☀️ Summer School Holidays Guide — Melbourne 2025-2026

Our Summer School Holidays Guide Melbourne 2025-2026 brings together the best activities, attractions, play centres and programs to help you plan the perfect break.

Whether you are looking for big days out or simple adventures close to home, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make the Summer holidays easier and more fun.

If you’re a Small Ideas member, thank you for being here. Scroll on to see what’s on and start planning your Summer adventures. If you’re visiting for the first time, feel welcome to browse and get a feel for the types of offers our members enjoy. This is just a small sample of what’s inside Small Ideas.

CBD & INNER CITY

From immersive experiences and iconic city views to creative studios and cooling-off activities, the CBD and inner city are packed with easy, family-friendly fun these school holidays.

• Pixar Putt (pictured) – up to 20% off entry. A colourful, interactive mini-golf experience inspired by beloved Pixar films, perfect for all ages.
• IMAX Melbourne – discounted general admission tickets. Big-screen blockbusters and documentaries on one of the world’s largest cinema screens.
• Melbourne Skydeck – receive a 10% discount. Take in sweeping city views from one of Melbourne’s most iconic observation decks.
• Melbourne River Cruises – 2-for-1 family tickets. A relaxing cruise along the Yarra with great views of Melbourne’s landmarks.
• Hijinx QV – discounted challenge rooms, karaoke and arcades.  A mix of games, bowling and interactive fun right in the heart of the city.
• The Quiz Room – 15% discount. Fast-paced quiz challenges where families and friends compete in a game-show style setting.
• Virtual Room Melbourne – discounted sessions. Team-based virtual reality adventures that are perfect for older kids, teens and adults.
• Titanic: A Voyage Through Time (VR) – 15% off (age 10+ with minimum height of 130cm). Step aboard the Titanic in an immersive virtual reality experience ideal for older kids and teens.
• O’Brien Icehouse – 20% off total admission. Public ice skating sessions that are a fun way to cool down on warm Summer days.
• Royal Botanic Gardens Explorer Bus – 2-for-1. A relaxed hop-on, hop-off bus tour that makes exploring the gardens easy on warm Summer days.
• ArtVo – discounted entry for members. Step into interactive 3D artworks and illusion scenes that are fun for all ages.
• Blender Studios – save 10% on workshops. Creative pottery and art workshops in a relaxed studio setting.
• Tufttea Studios – receive 10% off (age 12+). Creative workshops including tufting and textile art for kids, teens and adults.
• Champainting – 10% off paint and sip nights (18+). Guided painting experiences that are fun, social and beginner-friendly.

🎨 School Holiday Programs – CBD & Inner City
AllSportz (save 20%) • ARTea Art School (save 10%) • Code Camp (save $25)Where to Eat & Drink – CBD & Inner City

Where to Eat & Drink – CBD & Inner City

🍷 Top picks for adults (18+) – save 10%:
Yarra Botanica • Morris House • Imperial Hotel • State of Grace
🍕 Top family-friendly picks:
Studley Park Boathouse – view their school holidays activities here (save 10%) • The Wharf Hotel (the one with hot air balloons) • Beer DeLuxe (Fed Square) • The Duke of Wellington
It’s an easy win for dining out — Small Ideas members can save 10% by pre-purchasing a $50 Pass Pub gift card and using it at over 200 pubs and venues Australia-wide.

BAYSIDE

From beachside adventures to relaxed creative fun, Bayside is perfect for easy Summer days by the water.

• St Kilda Ferry – save 20% on tickets. A fun ferry ride between the city and St Kilda that feels like a mini adventure on the water.
• Kite Republic – 2-for-1 Paddle Board Hire. Enjoy calm-water paddle boarding at St Kilda Beach, ideal for beginners on warm Summer days.
• Albert Park Golf – 50% off Family Mini Golf. Two outdoor 18-hole courses offer a fun, relaxed mini-golf experience for all ages.
• MoPA (Museum of Play and Art, Sandringham) – save $20 on membership. An indoor, air-conditioned play museum perfect for hot Summer days and younger kids.
• Palace Cinemas (Brighton) – discounted tickets for members. Catch the latest films in a relaxed cinema setting, ideal for a hot Summer day
• Metartworld – save 10% on entry. An immersive indoor attraction featuring interactive art labs, e-sports and a VR theme park with over 100 games.
• Glaze It Pottery – member discounts available. Paint and glaze your own pottery pieces in creative sessions suitable for kids and adults.
• Sossy & Canvas – save 15% on workshops. Fun, guided art sessions that are perfect for school holidays and creative kids.
• Paint for Fun – save 15%. Easy, no-pressure painting sessions that let kids get creative and take home their own masterpiece.

🎨 School Holiday Programs – Bayside

• International Sports Camps – save 25% on holiday programs. Multi-day sports camps running across the holidays, covering soccer, netball, basketball and more for active kids and teens.
• Fizz Kidz (Cheltenham) – save 10% on school holiday programs. Hands-on science workshops where kids experiment, create and explore through fun, interactive activities during the holidays.

Where to Eat & Drink – Bayside

🍷 Top picks for adults (18+) – save 10%:
The Espy • West Beach Pavilion
🍕 Top family-friendly picks:
Village Belle Hotel • Prince of Wales Hotel

WEST

The West is packed with Summer-friendly fun, with plenty of ways to cool off, burn energy indoors and enjoy relaxed family meals.

• AquaPulse (pictured) – save 50% off family general admission. An aquatic centre with indoor and outdoor pools, giant waterslides and an aqua play area, making it a great all-ages option for a full Summer day out.
• Melton Waves – save 50% off family entry. The only wave pool in Melbourne’s West, plus indoor and outdoor pools and splash areas for all ages.
• Sunbury Aquatic & Leisure Centre – save 50% off family swim. Indoor and seasonal outdoor pools with water play areas, ideal for families looking to cool off during the holidays.
• Keilor East Leisure Centre – save 50% off family swim. A modern leisure centre with indoor and outdoor pools and a dedicated kids’ water play area.
• SuperPark – save 15% on entry. Indoor activity park featuring obstacle courses, climbing, trampolines and team games designed for active kids and teens.
• PowerPlay (Braybrook) – discounted offer available. An indoor entertainment venue offering go-karting and competitive games, making it a popular choice for older kids and teens during the holidays.
• VR Theme Park – save 10% on entry. An indoor virtual
• Scienceworks – member discounts available. Summer highlights include planetarium shows, hands-on building in Tinkertown, free live science shows and interactive augmented reality experiences.
• Holey Moley – pre-purchase discounted mini golf for members. A fun, fully indoor mini-golf experience that’s ideal for keeping cool on hot Summer days.
• Strike Bowling – discounted bowling for members. Classic indoor bowling that works well as a heat-proof holiday activity for families and teens.

🎨 School Holiday Programs – West

• Cliffhanger – 15% off school holiday programs. A full-day holiday program featuring climbing, games and creative activities, running 9am–4pm.
• Fizz Kidz (Essendon & Kingsville) – save 10% on school holiday programs. Hands-on science workshops where kids experiment, create and explore through fun, interactive activities during the holidays.
• The Tiny Chef – member savings on holiday programs. Interactive cooking classes that keep kids engaged, learning and creating during the school holidays.

🍕 Where to Eat & Drink – West

Top family-friendly picks:
Anglers Tavern – view their Little Tackers school holidays events here (save 10%) • Grazeland (next to Scienceworks – 2-for-1 entry) •  Sprinkles Ice Creamery (save 10%) • The Station Hotel

NORTH

From water play and active indoor fun to animal encounters and creative programs, the North has plenty of options for easy school holiday planning.

• Oak Park Sports & Aquatic Centre – save 50% off family swim. Indoor pools and leisure facilities ideal for families.
• Broadmeadows Aquatic Centre – save 50% off family swim. A popular local aquatic centre with pools suited to all ages.
• Mill Park Leisure – 1 free family swim. An easy option for a casual family swim during the holidays.
• Splash (Craigieburn) – save 50% off family swim. A family-friendly aquatic centre great for cooling off on hot days.
• TRAC (Thomastown Recreation & Aquatic Centre) – 1 free family swim. A relaxed local option for swimming and water play.
• WaterMarc Banyule – save 25% on family swim and slide passes. Indoor and outdoor pools plus waterslides for a full family day out.
• Airborne Air Park – save 15% on entry. An indoor trampoline and activity park that’s perfect for burning energy.
• AFL Max – save 10% on entry. An indoor AFL-themed activity centre with challenges for kids and teens.
• Hey Caddy (Northland) – save 10% on packages. Indoor mini golf in a vibrant setting, ideal for a fun break while shopping.
• Oz E-Karts – save 15% on sessions. Electric go-karting for older kids and teens looking for speed and thrills.
• PowerPlay (Campbellfield) – save 10% on entry. High-energy go-karting and games, best suited to older kids and teens.
• VJunior at Plenty Valley or Gold Class – discounted tickets for members. A premium cinema option for a relaxed movie break during the holidays.
• Volo Indoor Skatepark – save 20% on entry. An indoor skate park designed for beginners through to experienced skaters.
• Swing & Serve – 2-for-1 entry. Indoor tennis and pickleball fun that works for families and groups.
• Archery Attack – save 20% on sessions. Coach-led archery games with holiday family sessions available, suitable for a wide range of ages.
• Bundoora Park Animal Farm – 1 free tractor ride or 1 free child entry. A relaxed farm visit with animals, open space and hands-on experiences.
• Living Legends – 2-for-1 entry. Meet retired champion racehorses up close in a peaceful farm setting with guided tours.
• Woodlands Trail Riding (pictured) – save 15% on horse riding. Scenic trail rides through natural bushland, suitable for beginners and families.
• Yarrambat Park Golf Course – 2-for-1 entry. A relaxed outdoor golf option that works well for families and casual players.
• Broadmeadows Toy Library will be open during the school holidays – save 50% on membership. Access hundreds of toys, games and puzzles, including many new additions perfect for keeping kids entertained.

🎨 School Holiday Programs – West

• The Art Factory – save 20% on holiday workshops. Creative school holiday programs featuring art, craft, games and themed activities across January.

🍕 Where to Eat & Drink – West

Top family-friendly picks:
Ball Court Hotel – view their school holiday activities here (save 10%) • BrewDog Pentridge (save 10%) • That Acai Place (save 15%)

SOUTH-EAST

From wildlife encounters and creative studios to water play and high-energy indoor fun, the South East has a huge mix of school holiday options for all ages.

• Inflatable Fun – Melbourne Water Park – save 25% on entry. A Summer-only inflatable water park in Dandenong South with slides, water play zones and hours of splash-filled fun for families.
• PARC (Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre) – save 25% off family entry. Summer holiday fun includes waterslides, multiple pools and Splash Island, an inflatable obstacle course, with extra activities running on weekdays during the holidays.
• Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (pictured) – 1 free family entry. A much-loved outdoor pool featuring a heated 50m pool, toddler pool and playground, making it a great spot for relaxed Summer swimming.
• Casey ARC & RACE – save 50% off family swim. Large aquatic and leisure centres with indoor pools and family-friendly facilities.
• Dandenong Oasis – save 50% off family swim. Indoor and outdoor pools with water play features suitable for families.
• Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool – save 50% off family swim. A local favourite for casual swims and cooling off during the holidays.
• Noble Park Aquatic Centre – save 50% off family swim. An easy option for relaxed swimming close to home.
• Myuna Farm – save 50% off family admission. A hands-on farm experience with animals, open space and family-friendly activities.
• Little Farm Plays – save 15% on entry. Small-group farm play sessions designed especially for younger children.
• Animals Furr All – save 15% on sessions. Interactive animal encounters where kids can meet and learn about a variety of animals.
• Cranbourne Botanical Gardens Explorer Bus – 2-for-1. A relaxed bus tour that makes exploring the gardens easy, especially on warm days.
• Spring Park Golf Course – 2-for-1 entry. A casual outdoor golf option suitable for families and beginners.
• Rush HQ – save 10% on entry. High-energy indoor adventure fun with trampolines and obstacle challenges for kids and teens.
• Super Zu – save 50% on entry. An indoor adventure park designed for energetic play and movement.
• PowerPlay – discounted offer available. High-energy go-karting and competitive games best suited to older kids and teens.
• Activate by Hardrock – save 20% on entry. An interactive indoor challenge venue with physical and mental activities for older kids and teens.
• Ninja Park – save 20% on casual session. Indoor ninja obstacle fun for energetic kids and teens.
• Bike Skills – save 15% on casual sessions. An indoor bike park where kids can build confidence and riding skills in a safe, weather-proof environment.
• Sk8house – save 20% on entry. Indoor roller skating sessions that are perfect for active holiday fun.
• Royal Pickle Club – save 20% on entry. Indoor pickleball courts offering a fun, social activity for families and teens.
• Hijinx Hotel (Chadstone) – pre-purchase your discounted entry. A playful, interactive experience with themed rooms and challenges that’s great for families with older kids and teens.
• Holey Moley – discounted games for members. A fun, indoor mini-golf experience with creative courses that work well for kids, teens and adults.
• General Public – 2-for-1 games. Bowling, arcade games and casual fun all under one roof, making it an easy option for a school holiday outing.
• The Smash Room – save 15% for members. A fun, controlled space where teens and adults can let off steam by smashing items in a safe environment.
• Acro Kids (Braeside) – save 10% on school holiday programs. Full-day holiday programs focused on movement, coordination and confidence, suitable for beginners through to advanced levels.
• Mois Art Studio – save 10% on workshops. Creative art classes and workshops for kids, teens and adults.
• Champainting – save 10% on sessions. Guided paint-and-sip style sessions, best suited to adults and older teens.

🍕 Where to Eat & Drink – South-East

Top family-friendly picks:
Bojak Brewing (save 10%) • Sharetea Clayton (2-for-1) • Cafe Omnia (save 15%)

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures and relaxed activities that are easy to mix and match for a Peninsula day out.

• Enchanted Adventure – save $30 on entry. Nature-based adventure fun plus the Garden & Art Trail, where families can wander through themed gardens and discover sculptures woven into the landscape.
• Boneo Discovery Park – 1 free admission. A relaxed outdoor adventure park with play areas, mini-golf and open spaces for families.
• The Big Goose – 1 free child entry. A popular family attraction with farm animals, play areas and seasonal water fun.
• Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens – 2-for-1 entry. A peaceful garden attraction with hedge mazes and open space for kids to explore.
• Rain, Hayne & Shine Farmyard – receive 50% off entry. A hands-on farmyard experience where kids can meet animals and enjoy outdoor play.
• Gunnamatta Trail Rides – save 15% on trail rides. Scenic horse riding experiences through coastal and bushland trails, suitable for beginners.
• The Ranch – save 10% on experiences. Outdoor activities and animal encounters in a relaxed farm-style environment.
• YAWA Aquatic Centre – 1 free child swim. A modern aquatic centre offering family-friendly swimming and water play.
• Top Fun Shack – 2-for-1 entry. Indoor arcade games and casual entertainment for kids and teens.

🎨 School Holiday Programs – Mornington Peninsula
Acro Kids (ages 5-13 – save 10%)

🍦 Where to Eat & Drink – Mornington Peninsula

Top family-friendly picks:
Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm (1 free kids scoop of ice cream) • Flinders Hotel (save 10%) • Blue Mini Cafe (save 25%)

* If you’re planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find even more ideas in the Theme Parks & Big Days Out section at the top of this page.

GEELONG

A mix of hands-on museums, classic waterfront attractions and indoor play options that make Geelong an easy and family-friendly day trip.

• 84 Take A Ride (pictured) – 2-for-1 waterfront train rides. A fun mini train ride along the Geelong waterfront that’s perfect for younger children.
• Geelong Carousel – 2-for-1 rides. A beautifully restored historic carousel right on the waterfront, ideal for younger kids.
• MoPA (Museum of Play and Art) — save $20 on membership. A hands-on children’s museum designed for imaginative play, creativity and learning, ideal for younger kids and a great indoor option on hot days.
• National Wool Museum – save 20%. An interactive museum exploring Australia’s wool history with hands-on exhibits and family-friendly displays.
• Reading Cinemas Geelong – 20% of medium combo. A relaxed cinema option for a cool break during the school holidays.
• We Rock the Spectrum – member savings available. A sensory-friendly indoor play space designed to support children of all abilities in a calm, inclusive environment.
• The Messy Patch – save on entry for members. Sensory play sessions designed especially for babies, toddlers and preschool-aged children.
• The Kidz Crew – discounted entry for members. Indoor play and activity sessions tailored to younger children.
• PlayHut Geelong – member discounts available. An indoor play centre offering climbing, slides and free play for active kids.
• OZ Tenpin Bowling – discounted games for members. Classic bowling fun that works well for families, teens and mixed-age groups.

🍕 Where to Eat & Drink – Geelong

Top family-friendly picks:
Eureka Hotel (save 10%) • Little Teapot Cafe & Play (save 20%) • Nautica Pool Bar & Kitchen (save 20%)

* If you’re planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find even more ideas in the Theme Parks & Big Days Out section at the top of this page.

BALLARAT

A great option for a day trip or short stay, Ballarat combines hands-on attractions, indoor fun and classic family favourites that work well during the school holidays.

• Flip Out Ballarat – save 15% on entry. A large indoor trampoline and play space that’s ideal for burning energy, rain or shine.
• Sovereign Hill – save 10% on entry. Step back into the 1850s with immersive gold rush streets, underground mine tours and live shows, plus the AURA sound and light experience for a memorable evening add-on.
• Ballarat Wildlife Park (pictured) – save 10% on entry. Meet kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles and more in a relaxed wildlife park setting.
  
• Grampians Adventure Golf – discounted entry. A scenic outdoor mini-golf course set among landscaped gardens and waterfalls.
• Goldrush Mini Golf – save 15% on entry. A fun, themed mini-golf course inspired by Ballarat’s gold rush history.
• Ballarat Go-Karts – 2-for-1 races. An exciting go-karting experience for older kids, teens and adults.

🎬 Adults & Teens

The school holidays aren’t just for little kids. Small Ideas also includes great-value offers for teens and adults, ideal for older kids giving your teen a bit of independence these holidays. Not to mention a well-earned night out for adults! 

From cinemas, mini golf and bowling to escape rooms, go-karting and creative workshops, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond play centres.

One member favourite is Village Cinemas Gold Class tickets for just $30, making a luxe movie experience a great-value school holiday treat for teens and adults.

💡 Teens can even make a day of it at Crown, pairing Holey Moley mini golf with a movie at Village Cinemas, all in one easy location.

Whether it’s a cool indoor activity on a hot day or a night out while the kids are entertained elsewhere, Small Ideas makes it easier to enjoy the holidays at every age.

✈️ Summer Holidays, Getaways & Staycations

Whether you’re planning a big Summer escape or a relaxed break closer to home, Small Ideas helps families save on holidays in Australia and overseas.

🌴 Overseas Summer escapes

Small Ideas members receive real, guaranteed savings on overseas travel, including:

• Accommodation via Hotels.com – save 10%
• Overseas accommodation and activities via Expedia & Wotif – save 9%

Popular Summer destinations like Bali also feature exclusive Small Ideas offers, including:

• Bali Zoo – save up to 20%
• Waterbom Bali – save 10%

Perfect for family holidays, island escapes and warm-weather adventures.

🇦🇺 Interstate Summer holidays

Heading interstate these school holidays? Your membership includes a dedicated Interstate section, with strong Summer-friendly offers across destinations like Queensland.

Members can save on:

• Accommodation via Hotels.com (save 10%)
• Accommodation and activities via Expedia & Wotif (save 9%)
• Popular family attractions, including theme parks and major experiences (best explored inside the app)

🏨 Summer staycations

Not travelling far? Use your membership for a Summer staycation in Melbourne, with savings on:

• CBD hotels like Crown Towers, Grand Hyatt and Novotel via Hotels.com
• Relaxed family escapes at BIG4 holiday parks andHeathcote Glamping Park.

Many families tell us they cover the cost of their membership with just one Summer holiday booking, then keep saving on school holiday activities, weekends away and everyday family fun all year round!