Spring school holiday activities across Melbourne’s east for under $20
From calming cats to learning how movies are made, keeping kids entertained for less is easy.
Matthew Sims
September 17, 2025
A two-week school holiday is just around the corner, and keeping kids amused presents parents and carers with logistical and financial challenges. We’ve prepared a list of some reasonably-priced activities (and one freebie) to keep the youngsters stimulated during the break.
Dive, dip or paddle in a local pool
Nothing’s better than the aroma of chlorine and the sound of screaming children hitting you in the face as soon as you walk in your local pool, right?
Sure, public pools can be stressful places, but they are also heaps of fun and help get a lot of energy out.
Aqualink in Box Hill will have a rope course and dive boards, while Aqualink Nunawading will have a number of inflatables and a rope course.
Where: Various locations
Cost: Child passes start from $7
Make a Spoonie Friend @ Temple Society Australia
Children of all ages are encouraged to come along and design their own “Spoonie” friend and enjoy a morning tea.
When: Monday September 29, 10am to 11am
Where: Temple Society Australia, 51 Elizabeth Street, Bayswater
Cost: Free
Beats from the Soul: Puppets and Drum Circle
Children from two to eight are encouraged to take part in a social and emotional learning drum circle alongside life-sized puppets aimed at supporting feelings and friendships.
The workshop will also include an opportunity for children to create their own drum.
When: Wednesday October 1, 10am to noon
Where: Teraddan Studio, 1A Teraddan Drive, Kilsyth South
Cost: $25 per child, free entry for adults
Imagine: Creative experiences for children
Aimed at children aged eight to 12, these workshops encourage children to bring out their creative side and welcome you to join in with them.
Activities include intergenerational portrait, flower pressing, natural dye and filmmaking workshops.
When: Various dates
Where: Wyreena Community Arts Centre, 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon
Cost: Free to $20
Lazy Cat Cafe
A lot of children’s activities these days involve flashing lights and loud music. For the overstimulated parents, maybe the Lazy Cat Cafe in Box Hill will be more your speed.
You can play board games while petting and feeding a clowder of friendly cats.
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12-8pm
Where: G03/830 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill
Cost: Child: $17
Visit Miller’s Homestead in Boronia
Photo Credit: Knox Council
Ever wanted to see how people lived in the Victorian era? Then check out Miller’s Homestead (circa 1880s), the former home of the first President of Ferntree Gully Shire, James John Miller.
The gardens include a camellia walkway grown from plants dating back to the 1880s. There is also a small library.
When: Open 9.30am to noon and 1pm to 5pm on weekdays
Where: Corner of Dorrigo Drive and Melrose Court, Boronia
Cost: Free
Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway
Photo Credit: Alpha/Flickr
If you keep missing out on Puffing Billy tickets, this may be the next best thing. Powered by steam, combustion engines and batteries, the models are beautifully detailed and reference real-life steam and diesel engines. The train trip lasts 10 minutes.
When: Third Sunday of the month, 11am to 4pm
Where: Corner of Elgar and Belmore roads, Mont Albert North
Cost: Children under two free, single ride $5