The best free and cheap family activities

Need to keep your little mates entertained these holidays? Check out these awesome free events and fun adventures for an epic day of fun.

Girl looking out at mini village display in the garden.

When are the school holidays?

The school holidays in Victoria are from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October 2026.

When is public transport half price during the school holidays?

Public transport is half price in Victoria until the end of the year. This includes Melbourne trains, trams and buses as well as regional trains, coaches and buses. Check the full details.

Free family-friendly events

Animator and filmmaker Adam Elliot working on a claymation set, adjusting characters.
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Making Memoir of a Snail

Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.

A little girl looking at a colourful display of cushions in an art gallery.
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Children's Play: Ragnar Kjartansson

A new children's exhibition by Ragnar Kjartansson, inspired by the idea of a theatrical feast.

An outdoor event space at Harbour Esplanade Docklands, featuring a large screen broadcasting a sports match to an audience seated in colorful bean bags.
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The Street Social: Winter Warmer

Melbourne's favourite waterfront experience is back again with Winter Warmer.

A smiling child holding a large pink soft toy.

The Big Toy Swap

Give your child’s toy box a sustainable refresh at The Big Toy Swap. 

A picture of a dolphin on the Big Screen at Fed Square, people gathered at the foot of the screen to watch, city buildings in the background.
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Outdoor Cinema: Feathers, Fins and Friendship

Catch beloved family-friendly adventure films about human and animal friendships, on the Big Screen.

Author Angie Cui, with long dark hair, shelves of children's books in the background.

The Festival of Ice and Snow with Angie Cui

Bundle up for a wintry adventure and celebrate family, cultural traditions and storytelling.

A thick bird's next in bare branches.

Test Garden Open Day: Birds in the Big City

Urban Ecologist Dr Jacinta Humphrey leads a family-friendly workshop exploring design for birds.

A performer sits at the top of a tall ladder, playing an electric guitar while below them, another performer stands facing away from the camera, holding the ladder steady with uplifted arms.
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Ocker

Ocker is roving circus tearing through the streets on a portable railway track built in real time.

Free kids activities

Young children and their parents listening to a story book being read aloud in a colourful environment with large dinosaur cutouts.
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Dino Days

Young dinosaur enthusiasts, aged 3-5 years, are invited to explore all things dinosaur.

A preschool aged child with curly hair wearing a red dress, holding open a book and looking at it.
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Preschool Storytime

Sing songs and read stories with your young child at North Melbourne Library.

A woman holding a picture book titled 'Ruffles' and also holding a dog toy in a library reading area.
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Songbirds

Come along to East Melbourne Library on Thursdays for Songbirds: songs, rhymes and stories.

A smiling adult holding a ukulele seated at a low table, with two picture books resting on the table, in a library setting.
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Preschool Storytime

Share the wonder of books with your children at narrm ngarrgu Library.

A smiling woman with a ukulele seated at a desk with two picture books on display.
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Stompers

Join in the Stompers fun with your toddler at narrm ngarrgu Library every Friday.

Illustrations of two children with clipboards in (real) garden setting.
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Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.

Side view of a child typing on a laptop.
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STEM Holiday Workshop for Young People: Auslan and English

Young people are invited to experience a free hands-on STEM workshop at Science Gallery Melbourne.

A graphic representation of two hands holding a picture frame in front of a beach with blue sky, a black and white picture of a mother and her child in the frame.
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Make a Memory

Create a keepsake inspired by the book, These Long-Loved Things at a free drop-in craft session.

Two park rangers in front of a display table with their ute behind and more displays.
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Junior Rangers - Wings and Wattles

Find urban bushland in Royal Park and connect with nature close to home.

Families working with paper craftworks hanging from ropes in an indoor space.
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Paper Planet at Fed Square

Theatre and play merge in this magical place, as stories and adventures spring to life.

Deals, discounts and pop-ups

A mother and two young children on the deck of a ferry looking out across the water.

Port Phillip Ferries

Kids (4-16 years) travel free on these weekly 2.5hour cruises, Tuesdays 9.30am-12.15pm, T&Cs apply.

Special offer

Events under $20

A person with blue hair at a vending machine as another person directs them on how to use it.
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Loopy Lab

See how plastic waste is a resource by making your own pen or carabiner from plastic bottle tops.

Woman wearing black gloves, holding up a jar with a spiny creature inside.
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National Science Week

Take part in hands-on science, expert encounters and fun discoveries.

A child holding a tiny plant in a small white pot, plants in the background.
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Seed Stories

Designed for children aged 5+, this 45-minute workshop uncovers the hidden science within seeds.

Jewelled mirror framed with green gems.

Photo Frame /Mirror Design Art Workshop for Kids

A fun, hands-on workshop for children to design a handmade gift for Father's Day.

Children's author Sally Rippin, smiling with curly blonde hair, against a wall of cream bricks.

Lottie, Pog and the Runaway Ghost with Sally Rippin

Join the author for interactive storytelling and activities.

A still from a Japanese Anime movie for kids showing a young girl in a red dress standing on top of a grassy hill, wth a cat in a top hat and tails standing behind her.
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Kids' Flicks with Feelings

Flex your emotional muscles with two thoughtful films for kids.

Hands holding a black pen over two pages of writing on pieces of paper with figure cutouts.
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Snow on a Summer's Day

A puppet show for ages seven and older.

Drawing of Hellenic figures standing on an open book.
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Dryad Drop-In

Explore the natural world through the eyes of the ancient Greeks, with storytelling and activities.

Special occasion activities - $20 and over

Two people standing on the 'ceiling' of an inverted living room.

House Down Under

Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.

Two people standing in an immersive room at Dreamskape surrounded by a virtual reality projection of interior of a spaceship.

Dreamskape

Explore the District Dockland's multi-media sensory entertainment complex.

A plate of fluffy pancakes with ice-cream and chocolate over the top.
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Chocolate Family Adventure Day

Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.

Picnic spread of dishes, boxed food and drinks on a blue gingham tablecloth.
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Family Mystery Picnic: Melbourne Laneways

Solve clues, taste and collect pre-paid gourmet food on this unique foodie adventure.

A standing and seated row of children in a large bright room, all holding up artworks they've created.
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Rainbow Art Class

A guided art class for children, led by an artist and educator.

A woman and child sit in a museum, looking up at a glass case displaying a preserved human body posed in a dramatic leap, with exposed muscles visible.
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Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness

Discover what lies behind the skin to reveal how our health, emotions and environment impact us.

Three smiling workshop participants in a studio space, holding up jewellery they have made.
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Polymer Clay Earring Workshop

Create beautiful jewellery in this fun workshop.

Two smiling workshop participants holding up jewellery they have made.
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Polymer Clay Workshop

Create beautiful pairs of earrings and necklaces using polymer clay in this fun workshop.

A hooded figure positioned centrally in a circular emblem holding a talisman with a stylized letter 'H' in the centre surrounded by flying bats against a vintage image of city buildings.
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Shadows in the Dark

Go on a guided paranormal tour to reveal the hidden secrets of the Queen Vic Market.

Man wearing a tuxedo performing sleight of hands tricks with a glass in front of a seated audience.
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Melbourne Magic Show

Enjoy a theatrical magic experience like no other.

Children preparing Thai ingredients in a cooking class.
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Kids Thai Cooking Class

A hands-on school holiday experience for little chefs.

Characters from the PAW Patrol TV series performing live on a theatre stage, with streamers in the air above them and a large audience watching them.
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PAW Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue

The beloved pups of PAW Patrol hit the stage in this interactive live show.

Balls of coloured yarn in a knitted soft basket.
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Knitting: Beginner 101

Learn to knit in a supportive and nurturing environment.

A still image from the movie How to Train your Dragon 2, showing a boy riding a dragon with other dragons flying around them.
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How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert

An awe-inspiring experience for the whole family.

Drawing of birds and animals floating in a blue sky with white clouds.

Classic Kids: Carnival of the Animals

Get ready to stomp, swoop and swim through a wild musical adventure.

An illustration of Ned Kelly in his armour at night with the Melbourne skyline in the background and a crescent moon.
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Ned Kelly's Treasure Escape Room

Crack the code and solve this escape room puzzle.

A dancer wears a vibrant green, light-up ballerina-style tutu dress with a matching crown, and large, glowing translucent fairy wings spread out behind her, standing against a dark background.
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Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Peter Pan lights up Neverland in a dazzling dance spectacle.

Kids seated around large tables writing and interacting with each other during a creative writing workshop, in a bright studio space.

Castle in the Sky: Holiday Program

A full-day creative story writing workshop for ages 8–12 years.

A blacklit underwater scene showing a colourful lion fish and a leafy sea dragon behind a large set of teeth.
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Dreamer in the Deep

Embark on a spectacular deep sea adventure with this enjoyable children's puppet show.

A drawing of five colorful sheep (purple, blue, yellow, orange, and red) walking on a green grassy hill with small flowers.
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Where is the Green Sheep?

A wild and woolly adventure to find that elusive green sheep.

A children's performer in pale blue overalls and a wattle-patterned headband with a cute kangaroo puppet.
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The Wobbly Wallaby Show

Enjoy an enchanting musical adventure for children aged 3 to 8 years this September school holidays.

A puppeteer on stage with a green puppet made from recycled and found materials.
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Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones

This imaginative show blends shadow puppetry, clown and physical theatre into a hilarious spectacle.

A teacher bobs down next to a seated students writing at a table in a studio workshop and listens intently.

Secrets of the Aurora: Holiday Program

A full-day writing workshop of phantasmal fantasy for ages 10–14 years.

Magician sitting cross legged on a cosy bed in a darkened room, wearing pyjamas and holding a wand, with a tower of cards and a teddy bear as props that surround him.
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The Magic Pyjama Party

A laugh-filled, wonder-packed school holiday show about amazing dreams.

Metallic robot figure looking amazed at a red-winged insect.
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Trinket the Robot

A puppet show for 3–10-year-olds about a little robot who longs to become real.

Puss in Boots cat puppet figure wearing a waistcoat and feathered hat, hiding behind illustrations of trees.
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Puss In Boots

A surprising puppet tale of courage, magic and clever tricks for ages four and older.

Puppet scene with a figure holding a lamp in a purple forest setting.
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The Boy Who Lost His Light

An enchanting puppetry adventure into a magical illuminated world for 3–10-year-olds.

Colourful artwork in the style of an ancient Greek fresco in abstract red and blue.
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Pigments of the Past: For Kids

Discover how ancient Greeks painted their world in this creative workshop for kids.

A teachers bobs down next to a seated student and listens intently.

Dragon Academy: Holiday Program

A full-day writing workshop full of fireballs for ages 10–14 years.

Drawing of a child seated in a tree reading a book.
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Melbourne Kids Book Fest

Meet your favourite authors and illustrators at a book festival just for kids.

Walkers entering the finish line of a charity walk, wearing brightly coloured running shorts and leggings.

Olivia's Walk for Wellness

Walk together for cancer support, connection, hope and wellbeing.

A smiling young girl seated as a table in front of a pile of slime.

Slime Lab

A play and retail space offering awesome and creative slime workshops for kids.

A child engaging in an immersive augmented reality adventure game standing in front of a brick wall and holding a digital device up high.

Hunters and Raiders

A world-first AR treasure hunt filled with clues, mystery and real-world adventure.

For teens and older kids

Exterior of Holey Moley mini golf venue at night.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley offers a mini golf course and bar with 27 themed holes plus a karaoke room.

Two people seated below a neon sign.
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The Story of the Moving Image

A permanent exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

Side view of a child typing on a laptop.
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STEM Holiday Workshop for Young People: Auslan and English

Young people are invited to experience a free hands-on STEM workshop at Science Gallery Melbourne.

A butterfly brooch with green and pink mother of pearl inlay wings, against a white background.
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Mother of Pearl Inlay Brooch Making Workshop

Join this jewellery making class on mother-of-pearl inlay, perfect for beginners.

A group of smiling participants in a studio workshop setting, holding glass-domed terrariums.
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Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners

Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.

Seven people in coloured aprons holding up kokedama balls in a workshop.
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Kokedama Workshop

Enjoy a beginner's workshop and learn how to make a little moss ball plant.

Two smiling workshop participants holding up jewellery they have made.
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Polymer Clay Workshop

Create beautiful pairs of earrings and necklaces using polymer clay in this fun workshop.

Three smiling workshop participants in a studio space, holding up jewellery they have made.
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Polymer Clay Earring Workshop

Create beautiful jewellery in this fun workshop.

A beige and white knitted shoulder bag with plush trim and a chain strap, made in a cross-stitch workshop.
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Cross-stitch Embroidery Bag Workshop

Make your own pretty cross-stitch bag to style your look in this beginner class.

Jewelled mirror framed with green gems.

Photo Frame /Mirror Design Art Workshop for Kids

A fun, hands-on workshop for children to design a handmade gift for Father's Day.

A sophisticated music store with guitars hanging on the wall.

The Music Gym

Drop in to The Music Gym, Melbourne's most playable pit stop!

Person on a skateboard at Riverslide Skate Park.

Riverslide Skate Park

The city's biggest skate park, overlooking the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr.

Small brick building illuminated at night, housing Signal creative arts studio.

Signal

Signal is the City of Melbourne's creative studio for young people 14 to 25 years.

People skating in an indoor ice rink with disco lighting.

O'Brien Icehouse

An ice arena for public skating and ice sports events, located in Docklands.

Brightly coloured singing booths arranged around the walls in a large room, with bench seating in the central open space.

Kono Coin Karaoke

Enjoy a karaoke experience at a singing booth.

The exterior of Hardrock climbing in the city, surrounded by other buildings.

Hardrock Climbing

The ultimate indoor rock-climbing experience in Melbourne is at Hardrock Climbing.

People lining up outside a retro photobooth at night.

Flinders Street Photobooth

Have your photo taken at a vintage black and white photobooth.

Looking into the interior of a studio space, with a row of five small booths on the left and shelves of props and equipment on the right wall.

Life4Cuts Chinatown

A Korean-inspired self-photo booth studio in Chinatown.

Three girls posing and holding up their hands in peace signs while wearing flower headbands.

Hama Film Self Photo Studio

A self-photo studio where you can take amazing photos in special concept rooms.

A giant ball pit with brightly coloured geometric patterns and neon shapes on the walls.

Hijinx Hotel

No beds here. Just ball pits, bold colours, brain-teasing challenges and a lot of laughter.

School holiday workshops

A standing and seated row of children in a large bright room, all holding up artworks they've created.
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Rainbow Art Class

A guided art class for children, led by an artist and educator.

The shopfront of a Japanese-style craft workshop with brightly coloured craft materials on shelves and a neon sign.
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DIY Craft Workshops

Unleash your creativity at these workshops where everyone is a designer.

A child wearing a plastic coat, squirting paint with a paintgun at a pink canvas on a wall splattered with paint.
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Melbourne Paint Lab Art Workshop

At Melbourne Paint Lab you can splash, splatter and drip paint to unleash your inner artist.

Jewelled mirror framed with green gems.

Photo Frame /Mirror Design Art Workshop for Kids

A fun, hands-on workshop for children to design a handmade gift for Father's Day.

Family-friendly attractions

Baby looking in a mirror.

Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum

This is a wondrous place for young children to explore, play and learn.

Koala in a gum tree at Melbourne Zoo.

Melbourne Zoo

Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne.

A museum visitor in an exhibition space using a screen, surrounded by display objects.

Australian Music Vault

A celebration of Australian contemporary music – past, present and future.

Child looking over right shoulder with delighted smile, dark dinosaur model behind.

Melbourne Museum

Explore history, culture, science and nature at this popular Melbourne attraction.

Two friends in exaggerated poses against a hand-painted interactive artwork of a jungle scene, at ArtVo.

ArtVo

An interactive 3D art gallery with optical illusions that visitors can touch and explore.

Family in a glass tunnel looking up at a very large stingray.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Discover thousands of aquatic animals in four enchanting worlds at this top Melbourne attraction.

Water wall installation at the entrance to NGV International on St Kilda Road.

NGV International

NGV International houses a whole world of international art.

Large, rectangular building of Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square.

Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

The world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art.

Smiling vendor selling a range of pastries, dips and spreads at Queen Victoria Market.

Queen Victoria Market

This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.

Dark silhouetted figures in a space with red and blue lighting.

ACMI

Museum dedicated to the moving image through events, film screenings and exhibitions.

People browsing a museum with paper lanterns and artwork.

Museum of Chinese Australian History

Museum preserving and displaying the history of Chinese immigration.

Double-storey ArtPlay building with city skyscrapers in the background.

ArtPlay

A creative arts centre for children to share unique experiences with professional artists.

More family-friendly ideas

Note: Some age limits may apply, check with venues before visiting.

Last updated on Tue 18 Aug 2026

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A still from a videogame depicting a Chinese soldier fighting two warriors in front of an ancient Chinese temple.
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Feng Mengbo: Long March Restart

An free exhibition that playfully reimagines modern Chinese history as a videogame.

A young boy and girl pointing to triceratops bones in the Museum.

Free things to do with kids in Melbourne

Get the kids out and explore these free events and adventures for an awesome day of fun.

Red laser beams dance across the water’s surface,
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Multimmersion: Upside Down V2

A contemplative exploration of light, space and reflection transforms the Yarra River – Birrarung.

Melbourne city skyline illuminated at night, viewed across the Yarra River, with a bridge in the middle-ground shrouded in mist.
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The Falls Before Us

Evan Walker Bridge vanishes in a dense mist.