As the weather slowly warms up and the kids gear up for the September school holidays, it is time for our round up of the best things to do in Melbourne for the spring break.
From free days out to affordable things to do, to big ticket items, there is always plenty on offer in Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs for kids this time of year! We have even included some kids shows, just in case the inevitable rain strikes to spoil our fun!
1. Marvel: Journey of Heroes
Celebrate 80 years of Marvel comics with a free exhibition behind the Shot Tower, Level 1, Melbourne Central! Spider-Man, Wolverine, Thor, Iron Man, Captain America and the rest of the Marvel superheroes are there to see.
Call yourself a superfan? You’ll be able to go on a historical journey of Marvel highlights, from the first publication of Timely Comics in 1939; to the legendary impact of titans like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and more; to the present day, starring the latest Marvel flicks and your absolute favourite heroes!
When: Friday 5, July to Sunday 29 September 2019 from 10am daily.
Where: Behind the Shot Tower, Level 1, Melbourne Central!
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2. Celebrate Batman’s 80th anniversary at Fed Square
Join in at the East Shard, Fed Square, overlooking the Flinders St and Swanston St junction, to see the Bat-Signal emblazoned across the side of the square. There will be cosplaying and all sorts of fun.
When: Saturday 21, September at 6:45pm, bat-signal goes up at exactly 8:08.
Where: East Shard, Federation Square.
Celebrate Batman’s 80th anniversary at Fed Square is set to be a great time!
(Image: Fed Square)3. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
Treat your kids to free flights on Melbourne Star these school holidays and adventure to new heights as you take in sights of Melbourne City and beyond. You will receive a complimentary child ticket with every full price ticket, limited to one child ticket per one full price ticket purchased. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
When: From Saturday, 21 September to Sunday, 6 October and is open 11am – 9:30pm daily.
Where: The District Docklands, 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands.
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4. Royal Melbourne Show
This year’s Royal Melbourne Show will have a range of new and exciting exhibits and reasons to take the kids again this year. Along with the old show favourites: the showbags, rides, animal nursery, art and craft displays, dog shows, livestock displays and the Woodchop Pavilion will be a whole bunch of new kid friendly debuts.
There will be a Jurassic Creatures Pavilion with animatronic dinosaurs.
There will be a Future Pavilion, a fully immersive tech and video gaming area showcasing new technology, innovative gadgets and virtual reality. And there will be also be new live entertainment on offer, packed with live music and performances by PAW Patrol Live, Cosetino the Grand Illusionist and seven-piece tribute band The Elton John Experience.
When: Saturday, 21 September to Tuesday, 1 October, and is open from 9.30am until 9pm daily.
Where: Ascot Vale’s Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.
You HAVE to get to the Royal Melbourne Show!
(Image: Royal Melbourne Show)5. Katena Luminarium – Architects of Air
Lose yourself in a labyrinth of colour, shapes, and winding tunnels. A mesmerising experience for kids and adults alike! More than 3 million people in over 40 countries have enjoyed the Alan Parkinson’s architectural installations. Now it’s Melbourne’s turn – the Katena Luminarium is coming to Bunjil Place! Suitable for all ages.
When: Friday, 27 September to Sunday, 6 October, and is open Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Where: Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.
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8. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
These September school holidays Sea Life is celebrating the release of The Angry Birds 2 Movie encouraging kids to take flight with Bomb, Red, Chuck and friends and join ‘Bird Island Academy!’
Guests will learn the quirky features of Bird Island’s chirpy residents and complete unique challenges on their journey through the aquarium. Visitors can explore the frenemies of the sea just like Red and Leonard in The Angry Birds Movie 2, race Bomb in the rockpool challenge and learn about science from new character Silver. For more information click here.
When: Saturday, 21 September to Sunday, 20 October, and is open from 9:30am – 6:00pm daily.
Where: King St, Melbourne.
9. Scienceworks
Along with all their regular interactive exhibits, Scienceworks is offering a number of interactive activities to keep budding scientists and engineers entertained these school holidays.
Discover the science behind bridge construction. From a hands-on bridge building activity, to an engaging amphitheatre show about the science of structures and a construction-themed play area for younger visitors, their holiday program has something for every budding engineer! Click here for more.
When: Saturday, 21 September to Sunday, 6 October, and is open from 10am – 4:30pm daily.
Where: 2 Booker Street, Spotswood
The Scienceworks holiday program has something for every budding engineer.
(Image: Get Out With Kids)10. Werribee Open Range Zoo
These September school holidays, Aboriginal cultural activities will take over the Australian Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Members of the local Kulin Nation will share their incredible stories through dance and didgeridoo performances, gumnut and emu feather necklace workshops, ochre face painting, clap stick decorating, river pebble symbol painting and much more!
*And remember kids under 16 receive FREE general admission to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary on weekends, Victorian government public and school holidays. Find out more here.
When: Saturday, 21 September to Sunday, 6 October, and is open from 9am – 5pm daily.
Where: K Rd, Werribee
Werribee Open Range Zoo is a great day out!
(Image: Get Out With Kids)11. Monster Jam Melbourne
The most intense family motorsports entertainment experience on the planet, Monster Jam®, is BACK for one Australian city only and this time it’s bigger, better, faster, stronger! For two shows only, this action-packed live event with superstar drivers, brings fans to the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement that is fun for the entire family! Starring the biggest performers on four wheels, Monster Jam trucks take on a life of their own.
**When: Saturday 5, October – 2pm & 7pm Where:** AAMI park, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne
12. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl’s delicious tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. It’s a delectable treat featuring songs from the original film, including Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and I’ve Got a Golden Ticket, alongside a brand new, toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Willy Wonka and his marvellous and mysterious chocolate factory!
When: Wednesday, 11 September to Sunday 1, December
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition St, Melbourne
For more inspiration when it comes to things to do with kids, Get Out with Kids shares reviews of kid friendly places to eat, play and travel around Australia and beyond!
