Free winter school holiday activities and things to do in  Victoria

We’ve rounded up some of the best playgrounds in regional Victoria and around Melbourne. Whether your kids love playgrounds shaped like a pirate ship, exploring musical play equipment, challenging obstacles or just a fun play on the good old swing and slide, a playground is the perfect place for some free outdoor fun in the sun.

Have a family bake day

Got a budding sous chef in your midst? Get the kids together for a play in the kitchen and let budding hands make some of their own marvellous creations. Let them experiment with these child friendly recipes from the RACV Club kitchen, including salted caramel choc-chip cookie recipe, mini pancake cereal, or a chocolate mousse cake recipe.

Go on a scenic hike

Hiking is one way to stay warm, and Victoria’s rainforests and waterfalls look their best in winter. Whether you want to go chasing waterfalls, or you’re looking for family friendly walks, fun dog trails or nature hikes around the state, there’s always somewhere new to explore on foot. Best of all – these experiences are free to do.

Get on your bikes and ride

Children usually have energy to burn, so don’t let the colder weather put you off going for a family ride around your suburb. It’s free, fun, and a healthy way to explore the great outdoors. If you want to explore a new region, you can head on one of these family-friendly bike routes, from a trip taking in the solar system exhibit along Port Phillip Bay, to the Capital City Trail, which goes past the zoo and through parklands.

Brush up on the latest cycling road rules here.

Visit the libraries, galleries and museums

Did you know that there are many libraries, galleries and museums with free entry and activities over the school holidays? The NGV, ACMI, the Australian Music Vault, The Immigration Museum and The Australian Sports Museum all have free entry, while kids under 12 are also free to visit The Heide Museum of Modern Art, Scienceworks, and The Melbourne Museum.

We’ve put together a list of our favourite libraries and their facilities here, along with the best modern art galleries in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Free day trip guides to regional areas

Did you know there are ways to explore greater Victoria without breaking the budget? There are plenty of things to do in the Melbourne school holidays without spending much at all. Check out our guides for how to have a fun, free day out in the Yarra Valley, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula and even right here in Melbourne.