Your guide to what’s on during the winter school holidays

The Seaweed Sally exhibits at Phillip Island RSL will provide hands-on experiences for kids.

Entertaining the kids during the winter school holidays can be a tough task.

Cold, rainy weather can limit your entertainment options and make the two-week break seem like a looooong stretch.But we’re here to help!

We’ve compiled a list of activities happening around Casey and Cardinia (and nearby) over the school holiday break.

DAILY

PUFFING BILLY ADVENTURE

Experience the magic of a day at Puffing Billy Railway. Start your journey at Lakeside Station in Emerald Lake Park. Have your photo taken with the driver, take in the majestic scenery of the Dandenong Ranges, and feel the excitement as you cross historical timber trestle bridges.

Winter discounts of 25% are available if you book online HERE 

DAILY

EXPLORE ANTARCTICA

Visit Antarctica and explore the world’s most extreme continent from the comfort of a warm base at the Nobbies Centre on Phillip Island.

Kids can stand on an ice floe and see themselves up on the big screen as they reach out to pat a virtual penguin, stroke a playful seal or interact with an orca as it appears to breach out of the Southern Ocean!

More info HERE 

DAILY

GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit offers non-stop school holiday fun! There’s go karting on the 750m replica circuit which overlooks Bass Strait, a historic motorsports display, a daily guided circuit tour and much more!

For more information, call 5952 9400 or click HERE

29 JUNE  – 13 JULY

FAMILY FUN CARNIVAL

Rides and games for all ages, from 12pm each day of school holidays (weather permitting).

The carnival features dodgem cars, ferris wheel, kids roller coaster, carnival games and more!

Casey Central Town Park, Cranbourne North (opposite Casey Central Shopping Centre)

29 JUNE – 7 JULY

PEPPA PIG PLAYDATE

Peppa Pig Playdate is returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, offering a supersized interactive experience of the popular British cartoon.

Pint-sized piggy fans can enjoy a unique journey into the world of the Peppa Pig – they can explore Peppa Pig’s house, jump on bouncy muddy puddles and even hang out with the cheeky little piggy herself.

Tickets available via ticketek.com.au

1-5 JULY

HATCHIMALS CRAFT VILLAGE

Hatchimals Craft Village is coming to the Waverley Gardens these school holidays!

Kids can enjoy free craft activities and meet Draggle.

11am – 2pm, near Target

1-6 JULY

HOLIDAY FUN FOR CRITTERS

It’s week one of the school holiday fun at Casey Central Shopping Centre, with poster painting and Casey Critters scavenger hunts from 11am – 3pm

1-2 JULY

LOVE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

Join in the school holiday fun at Pakenham Central Marketplace these School Holidays.
What’s on:
Week 1: Spendless Kids mornings from 10am-1pm (outside Spendless Shoes). Also on 4 July, kids can enjoy story time with Mondo, outside Woolworths from 10am-12pm.

Week 2: Monday 8 July – Paper Fish Making; Tuesday 9 July – Earth Maps; Wednesday 10 July – Paper Roll Monsters; Thursday 11 July- Popsicle Stick Creations; Friday 12 July – Seed Planting. Activities outside Woolworths, 10am-1pm daily

5-6 JULY

ROBOT SONG

Based on a true story, Robot Song is an honest, deeply personal and intensely funny window into writer, director Jolyon James’ experience parenting a child on the Autism Spectrum.

Bunjil Place Theatre. Tickets $16 (kids under 2 free if seated on carer’s lap)

5 July, 2pm (general admission, relaxed performance)

6 July, 10.30am (reserved seating)

5-7 JULY

ISLAND WHALE FESTIVAL

Celebrate the annual arrival of the whales at Phillip Island. A host of activities will be held across the weekend, including whale spotting sessions.

For full program details, visit www.islandwhales.com.au

5-13 JULY

THE TREE OF LIFE

This musical is being performed at the Cranbourne Community Theatre over the winter holidays.

Cranbourne Community Theatre, Brunt St, Cranbourne. Tickets can be booked HERE

6 & 13 JULY

MEET THE AVENGERS

The avengers are visiting Marriott Waters Shopping Centre and Arena Shopping Centre – and there will be free face painting for the kids.

Marriott Waters: Meet Marvel Iron Man on 6 July, 11am-2pm & Marvel Captain America on 13 July, 11am-2pm

Arena: Meet Marvel Captain America on 6 July, 11am-2pm & Marvel Iron Man on 13 July, 11am-2pm

8 JULY

SEAWEED SALLY

Seaweed Sally comes to the Phillip Island RSL with her fascinating array of marine exhibits and hands-on experiences for kids aged 5-12 years. Bookings are essential. To book, visit www.plrsl.com.au/events

8 JULY

THE LISTIES

The Listies return for more R.O.F.L.ING

A comedy extravaganza of epic proportions, jam packed with magically stupid stuff.

Bunjil Place Theatre. Tickets $16 (kids under 2 free if seated on carer’s lap)

Show times: 10.30am and 1pm

8-13 JULY

STUFFLERS

Kids can make their own stuffed bear for $8 as part of this Stufflers Bear Building event at Casey Central Shopping Centre.

Only the first 260 customers per day can make a bear for $8. After 260 have sold, the price rises to $12, which is still 50% off.

Daily at Casey Central Shopping Centre, 8-13 July, 9am-4pm

12 JULY

COMEDY ROCK SHOW FOR KIDS

Comedy rock duo Aussie Kids Rock will appear in Drop Bear, a fun concert the whole family will enjoy.11am at The Gem Theatre,19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald.

Tickets are $12 and can be booked HERE or by visiting www.aussiekidsrock.com

Tickets also available at the door for $15 (under 5s free)

12 JULY

ANIMALS OF OZ

It’s Free Fun Friday at Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre, with the amazing creatures from Animals of Oz. Runs 10.30am – 12.30pm

After more ideas? Why not check out our guide to the best playgrounds in Casey and Cardinia? The playgrounds are perfect to visit on a sunny winter’s day!