Disruptions in the city on 13 September could impact visitors, and some venues may be closed. Plan ahead and find more information.
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.
Special offer
Strike Bowling
Kids under 18 can play single games of bowling and laser tag for just $14. Plus more family deals.
Special offer
Holey Moley Golf Club
Single games of mini golf are $14 for kids under 18. Plus find more family deals.
Special offer
Archie Brothers
Single games of bowling and laser tag are just $14 for children under 18. Plus more family deals.
Special offer
Archie Brothers
Under 18s can enjoy one game of bowling, a $25 game card, and one game of laser tag for $36.
Special offer
Archie Brothers
Load your card (pay $35, get $70) to enjoy claw machines, dodgems, shooters, VR, basketball and more
Special offer
Ikon Park
Kids 17 years and under can enjoy free entry to every game of the 2025 AFLW season.
Special offer
North Melbourne Recreation Centre
Kids 17 years and under can enjoy free entry to every game of the 2025 AFLW season.
Special offer
Arbory Bar and Eatery
Kids eat free on AFL game days with every adult meal purchased. Sat & Sun only. 11am-late.
Special offer
Free family-friendly events
International Youth Arts Fun Festival
Celebrate art, culture and creativity; where youth imagination meets world culture.
AFL Maccas Footy Fest
Immerse yourself in a world of activities for all ages; Footy, music, food, fashion and fandom.
Queen Victoria Market Moon Festival
The Moon Festival at Queen Victoria Market celebrates culture, food, and family fun.
Grand Final Long Weekend at Queen Vic Market
Catch the footy fever at the market, with exciting activities for the whole family.
Mini Beast Disco
Betty Grumble and Dandrogyny lead a workshop and performance experience for kids and their grown-ups
The Big Toy Swap with dirtgirl and Costa
Refresh your child’s toy box sustainably at The Big Toy Swap, and join in interactive sessions.
ACCA Family Art Day: Tschabalala Self
A free art-making program for families, inspired by the exhibition Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight.
The Big Screen Goes Green: Outdoor Cinema for Kids
Kids can enjoy green-themed outdoor cinema for free at Fed Square these school holidays.
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.
The Sunday Market at Southgate
* No market this Sunday 14 Sept * Explore the Sunday Market at Southgate and meet the makers.
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
I Can: Art Exhibition
An exhibition celebrating the creativity of deaf and hard of hearing youth nation-wide.
School Holiday Kids Silent Disco Walking Tour
Head out with the kids on a special school holiday silent disco walking tour of the city.
Kids' Flicks with Feelings: Studio Ghibli
Flex your emotional muscles with these Studio Ghibli films, with emotive scores by Joe Hisaishi.
Follow Your Nose: Aromatic Adventure
Join a fun and educational kids activity exploring Cooks' Cottage and the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
Learn to Fence
Learn how to fence with experienced coaches at these introductory school holiday sessions.
Three Happy Tricks with Martin Heppell
A fun kids show teaching positive mental health strategies through music, stories and laughs.
The Magic Pyjama Party
The ultimate school holiday magic show for kids, with magic, laughter, and endless wonder.
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
Apprentice: Holiday Program
A full-day story writing workshop devoted to craft, wisdom and magical mastery, ages 8–12 years.
Imposter: Holiday Program
A full-day story writing workshop of disguise, deceit and double agents, ages 10–14 years.
Missing: Holiday Program
A full-day story workshop of missing persons and mystery writing, ages 8–12 years.
Fantastic Friends: Kids' Spring Workshop
Create a Fantastic Friend with the imaginative use of gumnuts, seedpods, banksia cones and more.
Creature: Holiday Program
A full-day story writing workshop of animal companions and furry familiars, ages 7–10 years.
Mystery High: Holiday Program
A full-day story writing workshop where high school hallways hide secrets, ages 10–14 years.
Pixelated!: Holiday Program
A full-day creative story writing workshop for lovers of gaming and adventure, ages 7–10 years.
Crystal Ball: Holiday Program
A full-day story writing workshop of telepathy, tea-leaves and tarot, ages 8–12 years.
School Holiday Street Art Workshops
Learn spray-painting techniques from a renowned street artist this school holidays.
The Shadow Realm: Holiday Program
A full-day story writing workshop devoted to the dark side, ages 10–14 years.
Heist: Holiday Program
A full-day story writing workshop of flawless felony and tactical treasure-hunting, ages 8–12 years.
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 Thu 11 Sep 2025
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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.