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 summer school holidays in Victoria are from Saturday 21 December 2024 to Monday 27 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
Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed
This exhibition highlights science fiction’s connection to ancient philosophy and mythologies.
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
Outdoor Cinema
Enjoy a program of free outdoor cinema on the Big Screen, from blockbusters to Dolly Parton faves.
Free kids activities
Kusama for Kids
Children and families can enjoy NGV's Kusama for Kids, a free interactive installation.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
4, 5, 6 Club
Join the fortnightly 4, 5, 6 club for an epic after school adventure at North Melbourne Library.
Summer School Holidays Colouring Activity
A free take-home colouring activity to keep the kids entertained during the summer school holidays.
For teens and older kids
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.
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.
The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
Events under $20
Buzz about Bees: Cottage Quest
This summer, send your little explorers on an exciting, bee-themed scavenger hunt like no other.
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.
Cats & Dogs
From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to cat superstitions, explore more than 250 works.
Summer School Holidays at Melbourne Museum
Heat up your summer fun with performances, hands-on experiences, and workshops.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Exhibition
Celebrate 40 years of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at this immersive exhibition.
Apsis VR: Virtual Reality Melbourne
Experience all the fun, laughter, screams and excitement with Virtual Reality.
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.
Tiny Tours: Whale to Tail
Embark on a Whale to Tail adventure, where even the smallest details reveal life's biggest secrets.
Tiny Tours: Ant to Apple
Celebrate the opening of the Antopia exhibition and discover the heroes of our food sytem – ants.
The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank is brought to life.
Zindzi & The Zillionaires
Step into the world of the Zillionaires with this performance overflowing with joy, and kindness.
Woody's Bush Cabaret
Venture into Woody’s World for a musical adventure where everyone gets a chance to shine.
Play Date by All The Queens Men
Pop duo Turtle and Sugar Rush turn Elisabeth Murdoch Hall into an unforgettable day-doof disco.
School holiday workshops
Hands-on with a New Material at M Pavilion
Make your own vivid objects and go beyond petrochemical plastics.
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.
Creative Lab: Antopia
Create your own one-of-a-kind ant diorama inspired by the intricate world of ants.
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 Thu 9 Jan 2025
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