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 Thursday 21 December 2023 to Monday 29 January 2024.
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
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Rififi: Jean Jullien for Kids
Experience the NGV's kids' gallery as it's transformed into an underwater world for summer.
Road to Zero Helmet Heroes
Road to Zero at Melbourne Museum is offering free family-friendly holiday fun.
Library Cinema
See contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen at Library at The Dock.
Preschool Storytime
Share the wonder of books with your child and enjoy stories and songs at Kathleen Syme Library.
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.
The ultimate guide to Melbourne's best markets
Melbourne's iconic markets are back in full force for Christmas
Free family Christmas events
Docklands Christmas Maze
Find your holiday cheer at the giant Christmas maze, with amazing prizes to be won.
Melbourne Town Hall Projections
See the nightly projections with singing reindeer, giant koalas and the famous nutcracker soldiers.
Events under $20
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
Monopoly Dreams
Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.
RELICS: A New World Rises
A unique new exhibition where real-world artefacts meet the ingenious world of LEGO!
Tempo
When the orchestra hasn't shown up and the audience is waiting, call in the Flying Fruit Fly Circus.
The Wind in the Willows
The must-do family theatre experience returns to the Gardens for the summer school holidays.
Family-friendly restaurants
Mörk Chocolate City
Iconic chocolate shop in an old lift shaft, located in one of Melbourne’s most bustling laneways.
The best family-friendly restaurants in Melbourne
Meeting Santa is hungry work. Grab a bite at one of these kid-approved and pram-friendly spots.
Family-friendly attractions
Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum
This is a wondrous place for young children to explore, play and learn.
The Story of the Moving Image
An ongoing exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.
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.
Submerged
A new digital experience at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium while the Oceanarium undergoes renovations.
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 23 Nov 2023
Christmas
Christmas events
Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.
Christmas eat and drink
Savour the season with festive feasts and rooftop drinks. Read on for Christmas catch-up ideas.
Christmas shopping
Wrap up your Christmas list and find the perfect pressies with thousands of shops to choose from.
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Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to winter wonderlands, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.
Best Santa photo spots in Melbourne
Skip the Westfield crowd and get Santa photos at Myer, visit Santa's workshop and get pet photos.