With Christmas over, it’s time to look to other activities to keep the kids entertained as the school holidays stretch on ahead. Summer carnivals are a must-visit with kids in and around Melbourne and regional Victoria.
These vibrant events offer an array of thrilling rides, games, and delicious food, creating lasting memories for families. Historically, carnivals have been a staple of summer entertainment, fostering community spirit and celebrating local culture. You’ll find them kicking off around the state in a whole heap of places, generally running over the period between Boxing Day and Australia Day.
From the nostalgic charm of traditional fairground attractions to the excitement of modern amusements, these carnivals provide endless fun for all ages. Here are some to check:
- The Rye Summer Carnival returns to the Rye Foreshore from 26 December to 26 January.
- The Mordialloc Christmas Summer Carnival is on at Peter Scullin Reserve from 26 December to 27 January presented by Smart Amusements.
- The Queenscliff Summer Carnival returns to the Queenscliff Foreshore from 26 December to 12 January.
- Experience all the fun of the fair on Warrnambool’s Foreshore at the Warrnambool Summer Family Carnival from 26 December to 26 January.
- The Apollo Bay Summer Carnival is on at the Apollo Bay Foreshore from 26 December to 26 January.
- The Chants Summer Carnival is back in Lakes Entrance over four massive weekends from 27 December to 26 January.
- The Bright and Sunny Summer Carnival is on in Bright from 27 December to 4 January.
- The Loch Sport annual community carnival runs from 28 December – 2 January
- The Island Summer Carnival returns to Cowes on Philip Island from 31 December to 26 January
