Local Family Friendly Activities This Summer in Bendigo

Summer in Bendigo is made for slow mornings, shaded play, and simple outings that work for under fives. Here is a gentle, parent-proof list of local events and activities that typically run across summer and school holidays, and tend to suit little ones. Always check the organiser’s page for this season’s dates and times.

City and Community programs

• Bendigo Library holiday visits and pop-in crafts

What to expect: While regular Storytime and Baby Rhyme Time often pause over the school holidays, the library is still a great calm, air conditioned outing. You will often find simple drop-in craft tables, holiday activity sheets, and plenty of cozy corners for shared reading.

Good for: Ages 0 to 5 with a caregiver

Tip: Check the Bendigo Library events page for any special holiday sessions, go early to snag a quiet nook, and borrow a few fresh books for slow afternoons at home.

• Indoor swimming pools with toddler areas.

When the heat spikes, indoor pools are a great low-stimulation option for little ones. Look for centres with warm toddler zones, shallow beach entries, and gentle water features rather than big splash buckets. Peter Krenz Eaglehawk Leisure Centre has a great enclosed toddler space for little ones to play in the water. Aim for early morning or afternoon sessions when it is quieter, stick to 20 to 30 minutes in the water, and bring a simple post-swim snack to keep energy steady on the way home. Floaties are helpful, but close hands-on supervision is still the calmest and safest approach for under fives.

• Long Gully Splash Park

What to expect: Long Gully Splash Park is a free, family-friendly spot with gentle spray features, tipping buckets, and plenty of open space for prams and picnics. It is best for toddlers and preschoolers in the morning when it is quieter and the surfaces are cooler. Pack hats, sunscreen, towels, and a full change of clothes, and plan a simple wind-down afterward, like a library stop or quiet time at home. Keep sessions short, offer water regularly, and stick close to the little ones for safe, happy play.

Good for: Toddlers and preschoolers

Tip: Dress for water, bring towels and dry clothes, and plan a quiet activity afterwards.

• Garden storytime and pop-up play in local parks

What to expect: Council and library-led outdoor story sessions and simple craft or play set ups in shaded park areas.

Good for: Ages 2 to 5 Tip: Pack hats, water, and a picnic rug. Leave sugary snacks at home for a calm ride home.

• Art and craft drop-ins at Bendigo Art Gallery

What to expect: Simple, process-art activities tied to current exhibitions, usually with toddler-friendly options.

Good for: Ages 3 to 5 with a caregiver

Tip: Go at opening time to avoid crowds, and keep it short and sweet.

Museums and discovery

• Discovery Science and Technology Centre toddler times

What to expect: Hands-on exhibits with low-tech exploration. Some holidays feature quieter morning openings suited to littles.

Good for: Ages 2 to 5

Tip: Prioritise a few exhibits, then leave while the vibe is still good.

• Central Deborah Gold Mine gentle surface tours

What to expect: Outdoor and surface-level history experiences that do not require long underground tours. Occasional family days with simple activities.

Good for: Ages 3 to 5

Tip: Stick to short surface experiences for under fives.

Markets and community days

• Local weekend markets with family zones

What to expect: Stalls, live music at low volume, and small kids’ corners with colouring or blocks. Many run through summer.

Good for: All ages

Tip: Go early, park close, and cap the visit at 45 to 60 minutes.

Parks, gardens, and gentle outdoors

• Rosalind Park shady play mornings.

What to expect: Early starts under the trees, pram paths, and simple nature play like leaf hunts and bubble play.

Good for: All ages

Tip: Bring a small container for collecting “treasures” and a change of clothes.

• Bendigo Botanic Gardens nature play

What to expect: Sensory paths, ducks to spot, and open lawns for picnics. Occasional council-led nature sessions during holidays.

Good for: Crawlers to preschoolers

Tip: Choose cooler morning sessions and set a simple plan: walk, snack, home.

At-home and low-key options

• Backyard sensory mornings.

Set up a shallow tub with water, cups, and sponges, or a tray of ice and nature items. Keep it 20 minutes, then reset.

• Library and café combo.

Library browse plus a calm café stop with a single toy or book. Keep it predictable to avoid overwhelm.

Bear and Cub Play Centre

Your calm base all summer We will keep our sessions low stimulation and age-appropriate for 0 to 5, with:

• Open-ended play stations

• Cozy reading nooks and reset spaces

• Clear sight lines so you can actually relax

Check our summer schedule and book ahead. Capacity is capped to keep the vibe gentle.

Planning tips for happier outings

• Go early, leave early: Beat heat and crowds.

• Pack simple: Water, hat, snack they already like, a small comfort item.

• Keep expectations light: One activity, then home for rest.

• Watch for tired signs: Shift to a quiet nook or call it.