Get the kids out and explore these free events and fun adventures for an awesome day of fun. Some age limits may apply, check with venues before visiting.

Risk Playground

Let the kids loose at the Risk Playground on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and Kavanagh Street in Southbank. The nature inspired play equipment includes climbable bluestone boulders perched on dollies. Fake pavers, and a slide that gives the illusion of being held down by a rope. Although appearing risky, the playground is actually very safe.

Park made from natural elements, boulders and a yellow slide. City skyscrapers in the background with a big tree.
Risk Playground

ACMI

Navigate the universe of film, TV, videogames and art at ACMI. ACMI caters for your little ones too. It runs kids’ flicks, school holiday workshops, interactive experiences and educational programs. Entry to ACMI is free for you and the kiddies, but films and some exhibitions are ticketed. 

NGV International

Kids programs are in abundance at NGV International. They are designed to connect visitors with art and culture from all over the world in a diverse way. The little ones will love the self-guided activity sheets and immersive kids corner. With selected artworks changing every 6 months, the kids corner is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday. Kids enter for free.

Kids standing out the front of the NGV water wall.
NGV International

Fitzroy Gardens Fairies’ Tree

Get away with the fairies this weekend and visit the Fitzroy Gardens Fairies' Tree. Artist Ola Cohn transformed an old red gum into the Fairies’ Tree during the 1930s. She carved Australian animals, birds and bush spirits into the trunk. The iconic tree is a one of a kind and will have the little ones charmed for hours. A Melbourne must visit, grab a hot choccy and a coffee afterwards at KereKere Green cafe.

ArtPlay playground

Fly down the slide, or sway in the hammocks at ArtPlay. The space features a colourful riverside playground in Birrarung Marr. It's decorated with arty murals sure to fire up your little one’s imagination. For the daring youngsters, there’s rocks, rope climbing and balance beams. There’s also a liberty wheelchair swing, so no one needs to miss out. Completely free and full of fun.

Pale blue playground with art murals, a bridge and trees.
ArtPlay Playground

Victoria Police Museum

Explore the state's crime history at this free museum in Docklands. History buffs will be amazed by Australia's largest collection of Kelly Gang armour. Dig through major investigations and learn how animals have served in the police force all the way back to the 1960s.

Free for kids under 16

Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is a rite of passage for kids of all ages. From the triceratops to the rainforest, it’s the ultimate entertainment for kids. Visit the Children's Gallery, for babies to 5-year-olds to play and learn. 6-to-12-year-olds will love exploring the Gandel Gondwana Garden, a brand new palaeontology-themed outdoor garden. A day packed with adventure and fun is free for all children under 16 years of age. Book ahead and don’t miss out.

A blue cut out of a dinosaur in a garden outside the colourful Melbourne Museum building.
Gandel Gondwana Garden, Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Zoo

Immerse yourself and the little ones in a lively jungle, within the city. Melbourne Zoo has over 300 species of animals from around the world. See unique Australian wildlife, encounter Sumatran tigers, giant elephants and beautiful butterflies. Children under 16 years of age receive free entry every weekend, school holidays and Victorian public holidays. Book ahead today.

Three young elephants standing side by side eating lettuce.
Melbourne Zoo

Free for kids under 4

ArtVo

ArtVo might just be the most perfect exhibition for the kids. Unlike a traditional art gallery or museum, visitors can touch and interact with the artworks. Become part of the art and snap a pic. No need to keep your hands to yourself. Kids under 4 years of age are free. Book ahead.

Free library events for kids

Songbirds
Until

Songbirds

Come along to Kathleen Syme Library on Tuesdays for Songbirds.

Preschool Storytime
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Preschool Storytime

Share the wonder of books with your children at North Melbourne Library.

More to explore

Family and kids

Family and kids

Find things to do with the kids, from family-friendly events to fun attractions and workshops.

School holidays

School holidays

Entertain the whole family over the school holidays with these kid-friendly events and activities.

The best free and cheap family activities

The best free and cheap family activities

Find family-friendly fun and free events in Melbourne.

The best family-friendly restaurants in Melbourne

The best family-friendly restaurants in Melbourne

Grab a bite at one of these kid-approved and pram-friendly spots this festive season.

Last updated on Tue 13 Aug 2024

Christmas

Christmas things to do

Christmas things to do

Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.

Christmas eat and drink

Christmas eat and drink

Feeling festive? Sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or dine under the lights in a laneway.

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping

Shop the city's iconic laneways, malls and arcades to find the perfect pressie.

Discover more

Rain
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Rain

An intimate and interactive installation for you to experience together with your family.

Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids

Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids

Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.

 Asia TOPA: Shadows in Twin Cities

Asia TOPA: Shadows in Twin Cities

A project which brings together children from Jeonju, Korea and Melbourne, Australia.

Antopia

Antopia

Shrink down to enter the fascinating world of ants in a new interactive digital exhibition.