What’s On in Melbourne This Summer?
School holidays are well and truly in gear, and there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities around Melbourne to fill your calendar with. We’ve compiled just a few of our favourites to keep you busy this January before school starts back.
Disney’s Pixar Putt
Disney’s new pop-up, Pixar Putt, has taken over River Terrace at Federation Square until February 3. Inspired by all of our favourite characters and stories such as Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Monster’s Inc. and Toy Story, Pixar Putt gives you the option of a nine or 18-hole mini golf course full of action and excitement.
Prices start at $19.90 for one child and $79.50 for a family of four. You know where we’ll be!
Australian Open
You don’t have to be a tennis fanatic to join in on all the Australian Open has to offer! In addition to the tennis action, this year’s Australian Open at Melbourne Park features food trucks, a mini theme park, film festival, live stage, kids club, and more.
A standout is the new AO Ballpark, which offers all the excitement of a theme park, including outdoor activities, all day entertainment and special guest appearances. Waterslides, super soakers, rock climbing, ninja warrior courses, amazing prizes and a fan zone make this the perfect day out! Plus, a Kids Ground Pass is only $5, so make the most of the opportunity before it finishes on January 27!
Midsumma Carnival
Taking place on January 20 at Alexandra Gardens, this year’s Midsumma Carnival kicks off the Midsumma Festival with carnival stalls, live music, food trucks, and their iconic dog show. The action-packed event includes plenty of family friendly activities and zones, chill-out areas, and even a sports precinct. Entry is free for all ages, so head on down from 11am to experience all the vibrancy and atmosphere of this incredible event!
Open Air Cinema
We recommend you take advantage of the beautiful summer weather by attending one of the many open air and rooftop cinemas around Melbourne!
You can head to the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Moonlight Cinema to enjoy a range of new releases and classics, such as A Star Is Born, Mary Queen of Scots, Back to The Future and Love Actually. Bring your own picnic or choose from one of the many food trucks on offer!
Tickets will cost you $15 per child and $20 for an adult.
Melbourne Zoo
With free admission for children all school holidays, Melbourne Zoo is a fabulous day out for the family. The zoo features an amazing free program including koala, orangutan, elephant, lion and giraffe showcases, a special event Wiggles Frog Disco for young kids and high tea on Sundays. You’ll find all the animals and activities you need just minutes from Melbourne CBD for a fabulous summer holiday activity!
Splashland
Taking place at Caufield Racecourse until January 24, Splashland features eight different rides for children of all ages. You’ll find rides such as bouncing castles, crazy mazes and the world’s biggest inflatable waterslide. And for the non-thrill seekers, there’ll be plenty of live entertainment, food, lounge chairs and sunscreen!
Tickets range from $9 to $29.50 for children dependent on age, and you can purchase a family of four pass for $88.
Mickey Mouse in the Arthouse
To celebrate the 90th birthday of Mickey Mouse, Melbourne Central is hosting a free art exhibition in the Shot Tower until January 28. Featuring 90 artists and 90 original works of art starring Mickey Mouse, the colourful exhibition honours the ongoing legacy of this iconic character on an international scale. View the artworks, purchase unique Mickey Mouse merchandise and explore Melbourne Central’s iconic Shot Tower.
It’s worth checking out other Melbourne Central retailers such as Bonds, Cotton On, Pandora and Peter Alexander, who’ve also joined in on the excitement with their own Mickey Mouse themed products!
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Scavenger Hunt
Until January 28, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is playing host to a unique interactive scavenger hunt for participants of all ages! The search for their missing mascot, Melbie Bear, takes place in the sky using your Melbie’s Gone Missing app to read clues, answer questions, unlock new challenges and earn points towards finding the mascot.
All those who successfully solve the mystery will go in the draw to win a major prize. Tickets for the scavenger hunt are included in the cost of a general pass, with children prices starting at $16.50, and family passes from $33.75.
