After a long, hard, year, Christmas is fast approaching, and with it the fun-filled (and sometimes dreaded) Christmas school holidays. If you’re looking for things to do with your kids in Melbourne these holidays, but you’re on a tight budget, read on for our top 4 budget-friendly Melbourne activities for kids.
Christmas Projections
Have you seen any Christmas lights while driving through your area this year? Christmas light hunting is a holiday staple in our household, and such an easy, special moment for kids to enjoy over Christmas. If you’re looking for something a little more spectacular, check out the FREE Christmas Projections on Swanston Street for a truly magical experience. From now until Christmas Day, you can see special Christmas projections on the State Library, Town Hall and Princes Bridge, with new projections being showcased from Boxing Day until the 3rd January. Because the projections need to be seen at night, they run from 9pm-11pm. It might mean a bit of a late night for your little ones, but they’re sure to be raving about it the next morning.
Christmas Treasure Hunt
Looking for something that requires physical activity, problem solving, and is fun? The Melbourne City Christmas Treasure Hunt is for you. Available throughout December in the free tram zone of the city, the treasure hunt is an interactive adventure designed to get kids moving and thinking on their feet. The hunt starts and ends at Mary Martin Bookshop and take approximately 1 – 1.5 hours to complete. It’s aimed at 5-12 year olds, although everyone is invited to participate – if you solve the riddle you’ll even receive a small prize and go in the running to win a hamper of books. Pick up your map from the Bookshop during opening hours and get started on this free event whenever you like.
Audioplay
For some at-home fun, Audioplay is the latest interactive activity for children 6-12 years old. Part audiobook, part play, the Audioplay adventures allow listeners to become the characters in the story, playing out the actions in real life. All you need to do is download the free app on a device, set your kid(s) up with a set of headphones, and get some household props like blankets and chairs together. The first episode is free, with subsequent stories costing $3.99 to hire or $6.99 to purchase. You only need to purchase one copy for multiple people to join in, and parents are encouraged to play too.
The Wind in The Willows
If you’re saving up for an extra-special treat, The Wind in The Willows at the Royal Botanic Gardens could be just what you need. This special outdoor performance includes music, songs, and humour, with moments for kids and adults alike to interact through yelling out and singing along. Performances run from 19th December – 24th January with weekday and weekend options at various times of day. Tickets are available from $20 each, so this activity is a little more costly, but if you take a packed lunch to enjoy in the gardens and have a walk in the afternoon, you can have a truly special day to enjoy with your little ones.
How will you be spending the holidays? Let us know your plans and share your ideas for other families below.
To download this article as a PDF, click here.
