Got a little mate who loves musicals, theatre shows, circus and plays? These are Melbourne's best shows for kids you need to book ASAP.

Performances for families

Man wearing a tuxedo performing sleight of hands tricks with a glass in front of a seated audience.
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Melbourne Magic Show

Enjoy a theatrical magic experience like no other.

Kids attractions

Double-storey ArtPlay building with city skyscrapers in the background.

ArtPlay

A creative arts centre for children to share unique experiences with professional artists.

Baby looking in a mirror.

Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum

This is a wondrous place for young children to explore, play and learn.

Three women joining hands and fooling around against a fantasy backdrop.

ArtVo

An interactive 3D art gallery with optical illusions that visitors can touch and explore.

Koala in a gum tree at Melbourne Zoo.

Melbourne Zoo

Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne.

Girl looking out at mini village display in the garden.

The best free and cheap family activities

Find family-friendly fun and free events in Melbourne.

A young boy and girl pointing to triceratops bones in the Museum.

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.

An outdoor restaurant by the river with pizza and pasta dishes on the table.

The best family-friendly restaurants in Melbourne

Grab a bite at one of these kid-approved and pram-friendly spots.

A girl and a boy reaching their hands out to touch a glass wall water feature.

School holidays

Entertain the whole family over the school holidays with these kid-friendly events and activities.

Last updated on Fri 31 Oct 2025

Only In The City

Discover more

Three faces poking through gaps in a long red curtain on a stage with stools in front of the stage.

Smells Like a Song: An Improvised Musical

Smells Like a Song is an improvised musical performed by Impro Melbourne.

Sassy restaurant sign illuminated against brickwork.

Dinner and Magic Italian Night

Authentic Italian cuisine with a live magic show from mind-bending magician, Alex Unexplainable.

A young girl stands on stage with fallen ballerinas all around her in a production of The Nutcracker.

The Australian Ballet: The Nutcracker

Rediscover the childlike joys of the holiday season with the magic of The Nutcracker ballet.

An illustration from the book 'You & Me and the Land of Lost Things', of the two cartoon characters, You and Me, wearing cardboard box helmets and space suits, on an adventure.

Andy Griffiths’ YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things

Get ready for action, imagination, and extremely questionable navigation.