The September School Holidays are almost here, and there’s no better place for family fun than The District Docklands! Just weeks after the last break, our precinct is bursting with fresh experiences, tasty food deals, sweet retail offers, and new local favourites to discover. With something for everyone to enjoy, simply explore the categories below and start planning the perfect school holiday adventure.

Step Into the Storm – Hurricane Arrives at Dreamrace!

After opening their Dreamskape extension in June with Dreamrace, they’re keeping the momentum going and returning with a brand-new play—Hurricane! This thrilling experience is Australia’s first-ever 360° VR Hurricane Coaster, designed to spin, twist, and scream. This isn’t just a ride—it’s an experience like nothing you’ve ever felt before. And don’t forget their other plays: Dream Spartan, Dream Ronin, Dream Ride, and more original plays at Dreamskape. With so much to explore, you and your family will easily fill half your day with fun and thrills!

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11am – 7pm, Friday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Price: Starting from $20

Get Creatively Messy at Slime Lab!

Get ready for a hands-on sensory adventure like no other at Slime Lab. Perfect for curious kids and slime lovers of all ages, this vibrant experience invites little creators to mix, mould, and play their way through a world of gooey fun. Join one of the enchanting Slime Workshops to create your very own custom slime, or craft a one-of-a-kind DIY keychain to take home. While you’re here, explore a colourful range of handmade slime products, and don’t forget to treat yourself at the delightful Ice Cream Bar. It’s messy, magical, and absolutely unforgettable!

Hours: Everyday 10am – 5pm
Price: Workshops start from $10

Little Builders x The Messy Club – Two Huge Days of Fun!

Get ready for two exciting days of hands-on fun as Little Builders teams up with The Messy Club! Families can look forward to 1.5 hours of jam-packed activities, with each ticket covering entry for one adult and one child. Kids will enjoy full access to all Little Builders facilities, including Melbourne’s largest sandpit, as well as The Messy Zone, where they can dive into potions, play dough, sensory stations, and more. Even the littlest ones won’t miss out—infants can join in free with a sibling.

Tickets are limited, so don’t wait and click to book below—this is your chance to let the kids build, create, and get messy these school holidays!

Dates: Tuesday 23 September & Thursday 2 October
Session times: 9am, 10:0am, 12pm, and 1:30pm
Price: $35

Double the Fun at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Roll into Savings at Strike!

Why settle for one coin’s worth of fun when you can double it?  At Archie Brothers these holidays, load your card and we will double it in credit. Think spending $35, but then you get $70! That’s claw machines, dodgems, shooters, VR, basketball, and more for less. Double the laughs. Double the sibling rivalries. Double the chaos.  

Want more actions? then head to Strike who is serving $14 bowling and laser tag these school holidays, perfect for families looking to burn some energy and unleash their inner champion. It’s everything you need to keep the crew entertained: music, lanes, food, and that satisfying thud of a strike. So, if you’ve got a spare day (get it?), bring the gang in and bowl like it’s a birthday. 

Offer period: 12/9/2025 – 12/10/2025

Kids Morning at The Pancake Parlour is back!

The School Holidays would be missing something without Kids Morning at The Pancake Parlour! Children can get creative as they design and decorate their own pancake—while parents relax and enjoy a warm breakfast.

Dates: Thursday 25 September & Friday 3 October
Session Times: 9:30am & 10:00am
Pricing & Booking:

• Traditional Breakfast or Farmers Breakfast & Coffee/Tea Combo – $20.90 (optional adults offer)
• Kids DIY Pancake Activity – $12.50
• Short Stack & Coffee/Tea Combo – $14 (optional adults offer)

Big Feasts for the Whole Family

YASSAS School Holiday Family Feast — Just $69!. Made to share – 2 Gyros Wraps (choice of Chicken, Mixed, Lamb, or Falafel), 2 Kids Wraps, 2 Large Chips, FREE Loukoumades (Sugar & Cinnamon). Available all days, 11:30AM–4 PM during school holidays (weekend/public holiday surcharge applies). Enjoy the laid-back brewpub vibe at Urban Alley Brewery, serving up classic pub fare and woodfired pizzas in a welcoming setting.

Craving Asian cuisine? Bright Palace offers traditional Chinese banquet-style dining, perfect for group gatherings and family catch-ups. For a hands-on experience, head to Dohtonbori and try the DIY sizzling Okonomiyaki and Teppanyaki —a fun and flavour-packed way to celebrate with friends or family.

Or gather around the grill at Seoul Garden BBQ, where you’ll find a variety of meats and seasonal seafood additions, along with a fresh and satisfying lunch buffet that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Gather your friends and feast on authentic Korean flavours with our all-you-can-eat lunch buffets at Seoul Garden Korean BBQ Buffet!

• 60 Minutes Lunch Food Buffet (BBQ Not Included): Indulge in an all-you-can-eat selection of hot food, salad, cold dishes, and desserts – just $19.90 for adults and $11.90 for children. Available Mon–Fri, 12–3 pm (not available on public holidays).
• 90 Minutes Lunch BBQ Buffet: Enjoy a mouth-watering spread of BBQ meats, seafood, hot food, hot pot, salad, cold dishes, and desserts – $43.90 per person. Children aged 4–9 eat at 50% off. 90-minute session time. Available Mon–Fri, 12–3 pm.

All About Chickens!

Need a quick bite to keep the family going? Chicken’s always a winner! Swing by KFC for those classic finger-lickin’ favourites, or try MarryBrown for a delicious Malaysian twist—featuring crispy fried chicken and their signature nasi lemak. After something with a little more kick? Nando’s is serving up flame-grilled peri-peri chicken with a spicy deal you can’t miss: enjoy a whole peri-peri chicken plus 3 large sides of your choice for just $43.95!

Fast, Fresh & Full of Flavour!

On the go but still craving something wholesome? We’ve got you covered with quick, satisfying bites that don’t compromise on flavour. Build your perfect Subway. Dig into a hearty loaded spud at SpudBar, or recharge with a refreshing smoothie or juice from Boost – featuring limited-edition collectable cups for the School Holidays in collaboration with Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie.* Hurry — this offer ends Sunday, 19 October.

*T&C: Three collectable cups available at participating Boost stores for a limited time. Must be purchased in conjunction with a Boost juice, smoothie, or crush.

Morning Bites & Perfect Brews

What’s better than starting your day with the whole family with a heartwarming brunch & favourite drinks to warm you up in this winter school holidays? Indulge in playful and creative bites at MJ MOJO JOJO, or keep it light with freshly brewed coffee and café-style snacks from Shall We Coffee and DayBreak Café—perfect for your morning pick-me-up.

Looking for something more classic? Settle in at The Coffee Club for all-day breakfast favourites and relaxed, family-friendly dining. Aside from the Kids Morning, The Pancake Parlour is serving you the classic pancakes. Stay tuned for an updated promotion!

Flavours of Asia

Looking for something savoury, soul-warming, or bursting with bold flavour? You are reading at the correct section! Enjoy afternoon Yum Cha or Chinese banquet at Bright Palace. Grab fresh, handcrafted sushi from Hana Sushi and Sushi Yuzen, or dive into rich, authentic Japanese ramen at Fukutontei Ramen. For comforting Vietnamese classics, Old Man Pho serves up aromatic pho and crispy spring rolls, while China Bar is your go-to for quick, satisfying Asian staples.

Craving something with a spicy kick? Head to Miss Ping’s, where vibrant modern Thai flavours shine, or explore the bold and eclectic offerings at East West Eatery, featuring pan-Asian street food and creative fusion favourites.

Need a sugar boost before playtime or a sweet finish after your savoury feast? Here are the options: Sip on creative bubble tea blends at The Yunique Tea, or enjoy authentic South Korean bubble tea at Palgong Tea. Build your own frozen yoghurt masterpiece at Froyolicious, or cool down with a classic scoop (or two) from Gelateria on the Docks.

Still craving more? Treat yourself to indulgent delights at C9 Chocolate & Gelato, where you’ll find favourites like Double Fortune, Molten Lava Cake, Croffle Sticks, Smackdowns, and more. Or head over to San Churro for their special collaboration with Hot Honey Capilano, introducing their newest menu creation—sweet, spicy, and delicious, with a golden drizzle on churros. Get your taste buds ready!

Toys, Plushies, Games – All the Things for Little Shoppers

Bring the fun home and keep the young ones entertained throughout the school break! Head to Toyworld and EB Games for the latest board games, collectibles, plushies, and gaming gear—perfect boredom-busters for holiday adventures. Then, spark their creativity with unique finds from Souvenirs Direct, cute plushies, accessories and giftables at Miniso, or get hands-on with DIY kits, craft supplies, and stationery from Kaisercraft.

Comfortable, Cool, Cute, and Warm Wear for All Ages

Update your family’s wardrobe these school holidays with versatile essentials from UNIQLO, renowned for its high-quality basics that combine comfort, function, and timeless design. Just a few doors down, check out H&M and their Kids Denim & Adorables Kids Collection, featuring cosy layers in soft, premium fabrics and gentle pastel tones.

Keep it cosy with winter favourites from Classic Ugg, or Valleygirl brings trendy, affordable styles perfect for fashion-forward teens and tweens. explore, or SoyToy Club for kawaii-inspired streetwear, accessories, and plush fashion pieces that are big on comfort and cuteness.

Stylish Steps & Sporty Looks – Activewear & Sneakers for the Whole Crew

Keep your school holiday school holiday active and step up your style with the best in activewear and sneakers from leading brands. Shop Fila with their sale items. Discover Bonds for sporty staples, cosy sets, and everyday basics made to move with you. Get your footwear fix at Hype DC and Skechers, offering everything from high-performance runners to everyday sneakers in bold colours and classic designs. And for a fresh, fashion-forward edge, check out Underrated, where urban streetwear and statement footwear bring a cool twist to your casual wardrobe.

Planning a School Holiday Home Party? Fantastic Variety Has You Covered!

Whether you’re throwing a themed celebration, a crafty playdate, or just want to make the school holidays extra fun at home, Fantastic Variety is your one-stop party shop! Stocked with everything from colourful decorations and balloons to tableware, costumes, and novelty toys, it’s the perfect place to grab all your essentials in one go. With a huge selection for all ages and themes, you’ll find everything you need to bring the fun home—without the fuss.

Fresh Groceries

Need to stock up more to feed the whole family or for the School Holidays party? Head to Woolworths or East West Market Place to buy all your pantry and grocery needs!

Treat the Family to Fresh Pasta at Seme di Fico & Handmade Pastry at SFoglia

Looking to spoil the kids—and yourself—with something warm, wholesome, and delicious? Make your way to Seme di Fico, a cosy hidden gem at District Local, serving up freshly made pasta, hearty Italian classics, and rustic charm. With a menu crafted from tradition and love, it’s the ideal spot to slow down, reconnect, and savour a flavour-packed family meal during the school holidays. In a hurry or just craving something sweet? Right next door, the same passionate team has opened S. Foglia, a delightful new pastry shop offering artisan pastries, flaky schiacciata, and fresh sourdough—perfect to enjoy on the go or take home for later.

Add a Touch of Colour and Care

Brighten up your school holidays with fresh blooms from Blooms by Flawless Flowers, perfect for home décor or a thoughtful table touch. For gifts, cards, and unique finds, visit Docklands Tobacco & Gifts. From fresh arrangements to special keepsakes, these retailers help make every holiday moment feel a little more memorable.

Don’t miss out—plan your visit, check your favourites, and get ready to create unforgettable memories at The District Docklands—where fun lives these school holidays!

🚘 Park at West or East Car Park – Max price only $18! Find out more here!
🚊 Located in the FREE TRAM ZONE