Family Halloween at Melbourne Museum

A scare-free Halloween night for kids is coming back to Melbourne Museum this October, with a new adults-only event added for 2026.

Following Halloween at the Museum in 2025, which pulled in more than 4,200 visitors, Melbourne Museum is back for 2026 with tickets now on sale. The family event runs Friday 30 October, with a new adults-only Haunted Gala also part of the Halloween weekend. Here’s everything you need to plan your night.

. Halloween at the Museum. Photographer Carlin and Camera. Source Museums Victoria () — Halloween at the Museum. Photographer Carlin and Camera. Source Museums Victoria

What to Expect on the Night

Halloween at the Museum runs as one family session this year, from 6pm to 9:30pm on Friday 30 October. Dress the kids up (or yourself — no judgement) and head in for a night of galleries lit up for Halloween.

Here’s what’s confirmed so far:

Spooky Science – Hands-on experiments with a Halloween twist.
Trick or Treat Trail – Wind your way through the museum collecting treats.
Creature Encounters – Get up close with some of the museum’s creepiest, crawliest specimens, with museum experts on hand to talk you through them.
Halloween Dance Floor – Dance it out to spooky tunes.
Costume Parade – Dress to impress and go in the running for prizes.

Your Early Entry ticket also includes access to the full Halloween at the Museum experience from 7 pm—so you can keep exploring as long as the kids have energy.

Family-Friendly Fun

Some activities we expect based on last year’s event include:

Kids Monster Halloween Disco
Keep the party going with spooky songs and monster moves under the mirror ball.

Campfire Stories
Pull up a seat for short, spooky science stories told around an indoor “campfire” every 15 minutes.

Spooky Science
From fountains of fog to slime-making, the Scienceworks crew brings mad science to life.

Frog Fog Garden
Search for frog skeletons in a misty, magical space.

Face Painting
Get your final Halloween look perfected.

Snake Pit
Battle the cuddle attack from our oversized fluffy snakes.

All-Ages Spooktacular Highlights

If the kids are up for more exploring, here are a few must-sees:

Creepy Cabins – Candlelit cabins with a hint of mystery.
Trick or Treat – More treats to collect in the Bubble Garden.
Horrible Hairy Hands – Will you get a trick or a treat?
The Cephalopod’s Realm – Marvel at a giant sea creature overhead.
The Spider’s Nest – For the brave—step through webs into the nest.

Food & Drink

Even Halloween monsters need to eat! Stop by the Vampire Bites Café (7 to 11 pm) for a one-night-only menu of treats for both carnivores and herbivores.

Halloween at the Museum 2026: Tickets and Dates

Date: Friday 30 October 2026

Time: 6pm to 9:30pm

Location: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Ticket prices:

Member Adult: $33
Member Child (16 and under): $20
Adult: $39
Child (16 and under): $25
Concession: $36
Student: $30

Tickets are on sale now — book here. This one’s popular, so don’t leave it too late.

Halloween at the Museum is a rare chance to enjoy a magical, scare-free start to one of Melbourne’s biggest Halloween celebrations. At the inaugural event, our kids have an absolute blast!

Halloween at the Museum – FAQs

What is Halloween at the Museum?

It’s Melbourne Museum’s family Halloween night, running from 6pm to 9:30pm on Friday 30 October. Expect spooky science shows, a trick or treat trail, creature encounters and a costume parade, all in a family-friendly (not scary) setting.

Do we need to book in advance?

Yes. Tickets are on sale now and this event tends to sell out, so book ahead to lock in your spot.

Are costumes required?

Costumes aren’t compulsory, but they’re encouraged — there’s even a costume parade with prizes if you want to make an effort.

Is there an option for younger or more sensitive kids?

Museums Victoria hasn’t flagged any deliberate jump scares for this event, but with the whole museum decked out for Halloween, some spaces may feel a bit more intense than others. If your child’s sensitive to spooky themes, it’s worth sticking closer to the quieter gallery spaces on the night.

Can I bring a pram or stroller?

Yes, prams and strollers are welcome in the museum. It may get busy in peak hours, so allow extra time to get around.

Is there food and drink available?

General café facilities are open at Melbourne Museum. We haven’t been able to confirm a dedicated Halloween menu for 2026, so check on arrival if that’s something you’re after.

How do I get to Melbourne Museum by public transport?

The museum is easily accessible via tram routes 86 or 96 (stop at Nicholson Street) or train to Parliament Station (a 10-minute walk).

Is parking available at Melbourne Museum?

Yes, there’s an underground car park at Melbourne Museum, accessible from Rathdowne Street. Parking fees apply.

Is Melbourne Museum accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids?

Yes, Melbourne Museum is fully accessible with ramps, lifts, and accessible bathrooms.

Halloween at the Museum 2026: What Melbourne Families Need to Know