Melbourne School Holidays September 2026: What’s On, Free Activities & Family Discounts
Last updated: 15 September 2026
Looking for things to do with kids in Melbourne these September school holidays?
I’ve pulled together some of the best Melbourne school holiday activities, family attractions, play centres, museums and animal farms across Melbourne and Victoria — plus some of my favourite Small Ideas member discounts to help keep the cost of the school holidays down.
And make sure you scroll right to the end! I’ve also included my tips for getting the best price for the Melbourne Royal Show, cheaper alternatives to the Show, plus some of the best FREE and cheap things to do with kids these school holidays.
Because two weeks is a LONG time to entertain children… and it definitely doesn’t need to cost a fortune. 😂
❤️ Already a Small Ideas member?
Log in and search Small Ideas before you book — or scroll below for some of my Spring school holiday highlights.
And remember, members receive Small News straight to their inbox every week, packed with what’s on around Melbourne, new Small Ideas offers, family activities and free or cheap things I’ve found for you — so you don’t have to go searching for them yourself.
👋 Not a member yet?
Join Small Ideas for under $43 for 12 months per household and get access to hundreds of family discounts across Melbourne and beyond.
You’ll see plenty of examples below of just how quickly those savings can add up.
🎡 Melbourne School Holiday Attractions & Big Days Out
If you’re planning one of the BIG school holiday days out, this is definitely when you want to check Small Ideas before buying tickets.
A family saving at one attraction can sometimes cover a big chunk of your annual membership.
🎡 Gumbuya World Family Fest
Gumbuya Family Fest is bringing two weeks of extra entertainment to Gumbuya World these school holidays.
🌙 Week One: Stay and play later with Twilight Sessions on Friday 25 & Saturday 26 September, plus a Friday night screening of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King.
🦖 Week Two: Dinosaurs take over with a live Dinosaur Show and Dino Meet & Greets.
Plus all the usual unlimited rides, wildlife encounters and live shows.
Small Ideas member tickets:
🎟️ General Admission 120cm+ — $40
🎟️ Junior Admission 90cm–120cm — $35
Members can log in to Small Ideas, purchase their discounted tickets and simply turn up on their chosen eligible day.
That’s a LOT of school holiday fun for $40. 🙌
🏰 Kryal Castle — Robin Hood Takes Over
Robin Hood is taking over Kryal Castle from 19 September – 4 October.
Meet Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Little John and Maid Marian, plus enjoy:
⚔️ Live jousting
🏹 Archery
🛡️ Knight School
🎭 Live and roving performers
🎨 Robin Hood-themed activities
And here’s where your Small Ideas membership comes in…
❤️ Small Ideas members get FAMILY ENTRY FOR JUST $75!
Simply log in to Small Ideas and grab your voucher before you go, then show your membership at the gate, no need to pre book.
🎪 Circus Royale — Fountain Gate
Circus Royale is at Westfield Fountain Gate, Narre Warren from 18 September – 11 October.
Expect all the Big Top favourites and plenty of family entertainment.
Small Ideas members save $10 OFF every ticket.
For a family, that saving adds up VERY quickly!
💦 Melbourne Cable Park — $20 School Holiday Tickets
This is a GOOD one — and one of my family’s favourites.
Melbourne Cable Park is one of our Small Ideas businesses, but they’re running a public school holiday special that’s even better than our usual member offer, so obviously I’m telling you about it!
These holidays they have selected sessions for:
JUST $20 PER PERSON 🙌
💦 Aqua Park: 11am Monday–Friday / 10am Saturday & Sunday
🧗 Climb Melbourne: 3pm Monday–Friday / 4pm Saturday & Sunday
Pre-booking is required and you simply select the eligible session online.
And if you’ve never been…
It’s basically Wipeout on a lake — only much funnier because it’s your own family falling off everything. 😂
This is a public school holiday offer — you don’t need a Small Ideas membership for this one.
And that’s important to me too. If one of our businesses has a public deal that’s better than our normal member offer, I’m going to tell you about it!
❤️ Belinda’s Picks These School Holidays
Okay, there’s a LOT happening these school holidays, so if you’re looking at this list thinking just tell me what you’d choose… 😂
🎡 Best big family day out: Gumbuya World
💦 Best for something different: Melbourne Cable Park or Circus
🏰 Best for a bit of magic: Kryal Castle
🕹️ Best rainy-day value: Archie Brothers, Bounce, Flip Out.
🐐 Best for little kids: Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm or Little Farm Stays
🕹️ Best for big kids: Lost in Melbourne escape room or Obrien Ice skating
💸 Best if you’re watching the budget: Scroll down to my FREE & cheap section — there are some absolute bargains in there.
And if you’re doing the Melbourne Royal Show, keep scrolling because I’ve included my tips on how to get the best price before you book.
🛝 Melbourne Play Centres for the School Holidays
Melbourne weather + school holidays means at some point we’re probably all going to need an indoor backup plan.
Small Ideas has a whole Play Centres category, with offers at play centres right across Melbourne.
🤸 Funtopia — 3 Hours of Play + Save 25%
From 19 September – 4 October, book an eligible two-hour Playground Pass at Funtopia Carrum Downs or Cranbourne and they’ll give you an:
EXTRA HOUR FREE!
A standard eligible Playground Pass becomes three hours of play for $18.
And YES…
Our Small Ideas 25% discount ALSO works with the offer! 🙌
More play, same price… then take another 25% off.
Yes please.
🎉 Top Fun Kids Café — New Party Discount!
We already have 20% OFF weekday play at Top Fun Kids Café, but they’ve just added something new for our members…
10% OFF PARTIES! WOOHOO! 🎉
So don’t only think about Small Ideas when you’re looking for somewhere to play — check us before booking the birthday too!
🎳 Indoor Activities for Kids in Melbourne
Bowling, arcades, laser tag, climbing, interactive experiences…
Our Indoor Activities category is one worth remembering when Melbourne decides it’s winter again halfway through spring. 😂
🕹️ $40 = $100 of Arcade Play at Archie Brothers!
This might be one of my favourite value hacks these holidays.
Archie Brothers is currently offering Double Play Time, which turns a $50 game card into $100 worth of arcade credit.
BUT…
Small Ideas members can buy that $50 Archie Brothers game card for just $40.
So you’re effectively paying:
🤯 $40 → $50 GAME CARD → $100 ARCADE CREDIT
That’s a LOT of arcade for $40!
And Archie Brothers isn’t our only arcade offer — we have other options available through Small Ideas too.
🎳 Family Bowling for Under $50
Want an easy family outing without spending a fortune?
Check our bowling offers at Strike and Archie Brothers, where Small Ideas families can get everyone bowling for under $50.
🎮 Saboteurs Docklands
Saboteurs has moved to its new home in Docklands, with interactive challenges and missions for kids aged 6+ AND adults.
It’s also a fun birthday option, with parties available for groups of six or more.
Small Ideas members save 10%.
🏛️ Museums for Kids in Melbourne & Victoria
Museums aren’t just for rainy days!
If your kids love planes, dinosaurs, science, sport, cars or history, don’t forget Small Ideas has an entire Museums category too.
Some of the museums you’ll find include:
✈️ Moorabbin Air Museum — explore Australia’s aviation history and aircraft.
🦖 Melbourne Museum — dinosaurs, nature, Phar Lap, history and loads for kids.
🔬 Scienceworks — hands-on science, the Planetarium and school holiday activities.
🌏 Immigration Museum — discover the stories of people who have made Australia home.
🏆 Australian Sports Museum at the MCG — interactive fun for young sports fans.
🪖 National Vietnam Veterans Museum, Phillip Island — aircraft, vehicles, artefacts and Australian history.
🛖 Woodshed Museum, Geelong — another one to add to your Victorian museum list.
Whether your kids are into planes, dinosaurs, science, sport or history, have a look through our Museums category before you go and see where your membership can save you.
🍿 Family Movies These School Holidays
There’s something for everyone hitting cinemas these holidays!
For the little kids:
🐾 PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
🐑 Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom
For the bigger kids:
🏝️ Forgotten Island
😂 Coyote vs. Acme
🕷️ Spider-Man
And for us! 🙌
🎬 Runner
🔮 Practical Magic 2
And before you pay full cinema prices…
Check your Small Ideas cinema offers first! 🎟️
🐐 Animal Farms Near Melbourne
Spring is one of the BEST times to explore our Animal Farms category.
Less mud. More flowers. 😂🌸
🌸 Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
Lavandula has added some really cute things for the school holidays:
🧚 Tiny fairy doors hidden around the farm
🔎 Farm Bingo for the little ones
🐐 FREE animal feeding sessions
Wander the farm, hunt for fairy doors, meet and feed the animals and enjoy all those spring florals.
And Lavandula is just ONE of the animal farms you’ll find through Small Ideas.
🐄 Collingwood Children’s Farm
Collingwood Children’s Farm is running special Family Fun Days from 21–23 September and 28–30 September.
The Family Fun Day activities are an additional school holiday event and separate from simply entering the farm.
If you just want to visit the farm as normal:
Small Ideas members save 25% OFF regular farm entry. 🙌
💦 Melbourne Water Parks, Pools & Leisure Centres
Don’t let the category name fool you!
Our Water Parks category isn’t just huge outdoor water parks.
You’ll also find leisure centres, indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, splash parks and aquatic playgrounds — many with extra activities happening during the school holidays.
🐠 PARC Frankston — Under the Sea
From 21 September – 2 October, PARC Frankston is going Under the Sea with Splash Island, waterslides, its aquatic playground and extra holiday entertainment including face painting, balloon artists and scavenger hunts.
Small Ideas members save 25% OFF entry. 🙌
That’s just one example — have a look through our Water Parks category and see what’s close to you.
🌳 Outdoor Activities for Kids in Melbourne
When Melbourne gives us one of those gorgeous spring days, GET OUTSIDE!
⛴️ Port Phillip Ferries — Kids Go Free
Port Phillip Ferries has a Kids Go Free promotion during eligible school holiday travel.
Sometimes the journey IS the activity — jump on the ferry, head across the bay and turn it into a whole family day out.
This is a public school holiday offer.
🐧 St Kilda Ferry & Penguin Cruises
For something a little different, check out the popular St Kilda Penguin Cruise.
Head out around sunset and see St Kilda’s Little Penguins from the water.
Our Small Ideas discount doesn’t apply to the Penguin Cruise itself, but:
Small Ideas members save 20% on the regular St Kilda Ferry service.
🎡 Melbourne Royal Show 2026 — How to Save
The Melbourne Royal Show runs 24 September – 4 October 2026.
If it’s on your school holiday list, don’t automatically leave everything until the day.
Current Early Bird savings include:
🎟️ Family General Admission — $95 instead of $105
🎟️ Family Flexi — $100 instead of $105
🌙 Twilight Family after 5pm — $77 instead of $79
You can also save up to 25% on Ride Passes when you add them to your online ticket purchase.
There are also 20 rides under $8 this year and showbags starting from $5.
Because let’s be realistic…
Admission + rides + food + showbags can become quite the family investment. 💸
My tip?
Book early, pre-buy the rides and set the showbag budget BEFORE you walk through those gates. 😂
🎠 Cheaper Alternatives to the Melbourne Royal Show
Want some of the Show atmosphere without quite the Royal Show budget?
🚜 Melbourne Country Show — Caribbean Gardens
Running 25 September – 4 October at Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby.
🎟️ Entry from $10 per person
👨👩👧👦 Family pass $30 for up to six people
🎠 Kids’ Value Rides around $2.50–$5
Plus monster trucks, fireworks, animals, pony rides, camel rides, showbags, markets and entertainment.
✨ Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival
The Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival runs 14–24 September, with FREE and ticketed performances, storytelling, creative activities and hands-on experiences for kids.
Big Wonder Weekend is 19 & 20 September, making this weekend a particularly good time for a Geelong day trip.
🆓 Free & Cheap School Holiday Activities in Melbourne
Not every day of the school holidays needs to cost $100+.
I also keep an eye out for free and cheap family activities around Melbourne, whether they’re Small Ideas offers or not.
If I find something worthwhile, I’ll share it with you!
🚂 Miniature Trains — Sunday 20 September
Got a toddler or little train lover?
There are FOUR miniature railway days happening Sunday 20 September, generally costing only a few dollars per ride:
🚂 Bulla Hill Railway — 11am–4pm
🚂 Altona Miniature Railway — 10am–3pm
🚂 Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway — 11am–3pm
🚂 Diamond Valley Railway — 11am–5pm
Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
🛍️ Free Melbourne Markets — Sunday 20 September
Making Moves Market at Abbotsford Convent runs from 9am–4pm, with around 50 Australian small businesses, live music, food trucks and family entertainment.
Or head into the city for the Southbank Makers Market at Southgate, along the Yarra River Promenade.
Both are free to wander.
🛝 $3 Youth Slide Night
WaterMarc has a Youth Slide Night on Friday 18 September for kids aged 10–17 years.
⏰ 6pm–9pm
💰 JUST $3
Three hours for $3.
I don’t think I can find you much cheaper than that. 😂
🧸 FREE Big Toy Swap — Fed Square
The Big Toy Swap is at The Edge, Fed Square on Wednesday 23 September from 10.30am–2pm.
Bring up to six clean, gently used toys, books or games and swap them for something new-to-you.
👧 Ages 8–14: 10.30am–12pm
🧒 Under 8s: 12.30pm–2pm
FREE — registration required.
Clear out the toy cupboard AND entertain the kids without spending a cent. Win-win.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Show — Yarra Valley
The Cherry Blossom Show at Blue Hills Berries & Cherries runs 25–27 September.
Think blossoms, ponies, fairies, face painting and live music.
Definitely one for the spring photos. 🌸
🥞 $13.50 DIY Pancake Mornings
The Pancake Parlour is running DIY Kids Mornings on 24 September and 2 October at participating restaurants.
Kids get to design, decorate and then EAT their own pancake masterpiece for $13.50.
🎩 Mad Hatter High Tea
Something a little different…
Every Sunday in September, head to the Como Centre for a whimsical Mad Hatter High Tea.
A cute one if you’ve got an Alice in Wonderland fan — or just want something different.
🏀 Melbourne School Holiday Sports & Art Programs
Not every holiday activity needs to be a major family day out.
Small Ideas also has a Sports & Arts category with options including:
🏀 Basketball academies
🏉 Football academies
⚽ Soccer programs
🎨 Art classes
🏺 Pottery & creative workshops
And Fizz Kidz has opened a NEW Werribee location, with school holiday programs now available.
Think experiments, crafts and creative activities where the mess happens somewhere other than your house. 😂
Small Ideas members save 15% OFF Fizz Kidz holiday programs.
🪄 MAGIC SCHOOL – CROYDON
Calling all little witches & wizards! 🧙♀️✨ Step inside a fully immersive Magic School, where changing rooms, characters, illusions and magical classes create a different adventure each day.
The 6-hour drop-off experience runs 9am–3pm for ages 6+, with small classes of 12 and a hot pizza lunch included.
📍 13–23 Hull Road, Croydon
🎟️ $95 full day
💰 Small Ideas members save 20% on the school holiday program
Full days and shorter mini-sessions are available. Adopt a Pet is already SOLD OUT.
✈️ Travelling Interstate or to New Zealand?
Here’s something some Small Ideas members still don’t realise:
Your membership isn’t only for Melbourne!
While most of our offers are here in Victoria, we also have discounts across Australia and New Zealand.
So if you’re travelling these holidays, search Small Ideas before booking attractions at your destination too.
🌊 Gold Coast — Dreamworld + WhiteWater World + SkyPoint
One current Small Ideas Mega Deal gives members:
🎢 2-Day Dreamworld + WhiteWater World + SkyPoint Pass
💰 $92 per pass
🎟️ BUY 3, GET 1 FREE
The promotion ends 11 October, BUT…
You have ONE YEAR to use the passes after purchase!
So even if the Gold Coast isn’t happening these holidays, it could be worth buying for your next trip.
🎭 One to Book Ahead — Mrs Doubtfire Melbourne
Okay, maybe this one is for us too. 😂
Mrs Doubtfire – The Musical arrives at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 25 November.
Selected performances currently have an offer to:
BUY FOUR TICKETS AND SAVE $25 PER TICKET
Recommended for ages 6+, so it could actually make a great family Christmas present too.
❤️ What Is Small Ideas?
If you’ve found this Melbourne school holiday guide through Google, ChatGPT, social media or somewhere else and you’re wondering what Small Ideas actually is — hello! 👋
Small Ideas is a paid family discount membership designed to help families save money on the things they actually do.
Inside Small Ideas you’ll find hundreds of family offers across categories including:
🎡 Family attractions & theme parks
🛝 Play centres
🍿 Cinemas
🍽️ Family-friendly dining
🐐 Animal farms
🏛️ Museums
💦 Water parks & leisure centres
🎳 Bowling, arcades & indoor activities
🌳 Outdoor activities
🏀 Sports & arts
✈️ Travel activities & attractions
Businesses are listed for free — I don’t charge businesses to appear.
My job is to find and negotiate offers that give our families a reason to:
Search Small Ideas BEFORE paying full price.
But it’s not only about discounts.
Members also receive my Small News email every week, where I share what’s happening around Melbourne, new Small Ideas offers and the FREE, cheap or interesting things I’ve found for families that week.
Basically, I do a lot of the searching for you. ❤️
💰 Is a Small Ideas Membership Worth It?
Small Ideas membership is under $43 for 12 months per household.
And just look at a few examples from this school holiday guide:
$10 off every Circus Royale ticket.
$75 family entry to Kryal Castle.
25% off Funtopia.
25% off Collingwood Children’s Farm entry.
$40 for a $50 Archie Brothers game card that can currently become $100 of arcade credit.
$40 Gumbuya World General Admission tickets.
Plus cinemas, museums, play centres, dining, attractions and hundreds of other offers throughout the year.
For many families, one or two outings can cover the entire cost of their annual membership.
Then you’ve still got another 12 months to use it.
❤️ Already a member?
Log in and search Small Ideas before you book.
Don’t only search for the one business you’re already planning to visit either — browse the categories.
You might find something completely different to do AND discover a discount you’d forgotten you had.
👋 Not a member yet?
Before you book another movie, attraction, play centre, family meal or school holiday activity at full price…
Join Small Ideas and start searching before you book.
Membership is under $43 for 12 months per household.
Have the BEST school holidays!
Belinda x
Small Ideas
Melbourne School Holidays FAQs
What are some cheap things to do with kids in Melbourne these school holidays?
Melbourne has plenty of inexpensive family activities including community events, miniature railways, markets, council activities and discounted family attractions. This guide includes activities ranging from FREE events and $3 activities through to discounted major attractions.
What can I do with kids in Melbourne when it’s raining?
Good rainy-day activities in Melbourne include play centres, bowling, arcades, Scienceworks, Melbourne Museum, Moorabbin Air Museum, Australian Sports Museum, cinemas and indoor aquatic centres.
Small Ideas members have discounts available across many of these types of activities.
What are some good Melbourne school holiday activities for younger kids?
Play centres, animal farms, miniature railways, family movies, museums, aquatic playgrounds and creative programs are all great options for younger children.
Are there free school holiday activities in Melbourne?
Yes. Melbourne has plenty of free school holiday activities including festivals, markets, community events and family activities. This guide includes a mixture of free activities, cheap public offers and Small Ideas member discounts.
How can families save money on Melbourne attractions?
Plan ahead, look for early-bird and public promotions and always check whether you already have access to a family discount before purchasing tickets.
Small Ideas members have access to hundreds of family discounts across Melbourne, Victoria and selected interstate and New Zealand attractions.
And if I find a public deal that’s better than the Small Ideas deal?
I’ll tell you about that too. ❤️