As school holidays approach, Melbourne transforms into a playground of discovery, where curiosity meets culture in every corner. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleepover under dinosaur skeletons, dancing in a silent disco through the city, or celebrating the moonlit magic of a market, this curated guide brings you our top family picks.
Melbourne Museum Family Sleepover
Leave the ordinary behind and step into an extraordinary after-hours adventure at the Melbourne Museum. Families can nestle under the Dino Walk, enjoy exclusive entry to the Lego Star Wars exhibition, catch an IMAX screening, and wind down with hot chocolate, cookies and a cosy mattress. In the morning, a baby Triceratops meet and greet and a full hot breakfast await, along with a keepsake souvenir to remember the night. It’s classic family fun that feels like a little secret - only shared once the lights go down.
The Big Screen Goes Green: Outdoor Cinema for Kids
At nearby Fed Square, sustainability meets storytelling under the stars. This free, environmentally themed cinema series invites families to enjoy a curated selection of green-friendly films including FernGully and Flow, right in the heart of Melbourne. Thoughtful, immersive and effortlessly cool, it’s a cinematic treat with a conscience.
Queen Victoria Market Moon Festival
Turn your weekend into a radiant cultural celebration at Queen Vic Market. The Moon Festival glows with traditional performances, colourful lanterns, art and mouth-watering Asian cuisine in a vibrant community atmosphere. It’s an authentic spectacle that blends heritage and festivity.
School Holiday Kids Silent Disco Walking Tour
Imagine a walking tour where laughter, music and movement come together in rhythm. Guided by the charismatic Mr Motion, families don headphones and wander the city in synchronised steps, with dance-offs, shared soundscapes and delight-filled surprises. Set against Melbourne’s iconic backdrops, it is an energetic way to experience the city with fresh eyes.
Maccas Footy Fest: AFL Grand Final Week Celebration -
Melbourne’s school holidays collide with Grand Final fever at the free Maccas Footy Festival in Yarra Park, just outside the MCG. Running from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 September, the festival features player appearances, live music, giveaways and a wide variety of food trucks. It is a footy celebration that is as vibrant and crowd-pleasing as the game itself.
Find out more via: What's On Melbourne.
