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 September school holidays in Victoria are from Saturday 21 September to Sunday 6 October 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
Winter Night Market
The Winter Night Market is set to return to the iconic Queen Victoria Market sheds.
Free kids activities
Ancient Egypt for Kids
A free exhibition for kids with objects, hands-on activities, and cinematic screenings.
For teens and older kids
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.
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
Beings by Universal Everything
Move, dance and play in this interactive exhibition that will surprise and delight all ages.
Victoria the T. Rex
An interactive exhibition starring the fossil skeleton of Victoria, a 66-million-year-old T. rex.
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
Lightscape
The immersive Melbourne hit returns to transform Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne after dark.
The Art of the Brick Immersive Experience
See works of art crafted from LEGO bricks, in an immersive digital space.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Explore the life and legacy of the visionary artist, inventor, scientist and philosopher.
Monopoly Dreams
Enjoy a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience, featuring games and challenges.
School holiday workshops
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 Sun 14 Jul 2024
Only In The City
Constellations
A celestial formation hovers above its own reflection on the Yarra River/Birrarung's surface.
Melbourne's best rainy day activities for kids
Find the best indoor family activities during the school holidays.
Now or Never
The city's newest festival returns with digital art experiences, ground-breaking music and more.
Discover more
Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.
Present Shock II
When we’re confronted with a cacophony of data on a daily basis, how do we decipher what’s true?