A Winter Wonderland Awaits in Bendigo

Electric Wonderland

4th – 20th July 
Step into a night-time dream world where colour, light and sound collide. Electric Wonderland transforms Rosalind Park into a glowing playground of interactive magic. Experience cascading floral sky projections, a giant interactive pinboard, a mirror ball laser alley that’ll get you grooving, a 40m Sacred Heart Cathedral replica wrapped in fairy lights, the hypnotic Pixelmatrix light cube, dance walls and creative zones for energetic explorers and more!

Hot tip! Bring warm clothes, your best winter beanie, and a phone ready for family selfies under the lights.

Snowflake Magic at Hargreaves Mall

Get ready, because the city centre is getting a snowy makeover and a glow up! Hargreaves Mall is bursting with free family-friendly fun that’ll have the kids wide-eyed and the grown-ups grinning.
Step into the Igloo Art Hubs, where you can craft away in cosy, see-through igloos by day, and watch them twinkle to life by night.
Budding artists and curious kids will love hanging out with artist Manda Lane, who’ll be live creating a giant 3D paper mural from July 8 to 12. Even better? She’s hosting hands-on Snowflake Papercraft Workshops for kids aged 8 and up. Make sure to book your spot.
The magic continues as the Ice Queen glides in to bring stories, snowflakes, games and bubbles to life in her enchanting forest.
While you’re wandering, look out for the dreamy SnowFlakes and SunRays digital artwork looping every hour, setting the mood with its peaceful sounds and shimmering visuals.
Plus, you’ll find face painting, scavenger hunts and more.

Bendigo Art Gallery

8th – 16th July
These school holidays, the Bendigo Art Gallery is bringing a final burst of Frida Kahlo flair! Kids can get crafty with colourful workshops. Think floral headpieces, memory-making art, shiny foil embossing, and inclusive sessions for all abilities. It's creative, hands-on fun. 
Don’t forget to book ahead.

Discovery Science & Technology Centre

Get ready to dive headfirst into a world of wonder at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre, where curious minds rule and giggles are absolutely guaranteed!
Discover Illuminate, a hands-on interactive exhibition bursting with fun activities that’ll have you bending light, playing with colours, and making shadows dance.
Budding scientists and secret agents can sleuth their way through the daily Spy Lab shows, while future inventors can jump into explosive fun at the STEM workshops on July 10 and 17. Add a starry trip through the planetarium and the thrill of whooshing down the epic vertical slide, and you’ve got yourself a full day of science-fuelled joy. 

Clay Play at Bendigo Pottery

Step into Australia’s oldest working pottery and dive into a world of clay-filled fun at Bendigo Pottery. These hands-on workshops are the perfect way to unleash your creativity – spin the pottery wheel, decorate your own masterpiece, and bring home a one-of-a-kind creation made by you.
With expert potters guiding the way, kids (and grown-ups too!) can mold, shape, and paint to their heart’s content. Whether you're a total beginner or a future pottery pro, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some magic with clay.

Pan for Gold

Did you know Bendigo was once one of the richest goldfields in the world? Now it’s your turn to strike it lucky! Make your way to Central Deborah Gold Mine and grab a gold pan, or head underground to see if you can uncover some hidden treasure. Feel like a real miner as you work the drills, search for gold, and even munch on an authentic Cornish pastie – just like the miners did back in the day! Open every day, this is one adventure you don’t want to miss.

And while you’re at it, hop aboard a Vintage Tram and take a ride through Bendigo’s golden history. Keep an eye out for the Yarn Bomb Tram, a cosy local favourite in the winter months.

Winter in the Bush

Greater Bendigo’s backyard is bursting with opportunities to explore, discover, and connect with the great outdoors. Learn about native plants, animals and how we look after our climate and environment. Perfect for curious kids and nature-loving families, check out these hands-on events and dive into the wonders of the natural world:
Evening Bat Fly-Out #1: 8th July 
Nature by Night - O'Keefe #1: 10th July 
Winter Wander – Junortoun Flora & Fauna Reserve: 12th July 
Bats of Bendigo: 15th July 
Evening Bat Fly-Out #2: 15th July
Nature in the Mall: 17th July 

Whether you’re a little explorer or just love being outside, Bendigo’s natural wonders are ready to be discovered!

The Great Escape Bendigo

Embark on an exciting adventure at The Great Escape Bendigo these school holidays! Put your problem-solving skills to the test as you crack codes, uncover clues, and race against the clock in one of four thrilling escape rooms. Whether you're a puzzle enthusiast, a thrill seeker, or just looking for a fun challenge, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Moonlight Markets

19th July
The beloved Moonlight Market is back in Hargreaves Mall, lighting up your night with over 70 stalls packed with delicious eats, handmade treasures, live music, and a licensed bar to toast the good vibes.

Enjoy a great family-friendly night out, whether you’re hunting for retail gems, dancing to local bands, or just soaking up the fun with family and friends.

Indoor Fun

If the weather takes a turn, or you’re simply looking to escape the cold, there’s hours of fun and games to be had indoors.
Your kids will be in awe of the giant 4-level indoor play centre at Parky’s Play. Complete with 5 giant slides, a soft ball cannon play zone, a large ball pit and much more! This is a great play space for kids aged 3 – 12 years.

Peppergreen Farm

Bring the whole family to Peppergreen Farm for a fun-filled time in the great outdoors. From exciting outdoor games to creative workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Parents can relax with a coffee, while the kids can explore and get creative. There's a great range of activities on offer from self-guided, hands-on workshops including nature weaving, scavenger hunts, DIY yarn critters, rock painting, DIY nature suncatchers and more!