Fun and Educational Destinations for Kids During School Holidays

 School holidays are a great time for children to take a break from books and classrooms and explore the world around them. It is the perfect chance for families to travel together, visit new places, and learn something along the way.

If you live in or around South East Melbourne, there are many wonderful spots that are both fun and educational. These places let kids play, discover nature, understand history, and learn in a hands-on way.

Using a coach bus service makes it easier for families and groups to reach these destinations safely and comfortably.

1. Phillip Island Wildlife and Penguins Night Tour

Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most loved family destinations. Children can visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, where they will see koalas up close in their natural home. They can also stop by Churchill Island to learn about old farming life.

The biggest highlight is the Penguin Parade that happens every evening. As the sun sets, hundreds of tiny penguins waddle across the beach to their burrows. It is a magical sight that children never forget.

Learning part: Kids learn about penguin habitats, how wildlife is protected, and the importance of caring for the environment.

2. Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy Train

The Dandenong Ranges are close to Melbourne but feel like another world. Families can take a walk through the tall forests, visit gardens, or enjoy a picnic in nature. The main attraction is the Puffing Billy Steam Train, one of the oldest steam trains in Australia.

Children love leaning out the windows and feeling the fresh mountain air as the train moves through the forest.

Learning part: This trip teaches children about local history and how people once travelled by steam train. It also helps them enjoy the beauty of the Australian bush.

3. Healesville Sanctuary and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

A trip to Healesville Sanctuary is both fun and full of learning. The sanctuary is home to many Australian animals like kangaroos, emus, platypuses, and koalas. Kids can listen to talks from rangers and learn how these animals are cared for and protected.

Afterwards, families can stop by the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Children can watch how chocolates are made and even enjoy a sweet treat before heading home.

Learning part: This trip combines learning about animals with understanding food making. It’s a perfect mix of education and enjoyment.

4. Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Gold Rush Experience

If your child loves stories of the past, a visit to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat will be a big adventure. It is like walking into history — the streets, shops, and people all look like they did in the 1850s during the Gold Rush.

Kids can try panning for gold, explore old mines, and see how people lived in those days. Actors in costume make the whole place feel real.

Learning part: Children understand what life was like during the Gold Rush, how people worked hard for gold, and how towns grew during that time.

5. Wilsons Promontory and Gippsland Nature Tour

For families who love being outdoors, Wilsons Promontory National Park is a great choice. It has beaches, walking trails, and lots of native wildlife like wombats, emus, and kangaroos.

You can spend the day exploring, or even stay overnight in cabins or camping areas.

Learning part: Kids learn about nature, animals, and why national parks are important. It also teaches them to respect wildlife and leave no waste behind.

6. Funfields Theme and Water Park

Not every learning experience has to be serious. A day at Funfields Theme Park in Whittlesea gives children a chance to play, laugh, and enjoy rides and water slides. While it’s mostly about having fun, there’s also learning involved — like how water rides work, or how speed and gravity make them move.

Learning part: A light introduction to science through play, plus teamwork and patience while waiting for rides.

7. Daylesford and Macedon Ranges

For a quieter and relaxing trip, families can visit Daylesford or the Macedon Ranges. These areas are full of forests, lakes, and mineral springs. There are also local markets where kids can meet small business owners and learn about handmade crafts or local food.

Learning part: Children discover local geography, geology (like how mineral springs form), and get to see small town community life.

Making Holidays More Meaningful

All these places are just a few hours from South East Melbourne, making them easy day trips or short weekend getaways. Each destination gives children something different — new sights, new ideas, and new memories.

Learning does not always need to happen in a classroom. When kids see penguins up close, ride an old train, or pan for gold, they learn lessons that stay with them for life. They start to understand history, nature, and the world around them in a real and enjoyable way.

So, during the next school holidays, plan a day out that is more than just entertainment. Choose destinations that let children explore, ask questions, and experience something new. Whether it’s animals, science, nature, or history, there’s always something exciting to learn right here in Victoria.

Source: https://dhilloncharter.com.au/blog/educational-destinations-for-kids-during-school-holidays/