The best free and cheap family activities

Until 1 Apr

Rain

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

19 Feb – 31 May

Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed

This exhibition highlights science fiction’s connection to ancient philosophy and mythologies.

6 Jun – 5 Oct

Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids

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

Until 24 Dec

Christmas at the Crocoseum

A fun, high-energy and educational performance inspired by the Australia Zoo crocodile show.

3 Jan – 8 Feb

Outdoor Cinema

Enjoy a program of free outdoor cinema on the Big Screen, from blockbusters to Dolly Parton faves.

Until 24 Dec

Christmas Carnival

Thrill rides, carnival games and festive food on the banks of the Yarra.

Until 25 Dec

Crown Christmas River Show

Be dazzled by a spectacular water, laser and light show on the Yarra.

Until 5 Jan

Myer Christmas Windows

Take a magical journey with Australia Zoo's favourite wildlife heroes in An Irwin’s Christmas Story.

Until 23 Dec

Nth Pole

Immerse yourself in the ambience of the festive holiday season at Marvel Stadium.

Until 23 Dec

Christmas Outdoor Cinema

Gather friends, family and loved ones for a free Christmas outdoor cinema at Fed Square.

Until 25 Dec

Christmas at Queensbridge Square

Take a ride on the light-up see-saw in this festive pop-up.

Until 31 Dec

Melbourne City Christmas Treasure Hunt

Collect a map from Mary Martin Bookshop to go on a magical city treasure hunt.

Until 24 Dec

Christmas at Crown Melbourne

The perfect place for families to celebrate the holidays.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.

Until 21 Apr

Yayoi Kusama

From polka dots to pumpkins, Yayoi Kusama comes to NGV with a world-premiere blockbuster exhibition.

Fun things to do for teens in Melbourne

Free exhibitions, festivals, arts and crafts and ice skating.

Until 31 Dec

The Story of the Moving Image

An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

Until 31 Mar

The Fans Strike Back: The Exhibition

A spectacular showcase of Star Wars memorabilia.

28 Dec

Pro Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid

India's most explosive sport is arriving in Melbourne.

Until 22 Dec

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Heroes in a Half Shell

An exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the franchise.

Until 31 Jan

Imaginator

An immersive experience that celebrates imagination, technology and play.

Apsis VR: Virtual Reality Melbourne

Experience all the fun, laughter, screams and excitement with Virtual Reality.

Until 25 Apr

Melbourne Magic Show

Enjoy a theatrical magic experience like no other.

Monopoly Dreams

Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.

Until 30 Apr

Chocolate Family Adventure Day

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

16 – 25 Jan

The Twits

Roald Dahl’s gruesome twosome The Twits return this January.

Until 28 Feb

Tiny Tours: Whale to Tail

Embark on a Whale to Tail adventure, where even the smallest details reveal life's biggest secrets.

Until 7 Mar

Tiny Tours: Ant to Apple

Celebrate the opening of the Antopia exhibition and discover the heroes of our food sytem – ants.

11 Jan

A-League: Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar Double Header

Don't miss Melbourne City's Matildas and Socceroos in action.

15 – 17 Jan

Alice in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic is returning to Melbourne for a limited season at the Athenaeum.

23 – 24 Dec

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

Enjoy an evening of Christmas songs and cheer from some of Australia’s most loved performers.

Until 25 Jan

The Wind in the Willows

Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank is brought to life.

23 Jan

Zindzi & The Zillionaires

Step into the world of the Zillionaires with this performance overflowing with joy, and kindness.

22 Jan

Woody's Bush Cabaret

Venture into Woody’s World for a musical adventure where everyone gets a chance to shine.

Until 19 Jan

Alice in Wonderland

Join Alice on her amazing journey through Wonderland and experience an adventure like no other.

22 Jan

Play Date by All The Queens Men

Pop duo Turtle and Sugar Rush turn Elisabeth Murdoch Hall into an unforgettable day-doof disco.

23 Dec

Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers: Open Air Game

Melbourne United and the Tasmania JackJumpers hit the basketball court under the night sky.

Until 10 Mar

Antopia

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

18 – 19 Jan

Brickvention

See displays of LEGO builds in all sorts of themes and genres.

9 – 12 Jan

The Australian Ballet: Storytime Ballet

Be enchanted by The Sleeping Beauty, a Storytime Ballet for kids aged three years and up.

8 – 11 Jan

Imagine Live

A celebration of creativity, friendship and our precious natural world.

Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum

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

Melbourne Zoo

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

Australian Music Vault

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

Melbourne Museum

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

Glow Golf

Good old-fashioned mini golf transformed into an amazing glow-in-the-dark-experience.

ArtVo

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

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

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

NGV International

NGV International houses a whole world of international art.

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.

ACMI

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

Museum of Chinese Australian History

Museum preserving and displaying the history of Chinese immigration.

Bear With Us

Unleash your inner artist in this therapeutic and fun experience.