Affordable & Fun Things to Do with Kids in Melbourne These School Holidays
School holidays are an exciting time for kids, but they can also be a challenge for parents looking to keep them entertained—without spending a fortune! Luckily, Melbourne is packed with incredible family-friendly activities that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, creative indoor fun, or something a little different, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the best free and low-cost activities for kids in Melbourne these school holidays.
1. Explore Melbourne’s Amazing Playgrounds
Melbourne is home to some of the best playgrounds in Australia, many of which are completely free! Pack a picnic and head to:
Riverwalk Village Park (Werribee) – A fantastic nature-inspired playground with water play and a flying fox.
Wyndham Park (Werribee) – A large adventure playground with climbing structures and interactive play spaces.
Braybrook Park (Braybrook) – Featuring a rocket ship play structure, climbing nets, and swings.
Presidents Park (Wyndham Vale) – A great open space with playgrounds, a skate park, and a large duck pond.
Aintree Reserve (Aintree)- Kids can run free on rope bridges, take a ride on the flying fox, and enjoy the jumping pillow, sand pits, and more.
Frontier Adventure Park (Aintree)- Explore, run free & splash out! Frontier Park is a world-class adventure treehouse playground, featuring a ropes course, water play, skate park & basketball court.
2. Try a Day of DIY Fun at Home
If the weather isn’t great or you want a budget-friendly day at home, try:
Building an indoor fort with pillows and blankets.
Setting up a DIY science experiment station. Click here for some STEM ideas
Holding a backyard treasure hunt with hidden clues. Click here for a printable sheet.
Having a family movie marathon with popcorn.
Homemade playdoh click here for an amazing recipe
Click here for printable fun to keep them entertained for hours that are educational.
3. Get Creative in the Kitchen with Budget-Friendly Recipes
Cooking together is a great way to keep kids entertained and teach them valuable skills. Here are some easy, affordable recipes to try:
Homemade Pizza – Use store-bought bases or make your own dough. Let the kids choose their own toppings for a fun DIY pizza night.
Decorate cookies – You can either buy premade biscuits such as Arnotts Milk Arrowroot plan or you can make your own from scratch. Get some icing sugar mix it up with different colours you can also get some Lollie’s to add on as well. Click here to see a great page for these.
Banana Pancakes – Mash bananas and mix with eggs and a little flour for a delicious and healthy breakfast option. Click here for recipe
DIY Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use budget-friendly biscuits and add a scoop of ice cream in between for a fun treat.
Fruit Skewers – Let kids assemble their own with seasonal fruits and yogurt for dipping.
4.Watch Free Movies & Outdoor Entertainment
During the holidays, various councils and venues offer free or low-cost family entertainment, such as:
Federation Square – Free movies on the big screen.
Local community centres – Often host free holiday movie sessions.
Altona Pier & Beachfront – A lovely area to watch the sunset and enjoy street performances.
5. Free Storytime & Activities at Local Libraries
Most local libraries host free school holiday programs including:
Storytime sessions with engaging activities. Click here to find some.
Craft workshops and LEGO clubs.
Coding and robotics sessions for tech-loving kids.
6. Visit the Beach (Yes, Even in Winter!)
Melbourne’s beaches aren’t just for summer. Rug up and enjoy:
Williamstown Beach – Build sandcastles, collect shells, or take a stroll along the pier.
Altona Beach – A calm beach with a great foreshore for bike riding.
Werribee South Beach – A quieter spot with a lovely coastal walk and picnic area.
7. Go on a Nature Walk or Wildlife Adventure
Spending time in nature is not only free but also a great way for kids to burn energy:
Werribee River Park – Spot wildlife, have a picnic, and enjoy the scenic trails.
You Yangs Regional Park – Fantastic bushwalking trails with opportunities to see koalas and kangaroos.
Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail – A great bike and walking track with stunning waterfront views.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to create amazing school holiday memories with your kids. Whether you're exploring Melbourne’s playgrounds, getting creative at the library, or taking in the city's sights for free, there are plenty of ways to have fun without breaking the bank.
