20+ School Holiday Wins Under $25 (Yes, Really)

Published 7 days agoย โ€ขย 3 min read

Hi there Reader

Remember when I asked you last week about your go-to winter holiday survival strategy?

Well, you didn't disappoint!

Here are some of my favourites:

๐Ÿ’ฌ "Shopping centre playground rotation - Chadstone Monday, Eastland Tuesday... I have a spreadsheet. Don't judge me." - Michelle, Doncaster

๐Ÿ’ฌ "Baking disasters are my secret weapon. Sure, my kitchen looks like a bomb went off, but they're occupied for ages and we get something edible (usually) at the end." - Kate, Hawthorn

๐Ÿ’ฌ "I've mastered the art of 'adventure walks' to the shops. We pretend we're explorers, they get exercise, I get groceries. Win-win!" - James, Richmond

I particularly like these ideas because I know keeping the kids entertained without breaking the bank is the ultimate parenting challenge!

That's why in this newsletter edition I'm focusing on activities that are either free or budget-friendly (think tickets around $25 or less).

Because who says epic winter adventures have to cost a fortune?

Speaking of budget wins, check out this reel where I share 5 family activities in Melbourne for under $20.

Got any more tricks up your sleeve? Hit reply - I'm always collecting parent wisdom.

Joyce xx

P.S. Speaking of free things to do - our Tot Readers Party waitlist is open, but not for long. If you want to join us for a FREE ice skating party on Friday 11 July 10am at The Rink on Watton in Werribee ๐Ÿ‘‰ click here to join the waitlist and avoid FOMO.

Top Picks

โญ Featured Winter School Holiday Events

  • โ€‹School Holiday Fun at Bunjil Place (Monday 7 Jul - Sunday 27 Jul) Experience exciting stage shows, mesmerising activations, workshops and crafts at Bunjil Place. Narre Warren
  • โ€‹Family Fiesta MPAC (Wednesday 9 Jul - Saturday 12 Jul) Dive into live music, art play activations and interactive experiences including ice play adventures and polar camp fun for the whole family. Clayton
  • โ€‹Melbourne v North Melbourne 'Kids Round' (Sunday 13 Jul) Get into the spirit of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season with a special match in the school holidays featuring free family-friendly activities. MCG
  • โ€‹Ah-MAZE-ing School Holiday Program (Various sessions until Sunday 20 Jul) Step into Chadstone's colourful Lost and Found wonderland where kids can get lost in giant inflatable mazes and build their own fun creations. Chadstone
  • โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹Glen Eira Storytelling Festivalโ€‹โ€‹ (Various days until Saturday 12 Jul) Celebrate stories in all forms through music, performance, puppetry, and poetry in this community festival for all ages. Carnegie
  • โ€‹Soccerfest25 (Thursdays - Sundays until 20 Jul) Get your heart pumping with high-energy sporty fun featuring epic inflatable challenges designed for active kids, teens and families. Dandenong South
  • โ€‹โ€‹โ€‹Dinofestโ€‹โ€‹ (Various dates + times until Sunday 20 Jul) Walk the Dinosaur Trail and come face-to-face with life-size prehistoric creatures in this ultimate outdoor adventure for families with kids under 9. Wantirna South
  • โ€‹The Playground Project (Wednesdays - Sundays until 12 Oct) This unique interactive exhibition invites kids to climb, crawl and imagine their way through whimsical playground designs that explore the art of play. Aberfeldie
  • โ€‹In Your Neighbourhood Bromley x Sesame Street Exhibition (Daily until Sunday 13 Jul) Discover beloved Sesame Street characters like you've never seen them before through 50+ interactive art pieces, sculptures and collectibles. South Yarra
  • โ€‹Elephants 3D (Various session times + dates until Friday 19 Sep) Experience a breathtaking IMAX 3D adventure following a baby elephant's desert survival journey, narrated by Naomi Watts. Carlton
  • โ€‹Teen Photography Project (Wednesdays until 13 Aug - excl. 2 + 9 Jul) Teens can develop their creative skills through a free photography workshop in a supportive and inspiring environment. St Kilda

New + Noteworthy

SPONSORED PICK

โ€‹Colourful, Creative + Free at Kaleidoscope Kidsโ€‹

Kingston City Council offers a school holiday arts program that encourages creativity through active learning, experimentation, artistic creation, and fun for kids 5-13 years.

โ€‹Free Walking Tours to Roamโ€‹

Discover Melbourne's rich history and stunning architecture without spending a cent - try these family-friendly walking tours that showcase the city's top attractions.

FROM OUR PARTNER

โ€‹Winter Holiday Fun at Bunjil Placeโ€‹

Stage shows, hands-on crafts and free exhibitions โ€” there's lots of affordable fun in Narre Warren!

โ€‹Royal Treats, Free Eatsโ€‹

These spots serve up delicious food while giving kids' meals the royal treatment - completely free.

โ€‹Heat Up Your Holidaysโ€‹

Flames, glowing installations, food and performances will warm up Docklands 4-6 Julyโ€”and nothing says "school holidays" like a FREE winter festival.

โ€‹Make a Racquetโ€‹

Serve up some family fun with our guide to Melbourne's best free public tennis courts.

โ€‹Winter Night Market QVMโ€‹

Experience enchanting Wednesday evenings with delicious street food, unique artisan stalls and Christmas in July celebrations complete with live music.

Giveaway

WIN a family pass to โ€œThe Rockstar and The Krillโ€, part of the Family Fiesta at Monash Performing Arts Centre. Great school holiday show for kids 3+ years!

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Thanks to our partners who help keep this newsletter free. Some of the recommendations are sponsored, but we only ever share things we think youโ€™ll love.

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