Top Museums and Cultural Experiences for Kids During School Holidays 2026

Turn school holidays into educational adventures! Australia's museums and cultural institutions offer world-class interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and immersive experiences that make learning fun. Here's your comprehensive guide to the best cultural destinations for families in 2026.

New South Wales

Australian Museum, Sydney

Australia's first museum continues to captivate young minds with its extensive natural history and cultural collections.

• Highlights: Dinosaur exhibits, Indigenous Australian galleries, interactive Discovery Space
• School Holiday Programs: Daily workshops, fossil hunting activities, and special tours
• Best for: Ages 5-15
• Pro tip: Book workshop sessions in advance - they fill quickly during holidays

Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

Science, technology, design, and arts come together in this innovative space.

• Interactive exhibits: Space, robots, transportation, and engineering
• Holiday activities: Coding workshops, maker spaces, and design challenges
• Special feature: The Wiggles Exhibition (perfect for younger kids)
• Cost: Free entry for kids under 16

Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney

• Family programs: Art-making workshops every school holidays
• Free activities: Guided tours designed for families
• Location bonus: Stunning views of Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay

Victoria

Melbourne Museum

One of Australia's most comprehensive museums with something for every interest.

• Must-see: Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Forest Gallery, Dinosaur Walk
• Interactive zones: Melbourne Story, Science and Life Gallery
• Holiday workshops: Science experiments, art sessions, and cultural activities
• IMAX Theatre: Educational films and documentaries
• Best for: All ages - activities tailored to different age groups

Scienceworks, Melbourne

Hands-on science museum that makes STEM subjects exciting and accessible.

• Featured exhibits: Planetarium shows, Lightning Room, Sportsworks
• Interactive displays: Over 20 hands-on experiences
• Special programs: Science shows and demonstrations daily
• Bonus: Historic Pumping Station with working steam engines

Immigration Museum, Melbourne

• Learn about: Australia's multicultural history
• Interactive experiences: Customs Hall, Journey galleries
• Educational value: Perfect for understanding Australian history and diversity

Queensland

Queensland Museum & Sciencentre, Brisbane

Free entry to world-class exhibitions makes this a must-visit.

• Permanent exhibits: Dinosaurs, megafauna, Queensland history
• Sciencentre: Interactive science experiences (separate admission)
• SparkLab: Hands-on activities for younger children
• Holiday programs: Workshops, science shows, and special tours
• Cost: Free general admission

Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville

• Unique feature: HMS Pandora shipwreck display
• Marine exhibits: Great Barrier Reef displays and aquariums
• Educational programs: Marine science workshops

South Australia

South Australian Museum, Adelaide

Exceptional Aboriginal and Pacific Islander collections alongside natural history.

• World-renowned: Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
• Biodiversity Gallery: Over 120 years of collecting
• Ancient Egypt: Mummies and artifacts
• Free entry: Perfect for budget-conscious families
• Holiday activities: Drop-in art sessions, guided tours

National Motor Museum, Birdwood

• Collection: Australia's largest motor museum
• Exhibits: Historic cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles
• Interactive displays: Kids can "drive" vintage cars in simulators
• Best for: Car-loving families

Western Australia

WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth

Newly opened state museum with stunning architecture and world-class exhibits.

• Highlights: Blue whale skeleton, dinosaur gallery, WA stories
• Interactive zones: Discovery Centre for younger kids
• Cultural exhibits: Extensive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander galleries
• Technology: Augmented reality experiences throughout
• Free entry: Though donations welcomed

Scitech, Perth

• Hands-on science: Over 160 interactive exhibits
• Planetarium: Educational shows about space and astronomy
• Holiday programs: Science shows, workshops, and demonstrations
• Best for: Ages 3-15

Tasmania

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Hobart

Australia's largest privately-owned art museum offers a unique experience.

• Note: Best for older kids and teens (some mature content)
• Experience: Underground galleries, contemporary and ancient art
• Interactive: Digital guides (The O) for self-guided tours
• Location: Beautiful riverside setting with ferry access

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart

• Tasmanian focus: Natural history, Aboriginal culture, colonial history
• Highlights: Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) displays
• Free entry: Great value for families
• Holiday programs: School holiday activities and workshops

Australian Capital Territory

National Museum of Australia, Canberra

Australia's social history museum with innovative storytelling.

• Permanent galleries: First Australians, Landmarks, Old New Land
• Interactive: K-Space for kids with hands-on activities
• Special exhibitions: Rotating displays throughout the year
• School holiday programs: Craft activities, tours, and workshops

Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre

Australia's premier interactive science centre - an absolute must-visit!

• Gallery themes: Sports, technology, natural disasters, human body
• Shows: Free science demonstrations throughout the day
• Hands-on: Over 200 interactive exhibits across 8 galleries
• Lightning shows: Daily Tesla coil demonstrations
• Best for: Ages 4+

National Gallery of Australia

• Collection: Australian, Aboriginal, Asian, and international art
• Free family activities: Art-making workshops during school holidays
• Sculpture garden: Perfect for active kids to explore

Northern Territory

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin

• Maritime gallery: Cyclone Tracy exhibition and fishing boats
• Natural sciences: "Sweetheart" - 5.1m saltwater crocodile
• Aboriginal art: Extensive Indigenous art collection
• Free entry: Year-round

Special Holiday Programs to Watch For

Money-Saving Tips

• Free entry days: Many museums offer free or discounted entry on certain days
• Annual passes: If you plan multiple visits, passes often pay for themselves
• Member benefits: Museums Victoria members get free entry to multiple venues
• Pack lunch: Museum cafes can be expensive - bring your own snacks
• Free activities: Many museums offer free workshops alongside ticketed programs

Planning Your Museum Visit

Educational Benefits

Museum visits during school holidays offer incredible learning opportunities:

• Curriculum connections: Real-world examples of classroom learning
• Critical thinking: Analyzing exhibits and asking questions
• Cultural awareness: Understanding diverse perspectives and histories
• Scientific method: Observation, questioning, and discovery
• Creativity: Inspiring imagination through art and innovation

Conclusion

Australia's museums and cultural institutions provide enriching experiences that combine education with entertainment. These venues offer climate-controlled comfort (perfect for extreme weather days), interactive learning, and opportunities to explore everything from ancient history to cutting-edge technology.

Whether your kids are dinosaur enthusiasts, art lovers, science buffs, or history fans, there's a museum perfect for their interests. Make the most of school holidays 2026 by adding these cultural experiences to your plans!