Spring has sprung in Melbourne, and there’s no better way to soak up the sunshine than with an epic family adventure! 

A Dragon-Sized School Holiday Adventure in Melbourne

Spring in Melbourne is the season of new adventures, and this September school holidays the city is buzzing with one of the most exciting family events of the year. From 20 September to 5 October 2025, the Melbourne Zoo will transform into a mythical Viking world for the How to Train Your Dragon — Viking Adventure Trail. It’s a family-friendly, interactive exhibition where kids can unleash their inner Viking, meet Toothless, and dive into the magical universe of How to Train Your Dragon — all while learning about Melbourne’s own real-life dragons.

What’s the Buzz? Enter the Viking World

If you’ve got little dragon riders—or big kids at heart—this event is a cracker. Picture this: following a scavenger hunt trail dotted around Growing Wild and Carousel Park, solving clues to unlock your very own Viking destiny. You’ll test your courage and smarts in the Viking Training Ground, where strength, bravery, and a splash of Aussie imagination are the keys to victory.

The best part? The chance to meet Toothless, the legendary dragon, up close! Thanks to a stunning animatronic figure that looks ready to take flight, and appearances from Hiccup and other beloved heroes from the movie series, kids will be hooked from the get-go.

What’s On — Key Details

• Event: How to Train Your Dragon — Viking Adventure Trail
  
• Dates: Saturday 20 September – Sunday 5 October 2025
  
• Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm daily
  
• Location: Growing Wild & Carousel Park, Melbourne Zoo
  
• Price: Free with zoo entry (check Melbourne Zoo for ticket info)
  

Why This Event Is a Must for Melbourne Families

School holidays in Melbourne often bring the question – what can we do that’s fun, outdoors, and keeps the kids engaged? The Viking Adventure Trail ticks every box. It’s interactive, it’s educational, and it comes with just the right mix of adventure and imagination. Parents get a day out in the sunshine, and kids get the chance to dive into Viking quests and dragon encounters.

Adventure Awaits — What You Can Do

Complete the Scavenger Hunt

Little adventurers can follow the Viking trail, solve clues, and unlock their destiny. Each completed scavenger hunt earns a special prize, making it a fun goal for the day.

Tip for members: Zoos Victoria members can also join an exclusive competition to win one of five How to Train Your Dragon prize packs worth over $180.

Train Like a True Viking

The Viking Training Ground is where the action heats up. Kids can test their bravery and strength through simple, fun challenges. It’s a safe, high-energy way to get them moving and into the Viking spirit.

Meet Toothless Up Close

The showstopper of the trail is none other than a life-sized animatronic Toothless. With incredible detail and lifelike movements, it’s the perfect chance for photos and wide-eyed wonder.

Capture the Magic

Selfie stations are set up across the trail, giving families the chance to snap creative photos and share their Viking adventure online.

Meet the Heroes of Berk

From Hiccup to Astrid, favorite characters from the beloved DreamWorks series make special appearances, bringing the story to life.

Beyond Fantasy — Melbourne’s Real-Life Dragon

This event isn’t just about mythical dragons. Melbourne Zoo has cleverly tied the Viking adventure to a powerful conservation message.

The Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon, once thought to have disappeared for over 50 years, was rediscovered in 2023. Tiny, fast-moving, and critically endangered, this real-life dragon is now part of Zoos Victoria’s long-term conservation work. By linking a blockbuster kids’ story to a local conservation hero, the zoo is making sure families leave with more than just fun memories — they leave with an understanding of Melbourne’s role in protecting wildlife.

Family Tips for the Day

• Best for ages: Perfect for primary school kids, but fun for all ages.
  
• Time to allow: 30–90 minutes for the trail, plus time for the rest of the zoo.
  
• Arrive early: The trail opens at 10am; mornings are less crowded.
  
• What to bring: Water bottles, hats, comfy shoes, and fully charged phones for photos.
  
• Transport: Trams stop right outside the zoo (Royal Park), and parking is available but fills up quickly. Public transport is the easiest option.
  

Why This Is So Melbourne

Melbourne does events differently — blending creativity with community and always sneaking in a clever cultural or educational twist. The How to Train Your Dragon Viking Adventure Trail is a great example. It’s school-holiday entertainment with a conscience: families get adventure, kids get joy, and Victoria’s unique wildlife gets the attention it deserves.

Ready to Embrace Your Inner Viking?

Spring in Melbourne just got a whole lot more exciting. Whether it’s for a school holiday outing or a weekend adventure, this Viking-themed trail at Melbourne Zoo guarantees heaps of fun, learning, and a fair bit of dragon-sized magic. Grab your mates and dragon wings—Melbourne’s ultimate family adventure awaits!

If you’re a Melbourne parent wondering how to fill the school holidays, this is your golden ticket. The How to Train Your Dragon Viking Adventure Trail is free with zoo entry, packed with interactive fun, and delivers a conservation message that matters.

🗓️ Mark your calendar now: 20 September – 5 October at Melbourne Zoo.
Grab the kids, pack a picnic or plan a café stop nearby, and make a day of it.

Because this spring in Melbourne, dragons aren’t just a fantasy — they’re part of our story.

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