MELBOURNE WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 2026
50+ Family-Friendly Things To Do These Winter School Holidays
Looking for the best Winter School Holiday Activities in Melbourne?
You’ve come to the right place.
From snow adventures and magical winter events to indoor attractions, wildlife encounters, school holiday programs and family-friendly dining, Melbourne comes alive during winter. Whether you’re looking for things to do with toddlers, activities for tweens, rainy-day ideas or unforgettable family day trips, there’s something for every family this winter.
The best part?
Many of these attractions are discounted for Small Ideas members.
With access to more than 900 participating businesses across Melbourne and Victoria, most families recover the cost of membership after just one or two outings.
So grab a hot chocolate, start planning and let’s make these Winter School Holidays the best yet.
💛 NOT A SMALL IDEAS MEMBER YET?
Before you spend hundreds of dollars on Winter School Holiday activities, it pays to check whether a Small Ideas discount is available first.
Small Ideas members receive access to discounts at more than 900 attractions, restaurants, cinemas, family activities, school holiday programs and experiences across Melbourne and Victoria.
Many families recover the cost of membership from their very first outing.
This guide highlights some of the biggest savings currently available to members.
👉 Not a member? Join today and start saving immediately.
💰 TOP 10 BIGGEST SMALL IDEAS SAVINGS THIS WINTER
❄️ Frosted Fountain Gate – $24 tickets
🚡 Arthurs Seat Eagle – 20% OFF
⛸️ O’Brien Icehouse – 20% OFF
🎠 Top Fun Burwood – 20% OFF
🎢 Gumbuya World – Discounted Entry
🎮 Dreamskape – 15% OFF
🚂 Day Out With Thomas – 10% OFF
🏰 Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights – 10% OFF
🍔 Pub Pass Venues – 10% OFF
🎬 Gold Class Movie Tickets – Just $30
❄️ WINTER IS HERE
Strike & Archie Brothers Bowling
Strike bowling is a family favourite and we go with the kids, or just adults for fun mum’s night out or date night. Only $12 per person whether it’s kid or adult works out to be a really affordable night out.
Valid all locations any time, except kids are not allowed after 8pm.
💰 Small Ideas members receive discounted bowling at other centres such as General Pubic, Oz ten pin bowling, Archie Brothers and Strike.
Frosted
Located at Westfield Fountain Gate.
If you have younger children, this is one of the most exciting winter attractions around.
Small Ideas members can access all sessions for $24 each!
Inside you’ll find:
✔️ Paw Patrol Show
✔️ Ice skating rink
✔️ Mini golf
✔️ Mini train rides
✔️ Craft stations
✔️ Biscuit decorating
✔️ Inflatable fun zones
✔️ Roaming characters
A fantastic option for preschool and primary-aged children.
🚂 Day Out With Thomas
Bellarine Railway
This event sells out every year and is a must for train-loving children.
Families can enjoy train rides with Thomas, entertainment and plenty of photo opportunities.
💰 Small Ideas members save 10% and if that’s not enough General Public in Corio is NOW live in Small Ideas with discounted bowling Monday to Friday.
One of Victoria’s most popular school holiday events and if you’re out this way I recommend eating at The Queenscliff Hotel and you can save 10% under our Food category with The Pub Pass.
🎢 BIG DAYS OUT WORTH THE DRIVE
Gumbuya World
If you’re looking for a full day of entertainment these school holidays, Gumbuya World is one of my top picks.
Families can:
🎢 Enjoy thrill rides and family attractions
🦘 Explore the Wildlife Trail featuring more than 70 Australian and exotic animals
🐨 Watch wildlife presentations and keeper talks
📸 Meet roaming mascot Gumbo
🚂 Ride the train around the park
🐍 Learn about conservation through animal encounters
💰 Small Ideas members receive discounted entry for Adult and Junior tickets.
One of the best-value family outings these holidays.
Arthurs Seat Eagle
Winter is one of the best times to visit the Mornington Peninsula.
The views across Port Phillip Bay are spectacular and the gondola ride is always a hit with kids.
💰 Small Ideas members save 20%.
My tip? Pair it with Enchanted Adventure and make a full day of it.
Enchanted Adventure
One of Victoria’s best family attractions.
Think giant tube slides, tree surfing, mazes and adventure activities.
💰 Small Ideas members receive one FREE child entry.
That’s a saving of $35.
Lake Mountain
Nothing says winter school holidays quite like a snow day.
Lake Mountain remains one of the easiest snow destinations from Melbourne and is perfect for first-time snow experiences.
Build snowmen, go tobogganing and enjoy some proper winter fun. Unfortunately Small Ideas does not include a discount here but it’s my fav experience with little kids that i wanted to share with you. If you want MORE skii ing i recommend New Zeland or Thredbo and we do include discounts there through our third party link.
🏰 BALLARAT COMES ALIVE IN WINTER
Ballarat becomes one of Victoria’s most popular destinations during winter.
And for good reason.
Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights
Watch Sovereign Hill transform into a magical winter wonderland filled with lights, projections and festive entertainment.
💰 Small Ideas members save 10% through Experience Oz on Adult and Child tickets, unfortunatly family pass tickets are not discounted.
Kryal Castle – Knights of Fire
27 June – 12 July
One of Victoria’s most unique winter experiences.
Expect:
⚔️ Flaming sword battles
🐉 Dragons
❄️ Snow queens
🎨 Face painting
❄️ Snowflake ornament making
🔥 Winter magic throughout the castle
💰 Small Ideas members save on family entry and no pre-booking is required.
🌧 BEST INDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR RAINY DAYS
Melbourne weather can be unpredictable, which is why I always keep a rainy-day list handy.
Dreamskape
One of Melbourne’s newest indoor attractions with locations at Docklands, Knox and Southland.
Families can tackle challenge rooms, interactive experiences and adventure zones.
💰 Small Ideas members save 15%.
O’Brien Icehouse
Winter and ice skating just go together.
Located at Docklands, O’Brien Icehouse is one of Melbourne’s most popular winter attractions.
💰 Small Ideas members save 20%. Others we include are Ice HQ in Reservoir or Roller One which is a skating rink in Burwood.
Met Art World
One of Melbourne’s hidden gems.
Explore giant scrap-metal artworks, interactive displays and VR experiences.
Particularly popular with older children and teens. Small Ideas members receive 10% off total admission.
Aviation Museum
One of Melbourne’s most underrated family attractions.
Perfect for aviation lovers, curious kids and grandparents.
Small Ideas members save 1 Free Child Admission and it’s near Goana Golf where we include 2 for the price of 1 at one of my favourite mini golf venues.
Bounce
Bounce remains one of our most popular school holiday attractions.
The best part?
Small Ideas members receive the same fantastic pricing even during peak school holiday periods.
Even more exciting, Bounce is expected to open its newest location in Hoppers Crossing later in July.
Archie Brothers
Double points are now available at all Archie Brothers locations.
Our game cards start from just $25, delivering incredible value and more play time for families.
Gold Class Cinemas
There are some huge family movies arriving these holidays including:
🍿 Toy Story 5
🍿 Supergirl
🍿 The Odyssey
🍿 Minions
Don’t forget Small Ideas members have access to:
✔️ Discounted Village Cinemas tickets
✔️ Discounted Hoyts tickets
✔️ Discounted Palace Cinemas tickets
✔️ $30 Gold Class tickets
Even better, Hoyts restricted vouchers can be used during school holidays.
⛸️ THE PERFECT DOCKLANDS DAY OUT
You could easily spend an entire day at Docklands these holidays.
Start at O’Brien Icehouse and save 20%.
Then head to Dreamskape and save 15%.
Catch a movie at Hoyts Docklands before finishing with lunch or dinner at Pancake Parlour.
Pancake Parlour Kids DIY Pancake Mornings
Treat the kids to a morning of pancake decorating fun.
📅 3 July
📅 10 July
Kids can create and enjoy their own DIY pancakes, head to their website to book
🆕 WHAT’S NEW ON SMALL IDEAS?
In case you missed it, we’ve recently added:
✔️ Flip Out Fountain Gate
✔️ Roller One Burwood
✔️ Top Fun Burwood
✔️ Kidz Playzone & Ceramics Deer Park
✔️ Dreamskape Docklands, Southland & Knox
✔️ Bubble Planet
My biggest tip?
Use the Search function in the Small Ideas app and search by suburb.
You’ll be amazed at how many discounts are sitting right around the corner.
🛼 BURWOOD FAMILY FUN
Roller One Burwood
Brand new to Small Ideas.
Members receive $5 off skate or blade hire for up to four people.
Top Fun Burwood
Located downstairs in the same shopping centre.
Perfect for younger children.
💰 Small Ideas members save 20%.
🦁 ANIMALS & WILDLIFE
Melbourne Zoo
The biggest drawcard these school holidays is Dinos at the Zoo, where families can walk through a trail featuring 30+ life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. It’s included with zoo admission and runs throughout the holidays.
Families can also:
- 🐆 Meet the four adorable Snow Leopard cubs (Maya, Kira, Lumi and Sabu) as they explore their habitat.
- 🦒 See the zoo’s young giraffe calf, Zambezi.
- 🗣️ Enjoy free daily keeper talks throughout the day.
- 🌿 Explore the nature play spaces between animal exhibits.
Great for: Younger children, dinosaur lovers and anyone who hasn’t visited since the snow leopard cubs arrived.
Winter is actually one of the best times to visit because many animals are more active during cooler weather.
A classic Melbourne family day out and affordable over the holidays as kids are FREE and Small Ideas members receive discounted adult admission.
Chesterfield Farm
Animal feeding, tractor rides and farm experiences make this a favourite for younger children.
A wholesome family outing that never disappoints. Small Ideas members pre book with 1 Free Child admission.
🛝 Play Centres with More Than Just Play
Did you know Small Ideas has 80+ indoor play centres across Melbourne?
Many of them run special daily activities during the school holidays, making every visit a little different. From craft sessions and character visits to themed activities, it’s worth checking what’s on before you go.
⭐ One of my favourites…
If you’re in Melbourne’s west, take a look at Kidz Playzone in Deer Park. Downstairs is a fun indoor play area, while upstairs you’ll find a ceramic painting studio that’s perfect for kids (and adults!).
Small Ideas members receive 20% off ceramic painting, with even the largest pieces costing a maximum of $35, making it an affordable activity to take home as a keepsake.
And if you’re planning lunch, they also specialise in delicious Vietnamese food—which I can personally vouch for!
🍔 FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING DESTINATIONS
The Wharf Hotel
One of Melbourne’s hidden gems.
Book one of their Glass Dens overlooking the water.
The booking fee is redeemable on food and drinks.
Families love:
✔️ Waterfront views
✔️ Family-friendly menu
✔️ Sunday family activities
✔️ Billiards table
💰 Save 10% using your Small Ideas Pub Pass.
Good Nature Hotel
Recently renovated and now featuring:
✔️ Playground
✔️ Live music
✔️ Family-friendly atmosphere
Located at Federation Square and perfect before the footy or a day in the city.
💰 Save 10% using your Pub Pass.
Station Hotel Footscray
One of my favourite winter dining recommendations.
Their Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding and gravy is incredibly popular.
Families can also enjoy:
✔️ Playground
✔️ Petting zoo
✔️ Outdoor dining
✔️ Indoor dining
💰 Save 10% using your Pub Pass.
🎨 SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
Looking for drop-off programs or structured activities?
Don’t forget our School Holiday category includes discounts for:
✔️ NinjaParc Baywater 15% off school holiday classes & 20% off casual entry
✔️ Allsports 20% off all day
✔️ Fizz Kidz 15% off half day program – parents welcome to drop or watch
✔️ Sossy & Canvas 15% off holiday programs
✔️ Junior Footy Stars – multiple locations 15% off
✔️ Pottery workshops – Diana Ceramics and Mois Art Child and/or adult workshops
✔️ Paint For Fun – 15% off all classes
✔️ Blender Studio – Paint Splat is a great one for younger kids 10%
Many book out quickly so plan ahead.
💦 PARC FRANKSTON – AQUANAUTS HAVE LANDED
29 June – 10 July
PARC’s school holiday theme this year is all about space adventures.
Highlights include:
🚀 Splash Island inflatable obstacle course
🚀 Waterslides
🚀 Aquatic playground
🚀 Face painting
🚀 Balloon artists
🚀 Scavenger hunts
🚀 Prizes and giveaways
One of Melbourne’s best-value family outings these holidays.
🔥 GRAZELAND WINTER FESTIVAL
Grazeland is transforming these holidays.
Look out for:
🔥 Fire twirlers
❄️ Snow machines
🎉 Roving entertainment
🍌 Minion appearances
🍔 Amazing food vendors
A fantastic family evening out with plenty of famly friendly spaces mulled wine and FIFA World Cup and AFL on the big screen.
🐧 PHILLIP ISLAND
Don’t miss Amaze N Things where Morgan the Magician will perform live during the first week of the holidays.
🎩 11am Show
🎩 2pm Show
Both performances are included with entry.
💰 Small Ideas members receive discounted admission.
🎉 Planning a Kids’ or Adult Party?
Whether you’re organising a birthday party for the kids or a fun night out with friends, Small Ideas has you covered!
For Kids:
If you’re hosting a party at home, check out The Messy Club. They come to you and set up an interactive activity station that keeps the kids entertained for hours. Choose from fun experiences like:
- 🧪 Slime making
- 💎 Jewellery making
- 🧙 Potion making
- 🎨 And more creative activities!
It’s a fantastic way to keep little guests engaged while you relax and enjoy the party.
For Adults:
Looking for something a little different? I recently organised a celebration for a friend at Champainting (pictured), and it was such a hit! This adults-only experience combines painting with BYO drinks and nibbles. We were all guided step-by-step to paint a portrait of the birthday girl, and the laughs were endless. You don’t need any artistic talent—just a sense of humour!
✨ Best of all, both The Messy Club and Champainting offer exclusive discounts for Small Ideas members!
✈️ HEADING INTERSTATE OR TO NEW ZEALAND?
Before booking attractions, check Small Ideas first.
Members save 10% on thousands of activities through Experience Oz across Australia and New Zealand.
One booking alone can often save more than the cost of membership.
💛 FROM ME
My biggest school holiday tip?
Don’t overplan.
Pick a couple of big adventures, mix in some local outings and leave room for spontaneous fun.
Most importantly, don’t forget to use the Search function inside the Small Ideas app.
With more than 900 participating businesses, your next family adventure is probably closer than you think.
Happy Winter School Holidays!