Family and kids

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 child posing in an alcove in a rainbow mural.

School holidays

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

A small playground on a sunny day

The best playgrounds in Melbourne

We've rounded up the best adventure parks and playgrounds.

Family events

A picture of a dolphin on the Big Screen at Fed Square, people gathered at the foot of the screen to watch, city buildings in the background.

Outdoor Cinema: Feathers, Fins and Friendship

Catch beloved family-friendly adventure films about human and animal friendships, on the Big Screen.

Three children looking at colourful pamphlets while standing on the stairs inside the Old Melbourne Gaol.

Billie B Brown and the Case of the Missing Treasure

Join Billie B and the Secret Mystery Club as they take on one of their trickiest cases yet.

A relaxed performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre, with seated musicians playing to an audience of young children and their carers sitting on the floor in a relaxed manner.

Relaxed Performances at Melbourne Recital Centre

These relaxed daytime concert experiences suit all ages.

'Wonders of the sea' themed high tea treats including mermaid-tail cupcakes on a white plate on a display of sand and shells.

Le Petit Wonders of the Sea: Kids High Tea

An enchanting under-the-sea themed High Tea designed especially for small explorers.

Kids activities

Drawing of a child seated in a tree reading a book.

Melbourne Kids Book Fest

Meet your favourite authors and illustrators at a book festival just for kids.

Two children stand at a table looking at a craft project in a room that features a colourful display of framed artwork or pictures hung in a grid pattern on the wall behind the table.

Pocket House

Young children can build a tiny house full of big memories with Pocket House.

Children using spray cans and stencils to decorate skateboard decks in an art workshop.

Skateboard Deck Art

Paint your own skateboard deck using stencils, spray cans, sharpies, and collage, for ages 8 to 13.

Kids sitting on the floor building with play construction equipment.

Supreme Construction Pop-up

A hands-on construction and creative play space for the family, open for four weeks only.

Kids shows

Magician sitting cross legged on a cosy bed in a darkened room, wearing pyjamas and holding a wand, with a tower of cards and a teddy bear as props that surround him.

The Magic Pyjama Party

A laugh-filled, wonder-packed school holiday show about amazing dreams.

Five children's circus performers on stage in colourful costumes.

The Glow Squad

An award-winning show where dance, circus, music, aerial arts and audience participation collide.

A circus performer holding onto a ring suspended from the ceiling, a big red star behind them.

Circus The Show

Prepare to enter a world of whimsy and wonder where your imagination will soar like never before.

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

Melbourne Magic Show

Enjoy a theatrical magic experience like no other.

Kids attractions

Koala in a gum tree at Melbourne Zoo.

Melbourne Zoo

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

Child looking over right shoulder with delighted smile, dark dinosaur model behind.

Melbourne Museum

Explore history, culture, science and nature at this popular Melbourne attraction.

Family in a glass tunnel looking up at a very large stingray.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Discover thousands of aquatic animals in four enchanting worlds at this top Melbourne attraction.

Visitors surveying the tranquil scene of Fitzroy Gardens fountain, lawns and trees,

Fitzroy Gardens

These historic gardens are home to the famous Cooks' Cottage.

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.

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

ArtPlay

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

A tall brick building with people outside and a large detailed entrance.

Science Gallery Melbourne

A free gallery where arts and science collide.

Two people standing on the 'ceiling' of an inverted living room.

House Down Under

Australia’s favourite inverted house photo experience brings topsy-turvy fun to Melbourne.

Polly Woodside sailing ship permanently moored at South Wharf.

Polly Woodside

Polly Woodside is a historic museum ship moored at South Wharf.

A family seated at an outdoor table in a grassy park, eating takeaway food from the food van parked behind them, the Skyline Ferris wheel in the background.

Skyline Melbourne

See Melbourne's unbeatable city view from the Skyline Melbourne Ferris wheel.

People crossing the road in front of a large train station at sunset

Iconic Melbourne experiences

Waterside views, hidden bars and amazing exhibitions.

A man riding a skateboard up a ramp at a skate park with a view of the Melbourne city skyline in the background.

Fun things to do for teens in Melbourne

Free exhibitions, festivals, arts and crafts and ice skating.

See all family and kids events

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

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 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.

A statue of a mother and baby giraffe in an indoor children's playground.

The best things to do in Melbourne with kids under 5

Toddler-friendly activities for a day out in Melbourne that you'll enjoy too.

Barista pouring water into a coffee jug in an industrial kitchen.

Swan Lab Coffee School

Learn Melbourne coffee culture through hands-on barista and latte art experiences.