You are just recovering from the endless long weekends and the sudden increase in cold-induced sick days. Now with the mid-year school holidays about to start, you’ve got two weeks of trying to keep the little ones entertained. Allow us to lend a little hand with our ultimate list of family-friendly activities outside of the city.
Winter Wonderlights – Sovereign Hill
June 24 – July 16
It’s one of Victoria’s great winter experiences and of course, it goes straight to the top of the list. Throughout the day, the wonderful Sovereign Hill experience is taken up a few notches with ‘snow’ falling from the sky, Christmas-themed theatre and arts and crafts. Come nightfall, the light show lights up the buildings with a dazzling display.
East Gippsland Winter Festival – Various
June 9 – July 9
The East Gippsland Winter Festival has been running for a couple of weeks now and we are hearing fantastic things. For the adults there’s an unbeatable lineup up of art, food, drink and nature based events to choose from. The more family-focused activities include Lakes Lights at Lakes Entrance (July 1) a stargazing boat cruise and a beach naturalist excursion.
Lost Dogs’ Disco – Narre Warren
June 24 – July 16
Bunjil Place in Narre Warren seems to have an endless program of really interesting events and this school holidays is no different. In Lost Dogs’ Disco, visitors journey through an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m tall: all in various states of repose – curled up, standing, even touching noses. The installation is the hub for a whole series of workshops, movie nights and craft activities running right through the holidays.
Electric Wonderland – Bendigo
June 23 – July 9
Get the family all rugged up and head to Rosalind Park in Bendigo for an immersive light show experience. Using all the latest in audio and lighting technology, the park will come alive with a light concert, a giant inflatable Astronaut an interactive flower park and interactive kids zones.
Find out all the details here.
Winter Glow – Bellarine Peninsula
June 16 – July 16
We always seem to miss the open season for this fabulous looking water park on the Bellarine Peninsula, however this year they are opening for a special winter experience just for the school holidays. Come along and build a snowman with snow falling from the sky in their purpose built Snow Play Zone. Watch the amazing light installation, ice-sculpting, fire-twirling and toast marshmallows by an open fire.
Find out how that’s all even possible here.
Ballarat Winter Festival
June 24 – July 16
The city of Ballarat turns up the heat once again this winter with their always impressive winter festival. Bring the whole family for everything from ice skating to disco anthems and fire jousting; to getting cosy with kangaroos and a Christmas in July event like no other.
Victoria’s Ski Fields
June to October
As if sliding down hills in toboggans, building snow persons and enhancing ski and snowboard skills isn’t enough activity. Some of the ski resorts are really turning on this winter. At Mt Baw Baw you can take a walk with resident dingos Rowdy, Warragul (Gully) and Bunji. Every Tuesday afternoon at Falls Creek, there’s a family-friendly street party with music, games and a fire pit to toast marshmallows over. At Mt Hotham there will be a fireworks display lighting up the sky every Wednesday once night falls.
Eynesbury Winter Festival – Eynesbury Estate
June 23 – July 9
Eynesbury Estate is just 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD and easy access from Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong. Their winter festival is really something to behold with magic shows, circus performances, pony rides and roving Disney characters. However, it’s the ice skating rink that will really get the kids excited.
Magic Show & Workshop – Bellarine Railway
June 27 and July 4
Kids love trains and kids love magic. No one understands why, so instead of fighting it why not take them to a magic show on a real-life steam train! Leaving from Queenscliff station, Dazzling Dan the Magic Man will entertain and delight the little ones on a 45 minute return trip to Lakers Siding. Kids are encouraged to don their own magician outfits too.
Island Whale Festival – Phillip Island
June 30 – July 2
Phillip Island is one of the best spots to watch Humpback whales as they start their migration north to warmer waters. The Island Whale Festival is a celebration of all things whales with a full program of kids activities, art installations, whale cruises and virtual reality experiences.
Download the full program here.
Open Range Art – Bendigo Art Gallery
July 5 & 6
The Bendigo Art Gallery is well-known for its educational and fun kids program. These school holidays sees the launch of Open Range Art, a space for kids of all ages to get experimental with a variety of fun art making materials such as coloured paper, washi tape, sequins and much more.
We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
