, hair styling, cupcake decorating, TikTok dances, and more!
• Burrinja Circus Festival (Sat 24 Jun – Thu 29 Thu) – Experience six days of fabulous fun in the hills at Burrinja. Discover new skills, be mesmerized by show-stopping performances, and engage in interactive circus experiences.
• Robotics Camp: Bunjil Place (Tue 27 Jun) – Kids can join the Robotics Camp at Bunjil Place Library Narre Warren for an immersive experience in robotics and technology.
• Lake Mountain (June – September but dates will vary depending on snow season) – toboggan, cross country skiing and snow play 2 hours from Melbourne. Read my tips on visiting Lake Mountain with kids
• Mt Baw Baw (June – September but dates will vary depending on snow season) – Melbourne’s closest downhill ski resort open for winter season. Read my tips on visiting Mt Baw Baw with kids

• Heide Art Babies (Tuesdays) – 30 minutes of sensory play in the gallery, looking, thinking and talking about art. Heide Art Babies review.
• Auburn Kids Sunday Funday (Sundays) – Petting zoo, fairies, mermaids, superheroes, face painting and balloon animals galore!
• Yarra Valley Railway (Sundays) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Yarra Valley Railway review
• Camberwell Sunday Market (Sundays) – second-hand retro, vintage, antique, fashion and collectible goods you just can't find anywhere else
• Ninja Parc School Holiday Program (Weekdays) – plenty of running, climbing and balancing activities to keep your kids moving and having fun during the holidays
• Belgrave Lantern Parade (Sat 24 Jun) – one of the best and biggest community-made spectacles as hundreds of lanterns line the main street, accompanied by drummers, dancers and performers of all sorts.
• YMCA School Holiday Programs (ongoing) – Explore YMCA's school holiday programs for kids. Find a location near you. Fun-filled activities for children.

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S WEST

• Jurassic Creatures (Fri 16 Jun – Sun 9 Jul) – a realistic animatronics Exhibition like no other, will capture the imagination of children and parents alike with over 30 Dinosaurs and spectacular activities that immerse you in a prehistoric time.
• Adventure Park – Winter Glow (Fri 16 Jun – Sun 16 July) – Discover a glowing winter wonderland of snow, lights, fire and ice.
• Sleepless Footscray Festival (Sat 17 Jun – Sat 1 Jul) – Experience the electrifying energy of Sleepless Festival, a vibrant event that celebrates music, art, and culture in a unique atmosphere.
• Seaworks Winter Solstice Festival (Fri 23 Jun) – Immerse in a multicultural festival with giant puppets, circus performances, live music, art exhibitions, and delicious food.
• Newport Folk Festival (Fri 23 Jun – Sat 24 Jun) – Discover the vibrant Newport Folk Festival, a celebration of music, community, and artistic performances in Newport.
• Eynesbury Winter Festival (Fri 23 Jun – Sun 9 Jul) – The perfect winter outing for the entire family! Hit the ice rink, enjoy some tasty winter food & drinks and more
• Grazeland (Fri 23 Jun – Sun 30 Jul)- Melburnians are invited to rug up and head to Grazeland as the food precinct transforms into a winter wonderland each weekend. Read the Grazeland Review
• Firefly Night Market (Sat 24 Jun) – fun for the whole family with roving performers, interactive art, street food, artisan stalls, cultural activities and live performances.
• Get adventurous with Extreme Arts (Tue 27 Jun — Thu 29 Jun) – Get ready for an unforgettable school holiday experience filled with hat-making, experimental music, and circus fun using recycled materials.

• The Alphabet of Awesome Science (Wed 28 June) – Join That Science Gang for The Alphabet of Awesome Science, a thrilling race through the alphabet filled with explosive, hilarious, and mind-blowing scientific surprises.
• Erth's Prehistoric World (Fri 1 Jul – Sat 2 Jul) – Experience the creatures of your imagination coming to life on stage in this enthralling new show.
• Aa is for Art Holiday Programs (Mon 3 Jul – Wed 5 Jul) – Discover the exciting holiday programs at AA is for Art. Engage in art activities, unleash your creativity, and have fun in a vibrant and inspiring environment.
• Unleash your inner Superstar (Tue 4 Jul – Fri 7 Jul) – Spark your child's creativity this winter at Footscray Community Arts! Join professional musicians Isobel, Bianca, and Max for a music-filled adventure. Unleash their talent through singing, band formation, and creative exploration.
• Metro Comic Con (Sat 8 Jul – Sun 9 Jul) – Step into a world of excitement and fun at Metro Comic Con, the ultimate destination for fans of film, TV, animation, gaming, cosplay, collectibles, publishing, and comics.
• Performing Arts Roadshow – Thingamabobs! (Fri 8 Jul) – Discover the amazing machines and funny contraptions artist Jens Altheimer is hiding in the secret spots of the theatre. Take an exciting tour and see his inventions coming to life.
• YMCA School Holiday Programs (ongoing) – Explore YMCA's school holiday programs for kids. Find a location near you. Fun-filled activities for children.

• Tarneit Makers and Growers Market (3rd Friday of each month) – a free market experience featuring high quality hand-made or designed textiles, stationery, ceramics, homewares & jewellery, locally grown produce & authentic culinary experiences.
• Bulla Railway (3rd Sunday of each month) – Ride the dinosaur trail on the miniature railway. Read my review.
• Enterprize Sail Williamstown (usually sails the third Sunday of every month) – go for a one hour sail on tall ship Enterprize in Williamstown
• Sunday Funday Station Hotel (Sundays) – Every Sunday The Station Hotel prepares an animal farm and other entertaining activities to keep the little ones busy, while you sit back and relax, Read my Station Hotel review
• Winter Art Fun at Little Big Art (TBA) – keep your child entertained during the winter break with fun, colourful and creative art classes, parties, events and much more for little to big artists.

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