Free Things to Do in Melbourne With Kids
Melbourne is one of those cities where you don't need a big budget to have an amazing family holiday.
From historic trams and beautiful gardens to world-class galleries, colourful laneways, playgrounds and constantly changing family events, there are so many ways to experience Melbourne for free — or very close to it.
We've put together some of our favourite free things to do in Melbourne with kids, including attractions we've visited ourselves as well as a few extra ideas worth adding to your itinerary.
Ride Melbourne's Free Trams
One of the easiest ways to explore central Melbourne with children is by tram.
Melbourne's Free Tram Zone covers much of the central city and Docklands, allowing passengers to travel without paying a fare when their entire tram journey stays within the zone. You don't need to use a myki when travelling solely within the Free Tram Zone.
For families, this can be particularly useful because you can move between different parts of the CBD without worrying about the cost of each short journey.
The City Circle Tram
For a more sightseeing-focused experience, look out for Melbourne's historic City Circle Tram.
The City Circle is free and follows a loop around central Melbourne, passing many of the city's major attractions and landmarks. It is also a fun experience in its own right, particularly for children who might enjoy riding the historic trams.
The full loop takes around 50 minutes, making it an easy activity to add to your day. You can stay on for the full journey or hop off along the way to explore different parts of the city.
One thing to remember is that the Free Tram Zone is specific to central Melbourne, so if your journey continues outside the zone, normal ticketing rules apply.
Explore the National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria, or NGV, is one of Melbourne's most famous cultural attractions and a fantastic option for families looking for something to do without an admission fee.
General entry to NGV International is free, although some temporary exhibitions and special experiences require tickets.
There's plenty to see throughout the gallery, from paintings and sculptures to fashion, design and large-scale installations.
For families, the NGV also has dedicated children's experiences. Its kids programming and Children's Gallery change over time, so it's worth checking what is available during your visit.
There are also often additional activities during school holidays, making it an attraction you can return to more than once and still find something new to discover.
Discover ACMI
Located at Federation Square, ACMI — the Australian Centre for the Moving Image — is another excellent free attraction.
ACMI explores film, television, videogames, digital culture and the creative industries, making it quite different from a traditional art museum.
General entry to ACMI is free, although films, special exhibitions and some events may require tickets.
It's particularly appealing for older children who enjoy movies, gaming and technology, while ACMI also runs family programs, school-holiday activities and interactive experiences at different times throughout the year.
Step Inside the State Library Victoria
The State Library Victoria is one of those Melbourne attractions that can be impressive even if you aren't particularly interested in libraries.
The spectacular La Trobe Reading Room is one of the building's highlights, and simply walking inside to see the architecture is an experience in itself.
Entry is free, and the library also hosts exhibitions, events and activities throughout the year.
For families, it's worth checking the children's programming before your visit. There can be children's activities, storytimes and other family-friendly programs happening throughout the year.
It's also conveniently located in the CBD, so you can combine it with Melbourne Central, the LEGO Store and other city attractions.
Spend Time at the Royal Botanic Gardens
If your children have had enough of museums and city buildings, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a wonderful place to slow down.
The gardens provide plenty of space to walk, explore, have a picnic and enjoy Melbourne's outdoors without an entry fee.
Rather than treating it as something you need to rush through, this is a great place to simply wander at your own pace.
Depending on when you visit, there may also be family-focused activities and nature-based programs taking place.
It's a great way to add some nature and quiet time into your Melbourne itinerary without adding another expense.
Discover Melbourne's Laneways & Street Art
You don't need a museum ticket to experience Melbourne's art scene.
The city's famous laneways are essentially open-air galleries, with colourful murals, street art and ever-changing artworks covering walls throughout the CBD.
Popular areas include Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place, although you can discover artwork throughout many of Melbourne's smaller streets.
This can be an especially fun activity with children because there's no expectation to quietly walk around a gallery. You can simply explore, look for your favourite artwork and take photos along the way.
Fitzroy Gardens
Another lovely free outdoor option is Fitzroy Gardens.
These historic gardens provide a peaceful break from the busy CBD and are easy to combine with other Melbourne attractions.
One particularly fun stop for families is the Fairies' Tree, a carved tree featuring Australian animals, birds and bush characters.
There are also family activities at the gardens at different times of the year, so it's worth checking what's happening during your visit.
Free Playgrounds & Outdoor Spaces
If you're travelling with younger children, don't underestimate Melbourne's playgrounds.
ArtPlay Playground at Birrarung Marr is one option, combining play equipment with colourful artistic elements and areas for climbing, balancing and exploring.
Melbourne also has numerous parks, gardens and riverside spaces where children can burn off some energy between attractions.
This can be particularly useful when you're planning a full day in the city. Rather than filling every hour with museums and sightseeing, you can build in some free outdoor play.
Visit the Shrine of Remembrance
For families interested in Australian history, the Shrine of Remembrance is another worthwhile free attraction.
Located close to the Royal Botanic Gardens, it can easily be combined with a visit to the gardens.
You can learn more about Australia's military history while also enjoying views across Melbourne from the building.
It's a good example of how Melbourne's free attractions can combine education, history and sightseeing in one day.
Queen Victoria Market
You don't have to spend money at Queen Victoria Market to enjoy the atmosphere.
The historic market is one of Melbourne's best-known landmarks, with food stalls, fresh produce, specialty shops and a constantly changing atmosphere.
Of course, it's very easy to end up buying something once you're there, but browsing and experiencing the market itself doesn't require an admission ticket!
Look for Free Events on What's On Melbourne
This is probably one of the best tips for planning a Melbourne trip.
Melbourne has a huge calendar of events, festivals, exhibitions, markets, workshops, performances and family activities, and many of them are completely free.
Rather than relying on a list of events that could become outdated, check What's On Melbourne shortly before your trip.
Their free-events section includes everything from free exhibitions and markets to family activities, library programs, outdoor events and festivals.
There's also a dedicated family and kids section, making it easier to find activities suitable for different ages.
This is particularly useful around school holidays, when Melbourne tends to have plenty of additional family programming.
You can check What's On Melbourne here:
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/free
And Don't Forget Melbourne Central
If you're already exploring Melbourne Central, you can easily combine a number of these experiences into one day.
The LEGO Store is free to enter and browse, and the impressive LEGO displays can be fun for children even if you aren't planning to buy anything.
Nearby, you can also see Melbourne Central's famous Marionette Clock, which puts on its chiming display throughout the day.
While shopping itself obviously isn't free, these can be easy additions to a CBD itinerary without needing to purchase an attraction ticket.
A Free Day in Melbourne Can Still Feel Like a Big Adventure
One of the things we love about Melbourne is that a budget-friendly day doesn't have to feel boring.
You could start with a free tram ride, explore the NGV or ACMI, stop at the State Library, wander through Melbourne's laneways, enjoy some time outdoors and finish the day at a free event or market.
And if you do want to spend a little money, the city's free attractions make it easy to choose one special paid experience rather than paying for activities all day long.
For example, during our time in Melbourne, we also came across O'Brien Icehouse in Docklands. Ice skating isn't free, but because it is accessible from the Docklands area, it can be an option to add to your itinerary if your family wants a paid activity alongside the many free experiences.
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A Fantastic City for Families
Melbourne really is a fantastic city for families travelling on a budget.
You have art, history, nature, architecture, playgrounds, markets, public transport and live events — all mixed together throughout the city.
And the best part is that what's free is constantly changing.
So before your trip, check the latest information from What's On Melbourne and the official attraction websites to see what's happening during your dates.
Whether you're spending $0 or adding a few paid experiences along the way, Melbourne makes it surprisingly easy to create a memorable family day out without spending a fortune.
Planning a trip to Melbourne with kids? Don't forget to check out our other Melbourne guides on The Atlas Journey for more family-friendly attractions and travel inspiration.