Summer School Holiday Activities in Melbourne

 Summer 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 Hippo Splash Park at Werribee Open Range Zoo where we include discounted Adult admission as kids are already free during school holidays.

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 $39.95 for 12 months access to 900+ savings.

MELBOURNE

Royal Botanical Garden (pictured) Small Ideas members enjoy 2 for 1 adult tickets on The Explorer Bus. Kids ride the bus for free over the school holidays.

Moonlight Cinemas have opened! Small Ideas enjoy discounted tickets.

Met Art World – 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. 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

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.

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.

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 Moana 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Paddington in Peru, Mufasa and Wicked.

Hoyts – we include a mid week discount Mon to Thu for Hoyts and YES it is valid during school holidays. Prices are just $12.50 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 & Reading are other cinemas we provide discounts for.

WEST & NORTH

• Funfields(pictured)Destination for Epic Waterslides, Thrill Rides, Heated Wave Pool & Family Fun. Boxing Day opens new heated Lava Lagoon. Small Ideas members receive discounted entry of $57 for 100cm up to 130cm and $64 for 130cm and above per ticket valid anytime.
• Werribee ZooGet drenched at the Hippo Beach splash park! Swing to your hearts content along the ropes and embrace your inner safari ranger with fun and interactive play spaces
  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.
• Social Fair Coburg save 25% for up to 5 people valid once per year. This include an adventure park, climbing and lots of ninja fun.
• 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. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Lots happening every weekend, see their website for details of live bands, NYE party and summer themes.
• IceHQ in Reservoir  20% off ice skating
• Funtastic playcentre & Kidzalia play centre in Caroline Springs are great options for smaller children wanting to have fun jumping and sliding. We now include VR Theme Park in Caroline Springs for older kids who enjoy Virtual Reality, arcade and other interactive games.
• 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 & Holey Moley
• Check out our Water play section for discounts at Aquapulse, Melton Waves, SPASH Craigieburn 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!!!
• 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. The Splash island will commence on 7 January and run throughout the summer holidays.
• Minitown in Nunawading and Cuto Kids Cafe Blackburn are the newest additions to our South/East category.
• 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
• Cranbourne Botanical Gardens save 2 for 1 on The Explorer Bus for Adults, kids ride free over school holidays
• 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 discounted entry to all rides, waterpark and wildlife over school holidays.
• 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
• Melbourne Cable Park, Phone to book & mention your Small Idea & receive $5 off per ticket for  Climb & Water activities (max of 4 tickets)
• Archie Brothers in Docklands, Morrabbin, Chadstone and now the newest location Glen Waverley. Small Ideas members can enjoy discounted family bowling or kids bowling and discounted arcade passes
• 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
• Myuna Farm 50% off family entry valid once per year.
• Sossy & Canvas join Small Ideas with 15% off all classes running over Summer 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
• 50% off GESAC in Bentleigh with great waterslides open daily over school holidays
• 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
• 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 27 December to 28 January budding superheroes can train to join the Kryal Castle Superhero League. They’ll receive a FREE Training Journal to help them discover their powers and guide them through a fun-filled program of epic activities.

  It’s the ultimate school holiday experience for kids aged 3 and up! Small Ideas members receive family entry for just $75
• 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!

• Silvers Circus save $10 per ticket as the best circus in town performs in Mornington from 3 January to 2 February
• 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.
• YAWA in Rosebud FREE child per paying adult. Indoor aquatic facility with splash zone
• Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm enjoy a FREE ice cream from on site cafe
• Arthurs Seat Eagle save 20% off gondola rides
  Soar into a world of sun, sand, and sea at Arthurs Seat Eagle this summer with our underwater and beach-themed holiday program!

  And we have plenty on to keep everyone entertained – running from 26 December – 27 January there’s plenty to do, see and experience!

  Pirates Treasure Hunt

  Daily Crafts

  Bubble Dome Play

  Native Animals Shows

  Twilight Flights

  Summer Sessions Live Music
• Boneo Discovery Park, save 2 for the price of 1 to Maze & Gardens. Explore our many mazes, wetlands mega games area and nature play. Mini golf and other activities also available at an additional charge but plenty of spaces for kids to run and explore.
• 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
• Phillip Island Chocolate Factory save 20% off adult & children to the interactive tour
• Phillip Island 3 park pass including Penguin viewing. We have limited discounted tickets available

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. Splash into our refreshed Creek Play zones, where fun meets nature! Cool off in the sparkling creek, splash around, or relax by the water.
• 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 Coburg, Flip Out Knox (pictured), Minitown in Nunawading and VR Theme Park Caroline Springs.

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 $39.95 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!