Things to do with Kids in the Melbourne Spring School Holidays

Oh the days sure are long and the years definitely short, and never truer than when it's school holidays!

Melbourne does a lot of things very, very well, and fortunately, putting on a cacophony of school holiday events is one of them! Spring is packed to the gills with fun things for kids to do right across the city, from theatre shows to craft spots, nature walks, adventure parks, and cultural activities, you're sure to be able to fill your holiday calendar with no trouble at all.

Why not start with:

1. The Royal Melbourne Show

It only comes but once a year but what an experience it is!

All included in the ticket price are 50 amazing and fun things to do from interactive craft activities to meeting the members of Hi-5!, grinding your own grains, seeing baby animals, riding the incredible array of show rides, digging through showbags, eating some of the best produce Victoria has to offer, and even collecting a free Philip Island Nature Parks Child Pass with entry. Don't miss it!

Price: Tickets start at $20 for a child - check out the details here, and if you purchase before August 31 you get 24% off; ride passes are here (save up to 30% when pre-purchasing online), kids 4 and under are free.

Where: Melbourne Showgrounds, 

When: 23rd September to 4th October 2017 

For More info: head to the website.

2. Visit the Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is a total pro at designing fun school holiday activities, and is a popular spot for a september schools-out visit (so keep that in mind!)

This year they've got on offer the special touring hall exhibition Bug Lab: Little Bugs, Super Powers with accompanying family activities; Polyglot Theatre’s Ants interactive roving performance and make your own ant antennae, and sort stick insect eggs (yes, really!), 

Price: Tickets to each are included in the museum entry - free for members!

Where: Melbourne Museum Foyer, Nicholson St, Carlton

When: 23 September – 8 October

For more info: See the website

3. Pirates Day at Polly Woodside

Arrgh me hearties! Check out the amazing full-size ship docked along the Yarra at Southbank and get stuck into the super family-friendly activities.

Wander through the history gallery, get a guided tours, sit in on an interactive storytelling session (you'll be wondering why your kids don't pick up a broom so enthusiastically at home!), board the ship and discover what life was like sailing the seven seas.

But for super school holiday fun, check out the Pirates Day on 1 October. All scallywags and buccaneers are invited for a day of adventures! Get stuck into the first treasure hunt at 11am, which kicks off a variety of activities throughout the day. 

Price: Adults - $16, Child (3-15years) - $9.50

Where: 21 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf
When:  22 September - 9 October 2017; 10am-4pm    

For more info: see the website.

4. Check out the Spring School Holidays Special Attractions at Luna Park

We love it when Luna Park changes it up for school holidays! And this year is no exception, with the addition of a new mini ferris wheel, cool teacup ride, a hot-air-balloon ride (don't forget, adults can go on free when accompanying a child) and fun characters from the new Emoji Movie to be seen and cuddled!

Price: Free entry, but rides start at $4.95 for a single ride or check out the unlimited rides option. Get a discount for a 4 person family pass for unlimited rides online for $149.95

Where: Luna Park, 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda

When: 23 September – 8 October

For more info: See the website

5. Crafternoon at North Melbourne Library

Let the kids' imaginations run wild and turn paper, cardboard, old books, glitter and other shiny things into amazing works of art.

Price: Free

Where: North Melbourne Library, 66 Errol Street North Melbourne

When: 5th October 2.30pm – 4.30pm

For more info: See the website

6. See a Show

From naughty school roof-dweller Horrible Harriet, to the circus-themed Junk, everyone's favourites The Gruffalo and Alice in Wonderland, the September school holidays always bring it when it comes to kids' theatre.

Check out what's on and make your bookings stat - you don't want to miss out!

Price: From $26

Where: Locations across Melbourne

When: Various times throughout the September school holidays.

Main image credit: Royal Melbourne Show Facebook