Aussies abroad - do you ever spend the European summer holidays in Oz?

[bista1]

We have a DS aged 7 - we are thinking of letting him spend a few weeks of the European summer holidays with his grandparents in Melbourne (I'd fly out with him and grandparents would fly him back). It'd likely be August, so in the middle of the Australian winter school term. Has anyone done this before? Are there any activities we could sign him up for despite it being term time? TIA for any responses

[chloeb2002]

I guess there would be all the normal stuff to do in the way of museums, parks, day trips etc.
weekends there would be more activities as such but most school aged activities will be after school stuff? Or during the holidays?
I'm sure he would have a great time regardless!

[echt]

It's cold so snow sports in the high country could be good. If not snowy then horse riding.

There is much moaning about the Melbourne Winter but for the most part the cold is accompanied by clear sunny skies.

Sign up to this link nearer the time:

www.timeout.com/melbourne/kids

[DairyisClosed]

We do this most years. Zoos/museums/at galleries/aquarium will often have events for children during holidays and on weekends that you can attend. And then you can always go for a few days out of Melbourne. Skiing is one option. Sovreign Hill best ballarat is also great for kids. You could have a picnic at hanging rock if you fancied it. If you were to visit every single attraction in the Melbourne area you would easily be able to fill the entire trip.

[bista1]

thanks for all these responses - really appreciated. Nice to know that someone has tried it and it's ok!!

[Pythonesque]

My sister and I have both done "summer" trips for our children to spend time with grandparents. And growing up we did the reverse - a couple of Christmas trips in Australian school holidays to see our English granny. The time with grandparents is special, the novelty of a different country is special. When we've done it we try to get a bit of outdoors time one or other end of the summer in the UK because it can feel a little bit like a "missed" summer but it is still a good thing to do.

I wouldn't do it every year though!

[goodiegoodieyumyum]

We have done it in late July early August, we missed the really cold weather they had in June and even had a BBQ at my Uncles it was so mild. The added bonus was I got to take my children to an Aussie Rules match the kids loved it. Melbourne museum is a great day out as is the Aquarium, there is lots to do in and around Melbourne, we will be doing it again in two years time.

[ForgivenessIsDivine]

I have a friend who took her son to Australian for the European summer holidays and he went to school there.... I think that might be a step too far!!