Summer 2026 Program

YRSPACE
Jan 30
6 min read

We kicked off 2026 with an absolutely brilliant - albeit slightly warm - Summer Program in January ☀️

The Summer Program was full of fun and adventure, with centre-based and community-based activities designed to keep everyone engaged, entertained, and smiling. Options included:

• Airbrush Co. Airbrushing Bucket Hats

• Andy and the Odd Socks stage show at Palais Theatre

• Animals on the Move Mini Farm Incursion

• Art & Craft

• Bowling and Lunch Out

• Cooking and baking (Dumplings, Pizza, biscuits, sundaes, etc.)

• Dance Class at Vibe Studios & Lunch at Tim Neville Arboretum

• Flying Bookworm Magic Journey Stage Show Incursion

• Giant Bubble Party

• Healesville Sanctuary

• Little Feet Music Incursion

• Magic Show & Balloon Workshop Incursion

• Melbourne Skydeck

• Museum of Play and Art, Nunawading

• Seville Water Play Park

• Splashtastic Incursion

• Swimming

• The Big Goose Adventure Farm

• The Nikki Visaj Movement Hip Hop Incursion and Silent Disco

• The Whippy Truck

• Yarra Valley Railway Train Ride & Lunch at Badger Weir

All in all, it was a fantastic program and we’re so excited to share some photos with you. While our staff do their very best to capture every activity, moment, and smile, a few moments can sometimes sneak past the camera - thanks so much for your understanding 📸✨

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or ideas for future programs. Surveys and feedback options can be found here.

Details about the Autumn Program 🍂 (Tuesday 7th April to Friday 10th April) will be shared with families in the coming weeks.

Kind regards,

Luke & Sarah

Andy and the Odd Socks – at Palais Theatre

Participants enjoyed a lively and inclusive live performance at the Palais Theatre, offering a meaningful opportunity to engage in a large-scale community setting. Attending a public performance supported goals around community access, independence, and social participation, including following routines, transitioning between locations, and sharing public spaces with others. The upbeat music and interactive elements encouraged communication, confidence, and emotional regulation, while fostering a sense of belonging and enjoyment within the wider community.

Airbrush Co. Incursion

During this hands-on creative workshop, participants designed and airbrushed their own custom bucket hats, making choices around colours, patterns, and designs. The activity supported independence, fine motor skills, self-expression, and confidence, while also encouraging communication as participants shared ideas and requested support. Completing a personalised item promoted pride, self-esteem, and engagement in a structured group setting.

Animals on the Move – Mini Farm Incursion

Participants had the opportunity to interact closely with a range of friendly farm animals in a calm, supported environment. This incursion encouraged gentle social interaction, confidence-building, and communication, while supporting sensory exploration and emotional regulation. Caring for, learning about, and observing animals also fostered responsibility, empathy, and engagement, aligning strongly with goals around wellbeing and positive behaviour support.

Centre-Based Activities

A variety of centre-based activities across the fortnight provided a consistent and supportive environment where participants could build independence, routines, and confidence through a variety of engaging activities. Swimming supported gross motor skills, regulation, and confidence; art and craft encouraged creativity, communication, and fine motor development; while cooking activities built life skills, choice-making, and teamwork. These activities supported meaningful participation, choice and control, social connection, and growing independence across everyday tasks.

Bowling and Lunch Out

Participants enjoyed a community outing combining bowling and lunch at a local venue. This activity supported goals around community access, independence, and social engagement, including ordering food, managing personal belongings, and taking turns in a group activity. The relaxed setting encouraged communication, cooperation, and confidence, while sharing a meal supported social connection and positive peer interactions.

Dance Class at Vibe Studios

Participants took part in a fun and energetic dance class at Vibe Studios, exploring movement, rhythm, and self-expression in a community-based setting. The session supported gross motor skills, coordination, and confidence, while following instructions and working alongside peers built communication and group participation skills. Engaging in a local studio environment also strengthened familiarity with community spaces and inclusive recreational activities. Check out some videos of the wonderful routine the girls learned below!

Flying Bookworm Magic Journey Incursion

This interactive storytelling and magic performance captured participants’ attention and imagination, encouraging engagement, listening, and communication. The incursion supported emotional regulation, focus, and participation in a shared group experience, while promoting confidence and enjoyment in structured activities. Opportunities for interaction and storytelling also encouraged expressive communication and creative thinking.

Giant Bubble Party

The Giant Bubble Party provided a joyful sensory experience filled with movement, laughter, and shared fun. Participants explored cause-and-effect, turn-taking, and cooperation while engaging in active play. The open-ended nature of the activity supported confidence, regulation, and social interaction, while accommodating individual sensory needs and encouraging positive engagement in a group environment.

Healesville Sanctuary

Participants visited Healesville Sanctuary, engaging with nature and learning about native wildlife in a real-world community setting. The outing supported goals around community participation, following routines, and navigating public spaces, while encouraging curiosity, communication, and shared experiences. Walking through the sanctuary also promoted physical activity, emotional wellbeing, and meaningful engagement with the wider community.

Little Feet Music Incursion

This interactive music session encouraged participants to explore rhythm, sound, and movement together in a supportive group setting. Playing instruments, singing, and moving to music supported communication, turn-taking, and teamwork, while also promoting confidence and self-expression. Music-based activities provided opportunities for sensory regulation and participation at each individual’s own level.

Magic Show & Balloon Workshop Incursion

Participants were actively engaged in a fun-filled magic show followed by a balloon workshop, where they watched, listened, and interacted with the performer. The experience supported communication, attention, and social participation, while the balloon activity encouraged fine motor skills, creativity, and confidence. Taking part in a shared group experience also strengthened enjoyment and connection with peers.

Melbourne Skydeck

Participants visited the Melbourne Skydeck for a memorable community outing that combined exploration and excitement! Navigating the venue supported independence, confidence, and community access skills, while sharing the experience with peers encouraged social connection and communication. Exposure to a busy public attraction also supported resilience, emotional regulation, and adaptability in new environments.

Museum of Play and Art – Nunawading

This hands-on museum experience at MoPA's newest location encouraged creativity, curiosity, and imaginative play through a variety of interactive exhibits. Participants practiced choice-making, problem-solving, and collaboration, while engaging in both individual and shared activities. The visit supported communication, independence, and confidence within a welcoming (and fun!) community space designed for exploration and learning.

Seville Water Play Park

Participants enjoyed an active day at Seville Water Play Park, engaging in water-based play that supported gross motor skills, coordination, physical activity and physical confidence. The open environment encouraged social play, turn-taking, and shared enjoyment, while also providing opportunities for sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing. The outing supported positive participation in inclusive community recreation. (But most importantly we also had some delicious hot chips for lunch!)

Splashtastic Incursion

We cooled down on a very hot day with the Splashtastic incursion. It offered fun, engaging water-themed activities in a safe and supportive setting. Participants were encouraged to participate at their own pace, supporting confidence, regulation, and sensory needs. The group-based nature of the activity promoted communication, cooperation, and enjoyment, while strengthening engagement and sustained participation.

The Big Goose Adventure Farm

Participants enjoyed a hands-on farm experience with animal encounters, outdoor play, and exploration. The outing supported independence, confidence, and community participation, while encouraging social interaction and shared experiences. Engaging in outdoor activities promoted physical movement, resilience, and enjoyment, while fostering curiosity and connection with the environment.

The Nikki Visaj Movement –

Hip Hop & Bollywood Incursions and Silent Disco

These high-energy music and movement sessions encouraged participants to express themselves through dance and music in an inclusive and supportive environment. The silent disco component supported individual choice, regulation, and engagement, while the other group experiences encouraged confidence, social participation, and enjoyment. Movement-based activities promoted emotional wellbeing, coordination, and positive self-expression. The Bollywood dance incursion helped to support cultural awareness by introducing participants to Indian music and movement in an inclusive, ability-appropriate way. The session was adapted to meet individual needs, promoted participation and self-expression, and encouraged respect for cultural diversity through shared, engaging experiences.

Yarra Valley Railway Train Ride & Lunch at Badger Weir

Participants took part in a scenic train ride followed by lunch at Badger Weir, combining transport, nature, and social connection. The outing supported independence, community access, and confidence navigating different environments. Sharing a meal and experience with peers encouraged communication, relationship-building, and a sense of belonging, making it a rewarding and memorable day.