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 23 December 2024 to 28 January 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.
Free family-friendly events
Table Tennis at Boyd Community Hub
Visit the Boyd Community Hub for table tennis with a local world medallist.
Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed
This exhibition highlights science fiction’s connection to ancient philosophy and mythologies.
Free kids activities
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
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
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Heroes in a Half Shell
An exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the franchise.
Apsis VR: Virtual Reality Melbourne
Experience all the fun, laughter, screams and excitement with Virtual Reality.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Explore the legacy of the visionary artist, inventor, scientist and philosopher at THE LUME.
Monopoly Dreams
Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.
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.
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.
Mosaic Class: Turkish Lamp Workshop
Learn about ancient mosaic art and create a beautiful Turkish lamp.
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 Fri 15 Nov 2024
Christmas
Christmas things to do
Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.
Christmas eat and drink
Feeling festive? Sip mistletoe martinis at a rooftop bar or dine under the lights in a laneway.
Discover more
What's free in Melbourne this month
Everything to see, do and enjoy in Melbourne for free this month.
Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.
The ultimate guide to Melbourne's best markets
Explore Melbourne's iconic markets this festive season.