With Australian parents spending an average of $1,779 per child on extra-curricular activities each year, I understand that school holidays can turn into budget busters when you're scrambling for entertainment.
That's exactly why this newsletter is completely dedicated to FREE stuff β free events, free activities, free entertainment, and free ways to keep your crew happy.
These zero-cost options will make these school holidays memorable for all the right reasons - and your bank account will thank you!
Joyce xx
P.S. Don't forget to check out your local library's school holiday program β they're often packed with free or low-cost activities that kids absolutely love.
Top Picks
Featured Events π
βMAME Arcade Games Showcase (Wednesday 1 Oct + Saturday 4 Oct) Play classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders on the giant outdoor screen. Narre Warren
βDrop Workshop for Families: Self-Portraits (Thursday 2 Oct) Create collage-inspired self-portraits in this hands-on family workshop suitable for ages 5+. Narre Warren
βNature Play at Cranbourne Gardens (Tuesday 30 Sep - Wednesday 1 Oct) Get messy with nature-based activities and learn about Australian plants and animals. Cranbourne
βBig Toy Swap (Thursday 2 Oct) Exchange gently used toys while learning about sustainability with interactive eco sessions. Melbourne CBD
βGrowing Wellbeing Activity Day (Wednesday 1 Oct) Explore mental health activities and connect with local wellbeing services during this free community event. Ringwood
βACCA Family Art Day: Tschabalala Self(Thursday 2 Oct) Join for a free art-making program designed for families, inspired by the current exhibition Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight. Southbank
βKnox School Holiday Programs (Various events until Friday 3 Oct) Enjoy a variety of free and paid activities designed to entertain kids and families. Bayswater
βBig Screen Goes Green Outdoor Cinema (Various sessions until Friday 3 Oct) Watch green-themed films including FernGully, Flow, and Shrek under the stars. Melbourne CBD
βPaper Planet (Daily from Wednesday 1 Oct - Sunday 5 Oct) Create and explore in a magical cardboard forest where imagination builds the world. Glenroy
βBuild Your Own Megabeast (Daily until Sunday 5 Oct) Design and build creatures inspired by Wylah the Koorie Warrior using artist templates. Melbourne CBD
βPlans for the Planet (Daily until Sunday 5 Oct) Explore Olaf Breuning's interactive art space with animated drawings and nature activities. Melbourne CBD
βDistraction (Wednesdays - Saturdays until 20 Dec) Explore this free exhibition about our scattered attention spans and digital distractions where art and science collide. Parkville
Water play doesn't require a pool membership or perfect weather β these fantastic free destinations let kids splash around whenever the mood strikes.