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 April to Thursday 17 April 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.
Turkish Pazar Festival
A traditional Turkish celebration of food, music, dance to mark the end of the fasting month.
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.
Charm Necklace Workshop with Haus of Dizzy
Assemble your own custom charm necklace from a variety of charms available.
Fairy Tales and Animal Tails Storytime
Join in for fairy tale stories, nursery rhyme songs with fairy and animal tail actions.
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.
Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners
Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.
PLAY: Monsteen
Step into the extraordinary world of Monsteen and join an epic interactive adventure.
Events under $20
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.
Hooves, Horns and Wings: Unicorns and Other Horsey Things
Meet the many horse-like creatures of Greek mythology in this school holiday activity for ages 4–10.
Easter School Holiday Kids Silent Disco Walking Tour
Head out with the kids on a special school holiday silent disco walking tour of the city.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
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.
Melbourne Museum Sleepover: Home of the Dinosaurs
Sleep among dinosaurs at this prehistoric after-dark experience for families.
Kool Kids Easter Wonderland
Hop into a world of fun and adventure in the ultimate family celebration this Easter.
Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies
Join the magical fairies as they go on an exciting musical adventure.
Circus Oz Non Stop
Circus Oz returns to the iconic Melbourne Town Hall for a strictly limited season.
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.
Making a Fairy Garden
Bring your kids and grandkids along to enjoy making a magical garden together.
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 19 Mar 2025
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