Best Cheap Holiday Activities In Melbourne❜s South

By: Ayesha Khan, ellaslist

Looking for inspiration for great things to do these holidays? We've found the best cheap fun activities for you in the Melbourne South region. Let's get the party started down in the south. Thrills and spills, free carnivals, cuddly animals and an all time favourite classic brought to life in a pantomime. Check it out! 

1) Luna Park Spring Rides

 

Leave the winter chill behind and ‘spring’ into Luna Park these September school holidays for the ultimate carnival experience!  With three new rides, spring will be carnival-tastic if you spend it at Luna Park!

The September school holidays are a fantastic time to visit Luna Park. Look forward to the new seasonal feature rides - this year it's a cute yellow mini ferris wheel, fantasy teacup ride, and a samba hot-air balloon ride among the seaside breezes and picturesque views. The ever popular Scenic Railway also reopens after maintenance closure. 

Characters from the Emoji Movie will also be making an appearance throughout the park.

Where: 18 Lower Esplanade St Kilda VIC 3182

Opening times: 23 September – 8 October, 2017
11am-11pm, Thursday-Saturday
11am-8pm, Sunday-Wednesday

For more info: head to the website.

2) Greater Dandenong Children's Festival 

Now in its fifth year, the annual City of Greater Dandenong Children’s Festival is celebrating an Animal Kingdom theme. How 'purr-fect'. 

Families are invited to let their imaginations run wild over the school holidays, with a series of free and low-cost events happening across the city from 23 September to 8 October.

The festival features exciting and interactive programs, activities, performances, workshops, exhibitions, and events for the whole family.

Don't miss the highlight of the show, Little Day Out on 1 October at Noble Park's Ross Reserve from 11am - 4pm. 

Little Day Out is a free family event and this year the event presents you the amazing ‘Animal Kingdom’ and it is going to be roaring fun for everyone.

Be ready for lots of fun with free family activities, workshops, entertainment, games and sports! Explore and get crazy with camel rides, themed arts and craft workshop, circus play, animal farm, storytelling and interactive amusements.

Say hi to all the exciting roving characters at the event including the lovely elephant Eesha, Little Pot of Horris, and dinosaur Razor The Raptor.

What you need to know

Where: Various locations, for more details, see website

When: 23 Sep - 8 Oct 

3) Sky High Mt. Dandenong Children's Festival

September Spring school holidays are the best – it’s not too cold, not too hot, so perfect for getting out, and SkyHigh Mt Dandenong is the place to be for great activities and fun for kids to make sure you never hear those two dreaded words: “I’m bored!”

Every day there’s so much happening; meet animals up close, take part in treasure hunts, enjoy a pony ride, some music or mini golf. 

The fun activities and games change every day, so make sure you check the daily activities and times below. All the activities below are free of charge but the gate fee of $6.00 per car still applies. We know where we are heading!

You can even dine in at the SkyHigh restaurant while your kids can enjoy the awesome fun on top of the mountain, or grab a bite to eat or coffee and cake at our kiosk.

What you need to know

Where: 26 Observatory Road Mount Dandenong, Victoria, 3767

When: Sunday, September 24th to Thursday, October 5th (12pm to 4 pm) 

All rides, events and activities are FREE. '

4) Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Tivoli Theatre Pantomimes is once again preparing to wow the audiences with the all time favourite classic, Sleeping Beauty. Sleeping Beauty is cursed on the day of her christening by a BAD fairy but saved by her Fairy Godmother and a handsome prince, many, many years later. In the classic panto tradition of audience engagement, this family-friendly tale is designed to captivate the little ones, while also providing plenty of laughs for parents.

Get movin' and groovin' along with Sleeping Beauty. So don't miss out, book early to secure the best seats!

What you need to know

Where: St. Johns Church Hall, 5 Finch Street, Malvern East, Vic

When: Monday 25th September to Saturday 7th October, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm

Cost: $20 for each ticket. Kids under 2 (sitting on lap) are free

For more information: see website

5) Doveton Show 

What to do when the kids are up for the Royal Melbourne Show but the pocket won't allow it? Luckily for many, the 13th annual Doveton Show will be held on Sunday 24 September 2017 at Myuna Farm.

Held each year at the same time as the Royal Melbourne Show the Doveton Show has been an exceptionally successful community-driven initiative showcasing the Doveton Eumemmerring community.

This full day event is well supported by local community members and features a variety of activities for the entire family including music and dance performances, animal nursery, rides, face painting, sporting activities, show bags, market stalls and train rides. 
The best part is the entry fee is only a gold coin! 

What you need to know 

Where: 182 Kidds Road,  Doveton 3177 

When: Sunday 24th of September 2017, 10am - 4pm