School holidays

Entertain the whole family over the school holidays with these kid-friendly events and activities. There's plenty of free, low-cost events and family attractions to choose from.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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A child posing in an alcove in a rainbow mural.

When are the school holidays?

The school holidays in Victoria are from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October 2026.

When is public transport half price during the school holidays?

Public transport is half price in Victoria until the end of the year. This includes Melbourne trains, trams and buses as well as regional trains, coaches and buses. Check the full details.

School holiday deals and offers

A mother and two young children on the deck of a ferry looking out across the water.

Port Phillip Ferries

Kids (4-16 years) travel free on these weekly 2.5hour cruises, Tuesdays 9.30am-12.15pm, T&Cs apply.

Special offer
Cartoon style illustration of children with painted faces, against a blue background.

The Wharf Hotel

Enjoy free family activities every Sunday, incl. face painting, magicians & balloon twisters, 1-4pm.

Special offer
People taking a selfie with an animation character.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Animal Crossing exhibition, where characters meet real-life marine life: 16 Sep-8 Nov

Special offer

School Holidays: Knit 101

Use code PAYDAY for $20 off the session - was $85, now $65.

Special offer

School holiday events

Animator and filmmaker Adam Elliot working on a claymation set, adjusting characters.
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Making Memoir of a Snail

Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.

A dark interior space, with smoky purple rounds of light, silhouettes of people's arms pushing into these open spaces.
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Imaginator

An immersive experience that celebrates imagination, technology and play.

A plate of fluffy pancakes with ice-cream and chocolate over the top.
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Chocolate Family Adventure Day

Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.

Picnic spread of dishes, boxed food and drinks on a blue gingham tablecloth.
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Family Mystery Picnic: Melbourne Laneways

Solve clues, taste and collect pre-paid gourmet food on this unique foodie adventure.

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

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

Group of children seated on the floor while adults look on.
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Auslan Storytime

Bringing stories to life through visual language and movement, 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.

Illustrations of two children with clipboards in (real) garden setting.
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Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure

A free fun outdoor seek and find adventure around the Fitzroy Gardens.

A young child wearing a dressing gown, looking at an open picture book in her lap, blurred twinkling lights behind her.
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Bedtime Storytime

Hop into your pyjamas, grab your favourite teddy and enjoy bedtime stories.

A child wearing a plastic coat, squirting paint with a paintgun at a pink canvas on a wall splattered with paint.
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Melbourne Paint Lab Art Workshop

At Melbourne Paint Lab you can splash, splatter and drip paint to unleash your inner artist.

Side view of a child typing on a laptop.
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STEM Holiday Workshop for Young People: Auslan and English

Young people are invited to experience a free hands-on STEM workshop at Science Gallery Melbourne.

A group of smiling participants in a studio workshop setting, holding glass-domed terrariums.
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Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners

Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.

Seven people in coloured aprons holding up kokedama balls in a workshop.
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Kokedama Workshop

Enjoy a beginner's workshop and learn how to make a little moss ball plant.

Two smiling workshop participants holding up jewellery they have made.
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Polymer Clay Workshop

Create beautiful pairs of earrings and necklaces using polymer clay in this fun workshop.

Three smiling workshop participants in a studio space, holding up jewellery they have made.
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Polymer Clay Earring Workshop

Create beautiful jewellery in this fun workshop.

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 little girl looking at a colourful display of cushions in an art gallery.
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Children's Play: Ragnar Kjartansson

A new children's exhibition by Ragnar Kjartansson, inspired by the idea of a theatrical feast.

Visitors walking through a 3D simulation of the cosmos using wireless VR headsets.
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Starstruck

Smithsonian Starstruck is an immersive 3D journey to the cosmos.

An illustration of Ned Kelly in his armour at night with the Melbourne skyline in the background and a crescent moon.
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Ned Kelly's Treasure Escape Room

Crack the code and solve this escape room puzzle.

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 still from a Japanese Anime movie for kids showing a young girl in a red dress standing on top of a grassy hill, wth a cat in a top hat and tails standing behind her.
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Kids' Flicks with Feelings

Flex your emotional muscles with two thoughtful films for kids.

Children using wool to create triangular woven crafts with balls of wool.
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A Patchwork of Hope: Shrine Free School Holiday Program

Discover stories of hope and strength, then get creative with weaving and embroidery.

A drawing of five colorful sheep (purple, blue, yellow, orange, and red) walking on a green grassy hill with small flowers.
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Where is the Green Sheep?

A wild and woolly adventure to find that elusive green sheep.

Two park rangers in front of a display table with their ute behind and more displays.
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Junior Rangers - Wings and Wattles

Find urban bushland in Royal Park and connect with nature close to home.

A blacklit underwater scene showing a colourful lion fish and a leafy sea dragon behind a large set of teeth.
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Dreamer in the Deep

Embark on a spectacular deep sea adventure with this enjoyable children's puppet show.

A pair of giant roving elderly character puppets on the streets of Carlton, performing as part of the Festival of Puppetry.
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Melbourne Festival of Puppetry

Performances, workshops, free events and more, presented around the city.

A children's performer in pale blue overalls and a wattle-patterned headband with a cute kangaroo puppet.
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The Wobbly Wallaby Show

Enjoy an enchanting musical adventure for children aged 3 to 8 years this September school holidays.

Hands holding a black pen over two pages of writing on pieces of paper with figure cutouts.
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Snow on a Summer's Day

A puppet show for ages seven and older.

A puppeteer on stage with a green puppet made from recycled and found materials.
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Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones

This imaginative show blends shadow puppetry, clown and physical theatre into a hilarious spectacle.

Two teen students writing on notebooks or into laptops and interacting at a table, as part of a creative writing workshop in a studio setting.

Monsters of the Deep: Holiday Program

A full-day creative writing workshop designed to thwart thalassophobia for ages 7–10 years.

A smiling child holding a large pink soft toy.

The Big Toy Swap

Give your child’s toy box a sustainable refresh at The Big Toy Swap. 

Sports man signing yellow footballs for children behind a railing.
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Footy Fest

Meet your footy heroes, join a free footy clinic and enjoy live entertainment for the whole family.

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

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

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.
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The Magic Pyjama Party

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

Metallic robot figure looking amazed at a red-winged insect.
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Trinket the Robot

A puppet show for 3–10-year-olds about a little robot who longs to become real.

Puss in Boots cat puppet figure wearing a waistcoat and feathered hat, hiding behind illustrations of trees.
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Puss In Boots

A surprising puppet tale of courage, magic and clever tricks for ages four and older.

Puppet scene with a figure holding a lamp in a purple forest setting.
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The Boy Who Lost His Light

An enchanting puppetry adventure into a magical illuminated world for 3–10-year-olds.

Parade walkway lined with fans, city buildings in the background with yellow smoke.

Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade

Cheer on the Grand Finalists one last time before the big game.

Colourful artwork in the style of an ancient Greek fresco in abstract red and blue.
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Pigments of the Past: For Kids

Discover how ancient Greeks painted their world in this creative workshop for kids.

Drawing of Hellenic figures standing on an open book.
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Dryad Drop-In

Explore the natural world through the eyes of the ancient Greeks, with storytelling and activities.

Families working with paper craftworks hanging from ropes in an indoor space.
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Paper Planet at Fed Square

Theatre and play merge in this magical place, as stories and adventures spring to life.

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.
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Outdoor Cinema: Feathers, Fins and Friendship

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

Drawing of a child seated in a tree reading a book.
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Melbourne Kids Book Fest

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

Author Angie Cui, with long dark hair, shelves of children's books in the background.

The Festival of Ice and Snow with Angie Cui

Bundle up for a wintry adventure and celebrate family, cultural traditions and storytelling.

An urban wildflower garden with city buildings in the background.

Test Garden Open Day: Birds in the Big City

Urban Ecologist Dr Jacinta Humphrey leads a family-friendly workshop exploring design for birds.

Young teens in a classroom setting with a teacher looking on and bookshelves in the background.

Escape from the Underworld: Holiday Program

A full-day writing workshop in the afterlife for ages 10–14

A crafted robot figurine with red legs and arms and big eyes with long eyelashes.
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Puppet-Making Workshops for Kids

Super entertaining school holiday puppet-making workshops for kids aged 4-10 years.

A person dressed as a pirate in a red coat shaking hands with a child wearing a head scarf aboard an old sailing ship.

Pirate Day at Polly Woodside

Come along and experience the pirate life aboard Melbourne's tall ship.

Child adding details to artwork on the back of a skateboard deck.
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School Holiday Street Art Workshops

Learn spray-painting techniques from a renowned street artist these school holidays.

Three smiling young girls lying on a mattress with sleeping bags, inside a museum, next to a dinosaur skeleton.
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Family Museum Sleepovers

Sleep among the dinosaurs in this unique overnight experience at Melbourne Museum.

A drawing of three dolls dressed in kimonos against a mint green background.
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Japanese Storytime

Visit City Library for immersive Japanese language storytime.

Storytime with Jane Godwin and Anna Walker

Storytime with Jane Godwin and Anna Walker

Join Jane Godwin and Anna Walker for a special Storytime.

A woman with two red plaits and a white cap holds up a picture book in a kids library area.
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Stompers

Bring your child to Library at The Dock on Tuesdays for a lifelong love of books.

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

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

A girl drawing with a green pencil in a crafting room with tens of coloured picture frames on the yellow wall behind her.
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The Activity Hub

Drop into The Activity Hub at State Library Victoria for hands-on family activities.

The Bellarine Express catamaran docked at the Docklands Terminal on Harbour Esplanade in Melbourne, with water in the foreground and city buildings in the background.

Junior Captain Adventure Cruise

Become a Junior Captain and set sail on a fun-filled Melbourne waterway adventure.

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

Three young children looking at open books they hold, participating in activities in a library setting.
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Mandarin Storytime

Visit City Library for an immersive Mandarin language storytime.

Two young teenagers studying together in a library space as part of a creative writing workshop.

Beneath the Trap Door: Holiday Program

A creative story writing workshop devoted to subterranean suspense for ages 8-12 years.

A male magician in a top hat and suit on a smoky stage, holding a yellow and green fan and performing a trick.
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Illusionaire Family Magic Show

Sam Angelico is back in Melbourne performing his family-friendly magic show.

A primary-school aged child wearing a yellow top while standing among lush green ferns and looking upward.
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Spring School Holidays at Melbourne Museum

Get involved in immersive and hands-on activities inspired by ancient Rome these school holidays.

Children swinging on fabric suspension ropes in a studio setting.
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Kids Holiday Circus Class

A fun circus workshop for children aged 5–14 years old.

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

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

Small hands over a glittery surface.

Family Art Day at ACCA

A free art-making program designed for families with young children at ACCA.

People gathered in front of the Shrine of Remembrance and a man playing bagpipes with his back to the camera.
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Last Post Service

Every Sunday, pause to remember those who have served and sacrificed.

A decorated lampshade featuring homemade paper and pressed flowers.
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Pressed Flower Hanging Lantern Workshop for Beginners

Create a magical botanical lantern using real pressed flowers, handmade paper, and warm LED lights.

A woman smiling and holding up a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in a library setting.
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Stompers

Join in the Stompers fun with your toddler at North Melbourne Library every Thursday.

A library staff member holding a large owl puppet in one hand and a picture book in his other hand, standing in the children's section of a library.
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Stompers

Enjoy fun stories, songs, rhymes and activities at Kathleen Syme Library every Monday.

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.
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Pocket House

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

Aerial view of an outdoor market on Southbank promenade, showing the Yarra River with boats on the right, market umbrellas and stalls on the concourse and city buildings in the background.
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Southbank Makers Market

Explore the Southbank Makers Market every Sunday on the promenade at Southgate.

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.

A smiling adult holding a ukulele seated at a low table, with two picture books resting on the table, in a library setting.
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Preschool Storytime

Share the wonder of books with your children at narrm ngarrgu Library.

A National Basketball League match underway inside John Cain Arena at Melbourne Park, with an indoor court and spectators watching from the stadium seats.

NBL: Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans

Melbourne United take to the court against the Cairns Taipans for Round 3 of the NBL27 season.

Two people seated below a neon sign.
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The Story of the Moving Image

A permanent exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

'Wonders of the sea' themed high tea treats including mermaid-tail cupcakes on a white plate on a display of sand and shells.
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Le Petit Wonders of the Sea: Kids High Tea

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

A solar eclipse, with light emerging around the edges of the blacked-out sun.
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Solar Tours

Come and experience the wonders of the Sun at the historic Melbourne Observatory.

More school holiday ideas

Family 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.

Large IMAX signage above entrance to cinema.

IMAX

Delivering an immersive movie experience on the world's largest screen.

Dark silhouetted figures in a space with red and blue lighting.

ACMI

Museum dedicated to the moving image through events, film screenings and exhibitions.

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.

Tranquil scene of trees and lawn surrounding a lake.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

A picturesque haven for recreation and a key botanical resource for research and conservation.

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.

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.

People skating in an indoor ice rink with disco lighting.

O'Brien Icehouse

An ice arena for public skating and ice sports events, located in Docklands.

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.

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

ArtPlay

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

Kingpin Melbourne's bowling lanes decorated with vibrant murals.

Kingpin Melbourne

Kingpin's new flagship space brings next level entertainment to Collins Arcade.

Three teenagers playing a basketball arcade game in an brightly lit games venue.

PLAYit

Next level arcade and mini golf fun for all ages and abilities.

Pink sweet food treats inspired by the Sanrio character My Melody, found at the Hello Kitty Cafe.

Hello Kitty and Friends Café

A colourful experience celebrating Hello Kitty and Friends with themed treats and exclusive merch.

Two people standing in an immersive room at Dreamskape surrounded by a virtual reality projection of interior of a spaceship.

Dreamskape

Explore the District Dockland's multi-media sensory entertainment complex.

A smiling young girl seated as a table in front of a pile of slime.

Slime Lab

A play and retail space offering awesome and creative slime workshops for kids.

A sophisticated music store with guitars hanging on the wall.

The Music Gym

Drop in to The Music Gym, Melbourne's most playable pit stop!

Person on a skateboard at Riverslide Skate Park.

Riverslide Skate Park

The city's biggest skate park, overlooking the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr.

Small brick building illuminated at night, housing Signal creative arts studio.

Signal

Signal is the City of Melbourne's creative studio for young people 14 to 25 years.

Brightly coloured singing booths arranged around the walls in a large room, with bench seating in the central open space.

Kono Coin Karaoke

Enjoy a karaoke experience at a singing booth.

The exterior of Hardrock climbing in the city, surrounded by other buildings.

Hardrock Climbing

The ultimate indoor rock-climbing experience in Melbourne is at Hardrock Climbing.

People lining up outside a retro photobooth at night.

Flinders Street Photobooth

Have your photo taken at a vintage black and white photobooth.

Looking into the interior of a studio space, with a row of five small booths on the left and shelves of props and equipment on the right wall.

Life4Cuts Chinatown

A Korean-inspired self-photo booth studio in Chinatown.

Three girls posing and holding up their hands in peace signs while wearing flower headbands.

Hama Film Self Photo Studio

A self-photo studio where you can take amazing photos in special concept rooms.

A giant ball pit with brightly coloured geometric patterns and neon shapes on the walls.

Hijinx Hotel

No beds here. Just ball pits, bold colours, brain-teasing challenges and a lot of laughter.

People laughing and having fun on MotoGP arcade games.

Archie Brothers

One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.

People enjoying tenpin bowling.

Strike Bowling

Tenpin bowling plus karaoke and escape rooms - great fun for everyone.

Exterior of Holey Moley mini golf venue at night.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley offers a mini golf course and bar with 27 themed holes plus a karaoke room.

Pretend poolside bar area at Holey Moley mini golf club, with brightly coloured deck chairs.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley at Crown offers a mini golf course and bar with 18 themed holes.

Baby looking in a mirror.

Children's Gallery Melbourne Museum

This is a wondrous place for young children to explore, play and learn.

Discover more

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 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.

Young kid sitting on the shoulders of an adult in a large crowd of people watching a show.

Melbourne for free

Discover free things to do in Melbourne, including galleries, museums, events and festivals.