The best kid's theatre shows on in Melbourne

A spired building on a sunny day

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.
Until

Melbourne Magic Show

Enjoy a theatrical magic experience like no other.

A dancer wears a vibrant green, light-up ballerina-style tutu dress with a matching crown, and large, glowing translucent fairy wings spread out behind her, standing against a dark background.
Until

Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Peter Pan lights up Neverland in a dazzling dance spectacle.

A performer sits at the top of a tall ladder, playing an electric guitar while below them, another performer stands facing away from the camera, holding the ladder steady with uplifted arms.
–

Ocker

Ocker is roving circus tearing through the streets on a portable railway track built in real time.

A hand-painted illustration of a young swan holding a trumpet under its wing, musical notes playing from the trumpet.
–

The Trumpet of the Swan

From the author of Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little comes a magical live concert experience.

A dramatic stage moment from a production of The Nutcracker ballet, showcasing classic choreography under theatrical lighting.
–

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker returns to Melbourne's Regent Theatre this Christmas with a live orchestra.

An illustration from the book The Very Cranky Bear, showing a black bear with hands on hips looking cranky against a blue background.
–

The Very Cranky Bear

A grumpy bear, four unlikely friends and one brilliant sheep.

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.

Two friends in exaggerated poses against a hand-painted interactive artwork of a jungle scene, at ArtVo.

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.

More to explore

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.

View all family & kids events

Last updated on Thu 1 Oct 2026

Only In The City

Only in the City
Inside a bustling market hall

Things you can only see in the city

Uncover secret rooms, historic architecture and iconic landmarks found only in the city.

A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

Multiple plates on a white table cloth.

Things you can only eat in the city

Where to find the city's most iconic dishes.

Discover more

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.

Group dancing in a Melbourne laneway, led by a man in a bright green and yellow shiny outfit.

Silent Disco Tour: ABBA Theme with Disko Duk Duk

An ABBA themed silent disco tour of Melbourne, hosted by Disko Duk Duk.

Physical theatre performer Daniel Nodder with his arms outstretched and holding a pose, on a dark stage under a single white light globe.
Until

Only Bones: Daniel Nodder

Mind-bending physical theatre with one light bulb, and one jelly-like performer.

A performer with thigh-high red boots on a pole doing a deep backbend, framed by a blazing ring of fire in a dark setting.
–

The Pole Shebang

The unexpected journey of a gender-rebellious neurodivergent tomboy into the world of pole.