School’s out! Here’s how to keep the kids busy this autumn

School holidays usually means two or three solid weeks of: “So…what are we going to do today?” With all that free time, it can be tricky to fill the calendar.

But you’re in luck: Geelong and The Bellarine has plenty of kid- and family-friendly activities this autumn school holidays, from play museums and miniature railways to mini golf and trampoline parks.

Here’s a bunch of autumn school holiday ideas for 2025.

First established in 1851, Geelong Botanic Gardens is set on 200 beautiful acres, with picnic-ready lawns, secret fern gullies to explore, and a great on-site café, WYM. You can check out the full list of school holiday activities here.

Little Creatures Brewery has always been a family-friendly spot, but the brand-new kids play area takes things to another level. Grab a beer, put your feet up, and let the little ones burn off some energy.

The new-look Batesford Hotel is one of Geelong’s better-kept secrets. You’ll find it on Ballarat Road, on the banks of the Moorabool River. The grassy beer garden and sandpit are great for children, and there’s a dedicated kids' menu to keep little tummies full.

Part indoor trampoline park, part rock climbing venue, part freestyle playground – Bounce Inc. is the best way for kids to let off some steam. There’s a café on-site, too, with (much needed) coffee for parents.

The Rock is Geelong’s dedicated, state-of-the-art, indoor rock-climbing centre, located right down the end of Pakington St, just next to the Barwon River. With 1000 square metres of terrain to climb, and walls 12-metres high, everyone’s sleeping well tonight.

Looking to get out in nature this school holidays? Take the little ones berry picking at Tuckerberry Hill. Blueberries are a summer-only treat, but strawberry season runs all the way through to May!

There are some great playgrounds around Geelong and The Bellarine (Kingston Park in Ocean Grove, Lonsdale Links, and Barwon Valley Park in Belmont are standouts), but you must put Portarlington Park on the list, with its epic ocean views all the way to Melbourne!

Autumn is traditionally cider season, and Flying Brick in Wallington is always a great day out for the family. This year, make sure to check out the Great Australian Scarecrow Competition.

Fancy a day trip with the kids? Hop on Searoad Ferries and head over to Sorrento from Queenscliff. The ferry has a kids playground and café on board, and there’s plenty to do on the Mornington Peninsula.

Pack the bathers, bring a picnic rug, and head down early to Eastern Beach on the Geelong Waterfront. You’ve got the Carousel, kids train tours, Geelong’s Giant Sky Wheel, and the Eastern Beach Children’s Pool. Throw in some hot chips from Pavilion and you’ve got a perfect family Sunday.

MoPA stands for Museum of Art and Play. It’s Geelong’s fun-for-all-ages children’s museum. Check the website for the latest school holiday program, but expect some combo of dance parties, crafts, story time, car-painting and heaps more.

All aboard the cutest train in Victoria! The Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway is a Bellarine institution, running on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, plus Wednesdays during the school holidays.

During daylight saving, the railway operates from 11:00am to 4:00pm, and outside of daylight saving, it runs from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

There are no shortage of bike trails in Geelong and the Bellarine. It all depends on your experience level (and how tired those little legs get). Start with a ride along the Barwon at Fyansford Common, or tackle the whole Bellarine Rail Trail. It’s up to you!

There are a few good spots for mini golf on The Bellarine. Our picks are definitely The Range @ Curlewis, which has two levels per hole (Challenging and Extreme) and Bellarine Adventure Golf, which you’ll find on The Bellarine Highway, just north of Ocean Grove.

If your little ones love trains, this is the ultimate autumn adventure. "Day Out With Thomas" at Bellarine Railway in Queenscliff is a dream come true for kids (and let’s be honest, plenty of nostalgic adults too). Climb aboard a real-life Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a scenic train ride along Swan Bay. With interactive activities, themed fun, and plenty of photo opportunities, it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family.

The long-awaited move is complete—Melbourne Zoo’s beloved Asian elephants have officially settled into their new home at Werribee Open Range Zoo! The newly built Elephant Trail offers an incredible up-close experience with these gentle giants in a spacious, naturalistic habitat. Watch them roam, splash in their pools, and interact with their herd in a way never before possible. With engaging keeper talks and immersive viewing areas, it’s a must-visit these holidays.

If you’re coming down from Melbourne, it might be worth setting up a base of operations on the Peninsula. And there are heaps of family-friendly accommodation options to choose from. Our favourites include Big 4 Bellarine Holiday Park, Tasman Holiday Parks, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon and Kilmoyla Farm Stay.

That’s the school holidays sorted! Plenty of fun, plenty of adventure, and hopefully plenty of tired little legs by the end of the day. Now… which one first? For more inspo and special events check out our School Holiday page here.