As Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is bursting with free attractions and experiences for kids. Here are some of the best things to do in Melbourne that don’t cost a cent.
1. Ride Melbourne's free tourist tram
Trams are synonymous with Melbourne, so including one in your itinerary when visiting the Victorian capital is a must. A free tourist tram operates on the City Circle line, otherwise known as route number 35. The route runs clockwise and anti-clockwise in the CBD along Flinders Street, Harbour Esplanade, Docklands Drive, La Trobe Street, Victoria Street, Nicholson Street and Spring Street. The free tram zone also extends along William Street and Elizabeth Street and around Victoria Market and the Docklands area.
2. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Enjoy a picnic on the lawn, see ducks swimming in ponds and explore the themed gardens in the 38-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, beside the Yarra River in the city. Don’t miss the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, which has lots of fun spaces for kids to play, including tunnels, a story tree, a rocky gorge, bamboo garden, potting shed and kitchen gardens.
3. Parks Victoria Junior Rangers
Parks Victoria has an excellent Junior Rangers program for primary school-aged children during school holidays that encourages kids to explore the state’s parks and create lifelong connections with nature. Activities include treasure hunts, making nature-based art and learning how to identify different birds and how fire is managed. Sign up to the Parks Victoria mailing list to find out more.
4. Melbourne street art
Melbourne is also known for its vibrant street art scene, and there are lots of graffiti-covered laneways to discover. They include Hosier Lane, Rutledge Lane, AC/DC Lane, Centre Place and Union Lane. Children will love seeing the bright and colourful artworks on display, and it may even inspire them to explore their own creative side!
5. St Kilda Beach
Stroll along the esplanade at St Kilda Beach, watch kite surfers in action or build sandcastles on the shore. St Kilda Pier is a great spot for fishing, and you can also see the adorable local penguin colony come ashore at the breakwater at dusk. There’s a viewing platform at the end of the pier, but it can get busy at times.
6. Fitzroy Gardens
With a miniature tudor village and a playground based around a large dragon slippery slide, there’s plenty to keep children entertained at Fitzroy Gardens. You can also wander along pathways lined with elm trees, race barky boats down the stream like Bluey and Bingo and explore the historic cottages and rotundas. The park is also home to a Scarred Tree, which had bark removed by Indigenous Australians to build a canoe, shelter or shield, and is listed on the Aboriginal Heritage Register.
7. ACMI
Dive into the world of film, television and gaming at ACMI, previously known as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Aside from its family-friendly film screenings, activity days and school holiday programs, ACMI also boasts an exciting array of hands-on and interactive exhibitions that will appeal to kids of all ages.
8. Birrarung Marr
Birrarung Marr urban park on the northern bank of the Yarra River has a winding pathway inspired by the shape of an eel in recognition of the animal’s importance as a traditional food source for Australia’s Indigenous people. There’s also a semicircle of metal shields that represents the five groups of the Kulin Nation and a two-headed Angel sculpture decorated in bright, hand-painted ceramic tiles. An installation of 39 bronze bells, known as the Federation Bells, chime several times a day with different compositions.
9. National Gallery of Victoria
Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, the National Gallery of Victoria, has an impressive range of artworks spanning various periods and styles. Children can take part in interactive art activities, including sketching and storytelling workshops, designed to ignite their creativity. While certain special exhibitions may have an entry fee, the NGV’s permanent collection is free.
10. Serendip Sanctuary
See eastern grey kangaroos and birds such as whistling kites and yellow-billed spoonbills at the 250-hectare Serendip Sanctuary at Lara, around 60 kilometres south-west of the city. It has four interconnecting nature trails no longer than two kilometres return each and a picnic area with free undercover electric barbecues, tables and a shelter.
11. Walk or cycle the Main Yarra Trail
Melbourne’s Main Yarra Trail stretches 18km from Fairfield in the city’s north to Federation Square. Meander along the river on foot or bike, past waterfalls, creeks and parks, stopping at historical buildings and interesting kid-friendly destinations: feed the animals at Collingwood Children’s Farm (a small entry fee applies) or explore the art, food and history at Abbottsford Convent. Divide the trip into shorter stages and soak it all in, or enjoy as a full-day adventure.
12. Picnic in the Domain Parklands
The lush green Domain Parklands offer a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Grab some takeaway (or come prepared with your own pre-made sandwiches) and picnic in the Alexandra Gardens overlooking the Yarra River.
13. Creative activities at ArtPlay
Inspire little imaginations at ArtPlay, a creative arts studio in the city for kids (babies through to 13-year-olds) and their families. Depending on the event, costs range from free admission to $50 per child for multi-day programs. ArtPlay also prioritises inclusion for children and parents with disabilities, as well as d/Deaf and Neurodivergent families. Bookings are required for all activities, so check the website to find out what’s on.
14. Scienceworks
When Scienceworks opened in 1992, the idea was to create a place for young people to play with science. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and being able to push, pull, spin and bang things around. You can stroll among the gigantic machines that once kept the city running, enjoy electrifying theatre in the Lightning Room, let your little ones roam safely in enclosed spaces, wander through immersive exhibitions and drop into deep space in the Melbourne Planetarium.
General entry is free for kids under 16, students and concession card holders; adult tickets are just $15 (though additional fees apply for the Lightning Room and Planetarium shows).
15. Daylesford day trip
Daylesford is a magnet for foodies and couples, but there’s plenty for families as well, all within 110km of the city. Kids of any age will love spotting birds, and playgrounds, on a lap of Lake Daylesford, or take a short saunter around Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve to sample water from five of its famous springs. The Domino Rail Trail from Trentham to Lyonville is a 6km track through lovely bushland suitable for walking or cycling. Leave time to explore the towns at either end: the gorgeous cafes, cute shops and spectacular waterfall of Trentham and old-school magic of Lyonville’s Radio Springs Hotel.
16. Kids can visit Victoria's zoos for free
Kids under 16 can get in free to Zoos Victoria attractions on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian Government school holidays (when accompanied by a paying adult). This includes access to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Families with zoo membership also get free admission for kids aged zero to 15 years old—any day of the year!
Content contributors: Angela Saurine, Elisa Elwin
