The best free and cheap family activities
Need to keep your little mates entertained? These awesome free events and fun adventures for an epic day of fun. Some age limits may apply, check with venues before visiting.
When are the school holidays?
The September school holidays in Victoria are from Saturday 21 September to Sunday 6 October 2024.
Driving in?
With more than 70,000 car spaces in the city, you’re never far from Melbourne’s best events. Book ahead at key parking providers to get the best deal.
Free family-friendly events
Table Tennis at Boyd Community Hub
Visit the Boyd Community Hub for table tennis with a local world medallist.
Exhibition: 30 Years of Nature Book Illustration
An exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Environment Award for Children’s Literature.
Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed
This exhibition highlights science fiction’s connection to ancient philosophy and mythologies.
Free kids activities
Ancient Egypt for Kids
A free exhibition for kids with objects, hands-on activities, and cinematic screenings.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Storytime
Head to East Melbourne Library for a very hungry caterpillar morning of songs and stories.
The Bad Guys Escape Room
Join this escape room experience at Southbank Library these school holidays.
Alice in Wonderland
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole for an afternoon of crafting at North Melbourne Library.
Andy Griffiths Activity Afternoon
Celebrate Andy Griffiths at this fun activity afternoon at East Melbourne Library.
Bad Bunny Storytime
A morning of stories and craft inspired by 'Bad Bunny' at Kathleen Syme Library.
Silly Storytime
Let’s get silly at this fun storytime at narrm ngarrgu Library these school holidays.
Make like Millie Mak the Maker
Get your 'make' on at this Millie Mak the Maker inspired session at the Kathleen Syme Library.
Earth Protectors: Reducing Waste to Protect Nature
Kids can explore how to preserve biodiversity while considering the impact of waste and pollution.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Gardening 4 Kids
Join a fun-filled gardening experience with Gardening 4 Kids during the spring school holidays.
Classics and Archaeology Collections Tour for Students
A free guided tour of the Ancient Lives exhibition and university collection stores for ages 8–18.
Seek and Find
Follow clues around Fed Square and learn interesting facts about our bodies and the planet.
For teens and older kids
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.
Fun things to do for teens in Melbourne
Free exhibitions, festivals, arts and crafts and ice skating.
The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
Events under $20
Beings by Universal Everything
Move, dance and play in this interactive exhibition that will surprise and delight all ages.
Victoria the T. Rex
An interactive exhibition starring the fossil skeleton of Victoria, a 66-million-year-old T. rex.
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.
Sea of Light
Embark on a journey of light and imagination with your family and paint your own voyage.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
Apsis VR: Virtual Reality Melbourne
Experience all the fun, laughter, screams and excitement with Virtual Reality.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Explore the life and legacy of the visionary artist, inventor, scientist and philosopher.
Monopoly Dreams
Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.
Swiftie Singalong Cruise
Dress up in your favourite Taylor Swift-inspired outfit and cruise along the Yarra River in style.
Rainbow Buddies
An immersive Play In Real Life game for kids aged four to nine, at District Docklands.
Chocolate Family Adventure Day
Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.
Brat Kids Carnival
A wildly fun afternoon for mischief makers aged 5+ by international sensation Briefs Factory.
Three Happy Tricks with Martin Heppell
The Resilience Project is tackling children’s mental health with a high-energy kids show.
Josephine Wants to Dance
A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams.
Monster Jam Stadium Tour
Get ready for the ultimate motorsports spectacle as Monster Jam to Melbourne.
T.Rex 3D
Experience the iconic T. rex come to life on the world's biggest best screen in this 3D documentary.
School holiday workshops
Pigment Squad
Add your artistic touch to your favourite cartoon character figurine to create a unique masterpiece.
Secrets of the Sundial: Holiday Program
An immersive and inspiring school holiday program for young creative writers and storytellers.
Family-friendly attractions
Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum
This is a wondrous place for young children to explore, play and learn.
Melbourne Museum
Explore history, culture, science, and nature at this popular Melbourne attraction.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Discover thousands of aquatic animals in four enchanting worlds at this top Melbourne attraction.
Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
The world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art.
Queen Victoria Market
This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.
Museum of Chinese Australian History
Museum preserving and displaying the history of Chinese immigration.
Last updated on Tue 10 Sep 2024
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