That time of year has come around all too quickly, says every parent in December - summer school holidays. Always followed by the question: what are we going to do? Fear not, as there are so many things to do in Docklands, nearby in the CBD, and not far beyond.
All things being festive & bright there are plenty of opportunities to revel in the joy of the holiday season, especially viewed through the eyes of a child. You can get your Christmas spirit on in Docklands with the new oversized Docklands Christmas Maze located at Newquay Central Park. Kids can help Santa find his lost elves by winding their way through this giant gift themed maze. Open daily & free for all.
It’s certainly not too late to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts for family & friends without having to stress over shipping delays. District Docklands Christmas Night Market will run on Friday, December 17th from 4-9pm. Enjoy & support creative arts, crafts, jewellery, homewares, and tasty food products from local producers.
Continuing the festive theme into the CBD there are many free Christmas displays for the family to view & engage with, from the famous Town Hall Christmas light projections cast over the entire façade of the gorgeous Town Hall, to projections at Chapter House Lane as well as Hamer Hall. Wander to Federation Square and marvel in the glittering 16 metre LED-lit Christmas tree while the kids visit Santa’s Workshop for a socially distanced photo with the jolly man himself. Then meander along Birrarung Marr and gaze upon Santa & his Christmas dolphins lighting up the Yarra River ahead of the 27m floating sleigh, a new & creative addition this year.
Outside of all things Christmas, there are a plethora of entertainment options for kids of all ages here in Docklands too!
Artvo
Artvo has had us marvelling over its ingenious and brilliantly detailed artworks for a few years now. It is interactive fun for the whole family. Strike a pose with the amazing 3D art covering both walls & floors and immerse yourself in fantasyland, incredibly appearing as if you are actively inside of each depicted scene. The opposite of a traditional art gallery, here you are encouraged to touch & get up close to all of the art. Make sure your phone is fully charged to capture it all!
Glow Golf
Glow Golf is the ultimate form of mini-golf. Putt your way around 18 holes of Australia’s famous icons under special UV lights that “light” your way as you traverse the course. While the children play, parents can relax in the state’s smallest bar and enjoy an adult beverage at Bar European (maximum of 4 patrons).
Imaginaria
The whole family can engage in a fully interactive experience of sound, light and wonder at Imaginaria. Operating through the school holidays guests navigate their way through unique structures and landscapes where sound, smell and light respond to every person’s movements. Here imagination and technology join forces in a stunning audio-visual experience from the future.
O’Brien Icehouse
https://obrienicehouse.com.au/
One of our favourite places to escape the heat of the summer is at O’Brien Icehouse at District Docklands. Don some skates and glide around the two huge indoor ice rinks. The Icehouse is a welcoming space for beginners through to well-practised skaters and offers a café for taking a quick break to warm up & refuel. Also a fun destination for birthday celebrations. Open daily until late.
ACMI
A short tram ride away, back at Fed Square, ACMI has undergone a recent huge upgrade & renovation. Open every day & free, learn the history of the moving image from early projections to the birth of film and the digital movie making of today. Explore costumes, cameras, art, sketches and clips with this ongoing exhibition suitable for all ages.
One incredibly special exhibition that is still running at ACMI is Disney: The Magic of Animation. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend a visit. Discover the magic & history of Disney animation for almost 100 years. View original sketches and rare artwork with over 500 carefully selected pieces ranging from Disney’s origins in 1928 to their most recent releases. Definitely, something to discover for all ages. Tickets are required.
Impossible Occurrences Magic Show
https://www.impossibleoccurrences.com.au/
Who isn’t a fan of Magic? Take in award-winning magician Luke Hocking in an intimate and up-close evening at his Impossible Occurrences Magic Show. Performing at the Marriott Hotel, corner of Lonsdale & Exhibition Streets, be completely mesmerized by incredible feats of magic, illusion and mind reading. Tickets required, & recommended for ages 10 & older. Make it a full evening with a great dinner & show package!
Apsis VR
https://melbourne.apsisvr.com/
When it comes to teenagers, they are so much harder to please, generally preferring to be off with their friends rather than hanging with their parents. Two activities that we do enjoy together are Virtual Reality & Indoor Skydiving. Apsis VR has recently opened on Queen Street and is the perfect amalgam of the traditional Escape Room style challenge merged together with virtual reality.
Indoor Skydiving
http://www.iflyworld.com.au/locations/melbourne
iFly is not too far away at Essendon Fields. It’s hard to surpass the feeling of flying, especially when it’s in the safety of a few feet from the ground and not diving head first out of a plane! This is definitely a family favourite of ours, we have even taken the grandparents with us! It’s an experience you won’t forget and will want to come back for again and again.
However, you choose to spend your school holidays, have fun, enjoy & happy 2022!
