Pakenham · Narre Warren · Cranbourne · Chelsea Heights
Things to do with kids in Melbourne’s south-east these school holidays
School holidays: 19 September–4 October 2026
If you're looking for things to do with the kids around Melbourne's south-east these school holidays, you don't necessarily need to head into the city.
From nature play and outdoor adventures to free interactive experiences, creative workshops and school-holiday sports programs, there are plenty of ways to fill the two-week break around Pakenham, Narre Warren, Cranbourne and Chelsea Heights.
We've picked a mix of free, low-cost and paid activities, so you can plan around the kids' ages, your budget and the weather.
01 / Start outside or play for free
Free & low-cost activities
01
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Cranbourne
If your kids are happier exploring outside than sitting through another organised activity, put the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne on the list.
During the spring school holidays, families can explore the Gardens, use the nature-play areas and join special school-holiday activities.
The School Holiday Explorer Bus runs daily from 19 September to 4 October, with children travelling at half price — $6 for children and $18 for adults. There is also Nature Play Cranbourne on 29 September, a free four-hour drop-in activity where kids can get creative, crafty and messy while learning about the plants and animals around them.
- Cost
- Free to visit; selected activities/tours paid
- Best for
- Families, nature lovers and younger children
- Parking
- Car parking is available at the Gardens. Check current parking/signage on arrival.
- To OKAMI
- Approximately 10–15 minutes from OKAMI Cranbourne
OKAMI’s recommendation
Make this an easy nature-to-dinner day. Spend the morning exploring the Gardens, then head to OKAMI Cranbourne for an all-you-can-eat Japanese dinner. With sushi, noodles, hot dishes and other choices on the menu, everyone can find something they actually want to eat — and children aged 0–3 dine free.
Book OKAMI Cranbourne
02
Cosmic Quest + Games Day at Bunjil Place
Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren
This one is for kids who want to move, play and make something happen rather than just watch.
Cosmic Quest is a free interactive augmented-reality experience on Bunjil Place's outdoor screen. Kids use their body movements to control the action, guide meteorites, create planets and help friendly Martians.
It runs daily from 19 September to 4 October, with sessions at 10am, 1pm and 4pm, and is open to children of all ages.
Games Day: Presented by the City of Casey and Connected Libraries as part of Melbourne International Games Week, Games Day brings people of all ages together through play.
Whether you're a dedicated gamer, a casual player or simply curious to try something new, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself, discover new experiences and connect with others in a fun, welcoming environment.
- Cost
- Free
- Best for
- All ages
- Parking
- Bunjil Place has nearby public parking; check current event-day conditions before travelling.
- To OKAMI
- Approximately 5–10 minutes from OKAMI Narre Warren
OKAMI’s recommendation
Since Cosmic Quest is only one part of a day at Bunjil Place, make the outing bigger: let the kids explore the interactive experience, then head to OKAMI Narre Warren for dinner. It keeps the whole day within the same local area instead of adding another long drive.
Book OKAMI Narre Warren02 / Pick your pace
Three ways to keep them busy in Pakenham
Sport, a creative afternoon or a rainy-day indoor option — all close to OKAMI Pakenham.
03
Pakenham School Holiday Tennis Program
Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre, 11 Webster Way, Pakenham
For kids who need to burn off some energy, the Spring Tennis School Holiday Program runs from 28–30 September, with children aged 5–15 able to attend one day or all three.
The sessions run from 9am–12pm, and the program is suitable for all abilities, including beginners.
- Cost
- $45 for one day or $110 for three days (save $25)
- Best for
- Ages 5–15
- Parking
- Check parking availability at the tennis centre before arrival.
- To OKAMI
- Approximately 5–10 minutes from OKAMI Pakenham
OKAMI’s recommendation
Three hours of tennis should leave everyone ready for lunch — or, if you're making a full day of it, save OKAMI Pakenham for dinner. After the kids have spent the morning running around the court, an all-you-can-eat meal gives everyone plenty of choices without having to order separate meals for every picky eater. Children under 3 dine free.
Book OKAMI Pakenham04
Kids’ Plant Pot Painting
The Shop of Little Shops, 19 Treloar Lane, Pakenham
For something slower-paced, kids can paint their own terracotta plant pot during the school holidays.
The activity runs from 20–27 September, costs $10 per person, and includes one pot. A three-ticket option is also available for $25. Bookings are recommended because materials need to be prepared in advance.
- Cost
- $10 per person or three for $25
- Best for
- Kids who enjoy crafts and making things
- Parking
- Check local parking around Treloar Lane before attending.
- To OKAMI
- Approximately 5–10 minutes from OKAMI Pakenham
OKAMI’s recommendation
Let them get their hands messy with paint first, then finish the outing with dinner at OKAMI Pakenham. It's an easy combination when you want a school-holiday activity that doesn't take up the entire day.
Book OKAMI PakenhamNature & bigger days out
05
Lollipop’s Playland & Cafe Pakenham
Unit 1/3 Southeast Boulevard, Pakenham
When Melbourne decides to throw a rainy day at your school-holiday plans, an indoor play centre can save the day.
Lollipop's Pakenham has play areas for different ages, including a toddler area for children aged 0–3 and a rock wall for children 5+. The centre is open throughout the school holidays.
- Cost
- Paid — check current entry pricing before visiting
- Best for
- Younger children and families needing an indoor option
- Parking
- Check centre parking on arrival.
- To OKAMI
- Approximately 5–10 minutes from OKAMI Pakenham
OKAMI’s recommendation
Let the kids climb, slide and run around first, then head to OKAMI Pakenham once everyone has worked up an appetite. It's a particularly useful combination for a rainy-day plan because both stops stay within the Pakenham area.
Book OKAMI Pakenham03 / Narre Warren & Berwick
A creative stop in Berwick
06
Old Cheese Factory — Kids Drum Circle
34 Homestead Road, Berwick
Want something a little different from sport and playgrounds?
The Old Cheese Factory is hosting a Kids Drum Circle during the September school holidays. The 45-minute sessions are designed for children aged 6–10, combining rhythm, movement, creativity and music.
- Cost
- $10 per child
- Best for
- Ages 6–10
- Parking
- Check on-site/event parking before attending.
- To OKAMI
- Approximately 10–15 minutes from OKAMI Narre Warren
OKAMI’s recommendation
A 45-minute drum session leaves plenty of time for the rest of the day. After the kids have made enough noise at the Drum Circle, head towards OKAMI Narre Warren for dinner and let them choose what they want from the all-you-can-eat menu.
Book OKAMI Narre Warren04 / Chelsea Heights
A high-energy day for kids and teens
07
Beatball Australia
Unit 1/263–271 Wells Rd, Chelsea Heights VIC 3196
Designed for kids, loved by parents. Minimum of 10 players per booking.
Originally created for adults, Beatball quickly became a favourite with kids and teens, now recognised as one of Melbourne’s most exciting birthday party destinations.
Every session is professionally hosted, fully supervised and completely private, so parents can relax while kids burn energy in a safe, controlled environment.
- Price
- $39.9–$49.9 per child
- Parking
- On-site
- To OKAMI
- 5 minutes from OKAMI Chelsea Heights
OKAMI’s recommendation
After burning calories at Beatball, OKAMI Chelsea Heights is only 1.5km away, welcoming the whole family with sushi, hot plates, a variety of mains and desserts for everyone.
Book OKAMI Chelsea HeightsChoose what works today
Quick picks
| Activity | Area | Cost | Best for | Parking | Approx. OKAMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne | Cranbourne | Free + paid options | All ages | Gardens parking | ~10–15 min OKAMI Cranbourne |
| Cosmic Quest | Narre Warren | Free | All ages | Bunjil Place parking | ~5–10 min OKAMI Narre Warren |
| Pakenham Tennis Program | Pakenham | $45–$110 | Ages 5–15 | Check venue | ~5–10 min OKAMI Pakenham |
| Plant Pot Painting | Pakenham | $10 | Craft lovers | Check local parking | ~5–10 min OKAMI Pakenham |
| Lollipop's Playland | Pakenham | Paid | Younger kids | Check venue | ~5–10 min OKAMI Pakenham |
| Bunjil Place programs | Narre Warren | Free + paid | Various ages | Bunjil Place parking | ~5–10 min OKAMI Narre Warren |
| Kids Drum Circle | Berwick | $10 | Ages 6–10 | Check venue | ~10–15 min OKAMI Narre Warren |
| Beatball Australia | Chelsea Heights | $39.9–$49.9 | Ages 5–15+ | On-site | ~5 min OKAMI Chelsea Heights |
Activity + dinner
One less thing to plan
Choose your activity, then find a table near your day out.
