School Holiday Activities Melbourne

Winter School Holiday Activities in Melbourne

Winter school holidays are here and Small Ideas includes hundreds of activities to keep the kids entertained at a discount both indoors, outdoors and drop off programs.

If you are a Small Ideas member ‘thank you’ and continue scrolling for my EPIC school holiday ideas and savings below. If you aren’t a member yet you can join today for just $39.45 for 12 months access to 900+ savings.

MELBOURNE

Shelanous (pictured) in Port Melbourne looking for a fine dining experience like no other? I promise you that this restaurant will blow your mind. It’s expensive but it’s an unforgettable sensory experience. 10 courses matched with 10 beverages and 15% off for Small Ideas members.

Tufttea Studios Melbourne is located in Carlton and great experience for the older kids. It takes 3 hours and you walk away with a custom made rug. Small Ideas members save 10%

Monopoly Dreams located within Melbourne Central in the heart of the city. You don’t need to know the game of Monopoly for the kids to enjoy the activities included here. Small Ideas members save 20% off tickets.

Silvers Circus will be in Richmond from 28th June to 31 July. Small Ideas members receive $10 off each ticket

House Down Under located within Harbor Town at Docklands we include 15% off your total

St Kilda Ferry departing from St Kilda, Port Melb or Williamstown choose to relax on the St Kilda Ferry and enjoy the sights of Melbourne. Save 20% with our tickets.

Met Art World – Art Space pre purchase your discounted entry to The biggest scrap metal art gallery in Australia. Located in the Port Melbourne the kids are going to love the mazes and workshops!

Australian Sports Museum pre purchase your discounted entry to ASP located at the MCG. A great school holiday activity for kids who love their sport

Melbourne Museum & Immigration Museum discounted general admission tickets.

Melbourne Museum will have a dinosaur expo included in general admission and Immigration Museum have Joy exhibition also included in genearal admission. Kids are always free however Small Ideas members pay discounted adult admission.

If you are headed to Melb Museum why not make a full day of it and see a movie at IMAX right next door for which we also include discounted tickets and there’s an outdoor playground adjacent also.

Luna Park St Kilda save 25% off unlimited ride pass for Small Ideas members. From 11am every day during the school holidays Luna Park will include extra activities in your admission including reptile shows which will be on twice daily.

Melbourne Central: We have lots of vouchers under the one roof here Hoyts, Pancake Parlour, TGI Fridays, Strike Bowling, Monopoly Dreams and Holey Moley isn’t far either.

Collingwood Children’s farm save on entry and 10% off at The Farm Cafe located within the farm.

Artvo, Archie Bros, Hoyts, Upside Down House, Pancake Parlour, Port Phillip Ferries and O’Brien Icehouse all located within Harbor Town complex at Docklands so you can save and enjoy full day here.

Along the Yarra – Melbourne River Cruise save 2 for 1. Nearby at the Crown you can use your discount for Holey Moley & Village Cinemas also.

Albert Park Mini Golf save 50% off their family outdoor mini golf activity.

Melbourne Zoo pre purchase our discounted tickets and show up whichever day you wish, no need to pre book. Kids are free during school holidays which is why we only include discount on adult admission. These school holidays the Zoo have a Dinosaur theme happening!!!

CINEMAS

I often hear families saying “it takes a mortgage just to take the kids to the movies” I agree it does add up which is why Small Ideas includes loads of options for cinema discounts. There are kids movies out now that are family friendly Despicable Me 4, Garfield, Inside Out 2 and Bad Boys for the teens.

Hoyts – we include a mid week discount Mon to Thu for Hoyts and YES it is valid during school holidays. Prices are just $14 per person and we have discount for candy bar also for popcorn and choc tops so don’t be sneaking food in 🙂

Village – everyone asks me if these tickets are valid for VMAX, V Junior D movies etc and the answer is yes but you incur a sur charge so best to use these vouchers for standard sessions only or Gold Class.

Palace Cinemas – our tickets are cheap and the cinemas feel like your supporting local, they feel cosy and arty and our tickets are just $13 for kids and $14 for adults valid anytime.

United Cinemas, Suntheatre, IMAX (pictured) are other cinemas we provide discounted tickets for.

WEST & NORTH

Grazeland 2 for 1 entry for Small Ideas member. The grounds of Grazeland will be filled with roving performers, kids’ entertainers, live bands, and interactive DJs from June 28^th to July 28^th. It will be transformed into a winter haven featuring everything from snow, neon lights, fire pits, and spiced mulled wine.
IceHQ in Reservoir 20% off ice skating
Circus Latino 15% off and will be at Watergardens 21 June to 14 July
Funtastic playcentre in Caroline Springs has just been added. It includes tramps, play, ninja and a great addition to our play centre category with 15% off each month
SuperPark playcentre is located at Highpoint Shopping centre and is 2 hours of fun. Small Ideas members get discounted entry and if you want to hang at highpoint afterwards don’t forget we include 2 for 1 at Birdie Cafe which is near the playground, as well as 2 for 1 Bubble Cup tea, 2 for 1 short stack at Pancake Parlour and discounted Hoyts and Strike bowling.
Leroys Newport in Newport are a family friendly cafe. They have an outdoor play area for kids and offering Small Ideas members FREE kids milkshakes over the school holidays
Grazeland in Spotswood (right near Scienceworks)For the little ones, Grazeland’s Jungle Hangout will be the perfect place to run off the sugar rush! The interactive playground will be open all school holidays long, alongside an abundance of face painters and a brand new expanded Gamesland zone.Small Ideas member receive 2 for 1 admission to Grazeland.
Scienceworks discounted general admission tickets through small ideas.
Strike Bowling (pictured) & Holey Moley We currently have a FLASH sale for discounted kids and family bowling and mini golf valid until 31 July
Check out our Water play section for discounts at Aquapulse, Melton Waves and Keilor East Leisure Centre. Many of these pools have outdoor areas with pools and picnic area which are only open during summer so now is the time to enjoy!!!
SPLASH Craigieburn save 50% off entry valid once a month
Bundoora Mini Golf 2 for 1 and is right near Bundoora Park Animal Farm where we have 1 Free Child entry so you can do both same day
Mt Derrimut Mini Golf, save 20%
Funtopia in Maidstone with 30% off play. You can pre book online using our discount code but note that this discount does not apply to climbing sessions.
Werribee Open Range Zoo, pre book our discounted tickets and show up whichever day you wish, no need to pre book. Kids are free during school holidays and these school holidays there is a Dinosaur theme.
Jumpin Joeys new voucher in Gisborne this is a brand new play centre and it looks incredible. Small Ideas members enjoy discounted weekday entry including over the school holidays.
TRAC Leisure Centre – we include a 1 FREE family swim per year however, they also have a FREE entry to all on Monday 18 September with soccer clinics, reptile show + more
Lollipop’s Play centre in Bundoora have a different activity each day per time table herein. Build a bear workshop and Nerf event are the most popular to book ahead!

SOUTH/EAST

Social Fair Cranbourne the newest play space in the south/east and Small Ideas members save 25% there is high ropes course which includes zip line, mini golf, giant play zone, climbing and a sports bar
Circus Royale will be in Wantirna from 15 June to 14 July Small Ideas members enjoy 10% discount
Hijinx Hotel (pictured) in Chadstone Shopping Centre is now included in Small Ideas saving Adult and Kids tickets for 1 Challenge which includes 5 rooms
Be Glad Movement in Seaford offers a school holiday drop off program with 4 hours of unlimited fun parkour, ninja climb, arts and crafts. Small Ideas members receive discount!
Dreaming at Gumbuya is on until 31 July and starts at 3.30pm that means that the park is closed on those days up until that time and you will need a Dreaming ticket to enter. Small Ideas members get discounted tickets for Adults and Juniors. You have access to all the rides and it’s quite nice to experience Gumbuya by night.
Bike Skills save 15% on their casual play, birthday parties, learn to ride and/or school holiday programs. Located in Bentleigh East this is a winner given we have NO IDEA what weather melbourne will deliver us
Ninja Bayswater come for a casual play 20% off or school holiday drop off with 3 hours of fun for 15% off for Small Ideas members
Honeyccino Kids Cafe provides Small Ideas members with 20% off weekday entry. This is also valid during school holidays. It’s aimed at the little ones. Be sure to go upstairs also as there’s lots of hidden nooks to play and even a little train ride.
Melbourne Cable Park, Phone to book & mention your Small Idea & receive $5 off per ticket for Climb activities (max of 4 tickets)
Archie Brothers in Morrabbin & Chadstone and we have discounted family bowling or kids bowling and $35 or $50 arcade passes that are discounted through Small Ideas.
Twisted Science is located in both Moorabbin and Echuca and is a HIT with anyone who’s been. Book using Small Ideas 15% discount.
Myuna Farm 50% off family entry valid once per year.
Sossy & Canvas join Small Ideas with 15% off all classes running over the Easter weekend and holidays! Located in Elsternwick
Discounts at bowling for General Public valid at both Frankston and Dingley locations. Great indoor beer garden where you can enjoy yummy food! Over school holidays take advantage of their Family Saver option, more details on their website! NEW voucher for Arcade discount now available
MoPA Sandringham, children’s museum but you must pre book and ideal for children under 7 years
50% off GESAC in Bentleigh
Funtopia Carrum Downs & Cranbourne UPDATE: the 30% discount valid for play or climb or both! New MENU also looks incredible!
Inflatable World Ringwood locations – Buy 1 get 1 FREE

GEELONG

Geelong is a great day trip with a variety of activities on offer for families. Even a bbq along the foreshore throwing a freebie or using the public skate park is fun. Here are some options using Small Ideas

National Woolshed Museum save 20% off all tickets. Very interactive as my 7 year old loved to do stencil drawings, lego making and lots of other crafty activities
MoPA Geelong is a children’s museum, ideal for under 7 years. Free coffee/beverage for all Small Ideas members
2 for 1 at The Geelong Carousel along foreshore
FREE buffet breakfast at Rydges Hotel (pictured) whether you are staying there or not. If you do wish to stay we also include a discount on accommodation
Bellarine Railway 2 for 1 on regular journeys excludes Polar Express
2 for 1 on the Thomas inspired train called 84 Take A Ride
Port Phillip Ferries (pictured) 20% off family pass and you can visit Port Arlington or one of their other popular journeys.
Oz tenpin bowling – 2 for 1 at this popular bowling entertainment centre
The Messy Patch use your Small Ideas discount to visit The Messy Patch in Geelong. Really great for smaller children with huge inside play area with an inside sandpit, mud kitchens, shaving foam, water beads and painting.

BALLARAT

Ballarat Wildlife Park – pre book our discounted tickets
Kryal Castle (pictured)

Kryal Castle’s Frozen Kingdom THIS winter! Part of the annual Ballarat Winter Festival, the icy spectacular offers an epic program.

Discover the story of Kryal’s icy past and watch the ‘Long Lost Princess’ at the Jesters’ Theatre

Witness knights battle with fiery swords to vanquish Queen Neva and her evil army

Meet and pat Kryal Castle’s incredible fire-breathing dragons

Create your own unique snowflake ornament to take home

And so much more!
Gold rush mini golf which is both outdoors and indoors
Ballarat Go-karts save 2 for price of 1 (big saving)!!!
Chipmunks Ballarat 2 for 1 entry (excludes weekends & public hols)
Oz tenpin bowling – 2 for 1 at one of the largest bowling entertainment centres

MORNINGTON PENINSULA & PHILLIP ISLAND

Such a favourite spot for our members in summertime as these outdoor activities really come alive with beautiful scenery!

Enchanted Adventure 1 free child saving $30 My FAV activity in the Peninsula as a General admission ticket is enough for a full day of FUN. Interactive playgrounds, mazes, Tube Slides and nature activities.
Arthurs Seat Eagle
Prepare to be delighted as FAUX SNOW FLURRIES cascade from the summit

Saturday nights come alive with WINTER MAGIC NIGHTS

Immerse yourself in CULTURAL ENRICHMENT with yarn and yidaki sessions by Living Culture

Enjoy the thrill of NOCTURNAL ANIMAL shows with Aussie Wildlife Displays

Step into a whimsical world with our blow-up BALLOON DOMES

SUNDAY SESSIONS are back – featuring a different local artist every week

Join us for a special CRISTMAS IN JULY celebration on the last weekend, making memories that will last a lifetime.

… And more!!
Boneo Discovery Park, save 2 for the price of 1 to Maze & Gardens. Explore our many mazes, wetlands mega games area and nature play. Winter school holidays from 29th June to 14th July at Boneo include Nature craft and sand art, interactive scavenger hunt, jumping castle and more.
Top Fun Shak 2 for the price of 1 mini golf
The Big Goose – 1 free Child or value upgrade. The water splash area will be open everyday forecast over 25 degrees Small Ideas discount not available for Easter long weekend but available every other day.
Rain Hayne & Shine 50% off and is a working farm with no on site cafe so bring snacks or a picnic
Dinosaur World save 15% We are open everyday over school holidays from 10am – 4pm. We hope to see you soon for a roaring time.
Inflatable Land Mornington – 2 for 1
Moonlight Sanctuary save 15% and follow instructions to pre book

Phillip Island

Wildlife Cruises save 15% and see beautiful marine life. Every member that has done this has posted about it in the group saying it was such a great activity!
National Vietnam Veterans Museum Phillip Island, our newest addition to our Attractions category. Kids go FREE.
Amaze N’ Things (pictured) 10% one of the best attractions reported by members

DAY TRIPS

The Ranch Mornington save 10% across all their activities. My 8yo and I did horse riding, zip lining and mountain board climbing.
Kyabram Fauna Park join Small Ideas from 16 September with discounted Adult Admission. Kids are FREE during school holidays and weekends.
Heathcote Glamping Park If you’re thinking about a school holiday adventure this may be the stop for you en route to visiting Bendigo, Kyneton, Nagambie or you could just hang out here and enjoy the beautiful fresh air of Heathcote with a ‘shiraz’ Small Ideas members can book and save up to 20%
Healesville Sanctuary pre book our discounted tickets and show up whichever day you wish, no need to pre book. Kids are free during school holidays which is why we only include discount on Adult admission.
Discovery Centre Bendigo 15% off for members!!! With over 100 interactive exhibits to explore, you won’t know what to try first at Discovery. Be sure to look out for the whacky mirrors that make you look really strange, or the echoing chamber that repeats your words a thousand times over, and don’t forget to play a tune on the thong-a-phone!
The Oaks Lilydale Accommodation save 15% ALL ABOARD DING DING!
Come and stay aboard our newly renovated 1935 86 yo W Class Old Melbourne Tram!
Our Tram Doris has been lovingly restored in the bygone era style and is located on our beautiful 2-acre historic property at The Oaks Lilydale Accommodation, in Lilydale, Victoria home of the beautiful Yarra Valley!
Treetops Adventure have multiple locations and you can pre book with 15% discount. They have obstacles for under 5s as well as older children and adults. There is a location in Belgrave near Puffing Billy Railway where you save 20% so you may be able to do both activities same day.
Uncle Nevs is a horse trail riding activity that has been around since I was a child. You need to be minimum age of 8 and they run every single day in the mornings and afternoon. Small Ideas members receive $5 off each ticket and it’s a BIG day both my 10 year old and I were buggered in a good way afterwards. Epic activity that I did as a child myself and now so happy to enjoy with my boys. Located in Whittlesea and worth travelling to.
Woodlands is just 5min from Melbourne airport and they are including 15% off 1 hour trail ride or Introductory to horse riding
Echuca – if you are haded to Echuca definitely book a session at Twisted Science (pictured)

‘Drop- off’ HOLIDAY PROGRAMS:

Sossy & Canvas join Small Ideas with 15% off all classes in Elsternwick
Melbourne Renegades (pictured) 15% off school holiday programs and locations include Werribee, Yarraville, St Kilda, Bendigo, Warnambool, South Morang.
Be Glad Movement in Seaford is a 4 hour drop off program filled with crafts, ninja courses and loads of activities.
Ninja Park Bayswater have 3 hour drop off at $55 per child and Small Ideas members get 15% off
Acro Kids are located in Braeside and Mornington and offer Small Ideas members 10% off their school holiday program which is lots of acro tumbling and parkour ninja
The Art Factory multiple locations, different arts activities daily refer to their website and choose what suits your child best. Small Ideas members save 20%
Fizz Kidz are located in Essendon and have fun slime workshops over the school holidays. Small Ideas members save 15%
ALLSPORTZ have Hoverboards and Quad bikes back for these school holidays fun for the older kids and something else for the younger kids. Great drop off program and Small Ideas members save 20%!

PLAY CENTRES

We have over 80 indoor play centres included in Small Ideas and it’s a great category to burn off some energy. Check out some of your favourites to see if they have a school holiday program as many of them have a different activity each day like special character visits, face painters and/or activities like Build-a Bear workshop at some of the Lollipops play centres.

We have had a couple of new additions to this category including Social Fair in Cranbourne (pictured) and Honeyccino Kids Cafe. There’s also a new menu at Funtopia Carrum Downs which is something to behold and Frolicz Family Hub Play Centre now have a 5D cinema experience within their play space!

QUEENSLAND

While it’s obvious that I include theme park discount in Gold Coast what people often overlook are the other attractions:

The Ginger Factory, Aqua Duck, Australia Zoo and just a few that I get rave reviews about!

Small Ideas is just $39.45 inc GST and includes Free entry, 2 for 1s and % discounts to over 900+ indoor and outdoor activities that are suitable for families. All vouchers are ACCESSIBLE & REDEEMABLE through your mobile phone & some require pre booking. Valid 12 months from time of sign up so you can sign up at any time. Order here!