Kids will want to take a screen break when they discover the awesome activities in Melbourne just made for them. From plays to playtime at the tennis, summer’s going to be ace!
Australian Open
Two days before the Australian Open begins, it’s all about stars of the future at the tournament’s Kids Tennis Day. Highlights include arena spectaculars with Guy Sebastian and today’s tennis champions, and fun learn-to-play sessions with scaled-down equipment.
Throughout the Australian Open they can stay active at the on-site AO Ballpark, a mini theme park with a 12-metre waterslide. There’s also the AO Kids Club for ages five to 12. It’s the first public childcare service in Grand Slam tennis history and includes player practice viewing.
The Wind in the Willows
Does live performance make your little ones’ eyes light up? Are you done with sitting through rubbish family movies? Then get along to The Wind in the Willows at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Entertaining kids since 1987, this production is full of interactive music and laughs with Ratty, Mole, Toad and friends.
The Wind in the Willows at Royal Botanic Gardens
Cooks’ Cottage Summer School Holiday Activity
Head to the Fitzroy Gardens for some fun-filled history with the Cooks’ Cottage Summer School Holiday Activity. Maggie and the Goat is a self-guided adventure around the gardens of this cottage, once home to Captain Cook’s parents. Follow the clues to help his little sister find her four-legged friend!
DreamWorks Trolls High Tea
Get the kids out of the school holiday rut by inviting them to have afternoon tea with some of their favourite toy characters. The Langham’s latest themed treat, DreamWorks Trolls High Tea includes Queen Poppy doughnuts, and every child receives a Trolls Hair Huggers collectable.
DreamWorks Trolls High Tea
Wizardry High Tea
Just in time for stage sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the Stamford Plaza hotel is hosting a Wizardry High Tea. Come dressed as your favourite witch or wizard for this spellbinding afternoon of sweet and savoury treats – including Harry’s favourite, butter beer!
A Word From Ned
Designed for kids aged five and up, A Word From Ned is a historical code-breaking adventure around the Old Melbourne Gaol. Junior investigators with sharp minds and determination will find a message from Australia’s own man in the iron mask, Ned Kelly.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Fresh from the West End and an Olivier Award nomination for Best New Comedy, Peter Pan Goes Wrong has flown into Melbourne! JM Barrie’s classic story about the boy from Neverland who wouldn’t grow up has been turned into a feast of physical comedy.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
South Wharf Pop-Up Cinema
Get the gang together and chill on the Common Man restaurant-bar’s riverside deckchairs during the South Wharf Pop-Up Cinema. Everyone will enjoy the program’s Disney animated movies, like Finding Nemo and Moana. Grown-ups can rest easy with good-value prices and boozy snack-and-drink combos.
ArtPlay’s Destroy
Let the kids go wild at ArtPlay’s New Ideas Lab program, Destroy. Junior Michelangelos can not only touch but pull art apart at these sessions led by professional artists. Dismantle the sculptures of Alistair Mason, Kathy Holowko or Poppy Green, then make them anew. Or actively think about whether graffiti is destruction, creation or both with George Rose.
Inflatable Fridays
North Melbourne Rec Centre is a great place to go when the weather’s hot. There’s an eight-lane, 25-metre outdoor pool, plus pools just for kids. They will love January’s Inflatable Fridays, when a fun inflatable obstacle course suitable for children aged 10+ creates an instant pool party.