Spring School Holiday Activities in Melbourne
September 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. Pictured is my son at Hijinx Hotel participating in the 5 challenge rooms we have discounted!
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
Met Art World (pictured)– located in Port Melbourne it’s a must visit. If you have already been before I have good reason for you to return as they have a great School holiday program plus stay tuned for Halloween event. Check out calendar for school holidays included in entry and Small Ideas members receive discounted entry valid every day.
Shelanous 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.
House Down Under located within Harbor Town at Docklands we include 15% off your total
Shelanous 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.
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.
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.
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. 🧪 Dr Hubble Bubble Show: Prepare to be mesmerised by the one and only Dr Hubble! His bubbles aren’t just big—they’re ginormous, giggle-inducing, and gravity-defying! Perfect for kids (and kids at heart) who want to see magic float through the air. Luna Park will also have extended trading hours starting next Friday evening, September 20.
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 Skydeck save 10%, 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.
From 21 September to 6 October, pick up a stamp card at the start of the Trail of the Elephants. Along the trail, you’ll discover four stamp stations to mark your card and reveal a hidden design (can you guess what it is?). At the end, you’ll find a special mailbox where you can write a personal message to the elephants. Use the paper provided, or bring your own farewell card or drawing from home as we bid farewell to the Elephants leaving Melbourne Zoo and heading to Werribee Open Range.
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 The Wild Robot, Runt, Transformers One and Harold.
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 (pictured) – 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 & Reading are other cinemas we provide discounts for.
WEST & NORTH
- Werribee Zoo celebrates the Rhythm of Africa these school holidays.
Enjoy a range of activities, daily from 10:30am – 2:30pm in the African Village. Join in on the fun with:
- African music and dancing
- Drum workshops
- African cultural activities
- Games
- Craft
All included in your General Admission which is FREE for kids and Small Ideas members receive discounted Adult admission and don’t forget FREE Safari bus included in your general admission ticket.
- Circus Latino (pictured) will be performing at 614 Ballarat Rd – Ardeer in Sunshine from 13 September to 13 October with free parking onsite. Small Ideas members receive up to 15% discount
- Airborn in Roxburgh Park include trampolines, climbing and ninja obstacles all under the one entry. Small Ideas members save on general admission.
- Grazeland 2 for 1 entry for Small Ideas member. Grazeland is the place to be this AFL finals season! Who do you think will be premiers?
- IceHQ in Reservoir 20% off ice skating
- 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
- Scienceworks discounted general admission tickets through small ideas.
- Strike Bowling (pictured) & Holey Moley
- 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.
- 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
- PARC (pictured) in Frankston introduce a brand-new inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island these school holidays! Small Ideas members receive 25% off general entry every month.
- Silvers Circus will be in Nunawading until 13 October. Small Ideas members receive $10 off each ticket
- Circus Royale have “Supercharged Edition”, an exclusive, larger-than-life production at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, from September 13th to October 13th! Small Ideas members can pre book and receive 10% off total
- Kid Factory in Dingley have introduced Messy Play and of course Small Ideas members receive a discount live now under our Play centre category
- Origami is a new play cafe in the heart of Kew perfect for little ones. Small Ideas members receive 20% off weekday entry
- Social Fair Cranbourne have renovated their toddler play zone! Small Ideas members save 25% there is high ropes course which includes zip line, mini golf, giant play zone, climbing and a sports bar
- Hijinx Hotel in Chadstone Shopping Centre is now included in Small Ideas saving Adult and Kids tickets for 1 Challenge which includes 5 rooms
- Gumbuya World Small Ideas members receive 10% discount on Adult and Junior tickets for Single Day admission. During school holidays Gumbuya have a fair theme with live music, an animal farm, vibrant face painting, traditional carnival games, heaps of showbags, market stalls, tasty treats and SO MUCH MORE!
Every Saturday of the school holidays – that’s Sat 21st, Sat 28th Sep and Sat 5th October, we’ll be running a twilight fair session from 2pm – 7pm which means all of your fun fair vibes can continue into right into the 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 valid anytime however, if you are going during September school holidays the Moorabbin location is offering our members 35% off!!!
- 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) have a Kids Ride FREE promo over these school holidays!
- 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)
From Saturday 21 September until Sunday 13 October*, let your imagination soar with our flight of dragons, be transformed by our face painters, participate in a dragon egg hunt, show off your fabulous costume in the Dragon Parade, and experience the roaring atmosphere!If you’re coming to Kryal Castle this weekend, you’re in luck! Our dragons are busy preparing for the school holiday program so while you enjoy our regular activities like axe throwing, trebuchet, archery, and live performances, you’ll get a sneak peek at our scaled beasts roaming the Castle grounds! - 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
Spring school holidays are coming! And we are OPEN. EVERY. DAY. from 21/09 – 06/10
And we have SO much happening these school holidays
Soar into PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE this spring at the Arthurs Seat Eagle!Adventure, creativity, and breathtaking views come together for a truly unforgettable experience!Start your journey with a thrilling gondola ride that offers breathtaking views of the Mornington Peninsula.
As you glide above the treetops, be on the lookout for the mysterious Dino Trail—filled with colourful dinosaur tracks and hidden eggs, perfect for little explorers eager for a challenge! - 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
- 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 20% 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.
- Ninja Park Bayswater have 3 hour drop off at $55 per child and Small Ideas members get 15% off or 20% off casual sessions.
- 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!