Spring School Holiday Ideas
Published on 01 July 2026
Spring School Holiday Ideas
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? Whether your family loves trains, circus tricks, nature, art or quirky local fun, you’ll find something magical here!
Malamiya Mang - BIYAL Exhibition - school holiday program
Meaning ‘Long Ago and Now’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language, Malamiya Mang celebrates the enduring connection between Dja Dja Wurrung People, Culture and Country. This year’s program will feature a rich mix of art exhibitions, cultural workshops and tours, community gatherings and ceremony. Many events are running during the Victorian school holidays.
Discover Red Gum Culture Workshops at the BIYAL Exhibition for Kids.
Victorian Goldfields Railway – School Holiday Trains
Step aboard a heritage steam train between Castlemaine and Maldon. Special school‑holiday services often include themed rides, kids’ activities and family‑friendly surprises. More info: Victorian Goldfields Railway School Holiday Trains
Victorian Miniature Railway
Climb aboard miniature trains on a long and scenic track.
The Victorian Miniature Railway is located on an undulating 65-acre site in central Victoria. The site boasts mature trees, views of Mount Alexander, creek frontage and a view of the active Melbourne to Bendigo regional train line on the boundary of the property. The current track length spans 2.7km and carries a variety of steam and diesel locomotives. VMR is run by a dedicated team of members and not-for-profit. Come down, see the variety of trains and watch the world go by, travelling around the track. It’s a delight for all ages Victorian Miniature Railway
Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum
A treasure trove of engines, machines and quirky inventions — perfect for curious kids who love to see how things work. More info: Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum
Woop Woop Mini Golf & Sculpture Gardens
Woop Woop isn’t your average day out — it’s a quirky, nature-filled adventure the whole family will love! Set across 5 acres of bushland, this Aussie-themed sculpture garden is packed with larger-than-life characters, tongue-in-cheek humour, and plenty of space to roam, laugh, and play. With outdoor games, mini golf, interactive art, and surprises around every corner, Woop Woop is all about fun, fresh air, and a good dose of Aussie charm. Bring the crew, leave the screens behind, and get ready for a good old-fashioned laugh in the great outdoors! Open extra days for the school holidays! Open 10 - 5 Wednesday to Sunday!
Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary
Discover Jirrahlinga, a wildlife sanctuary near Castlemaine, just over an hour from Melbourne. Home to 128 dingoes and over 200 native animals, our not-for-profit sanctuary offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, education programs, and conservation experiences for families, schools, and visitors of all ages. Open every day except Wednesdays!
Jirrahlinga Junior Rangers Program
Give your child an unforgettable school-holiday adventure as a Junior Ranger at Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary – a one-day program for ages 8–15 where they work alongside real wildlife carers, help look after Australian native animals, and dive into hands-on, educational fun. Bookings are from 9:15am to 2:15pm, $125 including lunch. Book here
Spring Holidays at Castlemaine Circus
Looking for something active, exciting and a little bit different for your kids these school holidays?
Join us for one week only — 21st–24th September!
Aerial – get off the ground and try something amazing
Circus – learn tricks, skills and circus fun
Parkour – jump, climb, balance and move!
*As well as our popular D&D themed parkour session
A fun and energetic way to spend the spring school holidays, with something for every young mover and circus lover!
21–24 September
One week only!
Kids Flicks at the historic Theatre Royal!
School Holidays are not complete without a matinee at the movies! Grab a choc top and settle in for films for all ages. Our hot tip - save some tummy space for their oh so delicious pizzas. Films showing are: Shaun the Sheep, Coyote vs Acme, More films to catch!
Castlemaine Library Free Program
School holidays are never boring at the library. So much fun and free entertainment for all ages and interests. Some sessions do require bookings, so get in quick to avoid disappointment. The program includes:
- The Art of dinosaurs - how to draw like a real paleo-artist!
- STEAM into LEGO - build create and problem solve with everyone's favourite bricks!
- Robots Attack - learn how to master the language of coding
- Generations of play - the origins of stories and games - a special session for ages 5+ and their grandparents (or special older person)!
- Free movies on Wednesdays - check out what they are screening by asking the library staff