School holidays in Bendigo: Tram rides, dinosaur exhibits and free pool sessions top the list

The winter school holidays are here, and Bendigo families have a packed calendar of events to keep kids entertained without breaking the budget.

With many parents looking for affordable, local options after a year of rising living costs, the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre has seen a spike in inquiries about free and low-cost activities. Catherine Edwards, the centre's manager, told the Bendigo Advertiser that bookings for programs like the Bendigo Library's school holiday workshops had filled within days.

Trains, trams and a trip to the past

The iconic Bendigo Tramways is running its "Kids Ride Free" promotion until July 18, when children under 15 accompanied by a paying adult can travel the full heritage line for nothing. The vintage trams depart every 45 minutes from the Central Deborah Gold Mine tram stop on Violet Street.

At the Discovery Science and Technology Centre on Railway Place, the live science shows have been extended to three daily sessions during the break. Manager Sarah Witt said the centre expected to host more than 4,000 visitors this week, with the most popular attraction being the new "Dino Discoveries" exhibit featuring a life-sized robotic T-rex.

For train enthusiasts, the Bendigo Railway Museum on Burns Street will open its doors on July 16 and 17 for a special "Cab Ride Day" where children can sit inside a retired diesel locomotive and honk the horn.

Free swims, indoor rock-climbing and art

Bendigo's two public swimming pools-Bendigo Aquatic Centre on Myers Street and the Eaglehawk Indoor Pool on Sailors Gully Road-are offering free entry for children under 16 each weekday from 10 am to 12 pm until the end of the school holidays. The initiative, funded by the City of Greater Bendigo, aims to keep families active during the colder months.

At the Bendigo Pottery in Epsom, drop-in pottery painting sessions are running daily, with a small bowl costing $12 to decorate and fire. The pottery has been a family favourite for more than 150 years, and owner Mark Thompson told the Bendigo Weekly that weekend afternoons were already booked out.

For active families, Vertical Hold Rock Climbing Centre on Victoria Street offers a discounted "family climb" pass for $49 per adult and one child, including harness hire. The centre has extended its opening hours until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays through the holiday period.

Bendigo Art Gallery on View Street is exhibiting the popular "Playful Patterns" interactive installation, which invites children to create digital drawings that are then projected onto the gallery walls. Entry is free, and the gallery is open seven days a week.

Russells Bridge Circuit on the Calder Highway provides a shaded walking track and a community barbecue area for families looking to enjoy the bush without the cost of a day out.

What to do next

Most programs require advance booking, especially at the library and science centre. Parents should also check the weather forecast before heading to outdoor attractions such as the Central Deborah Gold Mine tour, as underground sections can be cold even in July.

The Bendigo Visitor Information Centre on Pall Mall has printed holiday guides and can provide updated timetables for tram and train services. Families can also download the "What's On Bendigo" app for real-time availability at venues like the pottery and rock-climbing centre.

With the first full week of school holidays already underway, local operators advise families to secure spots sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.