Melbourne Autumn Family Guide 2026

Your complete guide to family-friendly activities, events, and experiences in Melbourne during autumn—March, April, and May 2026.

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Word Count Target: 3,500+

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Quick Facts

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Introduction

Melbourne in autumn is perfect for families. The scorching summer heat fades into pleasant days ideal for outdoor exploration, the school holidays bring special programming to every museum and attraction, and signature events like Moomba transform the city into a playground.

From world-class museums (many with free entry for children) to parks, beaches, and family-friendly festivals, Melbourne stacks the calendar for kids. This guide covers the best activities, events, and experiences for families visiting or living in Melbourne during autumn 2026. For extra ideas, see Free Things to Do in Melbourne Autumn 2026 and the Melbourne Events Calendar 2026.

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Autumn School Holidays 2026

Key Dates (Victoria)

Term 1 Ends: Friday, 4 April 2026 (approximate) School Holidays: 5-19 April 2026 (2 weeks) Term 2 Starts: Monday, 20 April 2026 (approximate)

Note: Exact dates subject to Victorian government confirmation.

Holiday Programming

During school holidays, Melbourne's attractions offer special programs:

• Museums: Extended hours, special workshops
• Libraries: Free activities and events
• Parks: Ranger-led programs
• Cinemas: Kids' movie specials
• Sports Venues: Junior programs and tours

Tip: Book popular activities early—school holiday programs fill fast.

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Top Family Attractions

Melbourne Museum

Location: Carlton Gardens Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily Cost: Free for children under 16! Adults ~$15 Best For: Ages 3+ Official site: Melbourne Museum

Highlights:

• Dinosaur Walk: Life-sized dinosaur skeletons
• Bugs Alive!: Live insect exhibits
• Phar Lap: Australia's famous racehorse
• Forest Gallery: Indoor rainforest with live animals
• Bunjilaka: Indigenous Australian culture
• Children's Gallery: Interactive play for under-8s

Family Tips:

• Allow 3-4 hours minimum
• Children's Gallery can get crowded—go early
• Café on-site (or picnic in Carlton Gardens)
• Combine with playground visit in the gardens

Scienceworks

Location: Spotswood (15 minutes from CBD) Hours: 10 AM – 4:30 PM daily Cost: Free for children under 16! Adults ~$15 Best For: Ages 4+ Official site: Scienceworks

Highlights:

• Lightning Room: Live electricity demonstrations
• Planetarium: Space shows (additional fee)
• Ground Up: Play-based learning for under-8s
• Think Ahead: Future technology exhibit
• Sportsworks: Physics of sport, interactive

Family Tips:

• Book Lightning Room and Planetarium sessions in advance
• Ground Up is perfect for younger kids (dedicated space)
• Less crowded than Melbourne Museum
• Great for STEM-curious kids

Melbourne Zoo

Location: Parkville (tram from CBD) Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily Cost: Adults $45, Children (4-15) $23, Under 4 free Best For: All ages Official site: Melbourne Zoo

Highlights:

• Trail of the Elephants: Asian elephant habitat
• Gorilla Rainforest: Primate families
• Seal Pool: Underwater viewing
• Lion Gorge: African lion experience
• Butterfly House: Walk among butterflies
• Growing Wild: Nature play area

Family Tips:

• Allow a full day
• Keeper talks throughout the day (check schedule)
• Growing Wild playground is excellent
• Bring snacks (food is pricey inside)

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Location: Southbank Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily Cost: Adults $47, Children (3-15) $33, Under 3 free (online discounts available) Best For: Ages 2+

Highlights:

• Oceanarium: Walk-through underwater tunnel
• Penguin Playground: Little penguins
• Croc Lair: Saltwater crocodile
• Seahorse Pier: Touch pools
• Rainforest Adventure: Australian freshwater

Family Tips:

• Book online for discounts
• Less crowded on weekdays
• Combine with Southbank walk
• Jellyfish exhibit is mesmerising for all ages

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Location: Chadstone Shopping Centre Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (varies) Cost: Adults $32, Children $32 (online), Under 3 free Best For: Ages 3-10

Highlights:

• MINILAND: Melbourne in LEGO
• 4D Cinema: LEGO movies with effects
• Kingdom Quest: Laser ride
• Build & Test: LEGO building zones
• Soft Play: For younger children

Family Tips:

• Book time slots online (required)
• Best for primary school age
• 2-3 hours is typical visit
• Combine with Chadstone shopping

Luna Park

Location: St Kilda Hours: Weekends, school holidays (check schedule) Cost: Entry free! Rides require tickets or unlimited ride passes Best For: Ages 3+

Highlights:

• Heritage Carousel: Beautifully restored
• Scenic Railway: World's oldest rollercoaster
• Gentle rides: For younger children
• Thrill rides: For bigger kids and adults

Family Tips:

• Free entry means you can walk through without committing
• Unlimited ride passes best value for keen riders
• Evening rides during sunset are magical
• Combine with St Kilda beach and pier

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Free Family Activities

Parks and Playgrounds

Royal Botanic Gardens

• Children's Garden (free, book for busy periods)
• Wide open spaces for running
• Ducks and water birds to spot
• Picnic lawns

Birrarung Marr

• Federation Bells (kids love pressing buttons)
• River views
• Large grass areas
• Close to Fed Square

Carlton Gardens

• Beautiful playgrounds
• Adjacent to Melbourne Museum
• Autumn leaves (April-May)
• Heritage fountains

Fitzroy Gardens

• Fairy Tree (carved tree trunk with fairies)
• Conservatory
• Model Tudor Village
• Historic gardens

Edinburgh Gardens (Fitzroy)

• Large playground
• Skate park
• Sports fields
• Community atmosphere

Nature Reserves

Organ Pipes National Park (25 minutes from CBD)

• Unique rock formations
• Easy walking tracks
• Wildlife spotting
• Free entry

Westgate Park (5 minutes from CBD)

• Pink lake (seasonal)
• Bird watching
• Wetlands walk
• Free entry

Jells Park (30 minutes from CBD)

• Adventure playground
• Lake with ducks
• Barbecues
• Nature trails

Beaches

St Kilda Beach

• Penguin viewing at dusk (free!)
• Playground near pier
• Sand and water play
• Ice cream on the esplanade

Brighton Beach

• Iconic bathing boxes
• Calm water for paddling
• Family-friendly atmosphere

Half Moon Bay (Black Rock)

• Calm, clear water
• HMVS Cerberus shipwreck visible
• Rock pools at low tide

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Autumn Events for Families

March 2026

Moomba Festival (Labour Day Weekend)

• Dates: 6-9 March 2026
• Location: Yarra River precinct
• Cost: Free (rides extra)

Family highlights:

• Moomba Parade (Sunday morning)
• Birdman Rally (hilarious for all ages)
• Carnival rides (ticketed)
• Live entertainment
• Fireworks (Sunday night)

See our Moomba Festival Guide for details.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

• Dates: Mid-March to mid-April
• Family Shows: Look for "suitable for children" tags

Kid-friendly comedy:

• Dedicated children's programming
• Family-friendly afternoon shows
• Interactive performances
• Often in Town Hall precinct

April 2026

Easter (April)

• Good Friday: 3 April 2026
• Easter Monday: 6 April 2026

Easter activities:

• Easter egg hunts at various venues
• Royal Botanic Gardens activities
• Zoo special programming
• Church services and community events

School Holiday Programs (April)

• Museum workshops
• Library activities (free!)
• Sports clinics
• Art classes
• Nature programs

ANZAC Day (25 April)

• Dawn Service at Shrine (moving, but early)
• March through CBD
• Educational opportunity
• Shrine of Remembrance visit

May 2026

Mother's Day (Second Sunday in May)

• High Tea options abound
• Zoo picnics
• Botanic Gardens stroll
• Family-friendly brunches

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Rainy Day Options

Melbourne weather can turn—here's where to go when it rains:

Museums and Galleries

• Melbourne Museum: Hours of indoor exploration
• Scienceworks: Interactive and undercover
• NGV Kids: Free art activities
• ACMI: Screen culture for older kids

Indoor Play Centres

Inflatable World (various locations)

• Giant inflatable obstacle courses
• Sessions typically 1-2 hours
• Various age groups

Latitude (various locations)

• Trampolines, climbing, games
• Good for energy burning
• Food available on-site

Funfields (Whittlesea)

• Indoor and outdoor activities
• Go-karts, mini golf
• Good wet weather backup

Shopping Centre Activities

Chadstone

• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
• Kids' play areas
• Movies (Hoyts)

Eastland

• Quality play areas
• Movies
• Family dining

Westfield Doncaster

• Play spaces
• Entertainment options
• Easy parking

Movies

School holiday movie specials:

• Hoyts: Kids' movies from $7
• Village: Family deals
• Palace: Independent and foreign films
• Cinema Nova: Arthouse with kids' sessions

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Day Trips from Melbourne

Healesville Sanctuary

Distance: 1 hour east Cost: Adults $40, Children $20, Under 4 free Best For: All ages

Australian wildlife focus:

• Platypus up close
• Koalas and wombats
• Birds of prey demonstration
• Tasmanian devils

Sovereign Hill

Distance: 1.5 hours west (Ballarat) Cost: Adults $55, Children $26, Under 4 free Best For: Ages 4+

Gold rush experience:

• Gold panning (keep what you find!)
• Underground mine tour
• Horse-drawn carriages
• Period costumes and characters
• Lolly shop

Puffing Billy Railway

Distance: 1 hour east (Belgrave) Cost: Various (from $30-60 depending on journey) Best For: Ages 2+

Heritage steam train:

• Scenic Dandenong Ranges journey
• Legs dangling from carriages (safe!)
• Lakeside lunch options
• Connect with Healesville Sanctuary

Phillip Island

Distance: 2 hours south Best For: All ages

Highlights:

• Penguin Parade (evening, booking essential)
• Wildlife parks
• Beaches
• Chocolate factory

Yarra Valley

Distance: 1 hour east Best For: All ages

Family-friendly options:

• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (free tastings!)
• TarraWarra Estate (kids' area, café)
• Healesville township
• Warburton Rail Trail (easy cycling)

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Family Dining

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

CBD:

• Jungle Juice Bar: Federation Square, healthy kids' options
• Hofbräuhaus: German, large portions, kids' menu
• Brunetti: Italian, gelato, kid-friendly

Southbank:

• Riverland: Outdoor seating, casual, playground nearby
• Fatto: Italian, welcoming atmosphere

St Kilda:

• Lentil as Anything: Pay-what-you-feel vegetarian
• Acland Street: Multiple options and cake shops

Inner Suburbs:

• The Cornish Arms (Brunswick): Pub, playground
• Edinburgh Castle Hotel (Brunswick): Large beer garden

Cafés with Play Spaces

Many Melbourne cafés cater to families:

• Various "Mama" branded cafés: Dedicated play areas
• Library cafés: Books and toys for kids
• Park cafés: Adjacent playgrounds

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Transport Tips

Getting Around with Kids

Public Transport:

• Children under 5 travel free
• Weekend fares are capped
• Trams are a Melbourne experience
• Train to Scienceworks, zoo, and beyond

Prams and Strollers:

• Most trains and trams accessible
• Some older trams are difficult
• Buses have varying accessibility

Driving:

• Parking expensive in CBD
• Consider park-and-ride
• Most attractions have parking (fee applies)

Cycling:

• Bike paths along the Yarra
• Bike hire available
• Shared paths can be busy

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Accommodation Tips

Family-Friendly Areas

Southbank:

• Near aquarium, Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens
• Apartment-style accommodation
• Walking distance to CBD

St Kilda:

• Beach access
• Luna Park nearby
• Tram to CBD (20 minutes)
• More space for budget

CBD:

• Central to everything
• Public transport hub
• Hotels can be compact

What to Look For

• Apartments over hotels: Kitchen, laundry, space
• Swimming pool: Entertaining tired kids
• Parking: If driving
• Connecting rooms: For larger families

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Packing for Melbourne Autumn

Weather Prep

Melbourne's "four seasons in one day" is real:

Always Bring:

• Layers (warm mornings, mild afternoons)
• Rain jacket or compact umbrella
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes

For Kids:

• Change of clothes (inevitable)
• Snacks (Melbourne cafés are great, but expensive)
• Entertainment for transit
• Favourite comfort item

Autumn Temperatures

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Sample Itineraries

Weekend with Young Kids (Under 5)

Saturday:

• Morning: Melbourne Museum (Children's Gallery)
• Lunch: Carlton café
• Afternoon: Carlton Gardens playground
• Evening: Early dinner, rest

Sunday:

• Morning: Royal Botanic Gardens walk
• Lunch: Fed Square
• Afternoon: SEA LIFE Aquarium
• Evening: Southbank stroll

School Holiday Week

Monday: Melbourne Zoo (full day) Tuesday: Scienceworks + Spotswood beach Wednesday: Rainy day backup—LEGOLAND or movies Thursday: Day trip—Puffing Billy Friday: St Kilda (beach, Luna Park, penguins at dusk)

Budget Family Day

Morning: Free entry to Melbourne Museum Lunch: Picnic in Carlton Gardens Afternoon: Walk to State Library (free) Evening: Sunset at St Kilda pier (free penguins!)

Total Cost: Transport only

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's free for kids in Melbourne?

Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, NGV, State Library, parks, beaches, and many festivals.

Best age for Melbourne Zoo?

All ages love it, but 3-10 is the sweet spot for engagement.

Is Melbourne safe for families?

Very safe. Standard precautions apply, but the city is welcoming to families.

What if it rains?

Museums, aquarium, LEGOLAND, movies, indoor play centres—plenty of options.

Best family suburb to stay?

Southbank for central access, St Kilda for beach vibes, or inner suburbs for local experience.

Can we do Melbourne without a car?

Absolutely. Public transport is excellent. A car is only necessary for day trips.

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Your Autumn Family Checklist

Before You Visit

• Check school holiday dates
• Book accommodation with family amenities
• Pre-book popular attractions (zoo, LEGOLAND)
• Check event calendars for special programming
• Plan rainy day alternatives

Packing

• Layers for changeable weather
• Rain gear
• Sun protection
• Comfortable shoes
• Snacks and water bottles
• Entertainment for transport

During Your Visit

• Arrive early at popular attractions
• Take breaks (kids tire quickly)
• Use free attractions to balance costs
• Try at least one picnic in the parks
• Watch the penguins at St Kilda!

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Final Thoughts

Melbourne is one of the world's great family cities. The combination of excellent museums (with free entry for kids!), beautiful parks, family-friendly events, and a culture that genuinely welcomes children makes it an ideal destination for families.

Autumn's mild weather adds to the appeal—warm enough for beaches and outdoor play, cool enough for comfortable exploring, and with the added bonus of school holiday programming.

Whether you're locals looking for school holiday inspiration or visitors planning a family trip, Melbourne in autumn won't disappoint.

Pack some layers, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy.

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Related Content

Related Guides

• Melbourne Events Calendar 2026
• Moomba Festival 2026
• Free Things to Do in Melbourne Autumn 2026

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Last updated: January 2026. Prices and opening hours subject to change. Always verify with official sources before visiting.