Budget-friendly activities in West Victoria to keep the kids busy during the school holidays
Craft workshops, special performances, and an indoor pool party are just some of the fun activities on offer.
David Allegretti
April 08, 2025
The school holidays are here and the little gremlins are free of their scholarly shackles. Two weeks will fly by, so to help you make the most of it, we’ve compiled a little guide of the best things to do these holidays — that won’t break the bank.
If you have an event you’d like to submit, or just happen to know about something really cool we might've missed, give us a yell by emailing [email protected] — we’re all ears.
Budget-friendly school holiday activities in Warrnambool
Storytelling with Merindah-Gunya
Merindah-Gunya weaves tales and teaches the rich significance behind traditional Aboriginal art symbols. This hands-on autumn workshop guides children through creating their own meaningful artwork while connecting with Indigenous storytelling traditions in a fun, interactive environment.
Where: Warrnambool Art Gallery
When: Tuesday, April 8, 10am – 11am
Price: $5, Members free (adults supervising children under 8 don't require tickets)
Karys McEwen: The Paperbark Tree Committee
Meet children's author Karys McEwen as she shares the story behind The Paperbark Tree Committee — a tale of 12-year-old Art, his brother Hilary, and their adjustment to city life after moving from a small regional town. Suitable for ages 8+ with families welcome.
Where: Warrnambool Library, 8 Kepler St, Warrnambool
When: Wednesday, April 9, 10:30am – 11:30am
Price: Free
Karys McEwen: Kids' Writing Workshop
Karys McEwen will also be leading this hands-on workshop for young storytellers. Through practical exercises and creative prompts, kids will learn to transform ideas into compelling stories, overcome writer's block, and develop their unique voice. Perfect for budding writers to experiment and connect with fellow young authors.
Where: Warrnambool Library, 8 Kepler St, Warrnambool
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2:30pm – 4pm
Price: Free
Lego Club
Build, create, collaborate!!! Join the school holiday Lego fun with a mix of guided challenges and free play sessions that spark imagination and engineering skills.
Whether following weekly challenges or constructing your own masterpieces, this club offers the perfect blend of creativity and social interaction for young builders. Now running on Wednesdays.
Where: Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, 8 Kepler St, Warrnambool
When: Wednesdays, April 9 & 16, 4pm – 5pm
Price: Free
Angel Wings
Create your own set of wings inspired by Mirka Mora's Angels painting from the gallery collection.
Children will learn about Mirka's life and her interest in winged creatures before heading to the studio to craft personal angel wings using various art materials. Suitable for ages 4 and up.
Where: Warrnambool Art Gallery
When: Thursday, April 10, 10:30am – 12pm
Price: $5, Members free (adults supervising children under 8 don't require tickets)
Up and Away – Warrnambool Kite Day
Fill the sky with colour at this free family kite festival, where kites of all shapes and sizes take flight. Bring your own kite, purchase one for just $10, or simply enjoy the spectacular aerial display. With live DJ music all day, coffee and BBQ options to keep you fuelled, it's the perfect outing for kite enthusiasts and families alike.
Where: Lake Pertobe, 49 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool
When: Saturday, April 12 , All day
Price: Free
Renewal: Cardboard Sculptures
Transform the humble cardboard box into unexpected sculptural forms inspired by Anna Varendorff's exhibition kiki.
Participants will explore creative possibilities using both salvaged and new materials, turning everyday items into artistic creations. Perfect for young creators aged 8 and up.
Where: Warrnambool Art Gallery
When: Monday, April 14, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Price: $5, Members free
The Art of Glass
Turn trash into treasure as you transform ordinary glass jars into beautiful, functional creations. Join Will, Warrnambool City Council's Circular Economy officer, to discover creative ways to reuse glass while decorating your own recycled jars into tea-light holders, pencil pots, or whatever your imagination desires. Remember to bring your own clean glass jars — because while recycling is good, reusing is better.
Where: Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, 8 Kepler St, Warrnambool
When: Tuesday, April 15, 10:30am – 11:30am & 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Price: Free
Minecraft Craft
Block by block, pixel by pixel — unleash your kid’s creativity with Minecraft-themed crafts. From paper-folding to construction activities, this drop-in session transforms the library into a hands-on crafting haven for young gamers and creators alike. Perfect for ages 5-12, with younger children welcome with parent/carer support.
Where: Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, 8 Kepler St, Warrnambool
When: Wednesday, April 16, 10:30am – 11:30am
Price: Free
A DINO MITE BABY DINOSAUR SHOW - Featuring The Dinomaniacs
Meet cute baby dinosaurs in this interactive family adventure. This energetic 45-minute show combines lifelike dinosaur encounters, fun facts, singalongs, and photo opportunities perfect for young dino enthusiasts.
Where: Rafferty's Tavern, 1145 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool
When: Wednesday, April 16, 11am – 12pm
Price: Kids $21 kids (includes $11 kids meal), Parents $10
Family Fun Day
Lake Pertobe will transform into Easter central with activities for the whole family courtesy of the Easter Arts Festival. Melbourne puppet troupe “Elk Puppets” will perform two shows alongside other live music and don’t miss the always-anticipated Easter egg hunt. BBQ and hot cross buns will be available, as well as free tea and coffee.
Where: Lake Pertobe, Pertobe Road, Warrnambool
When: Saturday, April 19, 10am – 3pm
Price: Free
Budget-friendly school holiday activities in Port Fairy & Koroit
Mini Chefs Cooking Classes 7yrs & under
Introduce your little ones to the joy of cooking with food blogger Wendy Lane from Stirring the Pot. This specially designed workshop for younger kids offers hands-on experience creating tasty dishes while exploring new ingredients, flavours, and basic cooking techniques. Perfect for sparking culinary creativity and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.
Where: Port Fairy Community House
When: Wednesday, April 9, 10am – 10:45am
Price: $10 per child
Mini Chefs Cooking Classes 8+
This one’s for slightly older food enthusiasts. A fun chance to roll up their sleeves in this hands-on cooking workshop once again led by Wendy. Kids will learn to create tasty dishes while exploring new ingredients, flavours, and cooking techniques.
Where: Port Fairy Community House
When: Wednesday, April 9, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Price: $10 per child
Crafty Kids! Easter bunny workshop
Transform recycled fabric and materials into cute little Easter bunnies in this eco-friendly workshop with Sue McComish.
Children will learn basic hand stitching techniques while designing their own unique bunny creations from recycled items. A perfect hands-on activity combining creativity with sustainability for primary schoolers aged 8 and above.
Where: Port Fairy Community House
When: Thursday, April 10, 10am – 11:30am
Price: $10 per child
Portraits with Mel Mac
Budding artists can learn step-by-step portrait techniques in this creative workshop led by artist Melanie Macilwain. From basic face drawing to adding colourful details, children will develop artistic skills while expressing themselves through their own unique masterpieces. Designed for primary school children aged 8 and above.
Where: Port Fairy Community House
When: Thursday, April 10, 12pm – 1pm
Price: $10 per child
Easter basket making korit and port fairy april 11
Koroit irish festival april 25
The Giant Yambuk Slide
Scale the impressive 33-metre beach slide at Yambuk Lake for panoramic coastal views before whizzing down through sandy dunes. Just 10 minutes from Port Fairy, this hidden gem offers the perfect family day out with picnic spots, fishing opportunities, and BBQ facilities. Drive through the caravan park to access this thrilling free attraction.
Where: Yambuk Lake, Yambuk
When: Whenever you like! It’s always there.
Price: Free
Budget-friendly school holiday activities in Ararat
Nature Play Day at Alexandra Gardens
Let kids reconnect with the natural world at this outdoor adventure day in Alexandra Gardens. Kids can embark on nature walks, tackle scavenger hunts, try their hand at bush craft, experiment with watercolour painting, and create textural sculptures through clay play.
Where: Alexandra Gardens, Ararat (between the playground and Orchid House)
When: Tuesday, April 8, 10am – 12pm
Price: Free
Ararat Fitness Centre Indoor Pool Party
Colourful inflatables transform the water into a playground while blasting music creates a festive atmosphere. Dive, splash, and race for prizes during this fun two-hour pool party that offers indoor swimming fun and a nice escape from the chilly autumn weather.
Where: Ararat Fitness Centre
When: Tuesday, April 8, 5pm – 7pm
Price: $7 entry
PS5 debut at Ararat Library
Be among the first to test drive Ararat Library's brand new PlayStation 5. Drop in for an afternoon of gaming with no registration needed on the day, though forms will be available if you'd like to access the console for future sessions. Perfect for gamers of all ages and skill levels.
Where: Ararat Library
When: Wednesday, April 9, 3pm – 4:30pm
Price: Free
Extended Lego Play at Ararat Library
Calling all brick enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned Lego master or just looking to hang out with mates, these extended school holiday sessions offer the perfect blend of planned challenges and freestyle building. Show off your construction skills, tackle creative activities, and build impressive structures in this perfect afternoon activity for 6-12-year-olds.
Where: Ararat Library
When: Thursdays, April 10 & 17, 3pm – 5pm
Price: Free
Paint What You Hear
An immersive performance and workshop experience for young people, "Paint What You Hear" combines classical and contemporary music with visual art. Led by musician Erica Rasmussen and visual artist Zakiya Kurdi, participants are invited to paint in response to the music they hear.
Where: Ararat Town Hall
When: Monday, April 14, 10:30am – 11:15am & 1pm – 1:45pm
Price: $15
Drop-In Craft at Ararat Gallery TAMA
Get hands-on in this creative family workshop. Children can craft little creatures, including insects, birds, and reptiles, through collage, painting, drawing, construction, and textile activities. Budding artists can even display their masterpieces in the Nature Play Community Wall exhibition.
Where: Ararat Gallery TAMA
When: Thursday, April 17, 10am – 12:30pm
Price: Free
Budget-friendly school holiday activities in Portland
Make a Pompom with Sophie Honess
Create colourful bush flower pompoms inspired by native Australian flora with Gamilaroi Yinarr artist Sophie Honess. Using yarn, embroidery thread, and felt, participants will craft decorative pompoms that celebrate the natural beauty of Country, perfect for decorating school bags or keychains.
Where: Portland Arts Centre, 4a Glenelg Street, Portland
When: Thursday, April 10, 10:30am
Price: Free
Libraries After Dark – Games Night!
Swap screens for social fun at Portland Library's after-hours games evening. From classic board games to modern party faves, this casual drop-in event offers entertainment for all ages and skill levels. Perfect for solo players looking to meet new people or families seeking screen-free entertainment together.
Where: Portland Library
When: Thursday, April 10, 6pm – 8pm
Price: Free
Sensory Play Portland
Get hands-on with squishy slime making, miniature modelling, and other sensory experiences during this two-hour slime sesh. The perfect activity for curious minds who enjoy creative play with different textures, materials, and sensations.
Where: Portland Library, 32 Bentinck Street, Portland
When: Friday, April 11, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Price: Free
Bunny Portraits - Saturday Arts
Portland Library's free drop-in crafting session lets kids create their own bunny portraits just in time for Easter celebrations. No need to book — just turn up and get creative with all materials provided. A perfect weekend activity that won't cost a cent and welcomes crafters of all ages.
Where: Portland Library, 32 Bentinck Street, Portland
When: Saturday, April 12, 2pm – 3:45pm
Price: Free (no bookings required)
Trading Card Game Events - Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering
Portland Library transforms into a gaming arena where seasoned players and newcomers converge for structured Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering sessions. The Portland TCG Community leads participants through game mechanics, deck building strategies, and friendly matches — with loaner cards available for those without collections.
Where: Portland Library
When: Monday, April 14, 2pm – 3:30pm & Saturday, May 31, 10am – 1pm
Price: Free
AFL Auskick Portland School Holiday Program
Tailored for different age groups, the one day program offers 4-7 year olds a gentle introduction to footy through mini-games and basic skills, while 8-12 year olds experience more advanced development with modified gameplay and team-building exercises.
Where: Alexandra Park Oval, Portland
When: Thursday, April 17, 9am – 3pm
Price: $55 (includes a football to keep)
Libraries After Dark – Paddington
Settle in for an evening of heartwarming adventure as Portland Library screens the beloved tale of a marmalade-loving bear navigating London life. Follow Paddington's mishaps and quest for belonging — and make sure to bring along your favourite snacks for this relaxed after-hours screening.
Where: Portland Library
When: Thursday, April 17, 6pm – 8pm
Price: Free
Budget-friendly school holiday activities in Hamilton
AFL Auskick Portland School Holiday Program
Tailored for different age groups, the one day program offers 4-7 year olds a gentle introduction to footy through mini-games and basic skills, while 8-12 year olds experience more advanced development with modified gameplay and team-building exercises.
Where: Pedrina Park, Hamilton
When: Tuesday, April 8, 9am – 3pm
Price: $55 (includes a football to keep)
Dogman Movie/Craft
A fun two-part event starting with a creative craft session where kids can make their own Mini Dogman Theatre, followed by a viewing of the film featuring the half-dog, half-human hero battling the villainous Petey the Cat.
Where: Hamilton Cinema & Hamilton PAC
When: Wednesday, April 9, 11:15am (craft), 12pm (movie)
Price: $10.50 per person
Anime Drawing - Bandicoot Book House
Step into the world of anime artistry and learn to draw bandicoots in anime style (what the hell, sure). Participants will create their own decorated paper maché book-box home for their bandicoot while discovering fascinating facts about these native Aussie animals.
Where: Hamilton Library
When: Thursday, April 10, 2pm – 3pm
Price: Free (bookings essential)
Shadow Puppets Show & Workshop
Experience the magic of traditional Asian shadow puppetry through enchanting folk tales and interactive dance. After the performance, workshop participants can create their own shadow puppets in a guided session, bringing light and shadow to life through this ancient storytelling art form.
Where: Hamilton PAC - Function Room
When: Saturday, April 12, 10:30am
Price: Free ticketed event (workshop requires additional ticket)
Bunny Beauties - Easter Fun
Hop into Easter celebrations with this festive craft workshop featuring storytelling, an exciting library egg hunt, and a creative mirror-decorating craft. Kids will enjoy a morning of holiday-themed fun while creating a decorative keepsake mirror to take home.
Where: Hamilton Library
When: Monday, April 14, 10:30am – 11:30am
Price: Free (bookings essential)
Minecraft Movie/Craft
Craft your own 3D paper character before watching the Minecraft movie. Follow four misfits as they're transported to the Overworld where imagination rules and creativity is the key to finding their way home.
Where: Hamilton Cinema & Hamilton PAC
When: Wednesday, April 16, 11:15am (craft), 12pm (movie)
Price: $10.50 per person
Wozza Magical Mountain Music Show
Join Wozza and his furry Aussie animal friends for a musical journey filled with singing, dancing and adventure. Little ones will delight in the energetic performances and catchy songs that engage both children and their grown-ups alike.
Where: Hamilton Library
When: Thursday, April 17, 11am
Price: Free ticketed event
Thumbnail: Pexels / Lukas