Looking for free things to do in Melbourne with kids? From playgrounds and gardens to museums, libraries, bike tracks and some of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a fortune.
Whether you’re planning a day out during the school holidays, exploring Melbourne on the weekend or simply looking for a budget-friendly family adventure, here are some of our favourite FREE things to do in Melbourne with kids.
Hop Aboard the FREE City Circle Tram
See Melbourne from one of the city’s iconic W-Class trams without spending a cent!
The City Circle Tram, Route 35, travels around central Melbourne and is a fun way for families to explore some of the city’s best-known attractions and landmarks. Kids will love riding on one of Melbourne’s classic trams while parents can give their feet a break between city stops.
📍 Melbourne CBD and Docklands
LEGO® Certified Store – Melbourne Central
LEGO® fans will love exploring Victoria’s largest LEGO Certified Store, located on Level 2 of Melbourne Central.
It’s free to wander through and there’s plenty for kids to look at, including huge LEGO displays, Melbourne-inspired models and mosaics, the colourful Pick & Build Wall and Build-a-Minifigure area.
The store is also home to Victoria’s first Minifigure Factory, making it a fun little stop to add to a free day out in the CBD, although you may have a hard time convincing the kids to leave without buying something! 🧱😄
📍 Melbourne Central, Level 2 – Cnr La Trobe & Swanston Streets, Melbourne
Check out our visit HERE
Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
Hidden inside the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is a wonderful free space designed especially for kids.
Children can explore winding pathways, discover different plants, get closer to nature and enjoy plenty of room to wander and play.
Pair it with a walk through the surrounding Royal Botanic Gardens for an easy, budget-friendly family day out.
📍 Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, South Yarra
Lincoln Square Playground
Visit one of Melbourne’s most historic playground locations at Lincoln Square in Carlton.
Surrounded by huge Moreton Bay fig trees, the playground features climbing towers, rope bridges, slides, swings, balance play and plenty of opportunities for kids to explore.
It’s also a lovely spot to stop for a picnic while exploring Carlton.
📍 Lincoln Square, Bouverie Street, Carlton
Docklands BMX & Pump Track
Got kids who love bikes and scooters? Add the Sub City Pump Track in Docklands to your list.
Located beneath the CityLink/West Gate Freeway overpass, the area features several BMX and pump tracks with rollers, banked turns, jumps and circuits for riders to practise their skills.
Some sections are sheltered beneath the overpass, making it a fun inner-city option for adventurous kids.
📍 400 Footscray Road, Docklands
Remember to bring bikes or scooters and helmets.
Rooftop Basketball Court at Rebel Emporium
Did you know there’s a basketball court inside Rebel at Emporium Melbourne?
Head into the Rebel flagship store and check out the rooftop-style basketball court where kids can shoot some hoops while you’re exploring the CBD.
It’s a fun little stop to add to a Melbourne city day out.
📍 Rebel, Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Rocks on Wheels – Southbank Risky Play Playground
For something a little different, check out one of Melbourne’s most unusual playgrounds.
Rocks on Wheels, often described as Melbourne’s “risky play” playground, was designed by artist Mike Hewson and features huge bluestone climbing rocks, ropes, nets, slides, pipes and unconventional play elements that encourage children to test their balance and confidence.
It definitely doesn’t look like your average playground!
📍 Corner Southbank Boulevard & Kavanagh Street, Southbank
Visit the State Library Victoria
Step inside one of Melbourne’s most beautiful buildings for free.
State Library Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library and is home to the spectacular La Trobe Reading Room and its famous domed ceiling.
Families can explore the library’s public spaces and exhibitions, discover books and collections and check out family-friendly programs throughout the year.
Don’t forget to head upstairs for one of the best views of the Dome.
📍 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Play Games at ACMI
Game-loving kids will want to add ACMI to their Melbourne list.
Located at Federation Square, ACMI celebrates film, television, video games and digital culture.
There are free interactive displays and experiences to explore, including opportunities to discover the history of games and moving-image technology.
General entry to ACMI is free, although some special exhibitions, films and events require tickets.
📍 Federation Square, Melbourne
Step Inside St Paul’s Cathedral
Right across from Flinders Street Station is one of Melbourne’s most beautiful landmarks.
Families can step inside St Paul’s Cathedral and admire the incredible architecture, stained glass windows, soaring ceilings and intricate details.
It’s a peaceful and fascinating stop to add while exploring Federation Square and the surrounding CBD.
Entry for visitors is generally free, although access may be restricted during services and special events.
📍 Corner Flinders Street & Swanston Street, Melbourne
Find the Fairies Tree & Tudor Village
Take the kids on a little adventure through Fitzroy Gardens and see if they can find two of its most-loved attractions.
The Fairies Tree features intricate carvings of fairies, animals and Australian wildlife, while the nearby Model Tudor Village is a miniature English-style village complete with tiny houses, churches and buildings.
Both are free to visit and make Fitzroy Gardens a great place for a family walk.
📍 Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne
Fitzroy Gardens Scavenger Hunt
Turn your visit to Fitzroy Gardens into an adventure with your own family scavenger hunt.
See how many landmarks the kids can find as you wander through the heritage-listed gardens, including the Fairies Tree, Model Tudor Village, fountains, bridges and gardens.
Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
📍 Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne
Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is one of Melbourne’s most recognisable landmarks and is free to explore.
Originally opened in 1934, the Shrine commemorates Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping.
Families can explore the memorial, visit the galleries and learn about Australia’s military history before heading outside to enjoy the surrounding gardens and impressive views towards Melbourne’s CBD.
📍 Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Road to Zero: Road Safety Experience
Located at Melbourne Museum, Road to Zero is a free interactive road safety experience designed to help young people understand how our roads can be made safer.
The experience combines interactive displays, technology and hands-on activities exploring vehicles, roads and human behaviour.
Entry to Road to Zero itself is FREE.
📍 Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens
NGV Kids
A visit to NGV International doesn’t have to cost anything.
Throughout the year, NGV Kids presents free exhibitions, creative activities and family experiences designed especially for younger visitors.
Families can also explore much of NGV International’s permanent collection for free.
📍 NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
ANZ Banking Museum
Step inside one of Melbourne’s most beautiful historic buildings and explore the FREE ANZ Banking Museum on Collins Street.
Located inside the stunning Gothic Bank, the museum showcases the history of banking in Australia through fascinating displays, memorabilia and historic artefacts.
It’s a great little hidden gem to add to a Melbourne CBD adventure, especially for families who love history and unique city landmarks.
📍 388 Collins Street, Melbourne
🎟️ FREE entry
Explore the best playgrounds in Melbourne.
From towering slides to intricate climbing frames, these playgrounds are the perfect destinations for an afternoon of free fun and adventure. Join us as we explore the best playground in Melbourne and unlock the joy of limitless play.
BIG FAMILY DISCOUNTS
Want to keep the family fun going while spending less?
Small Ideas Digital Membership gives families access to hundreds of deals and discounts across Victoria, with offers available for play centres, animal farms, attractions, activities and family experiences. There are also loads of Buy One Get One Free offers, which can make a big difference when you’re taking the whole family out. Membership is currently $42.95 per year. Perfect for families looking for more affordable things to do around Melbourne and Victoria.
Sign up HERE
Melbourne adventures don’t have to break the budget.
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