Find current free family events across Melbourne and regional Victoria, checked against official listings and ranked for family entertainment value.
Wed 22 Jul · 4pm - 5pm
STEAM on up and explore the fun of science, technology, engineering, art and maths with these hands-on activities, held fortnightly on Wednesdays. Age: 7 to 12 years.
Until 31 Dec
From the first projections and optical illusions to the birth of film and beyond, moving images have the power to spark imagination, share stories and shape history. Discover how inventors, innovators and artists at the turn of the 20th century wielded light, split time and captured motion, heralding a technological revolution that continues today. Featuring ancient shadow puppets, Victorian-era magic lanterns, original cameras, iconic costumes, movie sets, sketches, clips and contemporary art, The Story of the Moving Image traverses time, countries and cultures in a mesmerising exploration of an art form that changed the world and illuminated our collective humanity. The Story of the Moving Image is open 364 days a year, is completely free and offers deep interactive and immersive experiences to visitors of all ages.
Wednesday, 22 July 2026 | 04:00 PM–04:45 PM
Join us for STEM which brings together Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a fun and practical way.
Wed 22 Jul · 10am - 5pm
Embark on a family adventure with Shrine Kids, an engaging program designed for discovery at every turn. Explore both indoor and outdoor areas of the Shrine, seek tips from the knowledgeable staff, and enhance your family's experience. Choose from four activity cards: Unlock the secrets; Discover how things work; Use your imagination; or Solve the mysteries; and take part in a scavenger hunt. Grab an Explorer Kit for fact-finding with tools like a magnifying glass and compass. Don't miss the walking trail with Duffy the Donkey for preschoolers.
Wed 22 Jul · 10.30am - 11am
Songs, rhymes and stories will engage your budding bookworm’s mind and introduce them to the fun and rhythm of language. Age: newborn to 18 months. Programs run during school terms and stop during school holidays. Term 1: Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April Term 2: Monday 20 April to Friday 26 June Term 3: Monday 13 July to Friday 18 September Term 4: Monday 5 October to Friday 11 December
Wednesday, 22 July 2026 | 09:15 AM–10:00 AM
Bookaburra Storytellers provide free weekly storytime sessions for children aged 0-5 years in community venues across Yarra Ranges. Keep an eye out for the session nearest you.
Wed 22 Jul · 10am - 5pm
For children, Ragnar Kjartansson has created an exhibition inspired by the idea of a theatrical feast. This concept originated in the Middle Ages and continued through the lavish festivities of European courts during the Rococo period, evolving into the modern idea of ‘dinner and a show’. Kjartansson’s studio in collaboration with the NGV have created a space for the Children’s Gallery that reimagines banquet halls and theatres. Kjartansson invites young visitors into a playful, creative environment where they can be audience members, actors, and creators – inventing and performing stories with friends and family on stage. Created for all ages, the exhibition brings together the themes of play and performance, reflecting the artist’s focus on drawing and theatre – two core elements of his practice. For children, it is designed to spark creativity and encourage free expression through drawing and theatrical play.
Tuesday, 26 May 2026–Sunday, 30 August 2026
All In - Our Community celebrates the power of community, creativity and the stories we share when we come together. The exhibition celebrates the cultural curiosity of local kindergarten and school children during National Reconciliation Week 2026.
Thursday, 23 July 2026 | 09:30 AM–11:30 AM
Chirnside Park Carers Cuppa welcomes all carers! Whether you’re a familiar face at Different Journeys events or joining us for the first time, we look forward to seeing you at the Chirnside Park Country Club.
Sun 26 Jul · 10am - 4pm
The Southbank Makers Market continues every Sunday during winter and into spring. Visitors can discover a curated selection of local makers showcasing handmade jewellery, art, ceramics, homewares and unique gifts from talented Melbourne creatives. Come and explore, meet the makers and artists face-to-face, and learn about their products and what inspires their work. All handmade and made in this great city; take home a piece of Melbourne. Stallholders are positioned in marquees along the Yarra River Promenade between the Evan Walker and Princes bridges. The market is complemented by some of Melbourne’s long-standing and much-loved cafes and restaurants in the Southgate complex. Please note the market will not be held on 19 July (due to Run Melbourne) or 13 September (due to Connor's Run).
Sun 26 Jul · 4.45pm - 5.15pm
The weekly Last Post Service commemorates a different moment from Australia’s military history from the First World War through to today. The brief, family-friendly ceremony takes place outside on the Shrine Forecourt and includes bugle calls and bagpipers, the Shrine Guard in historic uniform, a wreath-laying, recital of the Ode and lowering of the flags. Visitors are welcome to take photos with the Shrine Guard after the service.
Tue 28 Jul · 10.30am - 11am
Stompers is a weekly program held on Tuesdays at Library at The Dock. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and fun with your toddler. Age: 18 months to 3 years. Programs run during school terms and stop during school holidays. Term 1: Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April Term 2: Monday 20 April to Friday 26 June Term 3: Monday 13 July to Friday 18 September Term 4: Monday 5 October to Friday 11 December
Mon 17 Aug · 11am - 11.45am
Visit City Library for immersive Japanese language storytime. Craft activities are included. For ages 0 to 5 years. These sessions are free and bookings are not required.
Tue 18 Aug · 6pm - 6.30pm
Head to narrm ngarrgu Library for a cosy bedtime story, held on the third Tuesday of every month. Hop into your pyjamas, and bring your favourite teddy. Ages: 2 to 7 years.
Thu 20 Aug · 6pm - 10pm
In Multimmersion: Upside Down V2, Taiwanese artist AKA Chang transforms the Yarra River – Birrarung into an ever-shifting canvas where laser beams dance across the water’s surface, creating kaleidoscopic patterns that feel oddly familiar yet impossible to place. Chang’s work exists on the cusp of reality and the unknown, blending technology and light to create shifting dimensions of perception. Chang’s work is an invitation to step into a portal where truth takes on shimmering new forms. The projection shifts between worlds, offering a mirror dimension that dissolves the boundaries of fact and reflection – urging us to reflect on the intangible nature of self and our connection to the world around us. Part of Now or Never.