School holidays are either here or imminently looming for Melbourne parents. As usual I’m bringing you a round up of events/activities for the school holidays in Melbourne. It is by no means an exhaustive catalogue – just my personal suggestions for family fun that my own kids enjoy. I’m happy to add other events to this page if you give me the heads up about events we have missed. Give me a heads up on what we should be doing peeps.
Shows:
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Those of you needing a reminder that live theatre can be side-splittingly funny need to put Peter Pan Goes Wrong on their summer calendar. With an Australian season due to delight audiences in Melbourne , Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth Peter Pan Goes Wrong is brought to life by the award winning Mischief Theatre.
Needing no introduction is Star Wars and Play School alumni JAY LAGA’AIA leading the cast on what is bound to be a ridiculous and ultimately extremely amusing trip into Neverland.
Mischief Theatre brings its triumphant disaster Peter Pan Goes Wrong from London’s West End to Australia, stumbling into Melbourne on 19 December – January 27 at the Melbourne Arts Centre Playhouse. Tickets available online.
Deadly Sixty Down Under.
Do you have kids that love the idea of dangerous animals? I have two little ones that are made for Steve Backshall and were fortunate enough to see the live version which was kids entertainment at its best last summer. Steve’s casual manner and gift as a raconteur means I have two kids delighted he is returning to Australia. There are two shows on Friday the 25th of January at the Arts Centre with tickets available via the Arts Centre.
Special Events:
Santa’s Magical Kingdom: You will need to get in quick for this pre-Christmas fest of rides, a circus, and Christmas themed activities all under the big top at Caufield Racecourse. Tickets are available until the 23rd of December via Ticketmaster.
Splashland
Opening also at the Caufield Race Course on December 27th is Splashland. Sessional entry is available to experience this inflatable water slide attraction. My kids have gone the previous two years. Best saved for a warm day that is not too hot. There is a morning and afternoon session with tickets available at here.
Meet Ned Kelly at the Old Melbourne Gaol
This summer, get up close and personal with the biggest name in Australian criminal historyat the Old Melbourne Gaol.Meet Ned Kelly during an intimate virtual reality experience surrounding one of the most divisive trials and executions
in history. Everyone has an opinion when it comes to Ned Kelly. But who can say they really know him? This is an experience recommended for older children (over 12s) due to the confronting themes of crime and punishment explored.
Individual tickets start at $15 for children (5 to 15 years), $23 for concession and $28 for adults. A Word from Ned children’s activity is included with entry cost. The Think You Know Me? VR experience is available for an additional $5.
Stamford Wizardry High Tea
How does a magical adventure through a delicious alchemy of sweets and savoury treats sound?
The Stamford Hotel in Melbourne is inviting guests to join them for for a spellbinding afternoon. If you come dressed as a fantasy character and you might just pick up one of the prizes for best dressed!
Expect a visit from the resident wizard as he wanders through his lair, casting magical spells throughout the day.
Dates: Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 January 2019
Session 1: 11.00am – 1.00pm
Session 2: 3.00pm – 5.00pm
$89 per personincluding a glass of sparkling wine and Butter Beer on arrival. Book via the Stamford website.
Museums
Museums Victoria
“There’s heaps of stuff happening at Museums Victoria these school holidays! Create some Christmas windows craft or add your mark to the Metro Tunnels at Melbourne Museum, travel to the moon and back with plenty of lunar fun at Scienceworks, or join card-making power couple Able and Game at Immigration Museum to make a truly unique card for someone special. More details: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/our-museums/school-holidays/”
Dinosaurs are stomping into Silvers
Dinosaurs have stomped into Silvers!…..now you can see one of Australia’s Finest Circus’s along with everyone’s favorite prehistoric creatures all in one 90 minute international show!
Family’s will be able to enter through a FREE walk through Dinosaur Exhibition on their way to Silvers Circus 90 min International Circus show. Be ready for these special prehistoric creatures to also pop in to visit during the Silvers’ performance!
Jurassic Unearthed by Silver’s Circus is showing at Bata Shoe Grounds, Mornington from 2nd January – 3rd February, 2019.
Melbourne Museum
“Create some magical Christmas window craft these school holidays at Melbourne Museum – decorate a Christmas card, make your very own window to take home or use your Christmas waste to make a Trash Puppet! From mid-January, add your mark to the Melbourne Metro Tunnels network or try out some virtual reality. Or, listen into Story Time as books are brought to life on weekdays in a program for 0-5 year olds. More details here:https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/school-holiday-activities/”
Scienceworks
“There’s plenty of lunar fun to be had at Scienceworks these school holidays! In addition to extra shows and experiences, why not travel to the moon and back in a free daily amphitheatre show, handle moon rocks and meteorites, settle down in the moonlight with a good book or get moon-ving and shaking with a groovy dance activity? Plus, be one of the first to try out a new and exciting VR experience, Earthlight: Lunar Hub. More details: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/school-holiday-activities/ ”
Immigration Museum
“It’s the Summer of Love at Immigration Museum! Spend your school holidays with husband-and-wife card makers Anna and Gareth – aka Able and Game – to leave clichéd cards in the dust and create something truly unique for someone you love. More details: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/whats-on/school-holiday-activities/
Don’t forget to check out Melbourne’s beaches during summer this year.
