Your guide to family-friendly winter fun.

Winter in Melbourne is full of magic – crisp air, glowing lights, and the perfect excuse to rug up and spend quality time with loved ones. Lyndarum North residents are perfectly positioned to enjoy a mix of local community fun and iconic city experiences this season. Whether you’re keen to stay close to home or venture a little further for something special, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy during the school holidays. Here’s a roundup of the best winter events happening in and around the City of Whittlesea, plus some exciting adventures to plan in Melbourne and beyond.

Winter Highlights Close to Home

1.    Family Movie Night: A Bug’s Life
Start the holidays with a cosy night out at the Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre in South Morang. On Friday 4 July at 6pm, families are invited to enjoy a special screening of A Bug’s Life, with fun environmental-themed activities beforehand. Kids can make seed bombs, visit a live butterfly enclosure, and build their very own bug hotels. Popcorn and ice cream will be provided, making it an easy and affordable outing for the whole family. Tickets are just $5 per person, and bookings are essential.

2.    Pop-Up Museum – Ocean Wonders
On Friday 11 July from 2pm to 3pm, the Thomastown Recreation & Aquatic Centre will host an exciting “Pop-Up Museum” experience, presented by Museums Victoria. Children will be able to get up close to real ocean specimens including shark jaws, whale vertebrae, and even a Megalodon tooth. It’s hands-on, educational fun that’s perfect for curious minds aged 3 to 13. Entry is free but bookings are essential.

3.    South Morang Family Nature Club
From 22 July, families with children aged 0 to 4 can join the South Morang Family Nature Club for a weekly outdoor playgroup. Held every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm, this program encourages little ones to explore nature through craft, storytelling, and gentle bushwalks. It’s a beautiful way to connect with other local families while enjoying the great outdoors. The program is free, but spots are limited and a full-term commitment is required.

Winter Highlights Across Melbourne

1.    Winter Night Market – Queen Victoria Market
Every Wednesday night from 4 June to 27 August, Queen Victoria Market comes alive with the warmth and colour of the Winter Night Market. Entry is free, and there’s plenty to explore with the kids: from sizzling street food and steaming cups of spiced Milo to roving performers and fire pits. Live music fills the air, and there are always new stalls and treats to discover. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the lights as they flicker to life at dusk. For full event details, visit thenightmarket.com.au.

2.    Lightscape – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Running from 20 June to 10 August, Lightscape returns with a breathtaking new trail of glowing installations through the Botanic Gardens. This ticketed evening experience is a feast for the senses, featuring tunnels of light, fire gardens, and illuminated sculptures, all set to an atmospheric soundtrack. It’s a truly magical winter night out, perfect for kids and grown-ups alike. Timed sessions begin at 5:15pm and tickets must be booked in advance.

3.    Winter Glow – Adventure Park Geelong
If you’re up for a little road trip, Winter Glow at Adventure Park in Geelong is packed with excitement. From 28 June to 9 August, the park transforms into a sparkling wonderland with glowing light displays, fire twirling, live ice sculpting, and even real snow play. Families can hop on classic rides, roast marshmallows, and enjoy food and drinks from pop-up stalls. It’s a winter carnival that’s well worth the drive. Tickets are available on the Adventure Park website.

Winter might be chilly, but it’s the perfect season to slow down and make memories with the people who matter most. So grab your coats, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, and explore the best that Lyndarum North and greater Melbourne have to offer this season.