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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 small playground on a sunny day

The best playgrounds in Melbourne

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

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.

Family events

Three children in neon-lit Halloween costumes in a creepy Halloween scene lit up with purple and green neon lights.

Halloween at the Museum: Family Event

Dress up in your favourite costume and explore the museum after dark as galleries come alive.

A netball player in a green and gold uniform catches the ball while a defender in a black uniform lunges toward her on an indoor court, blurred players and seated fans in the background.

Constellation Cup

The Australian Diamonds take on the Silver Ferns in Game 4 of the Constellation Cup.

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

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

Two people in elaborate Mexican Day of the Dead costumes.

Dia de Muertos: The Catrina Walk

Celebrate Mexican culture, music and traditions at a free, family friendly Día de Muertos festival.

Kids activities

An outdoor space at Harbour Esplanade Docklands, featuring a large overhead hanging sign that reads THE STREET SOCIAL, a white picket fence, DJ equipment and a view of the harbour and city buildings.
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The Street Social: Halloween

A festive Docklands waterfront Halloween event for families and friends.

A large, orange inflatable Halloween jack-o'-lantern with a textured surface, a brown stem on top, and sharp, purple facial features of triangular eyes and a jagged mouth.

Melbourne’s Biggest Halloween: Free Trick or Treat Trail

Free Halloween fun, with trick or treat, giant pumpkin, prizes and a free Melbourne Star ride.

Three children in neon-lit Halloween costumes in a creepy Halloween scene lit up with purple and green neon lights.

Halloween at the Museum: Family Event

Dress up in your favourite costume and explore the museum after dark as galleries come alive.

An individual behind dark vertical prison bars under purple and reddish dramatic lighting, wearing a light-coloured shirt with an emblem on the chest.

A Spooky Escape at the Old Melbourne Gaol

Step inside Old Melbourne Gaol this Halloween and see if your family can escape the haunted prison!

Kids shows

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

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

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 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.
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Songbirds

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

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

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

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 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.

Cafe exterior with waiter serving a group of men at a table.

Caffe Esc

Great coffee, satisfying lunches and fresh salads.