We’ve hit that time again, it’s the school holidays! And if you’re anything like me, you’re juggling work, kids, snacks, and about 20 “I’m bored?”s before lunch.

But don’t stress. I’ve pulled together a bunch of affordable and fun things happening around Melbourne these April holidays that will actually keep the kids entertained and won’t cost you a fortune.

Whether you’re up for a big day out, need something quick and easy to fill an afternoon, or just want an excuse to get out of the house, there’s something here for every budget and energy level. I’ve also included some easy ways to save, including my Klook discount code: OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK which gives you up to 10% off select attractions.

Gumbuya World: Easter School Holiday Fun

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure packed with water slides, rollercoasters, wildlife, and Easter fun then Gumbuya World is where it’s at. And this April they’ve got 17 days of action happening from Saturday 5 April.

What’s On:

• Golden Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt across the whole park
• Easter Bunny meet & greets and a brand-new Easter Wildlife Show
• Cuddly Bunny Nursery
• Splash time at Typhoon Island and Warm Rock Pools
• Face painting and an Easter colouring zone on selected days
• All your fave rides, coasters and wildlife encounters

Limited-Time Deals:

• Entry tickets at reduced rates for a limited time
• Cabana hire now $99 (normally $185)
• Day beds from $52
• Express Q Ride Pass $19 — skip the queues!

🎟️ Book tickets here
📅 Full Easter itinerary: View here

👉 Don’t forget you can also check Klook and use my code OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK for up to 10% off on select tickets and experiences!

The Social Quarter at Chadstone

Looking for a one-stop destination to keep the whole family entertained these school holidays? The Social Quarter at Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, is your go-to spot. With a variety of activities, dining options, and exclusive school holiday offers, there’s something for everyone.​

Holey Moley Golf Club

Get ready to putt your way through 18 uniquely themed mini-golf holes at Holey Moley. These school holidays, enjoy special deals: Here

• Kids’ Mini Golf: $12 per child (under 18) for 9 holes.​
• Family Deal: Use code FAMILYFUN for $12 per person mini golf. Valid for families of up to 2 adults and 2 or more kids.​
• Fun Bundle: 3 activities for $36 (kids) or $45 (adults).​

Book your session here: ​Holey Moley

Strike Bowling

Experience bowling like never before at Strike Bowling, inspired by New York’s Grand Central Station.

• Family Deal: Use code FAMILYFUN for $12 per person bowling. Valid for families of up to 2 adults and 2 or more kids.​
• Fun Bundle: 3 activities for $36 (kids) or $45 (adults).​

Hijinx Hotel

Step into a world of immersive challenge rooms at Hijinx Hotel.

• Kids’ Deal: $20 for a set of 5 challenge rooms (under 18s).
• Bundles & Combos: 3 activities for $36 (kids) or $45 (adults).​

Hotel Chadstone’s Family Escape Package

Make it a staycation with Hotel Chadstone’s Family Escape package, which includes:​

• Overnight accommodation in a Classic or Superior Twin room.​
• Breakfast for two adults and up to two children.​
• Two tickets to Chadstone’s Tiny Town immersive School Holiday Activation.​
• Access to 25% discounts on family passes for various entertainment experiences at Chadstone.​

Plan your stay here: ​Hotel Chadstone

These offers are valid during the school holiday period from April 5 to April 21, 2025. Be sure to check each venue’s booking page for specific terms and availability.​

Mad Hatter’s High Tea at Hotel Chadstone

​The Mad Hatter’s High Tea at Hotel Chadstone Melbourne offers a whimsical experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Hosted in the elegant Altus Rooftop, guests can enjoy panoramic views while indulging in a selection of themed sweet and savoury delights.

Event Details:

• Dates: April 4th – April 21st, 2025 (excluding Good Friday)
• Seating Times:
  • Weekdays: 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM​
  • Weekends: 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM​
• Pricing:
  • $85 per adult​
  • $55 per child

Accor Plus Member Benefits: Accor Plus members are entitled to a 10% discount on the Mad Hatter’s High Tea pricing. This benefit allows members to enjoy this enchanting experience at a reduced rate.

​To reserve your spot for the Mad Hatter’s High Tea at Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, please visit the official booking page: Mad Hatter’s High Tea Booking.​

If you’re interested in becoming an Accor Plus member to enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounts on events like the Mad Hatter’s High Tea, you can sign up here: Accor Plus Membership.​

Accor Plus membership offers various advantages, such as up to 50% off dining and accommodation at participating Accor hotels, making it a valuable option for frequent travelers and dining enthusiasts.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is an interactive, immersive experience celebrating the iconic moments, characters, and settings from the Harry Potter™ series, Fantastic Beasts™, and Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. This exhibition offers fans a chance to engage with original props and costumes, and participate in interactive activities that bring the Wizarding World to life.

Exhibition Details:

• Personalized Journey: Begin by selecting your favorite Hogwarts™ house, wand, and Patronus to tailor the experience to your preferences.​
• Iconic Set Recreations: Sit in Hagrid’s giant chair, explore the Cupboard Under the Stairs, and practice Quidditch™ skills by throwing a Quaffle.​
• Original Props and Costumes: View authentic items from the films and stage production, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of filmmaking and theater.​

Location: 62 Dawson Street, Brunswick, Melbourne, 3056.

Ticketing: Starting for $36 – Reserve Your Tickets Here​

This exhibition promises a magical experience for fans of all ages, offering a deep dive into the beloved Wizarding World.

Fantasy Barbie™ Afternoon Tea at The Langham

​The Fantasy Barbie™ Afternoon Tea at The Langham, Melbourne, is a delightful experience for Barbie enthusiasts and families alike. Hosted in the elegant Alto Room on Level 25, this event offers a pink-themed setting with panoramic city views.​

Event Details:

• Dates: April 11th to April 17th, 2025
• Pricing:
  • $95.00 per child
  • $100.00 per adult​

Booking Information:

Limited spots are available, so early reservations are recommended. For more details and to book your table, please visit The Langham, Melbourne’s official website.

Movies: Now Showing & Deals to Know

Perfect for a chill day or rainy weather. Here’s what’s screening during the April holidays:

• Snow White
• Minecraft: The Movie
• Dog Man
• Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up
• The Lost Tiger
• Magic Beach
• Sylvanian Families: A Gift From Frey

Deals to check out:

• $10 tickets on Tuesdays – HOYTS
• Family tickets for G/PG movies – HOYTS
• Earn/redeem Qantas Points at checkout – HOYTS + Qantas
• $6 Kidz Flix tickets (Vrewards) – Village
• Gold Class Monday’s $35 – Village

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre: Build The Trill event

Looking for an exciting and interactive experience for the kids these school holidays? LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne is hosting the Build the Thrill event, a LEGO® F1®-themed adventure running until April 27, 2025.

Event Highlights:

• Pit Pass & Team Selection: Upon arrival, children receive a pit pass and can choose their favorite F1® team.
• Driver & Car Creation: Kids can build their own minifigure driver and design a custom LEGO® race car.​
• Speed Build Challenges: Participants can test their building skills against the clock in various challenges.​
• Racing Experience: Children can race their custom-built cars and aim for a spot on the podium.​
• MINILAND F1® Scenes: Explore the MINILAND exhibit featuring intricate F1® scenes built from LEGO® bricks.​

This event offers a unique blend of creativity and excitement, allowing kids to immerse themselves in the world of Formula 1® through hands-on LEGO® activities.

Booking Information:

• Dates: Now until April 27, 2025.​
• Tickets: Starting from $28.80 per person when booked online in advance.​ Use my code OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK on Klook for up to 10% off selected tickets! 👉 Book on Klook
• Location: LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, Victoria, 3148.

For more details and to secure your tickets, visit the official LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne website.​

Monopoly Dreams Melbourne

​If you’re looking for a unique and interactive experience these school holidays, MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne offers an immersive journey into the world of the classic board game. Located on the lower ground floor of Melbourne Central, this attraction features Mr. Monopoly’s mansion, a 4DX cinema, a laser maze challenge, and rare Monopoly memorabilia.​

Ticket Pricing:

• Adult: $49.50​
• Concession: $42.50​
• Child (3–15 years): $38.50​
• Family Bundle: $139​
• Booking Link: Book via Klook​

To enhance your visit, consider booking through Klook, where you can use the code OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK for up to 10% off selected tickets.

For more details on the attraction and its offerings, you can visit the official MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne website: MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne

Titanic: A Voyage Through Time

​​Embark on an immersive journey into history with Titanic: A Voyage Through Time, a cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) experience in Melbourne. This unique attraction allows you to explore the RMS Titanic, from its opulent interiors to its final resting place beneath the ocean.​

• Explore the Titanic’s Interiors: Walk through meticulously recreated spaces, including the Grand Staircase and first-class cabins, experiencing the ship’s grandeur firsthand.​
• Dive to the Wreck Site: Descend 4,000 meters below the ocean’s surface to witness the haunting remains of the Titanic as they rest today.
• Interactive Narratives: Engage with stories of real passengers and crew, gaining a deeper understanding of their experiences during the fateful voyage.​

Exhibition Information:

• Opening Date: From April 10, 2025.​
• Duration: The VR session lasts 45 minutes; please allow 1 hour total for the experience.​
• Location: Level 1, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.​
• Age Requirement: Suitable for ages 8 and above, with a minimum height requirement of 1.3 meters.​
• Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible.​
• Ticket Information: Starting from $36.00.​

Tickets can be purchased through the official booking platform: here.

Klook.com

Taylor Swift Night at iceHQ

Calling all Swifties — this one’s for you. Whether you’re Team Cardigan or fully Reputation-coded, it’s time to lace up your skates and sing your heart out at Taylor Swift Night at iceHQ.

On Saturday 12 April from 6pm–9pm, the rink transforms into a glittery, lyric-filled, sparkly Swiftie dream. They’re spinning all of Taylor’s biggest hits (yes, even All Too Well), so come ready to skate, sing, and serve your best Taylor-inspired looks.

Event Details:

• Free skate hire: no extra fees to join in
• Themed drinks from the heated upstairs bar
• A cosy bar to warm up in between bangers
• Hot food and snacks available from the on-site café
• A licensed all-ages event so bring the whole crew
• And yes, dressing up is highly encouraged

✨ Think red lipstick, fringe, Eras tour outfits, friendship bracelets… the works.

📍 iceHQ, 1 Blake Street, Reservoir, VIC 3073
🗓️ Saturday 12th April 2025, 6pm–9pm
🎟️ Tickets from $15, if you book online, you can save up to 10%
👉 Book your tickets here

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Extra Budget Tips

• Check Groupon, Scoopon and Experience Oz for last-minute activity deals
• Stack cashback from ShopBack or Cashrewards when booking activities, accommodation or tickets online
• Use OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK on Klook for up to 10% off tickets to LEGOLAND, Gumbuya World, Monopoly Dreams and more
• Mix big-ticket days with free ones like parks, libraries, or DIY at home
• Take snacks and water everywhere to avoid buying on the go
• Check your local library or council for free workshops and kids’ programs
• Look for weekday discounts and family passes at the movies
• Use HOYTS, Village, or Event cinema rewards for cheaper tickets and free snacks
• Earn or redeem Qantas Points at HOYTS – link your Frequent Flyer to HOYTS Rewards
• Join Vrewards (Village) or Cinebuzz (Event) for extra discounts
• Use public transport where you can to avoid big parking costs
• Bring lunch or picnic gear to stretch your day out without extra costs
• Facebook groups and events are great for spotting local free events and pop-ups
• Look for ‘kids eat free’ deals at pubs and cafes (usually early dinners)
• Use discount codes when you can:
  • OVG10 – 10% off SEA LIFE Melbourne
  • PPFKidsFree – Kids travel free on Port Phillip Ferries (April 5–21)

Hopefully this gives you a few new ideas, a couple of cheeky discount codes, and some inspo to keep the kids busy and happy. I’ll keep sharing any new finds or pop-ups over on stories too, so make sure you’re following along.