July school holiday guide: Family-friendly events across West Vic
From free movies and retro gaming to hands-on activities and kids' festivals, there's plenty to check out.
Zara Cuthbertson & Darcie Humphreys
June 25, 2026
Keeping the kids busy over the school holidays doesn't have to mean travelling far or spending a fortune.
Organisers have lined up a mix of free and low-cost activities, from movie screenings and gaming sessions to creative play and live entertainment.
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Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
Image: Tourism Midwest Victoria
These are renowned for creating wonder at one of Ballarat’s most well-known and well-loved landmarks. Vibrant rainbow lights bring Sovereign Hill to light after dark.
Where: 39 Magpie Street, Ballarat
When: June 26 - July 27
Cost: $25 to $70 depending on session time
Free School Holiday Movies
Free movie screenings return to Camperdown's Theatre Royal these school holidays, with four family-friendly films showing across two Wednesdays. Popcorn and refreshments will be available to purchase.
When: July 1 - Smurfs (10.30am), Madagascar (1.30pm)
July 8 - Oddball (10.30am), Grand Prix of Europe (1.30pm)
Cost: Free
Where: Theatre Royal Camperdown
Minute to Win It
Race against the clock in a series of fast-paced challenges designed to test speed, teamwork and creativity.
When: July 1, 2 and 3, 11am-12pm - Casterton Community Town Hall, Heywood Library, Portland Library
Cost: Free
Where: Casterton, Heywood and Portland
KidFEST Warrnambool
KidFEST returns to Lake Pertobe with three days of interactive activities aimed at children aged two to 10. The event includes music, arts, building activities and dedicated spaces tailored to different age groups, including a separate area for children under two.
When: July 4-6
Where: Lake Pertobe
Cost: Adult: $10-$30; Kids day pass: $57; Under twos: Free
Retro Games Day
Retro consoles, multiplayer video games and board games will be available to play during this school holiday session. Proceeds support the 2nd Colac Sea Scout Group and restoration of the scout hall.
When: July 10, 10am-12pm (ages 6-10); 1pm-3pm (ages 11-16)
Cost: $5
Where: 2nd Colac Sea Scout Group Log Cabin
Battle of the Jams
Young musicians from across Glenelg Shire will take to the stage as part of a community event showcasing local talent and celebrating youth music.
When: July 10, 5-9pm
Cost: Free
Where: Portland Yacht Club
Reading this in June? Keep scrolling for our recommendations!
Cobden Miniature Railway
Image: Cobden Miniature Railway
For $3 on Sundays, visitors to Cobden are able to enjoy the whimsy of a tiny train through a beautiful slice of natural scenery.
Where: 29 Grayland Street, Cobden
When: Sundays throughout June
Cost: $3
Visit Sisko Chocolate
Image: Sisko Chocolate
This charming country chocolatier offers a firsthand look at the way local fine chocolate is prepared, with the sweet goods made right in front of you, in-store. For the older kids, there’s even a full Truffle Making Experience.
Where: 5 Albert Street, Trentham
When: Everyday, 10am to 5pm
Cost: Varied
Jousting Tournament at Kryal Castle
Image: Tourism Midwest Victoria
Bring the Middle Ages back for a day with the kids – within the charming walls of Kryal Castle. Watch knights joust in honour of the castle’s founder, Keith Ryall. There’s also quest scrolls to follow, potion workshops and archery!
Where: 121 Forbes Street, Leigh Creek
When: June 6 - 8
Cost: $31.5 for children, $42 for adults
A Fairy Hunt in Port Fairy
Image: Port Fairy Winter Weekends
As part of Port Fairy Winter Weekends, a trail of clues starting at the local Visitor Information Centre will take you and the family on a hunt for mystical figures.
Where: Port Fairy
When: June 5
Cost: Free
Mini Makers Art Club
Get little imaginations going with guided craft and storytelling at the Ararat Gallery – with the added extra of a creative keepsake to take home after the session ends!
Where: Ararat Gallery TAMA
When: June 2
Cost: Free