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.
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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.
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Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Peter Pan lights up Neverland in a dazzling dance spectacle.

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

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.

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The best family-friendly restaurants in Melbourne

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

A child posing in an alcove in a rainbow mural.
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School holidays

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

Last updated on Thu 1 Oct 2026

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Traditional Chinese dancers in long pink dresses all performing in formation with a set depicting mountains.
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Shen Yun

See 5,000 years of civilisation reborn in this dance and musical performance.

Young children and adults taking part in a multi-sensory interactive dance and play session at ArtPlay.
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Touch and Go!

A playful environment for toddlers that entices, surprises and delights.

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.

A performer dressed as Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream, shirtless and standing in front of a purple celestial sky with a large moon as he makes the 'shh' gesture.
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A Midsummer Night's Dream Under The Stars

There is magic afoot in the Gardens as this much adored play is brought to life under the stars.