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. Some age limits may apply, check with venues before visiting.
When are the school holidays?
The school holidays in Victoria are from Monday 22 September to Friday 3 October 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.
Deals, discounts and pop-ups
Hijinx Hotel
A 5-set of Challenge Rooms is only $14 for kids under the age of 18 when you book online.
Strike Bowling
Kids under 18 can play single games of bowling and laser tag for just $14. Plus more family deals.
Holey Moley Golf Club
Single games of mini golf are $14 for kids under 18. Plus find more family deals.
Archie Brothers
Single games of bowling and laser tag are just $14 for children under 18. Plus more family deals.
Archie Brothers
Under 18s can enjoy one game of bowling, a $25 game card, and one game of laser tag for $36.
Archie Brothers
Load your card (pay $35, get $70) to enjoy claw machines, dodgems, shooters, VR, basketball and more
Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall
Dine in at The Greenery restaurant, where kids under 12 eat for free.
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street
Book a family room package and you'll receive two adult tickets to Melbourne Zoo, to 5 Oct.
Free family-friendly events
Plans For The Planet: Olaf Breuning For Kids
Created by artist Olaf Breuning this exhibition invites kids to explore the natural environment.
Electric Arcadia Amusement Plaza
Free 1980s/90s amusement plaza by Big Games Night Out, Callum Preston and Louie Roots.
Distraction
An exhibition that plugs into the torrent of content and places we go when craving distraction.
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Free kids activities
A Butterfly Story: A Garden Activity for Kids
Flap your wings to find your way to the Test Garden at Fed Square, to learn all about butterflies.
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.
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.
Events under $20
Follow Your Nose: Aromatic Adventure
Join a fun and educational kids activity exploring Cooks' Cottage and the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.
Pinocchio at Brunetti Classico
Brunetti Classico comes alive with this Pinocchio themed school holiday activity.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
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.
School holiday workshops
School Holiday Workshop: Oracles, Omens & Oak Leaves
Discover how ancient Greeks looked to the future in this school holiday workshop for ages 4–8.
School Holiday Workshop: Wild Child!
Discover fascinating kids' festivals of ancient Greece in a school holiday workshop for ages 7–13.
Melbourne Paint Lab Art Workshop
At Melbourne Paint Lab you can splash, splatter and drip paint to unleash your inner artist.
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 Wed 24 Sep 2025
Only In The City
Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.
Only in the City
This city hums with energy - with hidden laneway cafes, rooftop bars, art and culture at every turn.
Things you can only see in the city
Uncover secret rooms, historic architecture and iconic landmarks found only in the city.
Discover more
Whirlwind
A theatrical play space where the ridiculous is welcomed and creativity can float and fly.
Game Worlds
ACMI's new playable exhibition features more than 30 videogames from the 1970s to today.
