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 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
Arbory Bar and Eatery
Kids eat free on AFL game days with every adult meal purchased. Sat & Sun only. 11am-late.
HOYTS
Get $11 tickets for gentle and engaging movie sessions aimed at pre-school aged children.
HOYTS
Get $11 tickets for gentle and engaging movie sessions aimed at pre-school aged children.
Sebel Melbourne Docklands
Get complimentary onsite parking and a MOR car diffuser with a two-night stay this winter.
The District Docklands
From lunch specials to ice-skating adventures, offers run Monday to Thursday.
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.
Making Memoir of a Snail
Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.
Free kids activities
Shrine Kids
Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.
Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure
A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.
Once Upon a Time ... en Español
Bring your little ones along for an engaging storytelling session in Spanish.
For teens and older kids
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.
Riverslide Skate Park
The city's biggest skate park, overlooking the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr.
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.
Beetlejuice The Musical
The eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical is now playing at the Regent Theatre.
Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits
An exhibition celebrating the work of Melbourne photobooth technician Alan Adler.
Events under $20
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.
Special occasion activities - $20 and over
1839 Memories Studio
3D body scanning that transforms real-life moments into personalised figurines.
House Down Under
Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away.
Hardrock Climbing
The ultimate indoor rock-climbing experience in Melbourne is at Hardrock Climbing.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Dive into an immersive adventure with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
School holiday workshops
Pigment Squad
Add your artistic touch to your favourite cartoon character figurine to create a unique masterpiece.
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.
The District Docklands
Open-air shopping precinct with attractions, entertainment, dining and fresh food.
Last updated on Mon 21 Jul 2025
Only In The City
Discover more
Distraction
Plugging into the streaming torrent of content and the places brains go when craving distraction.
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.