A family standing in a library

The best free and cheap family activities

Try these awesome free events and fun adventures for an epic day of fun. Some age limits may apply, check with venues before visiting.

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 for kids during school holidays

21 Jun - 9 Oct

Making Art: Imagine Everything is Real

A free exhibition inviting kids and their families to experiment with innovative ways of making art.

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School holiday relaxed sessions - bookings required

11 Aug - 31 Dec

The Story of the Moving Image

Explore this exhibition in a quieter and less busy setting with adjusted sound and lighting.

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Events and activities - from $5

17 Sep - 9 Oct

Fitzroy Gardens: Spring Seek and Find

Follow a map around Fitzroy Gardens to find 12 locations, with questions to answer and a prize.

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13 Oct - 11 Nov

Sustainable Shopping Tour

Celebrate National Organic Awareness month on a guided walk through Queen Vic Market.

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23 Sep - 26 Mar

Naadohbii: To Draw Water

An exhibition of First Peoples contemporary art from Canada, NZ and Australia.

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3 Sep - 29 Jan

Bricktionary: The Interactive Exhibition

Discover the biggest and best LEGO creations this interactive exhibition.

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29 Jun - 31 Jan

Potion Putt: A Wizardy Mini-golf Course

Test your magic and wizarding putt-putt skills at this mini-golf course.

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22 Jul - 29 Jan

Tyama: A Multisensory Experience of Nature

Discover senses beyond human perception, alongside the animals that use them.

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Special occasion events - from $30

15 Sep - 7 Oct

Dangerous and Deadly at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Discover the creatures of the deep sea these school holidays.

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17 May - 29 Jan

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The brand-new production can now be enjoyed in one magical afternoon or evening.

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More family-friendly ideas

Last updated on Tue 27 Sep 2022

Get to the city or get FOMO

We’ve got every FOMO-worthy Melbourne event and experience in one place.

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Melbourne's best blockbuster events

The best major events on in Melbourne this year.

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17 Jun - 12 Nov

Light: Late Night Access

Experience ACMI’s Winter Masterpieces exhibition Light: Works from the Tate Collection after hours.

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What's free in Melbourne this month

Everything to see, do and enjoy in Melbourne for free this month.

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3 Dec - 10 Apr

Julian Opie: Studio for Kids

An interactive exhibition designed for children and families.

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1 Sep - 19 Feb

World of the Book

Explore the rare, sacred and iconic in this new exhibition showcasing the history of books.

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21 Jun - 29 Jan

Indigenous Art from the NGV Collection

Discover art that builds on and challenges tradition in Indigenous Art from the NGV Collection.

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25 Nov

NGV Teens: After Hours

An after hours creative workshop for teens, with access to Indigenous Art from the NGV Collection.

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