school-holidays
School Holiday Programs Victoria 2026: Best Camps, Workshops & Courses
School Holiday Programs Victoria 2026: Best Camps, Workshops & Courses
Victorian school holidays don't have to mean two weeks of screen time and boredom. From multi-sport camps and coding workshops to drama courses, art studios, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventure programs, Victoria has hundreds of structured school holiday programs for children of every age and interest. This comprehensive guide covers the best options across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria — with pricing, age recommendations, and booking tips for every break in 2026.
By VicBuzz Editorial Team | Last updated April 2026
Table of Contents
2026 Victorian School Holiday Dates
Victorian government school holiday dates for 2026:
Catholic and independent schools may have slightly different dates. Most holiday program providers align with government school dates, but check individual programs for exact operating dates.
Holiday programs typically run Monday to Friday during the break, with most offering full-day (9am–3:30pm or similar) and some offering half-day options. Before and after-care extensions are available from some providers.
Sports Camps and Active Programs
Australian Sports Camps
Australian Sports Camps (ASC) is one of the largest multi-sport holiday program providers in Australia. They run camps across Victoria at various venues during each school break. Sports offered include basketball, netball, soccer, AFL, cricket, tennis, hockey, and multi-sport programs. Programs are typically full-day (9am–3pm) and run for 3 to 5 days.
Ages: 6–16 (varies by sport)
Cost: Approximately $70–90 per day, or $200–350 for a 3–5 day camp. Multi-child discounts available.
Locations: Various venues across Melbourne and selected regional centres.
Tennis Australia Holiday Programs
Tennis Australia and affiliated clubs across Victoria run school holiday tennis programs ranging from beginner to advanced. Programs are available at Melbourne Park and at hundreds of local tennis clubs.
Ages: 4–16
Cost: From approximately $30–60 per half-day session, or $150–250 for a week.
Locations: Melbourne Park and local clubs state-wide.
AFL Auskick and Club Holiday Programs
Many AFL clubs and local football leagues run holiday clinics, often featuring current or former players as coaches. Programs focus on skills development, teamwork, and game play.
Ages: 5–14
Cost: From approximately $40–70 per day.
Locations: Various suburban ovals and club facilities across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Swimming and Water Sports Programs
During warmer holiday periods (Term 1, Term 4), swimming programs are popular:
Gymnastics and Dance Holiday Programs
Most metropolitan gymnastics clubs run school holiday programs featuring recreational gymnastics, trampoline, tumbling, and parkour. Dance studios across Melbourne also run holiday workshops in various styles.
Ages: 3–16
Cost: Gymnastics from $30–60 per session. Dance workshops from $20–50 per session.
STEM, Coding and Technology Programs
Code Camp
Code Camp is one of Australia's largest kids' coding education providers and runs school holiday programs across Victoria. Programs teach coding through game design, app development, and other project-based activities using age-appropriate platforms.
Ages: 5–13 (programs divided by age and experience level)
Cost: Approximately $70–90 per day, or $200–350 for a 3–5 day camp.
Locations: Schools and community centres across Melbourne and selected regional centres.
Robogals and Robotics Programs
Several providers run robotics and engineering programs during school holidays, including LEGO Robotics workshops, drone programming, and 3D printing. Providers include Robogals, Bricks4Kidz, and various local maker spaces.
Ages: 6–15
Cost: From $50–90 per day.
Locations: Various venues across Melbourne.
Scienceworks Holiday Programs
Scienceworks in Spotswood runs themed STEM workshops during each school break, including engineering challenges, chemistry experiments, and astronomy sessions. These complement the museum's permanent exhibits and are popular with science-oriented children.
Ages: 5–14
Cost: From $10–30 per workshop (in addition to museum entry, which is free for under 16s).
Location: 2 Booker Street, Spotswood
Melbourne Planetarium
The Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks runs special holiday shows and astronomy workshops. These are immersive and educational, covering topics from the solar system to space exploration.
Ages: 5+
Cost: Approximately $6–10 per session.
Art, Drama and Creative Workshops
ArtPlay (Birrarung Marr)
ArtPlay in Birrarung Marr, next to Federation Square, is a dedicated children's arts centre run by the City of Melbourne. During school holidays, ArtPlay runs workshops in visual arts, music, performance, and digital art. Programs are led by professional artists and are consistently high quality.
Ages: 3–11 (programs divided by age)
Cost: Free to low-cost (typically $5–20 per workshop).
Location: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne
Melbourne Theatre Company — Youth Programs
MTC runs school holiday workshops for young people interested in drama, acting, and theatre. Programs include acting intensives, playwriting workshops, and backstage experiences.
Ages: 8–17
Cost: From approximately $50–120 per workshop.
Location: Southbank Theatre, Southbank
NGV Kids Holiday Programs
The National Gallery of Victoria runs art workshops for children during every school break, often linked to current exhibitions. Activities include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media. Programs are popular and book out quickly.
Ages: 3–15 (programs divided by age)
Cost: Free to approximately $20 per workshop.
Location: NGV International (St Kilda Road) and NGV Australia (Federation Square)
Music Holiday Workshops
Several music schools across Melbourne run holiday programs:
Cost: From $30–80 per session, depending on provider and duration.
Nature, Wildlife and Outdoor Programs
Melbourne Zoo Holiday Programs
Melbourne Zoo runs structured school holiday programs called Zoo Holidays, where children participate in animal encounters, conservation activities, keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes experiences. Programs run for full or half days.
Ages: 5–14 (programs divided by age)
Cost: From approximately $70–100 per day.
Location: Elliott Avenue, Parkville
Healesville Sanctuary Holiday Programs
Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley runs similar programs to Melbourne Zoo, with a focus on Australian native wildlife. Activities include platypus and bird encounters, bushwalks, and conservation education.
Ages: 5–14
Cost: From approximately $60–90 per day.
Location: Badger Creek Road, Healesville
Parks Victoria Junior Rangers
Parks Victoria runs the Junior Rangers program during school holidays at national and state parks across Victoria. Activities include guided bushwalks, wildlife spotting, nature craft, and environmental education. These programs are free or very low-cost and run in parks across the state.
Ages: 4–14
Cost: Free or gold coin donation.
Locations: Various parks state-wide — check the Parks Victoria website for each holiday period.
Bush and Outdoor Adventure Camps
Several providers run outdoor adventure programs during school holidays:
Ages: 7–17 (varies by program)
Cost: Day camps from $80–120 per day. Residential camps from $300–800 for multi-day programs.
Council-Run Holiday Programs
Every local council across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria runs school holiday programs. These are often the most affordable option and are available in every part of the state.
What Councils Offer
Council programs typically include:
How to Find Your Council's Programs
Programs are published on each council's website, typically 2–3 weeks before each holiday period. Popular sessions fill fast — set a reminder to check when programs are released. Most councils use online booking systems.
Sample Council Programs
Regional Victoria Holiday Programs
Geelong and Surf Coast
Geelong has a strong holiday program scene. See our dedicated guide to school holiday activities in Geelong 2026 for full details including Adventure Park, Narana Cultural Centre, and council programs.
Ballarat
Ballarat's holiday offerings include Sovereign Hill workshops, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and council programs through the City of Ballarat. See our guide to school holiday activities in Ballarat 2026.
Bendigo
Bendigo offers Discovery Science and Technology Centre programs, Central Deborah Gold Mine, and extensive council programs. See our dedicated guide to school holiday activities in Bendigo 2026.
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula has a rich mix of holiday programs leveraging its natural assets. See our guide to Mornington Peninsula school holidays 2026 for full details.
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Nature-based and farm-based holiday programs in the Yarra Valley. See our guide to kids activities in the Yarra Valley.
Other Regional Centres
Shepparton, Warrnambool, Mildura, Wodonga, and Traralgon all have council-run holiday programs. Check individual council websites for each holiday period.
Residential and Overnight Camps
For older children (typically 7–17), residential camps offer multi-day immersive experiences:
YMCA Camps Victoria
YMCA runs several camp properties across Victoria:
Ages: 7–17
Cost: From approximately $300–600 for 3–5 day programs (all meals and activities included).
The Outdoor Education Group
Runs adventure-focused residential camps including multi-day bushwalks, rock climbing camps, and kayaking expeditions. Programs are challenging and designed to build resilience, teamwork, and outdoor skills.
Ages: 10–17
Cost: From approximately $400–800 for multi-day programs.
Specialist Residential Camps
Booking Tips and What to Know
When to Book
What to Check Before Booking
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Some Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) providers and approved holiday programs are eligible for the federal Child Care Subsidy. If you use an approved provider, you may be able to claim a subsidy that covers 50% to 90% of the cost depending on your family income. Check whether a program is CCS-approved before booking, as this can make a substantial difference to cost.
With kids in programs all week, having dinners sorted in advance is a lifesaver — see plan meals for the week for quick family dinner ideas.
Pricing Comparison Guide
| Program Type | Typical Daily Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council library programs | Free | Book early |
| Council sports clinics | $5–30 | Subsidised |
| Parks Victoria Junior Rangers | Free | Various parks |
| ArtPlay workshops | Free–$20 | Limited places |
| Museum/gallery workshops | $10–30 | Plus entry (free for kids at some) |
| Multi-sport camp (ASC etc) | $70–90 | 3–5 day options |
| Coding camp (Code Camp etc) | $70–90 | 3–5 day options |
| Zoo/Sanctuary programs | $60–100 | Full-day |
| Drama/theatre workshops | $50–120 | Half or full day |
| Tennis/swimming programs | $30–60 | Half-day sessions |
| Residential camp (per night) | $100–200 | All-inclusive |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best school holiday programs in Victoria for 2026?
The best school holiday programs in Victoria include Australian Sports Camps (multi-sport, state-wide), Code Camp (coding and STEM), Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary holiday programs, ArtPlay workshops (Birrarung Marr), Melbourne Theatre Company youth programs, council-run programs across all metropolitan and regional councils, and specialist camps in surfing, horse riding, bush skills, and more.
How much do school holiday programs cost in Victoria?
Costs vary widely. Free council programs are available in every municipality. Council-subsidised programs typically cost $5 to $30 per session. Private sports camps range from $50 to $100 per day. Specialist multi-day camps range from $60 to $150 per day. Residential camps can cost $300 to $800 or more for a multi-day experience.
When should I book school holiday programs in Victoria?
For popular programs, book 2 to 4 weeks before the holiday period begins. Council programs are usually published 2 to 3 weeks before each break and popular sessions fill within days. Private providers often open bookings 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Residential camps may require booking months in advance.
Are there school holiday programs in regional Victoria?
Yes. Regional councils across Victoria run school holiday programs, and several state-wide providers run programs in regional centres. Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, and the Mornington Peninsula all have dedicated holiday program offerings.
Are these programs suitable for children of all ages?
Most programs cater to specific age groups. We've included options for toddlers, primary school-aged children, and teenagers. Always check individual program age requirements before booking.
Sources
Program details, dates, and pricing are based on published 2025–2026 programming and are subject to change. We recommend confirming current details directly with each provider before booking. Pricing is in Australian dollars and is indicative only.
Written by the VicBuzz Editorial Team. For Melbourne-specific programs, see our school holiday programs in Melbourne 2026 guide. For free options, see our guide to free school holiday activities in Melbourne.
Author: VicBuzz Editorial Team — local parents and community contributors covering family life across Victoria. We research, visit, and review family venues and programs across Melbourne and regional Victoria to help parents make informed decisions.
Find activities near you
1651
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best school holiday programs in Victoria for 2026?
The best school holiday programs in Victoria include Australian Sports Camps (multi-sport, state-wide), Code Camp (coding and STEM), Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary holiday programs, ArtPlay workshops (Birrarung Marr), Melbourne Theatre Company youth programs, council-run programs across all metropolitan and regional councils, and specialist camps in surfing, horse riding, bush skills, and more.
How much do school holiday programs cost in Victoria?
Costs vary widely. Free council programs are available in every municipality. Council-subsidised programs typically cost $5 to $30 per session. Private sports camps range from $50 to $100 per day. Specialist multi-day camps (coding, drama, outdoor education) range from $60 to $150 per day. Residential camps can cost $300 to $800 or more for a multi-day experience.
When should I book school holiday programs in Victoria?
For popular programs, book 2 to 4 weeks before the holiday period begins. Council programs are usually published 2 to 3 weeks before each break and popular sessions fill within days. Private providers like Australian Sports Camps and Code Camp often open bookings 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Residential camps may require booking months in advance.
Are there school holiday programs in regional Victoria?
Yes. Regional councils across Victoria run school holiday programs, and several state-wide providers (Australian Sports Camps, Code Camp) run programs in regional centres. Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, and the Mornington Peninsula all have dedicated holiday program offerings from both council and private providers.
Are these programs suitable for children of all ages?
Most programs cater to specific age groups. We've included options for toddlers, primary school-aged children, and teenagers. Always check individual program age requirements before booking.