By Jo & Carl Violeta
Let’s be honest, keeping the kids entertained over winter isn’t always easy. The weather IS colder, the days are shorter, and everything seems more expensive at the moment. With cost of living pressures putting extra stress on family budgets, fun outings can start to feel out of reach.
But good news: there are still plenty of ways to have a great time without spending a fortune. Living on the Mornington Peninsula has its perks, and winter is the perfect season to take advantage of our local gems. Some of these ideas will take you a little beyond the Peninsula to Frankston or Phillip Island, but all of them are either free or very low cost and totally worth rugging up for.
Here are a list of 10 wallet-friendly ways to get out and about with the kids this winter:
Explore the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
When it’s pouring outside and the kids are bouncing off the walls, head to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. It’s free to visit, warm inside, and full of colourful artwork that sparks conversation. Keep an eye out for school holiday programs or drop-in activities, which often include hands-on fun for younger kids. Afterwards, pop into a nearby café for a hot chocolate and a debrief on everyone’s favourite piece.
Walk the Cape Schanck Boardwalk
Cape Schanck is one of those spots that feels magical in winter.
The sea is wilder, the sky moodier, and the boardwalk views are just as stunning as they are in summer. You’ll get some fresh air, exercise, and maybe even spot a whale if you’re lucky.
The walk is free, suitable for most ages, and makes a great
excuse to burn off some of that school holiday energy.
Beachcombing at Balnarring or Shoreham
Yes, the beach in winter. Trust me. We grab our gumboots and head to Balnarring or Shoreham after a storm to search for driftwood, sea glass, and shells. It becomes a bit of a treasure hunt, and kids love seeing what the ocean has washed up. Just pack a thermos and a towel for sandy hands. Bonus points if you manage to sneak in a quiet moment to yourself while they collect their “treasures.”
Join a Library Storytime
Local libraries are underrated winter heroes. Most offer free storytime sessions filled with songs, rhymes, and stories perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Mornington, Hastings, and Frankston all run regular programs. It’s warm, welcoming, and gives you a chance to sit down while someone else reads to your kids. Win-win.
Discover the Frankston Street Art Trail
If you’re up for a little adventure outside the Peninsula, Frankston’s Street Art Trail is well worth the drive. The murals are huge, bright, and full of fun details. We like to turn it into a scavenger hunt: how many animals can you spot? What’s the weirdest thing in the mural?
It’s a free and active way to explore Frankston. (Photo supplied)
Picnic and Play at George Pentland Botanic Gardens
Also in Frankston, the George Pentland Botanic Gardens are perfect for a picnic lunch and a good runaround. There’s a playground, lots of open lawn, and ducks to keep little ones entertained. Pack snacks, a football, and your puffer jackets, and you’ve got an easy half-day activity that won’t cost you more than a few sandwiches.
Watch Whales on Phillip Island
This one involves a bit more travel, but it’s a winter highlight. Between May and September, whales migrate past Phillip Island and can sometimes be seen from lookout points like The Nobbies or Cape Woolamai. Grab your binoculars and head to a designated viewing spots. Even if the whales are shy, the views alone are worth the trip.
See the Pelicans at San Remo
If you’re already heading to Phillip Island, stop at San Remo just before the bridge. Every day at noon, the pelicans gather near the Fisherman’s Co-op for a feeding session. It’s loud, a bit chaotic, and totally fascinating. The best part?… It’s completely free! You can watch from the shore, grab some fish and chips for lunch, and soak up the small-town vibes.
Warm Up at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
This one technically counts as “cheap” depending on how strong your willpower is in the gift shop. Entry to the factory is free, and you can watch chocolate being made, check out the displays, and treat yourself to a hot drink or shared dessert. It’s a sweet stop on the way home, especially if you’ve spent the morning outside in the cold.
Go Rockpool Rambling at Fossil Beach
Fossil Beach in Mornington is a local gem that’s perfect for curious kids and nature lovers. At low tide, you can explore the rockpools and spot crabs, tiny fish, sea snails, and all kinds of marine treasures. The bonus? You’re walking through an area with real geological significance—there are actual fossils embedded in the cliffs if you know where to look (and the kids love trying to find them). It’s free, fascinating, and a great way to sneak in some learning without anyone noticing.
Winter doesn’t have to mean cabin fever or overspending. There are so many places around the Peninsula and beyond where you can reconnect as a family, get out of the house, and have fun without blowing the budget. Whether it’s collecting sea glass on a blustery beach or warming up at the library with a storybook, these small moments add up. Sometimes, all it takes is a change
of scenery and a warm pair of socks!
Jo and Carl Violeta are self-confessed numbers nerds, parents of an energetic toddler and a super switched-on teenager, and co-founders of the award-winning business, Violeta Finance. They are a husband and wife team who are passionate about empowering their community with financial education, love the odd glass of wine, and get a kick out of helping families achieve their homeownership and financial dreams.
www.violetafinance.com.au