The best free and cheap family activities
Need to keep your little mates entertained? Check out these awesome free events and fun adventures for an epic day of fun this Christmas. Some age limits may apply, check with venues before visiting.
When are the school holidays?
The school holidays in Victoria are from Monday 22 December 2025 to Wednesday 28 January 2026.
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 Christmas fun for families
Let's Dance with Shenzhen Airlines
Show off your dance moves, and see the floor react in time with the music.
Koorie Krismas
Koorie Klaus is back to spread festive cheer at the Koorie Heritage Trust’s annual Koorie Krismas.
Surprise Christmas Holiday Activity
Enjoy a free Christmas activity when stopping by at the Melbourne Visitor Hub.
Melbourne City Christmas Treasure Hunt
Collect a map from the Mary Martin Bookshop to go on a magical city treasure hunt.
Myer Santaland
Follow the festive fun at Santaland where kids can meet Santa or ride the Santaland Express.
Christmas Outdoor Cinema: Naughty or Nice
Fed Square screens Christmas family favourites followed by grown-up cult classics.
Library at The Dock Neighbourhood Christmas Party
Come along to Library at the Dock for their annual neighbourhood end-of-year celebration.
Christmas Pyjama Storytime
Pop on your PJs and come to narrm ngarrgu Library for a special storytime.
Children's Christmas StoryWalk
A fun and free family event in Carlton Gardens with a brand new Christmas story.
Dasher and Dancer's Disco
A festive disco party with live music, Christmas arts and crafts, and kids in for free!
Great Australian Christmas Treasure Hunt
A festive journey through the city past Christmas decorations, shopping spots and family activities.
TAC Moments Matter Photo Booth
Capture festive memories while making a pledge that could save lives this Christmas.
Deals, discounts and pop-ups
Archie Brothers
Under 18s can enjoy one game of bowling, a $25 game card, and one game of laser tag for $36.
Free family-friendly events
Boxing Day Test Summer Fest
The energy spills beyond the boundary as the Boxing Day Festival returns to Yarra Park.
Distraction
An exhibition that plugs into the torrent of content and places we go when craving distraction.
New Year's Eve in Melbourne
From fireworks to fancy dinners and family fun, Melbourne is the perfect place to celebrate NYE.
Riverside Christmas Twilight Markets
Discover the festive market where Melbourne’s artisans come together to showcase their creations.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
See You in the Soup
Join performer Emma Chandler for an enchanting concert about love, joy and being very, very silly.
Family Art Day: Summer Picnic and Tourmaline
Make collaborative sculptures, puppets and costumes at this family art day and picnic.
Free kids activities
Songbirds
Come along to East Melbourne Library on Thursdays for Songbirds: songs, rhymes and stories.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
Family Art Day: Summer Picnic and Tourmaline
Make collaborative sculptures, puppets and costumes at this family art day and picnic.
Cultural Workshops with Little Wombats
Workshops designed especially for preschool and kindergarten-aged children.
For teens and older kids
The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners
Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.
Polymer Clay Workshop
Create beautiful pairs of earrings and necklaces using polymer clay in this fun workshop.
Riverslide Skate Park
The city's biggest skate park, overlooking the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr.
Hardrock Climbing
The ultimate indoor rock-climbing experience in Melbourne is at Hardrock Climbing.
Hama Film Self Photo Studio
A self-photo studio where you can take amazing photos in special concept rooms.
Hijinx Hotel
No beds here. Just ball pits, bold colours, brain-teasing challenges and a lot of laughter.
Archie Brothers
Archie Brothers delivers circus themed arcade charm, whimsical cocktails, and big-kid energy.
Holey Moley Golf Club
Holey Moley offers a mini golf course and bar with 27 themed holes plus a karaoke room.
Loopy Lab
See how plastic waste is a resource by making your own pen or carabiner from plastic bottle tops.
Cheap Christmas activities
Carols at Festival Hall
A live carols show for the family with carols you know and can sing along to.
Christmas at the Cottage
Cooks' Cottage has been reimagined with 18th-century-inspired Christmas decorations.
Events under $20
Pirate Day at Polly Woodside
Come along and experience the pirate life aboard Melbourne's tall ship.
Fitzroy Gardens Nature Navigator
Join a fun and educational kids activity exploring the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
An interactive ballet experience for children, from The Australian Ballet.
Game Worlds
ACMI's new playable exhibition features more than 30 videogames from the 1970s to today.
BBL: Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers
The Melbourne Stars take on the Adelaide Strikers at the 'G for the First Nations match.
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.
Chocolate Family Adventure Day
Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.
Family Mystery Picnic: Melbourne Laneways
Solve clues, taste and collect pre-paid gourmet food on this unique foodie adventure.
Monopoly Dreams
Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.
Ten Thousand Hours
Eight world-class acrobats compress 10,000 hours of practice into 60 minutes you’ll never forget.
Cats the Musical
Be thrilled by the 40th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical, Cats.
Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight
A cherished tradition featuring live performances from artists, choirs, comedians and more.
Alice in Wonderland
Join Alice on her amazing journey through Wonderland and experience an adventure like no other.
The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank is brought to life.
Australian Open
The summer stage for epic tennis, music, entertainment and unforgettable fan moments.
School holiday workshops
Melbourne Paint Lab Art Workshop
At Melbourne Paint Lab you can splash, splatter and drip paint to unleash your inner artist.
Festive Gingerbread Workshop
Create your own gingerbread house with festive drinks, food and guided fun for all ages.
Family-friendly attractions
Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum
This is a wondrous place for young children to explore, play and learn.
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 9 Dec 2025
Christmas
Christmas things to do
The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.
Christmas eat and drink
Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars, laneways and menus made for merry moments.
Discover more
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.
Book Fair Australia
Book Fair Australia is a literary festival that celebrates stories of all genres.
Play School: Come and Play
A hands-on, playful exhibition where families can discover how the beloved TV show comes to life.