Family and kids

A family with kids at a Christmas event with a large glowing Christmas tree.

The best things to do with your family at Christmas

Rediscover the magic of Melbourne with free events, festive lights and 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 glowing neon river show at night with Melbourne's city skyline in the background

The best free and cheap family activities

Find family-friendly fun and free events in Melbourne.

Family events

A scene from the Myer Christmas Windows showing the toys from Toy Story in a child's bedroom.

Myer Christmas Windows

The beloved Bourke Street tradition will return with a new festive theme for the 71st season.

Performer on stage doing circus tricks, acrobats hanging in the air.

Fijian Flying Circus

A world-first fusion of Fijian storytelling and contemporary circus.

'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.

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.

Kids activities

Kids on the grass outside the Shrine of Memorial, holding kit bags and smiling.

Shrine Kids

Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.

Young children and their parents listening to a story book being read aloud in a colourful environment with large dinosaur cutouts.

Dino Days

Young dinosaur enthusiasts, aged 3-5 years, are invited to explore all things dinosaur.

Two young children smiling while participating in an interactive play or educational activity against a green forest-themed backdrop, at Melbourne Museum.

Tiny Tours: Big Adventures for Little Explorers

Light the spark of curiosity and explore Melbourne Museum like never before.

A smiling man holds a cheerful toddler in his arms as the child reaches toward a large, textured, teardrop-shaped gourd hanging from the ceiling; part of an interactive installation at ArtPlay.

Exhibition: Obang 오방

Step into a Korean grandmother's home while she is away visiting her grandchildren overseas.

Kids shows

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.

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.

Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Peter Pan lights up Neverland in a dazzling dance spectacle.

A smiling library worker holding up three picture books with their front covers facing out, seated cross-legged on the floor in front of library display shelves.

Songbirds

Come along to City Library on Fridays for songs, rhymes and stories.

A busker performing in the street playing an electric guitar with his head facing downwards looking at the instrument.

Bourke Street Mall Busking

Meet Melbourne's marvellous musicians and more in the iconic Bourke Street Mall busking program.

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

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A man and woman dancing next to a woman dressed in a Santa outfit who is using a DJ deck.

Christmas things to do

The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.

A man and woman sitting at a table full of food with a Christmas tree in the background.

Christmas eat and drink

Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars and menus made for merry moments.

Two women holding several shopping bags while they walk through a shopping arcade decorated for Christmas.

Christmas shopping

Start ticking off your list in the city’s iconic laneways, arcades and malls.

Start here

Discover more

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 small playground on a sunny day

The best playgrounds in Melbourne

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

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.