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 school holidays in Victoria are from Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July 2025.
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.
Deals, discounts and pop-ups
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Kids 14 years and under can enjoy free entry across rounds 16-19 of the AFL Premiership season.
Marvel Stadium
Kids 14 years and under can enjoy free entry across rounds 16-19 of the AFL Premiership season.
Arbory Bar and Eatery
Kids eat free on AFL game days with every adult meal purchased. Sat & Sun only. 11am-late.
HOYTS
Get $11 tickets for gentle and engaging movie sessions aimed at pre-school aged children.
HOYTS
Get $11 tickets for gentle and engaging movie sessions aimed at pre-school aged children.
House Down Under
Get 20% off all tickets with promo code FIRELIGHT20 from 4 to 6 July.
Kayak Melbourne
See Firelight from the water! Watch the festival light up the harbour with a special 1.5 hour tour.
Sebel Melbourne Docklands
Get complimentary onsite parking and a MOR car diffuser with a two-night stay this winter.
The District Docklands
From lunch specials to ice-skating adventures, offers run Monday to Thursday.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Get 3 activities for $36 including a 1-hour unlimited game pass and bowling or laser tag.
Circus Arcana
Use code 'WHATSONMELB' at checkout for 25% off tickets until end of year.
Free family-friendly events
Firelight Festival
Epic free winter festival with fire performers, light installations, live music and foodie feasts.
Winter School Holidays at Queen Vic Market
Join in a fun-filled gardening experience at Queen Vic Market.
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
ACCA Family Art Day: Five Acts of Love
A free exhibition and art-making program designed for families with young children.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Free kids activities
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Once Upon a Time... en Español
Bring your little ones along for an engaging storytelling session in Spanish.
For teens and older kids
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.
Riverslide Skate Park
The city's biggest skate park, overlooking the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr.
Fun things to do for teens in Melbourne
Free exhibitions, festivals, arts and crafts and ice skating.
Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners
Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.
Knitting Workshop
Pause your mental chatter and learn to knit in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Beetlejuice The Musical
The eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical is now playing at the Regent Theatre.
Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits
An exhibition celebrating the work of Melbourne photobooth technician Alan Adler.
Events under $20
Monopoly Dreams
Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.
Chocolate Family Adventure Day
Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.
The Melbourne Magic Festival
Casting its spell with performances and workshops for all ages this winter.
Mid-Winter Medieval Medicines at Fitzroy Gardens
Join a fun and educational kids’ activity exploring Cooks' Cottage and beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.
Cats & Dogs
From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to cat superstitions, explore more than 250 works.
The Other Side of the Wall: Help Them Celebrate
A performance and making workshop made by kids for their peers (ages 8-11).
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
Taylor Swift Theme Silent Disco Walking Tour of Melbourne
Join a sing-a-long tour of the city with other Swifties.
1839 Memories Studio
3D body scanning that transforms real-life moments into personalised figurines.
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.
Hardrock Climbing
The ultimate indoor rock-climbing experience in Melbourne is at Hardrock Climbing.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Dive into an immersive adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Jungle Dance Party
A high-energy jungle-themed boogie party event designed specifically for families.
School holiday workshops
Pigment Squad
Add your artistic touch to your favourite cartoon character figurine to create a unique masterpiece.
Magic School with Tim Credible
Join a family-fun school holiday workshop that will amaze and inspire.
Melbourne Paint Lab Art Workshop
At Melbourne Paint Lab you can splash, splatter and drip paint to unleash your inner artist.
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.
The District Docklands
Open-air shopping precinct with attractions, entertainment, dining and fresh food.
Last updated on Wed 2 Jul 2025
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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.
Homage to Turner Group Exhibition
A group exhibition bringing together contemporary painters that pay homage to J.M.W Turner.