Planning the perfect school holiday activities in Melbourne can be overwhelming, especially during the beautiful autumn season of 2025. Whether you’re a local family looking for new adventures or visitors exploring Victoria’s capital, this comprehensive guide covers everything happening in Melbourne from April 5th-21st, 2025.

From world-class exhibitions to hands-on workshops, we’ve researched and compiled the most exciting activities that will keep children of all ages entertained and engaged.

1. Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Step into the spellbinding world of wizardry this April school holidays at Melbourne’s most anticipated exhibition of 2025. This immersive experience transforms the Convention Centre into a magical realm where young witches and wizards can explore authentically detailed sets from the beloved film series.

Visitors will discover:

• Interactive wand choreography lessons in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom
• Original costumes worn by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint
• Hands-on potion-making experiences with stunning special effects
• Photo opportunities with iconic props including the Nimbus 2000 and the Marauder’s Map
• Digital technology integrations bringing magical moments to life
• Special school holiday sessions featuring character meet-and-greets
• Location: Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre – Melbourne 62 Dawson Street

Reserve your magical experience

Tip: Morning sessions tend to be less crowded, perfect for young wizards to explore at their own pace.

2. Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

Embark on an educational journey through history at Melbourne’s newest immersive exhibition. Perfect for school-aged children studying history or those fascinated by the legendary vessel, this exhibition brings the story of Titanic to life through state-of-the-art technology and authentic artifacts.

Experience highlights include:

• Interactive ship exploration using VR technology
• Real artifacts recovered from the ocean floor
• Recreation of first-class and third-class cabins
• Hands-on science experiments about buoyancy and ice formation
• Special effects room simulating the night of April 14, 1912
• Educational workshops about marine archaeology

School Holiday Special Features:

• Junior Historian Program (ages 8-12)
• Maritime Science Workshops
• Historical costume photo opportunities
• Interactive storytelling sessions​
• Location: 206 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000.

Secure your voyage through time

Tip: Book the first session of the day for a more intimate experience with the exhibits.

3. NGV Kids Corner: Autumn Art Adventure

Transform your children into young artists this autumn at the National Gallery of Victoria’s specially curated school holiday program. The NGV has created an engaging series of activities that combine art appreciation with hands-on creativity, perfect for children aged 5-12.

Highlight Programs:

• Kusama for Kids: Interactive dot-creation stations
• Digital Art Lab: Create autumn-inspired digital masterpieces
• Sculpture Garden Treasure Hunt
• Aboriginal Art Storytelling Sessions
• Take-home art projects inspired by famous works

Special School Holiday Workshops:

• Morning Sessions (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): “Little Artists Studio”
• Afternoon Sessions (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): “Digital Art Explorers”
• Weekend Special: Family Art Creation Day
• Location: NGV International, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006

Book workshops here

4. Melbourne Museum’s Dinosaur Discovery

Journey back millions of years at Melbourne Museum’s enhanced dinosaur exhibition, featuring new interactive elements specially designed for the April school holidays. This immersive experience combines education with entertainment, making it perfect for young paleontologists.

Key Attractions:

• NEW: Augmented Reality Dinosaur Experience
• Fossil Dig Pit (supervised sessions)
• Life-sized Animatronic T-Rex
• Interactive Evolution Timeline
• Hands-on Fossil Laboratory

School Holiday Special Activities:

• Junior Paleontologist Program
• Dinosaur Drawing Workshops
• “Meet the Expert” sessions with real paleontologists
• Interactive fossil casting demonstrations
• Location: Carlton Gardens, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053

Book your adventure

5. ACMI’s Digital Kids Program

Discover the magic of digital storytelling at ACMI’s enhanced school holiday program. This year’s program features exciting new elements combining technology with creativity.

Program Features:

• Animation Creation Station
• Green Screen Movie Making
• Sound Design Workshop
• Video Game Design Basics
• Digital Storytelling Sessions

Special Holiday Activities:

• Morning: Beginner Tech Workshops
• Afternoon: Advanced Digital Creation
• All Day: Interactive Digital Play Space
• Location: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Reserve your spot

6. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium’s Ocean Explorers

Dive into an underwater adventure these school holidays with SEA LIFE Melbourne’s special marine biology program. Perfect for young ocean enthusiasts, this program combines education with unforgettable experiences.

Featured Experiences:

• NEW: Interactive Rockpool Discovery Sessions
• Shark Detective Program
• Penguin Research Station
• Marine Conservation Workshops
• Behind-the-scenes Aquarist Tours

Daily Special Events:

• Morning: Marine Biologist Talks
• Afternoon: Feeding Sessions
• All Day: Interactive Touch Pools
• Location: King Street, Melbourne

Book your underwater adventure

7. Autumn Park Trails: Melbourne’s Golden Season

As autumn paints Melbourne in spectacular shades of red, orange, and gold, explore some of the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens. April school holidays offer the perfect opportunity for families to experience nature’s colorful transformation while enjoying outdoor activities together.

Maribyrnong Park 

Meander along the riverside walking trails where deciduous trees create a stunning autumn canopy. The park offers excellent cycling paths, making it perfect for family bike rides. Children can enjoy the modern playground while parents take in the seasonal views.

Osmond Park 

A hidden gem during autumn, this park showcases beautiful fall colors along its walking paths. The open spaces are perfect for picnics under the changing leaves, and the children’s play area provides hours of entertainment.

Strathmore Storage Wetland Park 

Experience autumn from a different perspective at this unique wetland park. The changing season brings a special charm as native plants and introduced species display their fall colors, while local birds provide natural entertainment.

Royal Park 

Melbourne’s largest inner-city park transforms during autumn. The native grassland and eucalypt woodland offer a distinctly Australian autumn experience, with walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities.

Footscray Park 

One of Victoria’s most impressive Edwardian parks comes alive with autumn colors. The heritage-listed gardens provide a spectacular backdrop for family photos, with the Maribyrnong River adding to the scenic beauty.

For current park information and facilities: 

🍂 Visit City of Maribyrnong Parks

🍂 Visit City of Melbourne Parks

Note: All parks are free to visit and open daily. Check weather conditions before visiting, and remember to pack water, snacks, and sun protection.

Visit website

8. University of Melbourne Sport Holiday Camps

Transform school holidays into active adventures at one of Melbourne’s premier sporting facilities. The University of Melbourne Sport Camps offer professional coaching and diverse sporting experiences in world-class facilities.

Program Highlights:

• Multi-sport Development Programs
• Sport-specific Skills Sessions
• Swimming Programs at the Olympic-sized pool
• Indoor Court Sports
• Athletics Track Activities
• Expert coaching from university-qualified instructors

Available Sports:

• Swimming
• Basketball
• Athletics
• Tennis
• Gymnastics
• Indoor Soccer

• Location: University of Melbourne Sport, Parkville

Register for sport camps

Accommodation Tips

Make the most of your Melbourne school holiday adventure by staying at The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds. Our spacious apartment-style accommodation offers:

• Fully equipped kitchens for family meals
• Spacious living areas for relaxation
• In-room laundry facilities
• High-speed WiFi for sharing your adventures
• Secure parking available

Transport Tips

• Free tram zone covers many central attractions
• Convenient public transport links
• Secure bike storage available
• Walking distance to multiple activities

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book activities in advance for early bird rates
• Consider multi-venue passes
• Pack snacks and water
• Look for family package deals
• Use public transport where possible

Melbourne’s April 2025 school holidays offer an exciting mix of indoor and outdoor activities, educational experiences, and family adventures. Whether you’re interested in magic at Harry Potter: The Exhibition, marine life at SEA LIFE, or outdoor exploration along the Maribyrnong River, there’s something for every family to enjoy.

Ready to plan your Melbourne school holiday adventure? Book your stay at The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds and enjoy easy access to all these exciting activities.