We are now officially in the depths of winter with the start of August! Whether you love it or hate it, make the most of winter fun this week with the fun events below or my updated top 21 indoor play centres in Melbourne.
This weekend I’m going to be admiring Gertrude Street Projection Festival, exploring the city’s best architecture at Open House Melbourne (make a plan with these top tips on how to visit Open House Melbourne with kids), running at Run Melbourne (my first mass participation run eek!) and recovering with a screening of The Lion King. Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the original film??
WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE CBD/DOCKLANDS
- European Night Market (Fri 26 Jul) – Drawing inspiration from Christmas markets in countries like Switzerland and Germany, there’s food, drink, stalls and entertainment.
- Winter Garden at Fed Square (Fri 26 Jul – Mon 26 Aug) – a joyous and playful profusion of handcrafted flowers in a riot of glorious colour to brighten our midwinter days!
- The Greatest Showman Singalong (Sat 27 Jul) – Set in a secret location in Melbourne this event is a must if you’re a fan of the movie. Get ready to witness acrobats, aerialists and join PT Barnum and his motley crew in what is set to be his Greatest Show!
- See You In the Soup (Fri 26 Jul – Sun 17 Aug) – See You in the Soup is a surreal animated exploration of the Melbourne epicurean landscape, seen through the eyes of a small and curious duck.
- Marvel: Journey of Heroes (Fri 26 Jul – Sun 29 Sep) – free exhibition showcasing each of Marvel’s eight decades, starting with its origins as Timely Comics.
- Terracotta Warriors and Cai Guo-Qiang (Fri 26 Jul – Sun 13 Oct) – Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality is a large-scale presentation of the Qin Emperor’s Terracotta Warriors. Presented in parallel, Cai Guo-Qiang: The Transient Landscape, will see contemporary artist, Cai Guo-Qiang, create all new art works inspired by his home country’s culture and its enduring philosophical traditions. Read my review.
- A Fairy Tale in Red Times NGV (Fri 26 Jul – Sun 6 Oct) – free exhibition of contemporary Chinese art from Sydney’s White Rabbit Gallery. Read my review.
- Open House Melbourne (Sat 27 Jul – Sun 28 Jul) – a two day extravaganza of architecture, design and art all around the city. Best Open House Melbourne buildings for families.
- Indian Festival (Sat 27 Jul – Sun 28 Jul) – Feast on authentic tastes like parathas and spicy curries, enjoy acoustic tunes and see the Market come to life with Bollywood and Bhangra dancing.
- Ping Pong WOW (Sat 27 Jul – Sun 28 Jul) – See what happens when you enter our space with 2,000+ ping pong balls, PVC piping and more…
- Under 8s Ice Fun at Medibank Icehouse (Sun 28 Jul) – unique toddler experience in shoes or skates.
- Christmas in July SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium (Sun 28 Jul) – Families looking for a Christmas in July celebration and an Antarctic adventure can tuck into a festive feast.
- The Winter Village (Fri 26 Jul – Sat 31 Aug) – ice rink, food & drink pop up bars, a mega igloo dining hall and an Igloo Village of 21 cosy igloos. Read my review.
- Alexander Calder Workshop for Kids (Fri 26 Jul – Sun 4 Aug) – Incorporating hands-on activities that explore the artist’s interest in inventing and constructing new artistic forms, this installation draws inspiration from Calder’s unique exploration of space using line, objects, scale and movement. Read my review
- The District Makers Market (Sun 28 Jul) – creative and colourful market stalls showcasing a variety of art, craft, jewellery, homewares, gifts and artisanal produce last Sunday of the month.
- Riverslide Skate Park Learn2Ride (Sun 28 Jul) – Riverslide Skate Park runs regular skateboard, BMX and scooter lessons for beginners as well as more experienced riders.
- Winter Night Market Queen Victoria Market (Wed 31 Jul) – crackling fires, mulled wine and a revolving line-up of roving entertainers and live music, over 30 street vendors and designer and artisan stalls. Read my review.
- Ned Kelly Tour (Wed 1 Aug) – Discover the story of Victoria’s infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, read pages from the Jerilderie letter and see photos and historic objects related to his life.
WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S NORTH / NORTH-EAST
- Gertrude Street Projection Festival (Fri 26 Jul – Sun 3 Aug) – projection art along Gertrude Street at Australia’s longest-running projection festival. Read the review.
- Fountain of Youth Abbotsford Convent (Sat 27 Jul) – Join Deep Soulful Sweats on an elemental expedition for children aged 4 – 12 and their adults, to activate imagination through movement, chanting and fantasy.
- All For Kids Market (Sat 27 Jul) – over 60 indoor stalls of quality pre-loved designer baby and kids clothes, toys, ride-ons, nursery furniture and everything in between!
- Open House Melbourne (Sat 27 Jul – Sun 28 Jul) – a two day extravaganza of architecture, design and art all around the city. Best Open House Melbourne buildings for families.
- Free Kids Activities Preston Market (Sun 28 Jul) – free kids activities during June/July every Sunday.
- Diamond Valley Railway (Sun 28 Jul) – miniature railway with playground next door. Read my review
- Tiny Dog Festival (Sun 28 Jul) – Welcome to Thornbury celebrates Melbourne’s small pooches.
- Prehistoric Museum Playdates (Tue 30 July) – A celebration of all things ancient from the smallest trilobite to the largest sauropod at Melbourne Museum. Read the review
- Pacific Kids (Wed 31 Jul) – Free kids activities every Wednesday.
WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S SOUTH / SOUTH-EAST / BAYSIDE
- Prahran Market Kids’ Activities (Fri 26 Jul – Thu 25 Jul) – every market day Prahran Market offers face painting, an animal farm, kids dance classes and music – most activities are free and no bookings necessary.
- DUPLO Kids Club Legoland (Fri 26 Jul – Thu 25 Jul) – special activities every weekday for kids 2-5 years at the DUPLO Farm Adventure inside Legoland. Read the review.
- Hank Marvin Market (Sat 27 Jul) – weekly Saturday market with an awesome playground at Alma Park. Also Sun 28 Jul market at Sandringham.
- Bay Street’s Christmas in July (Sat 27 Jul) – fun, free, family yuletide event.
- Creators Market (Sat 27 Jul) – jewellery, fashion, candles, homewares, sweet treats, condiments and more.
- Open House Melbourne (Sat 27 Jul – Sun 28 Jul) – a two day extravaganza of architecture, design and art all around the city. Best Open House Melbourne buildings for families.
- National Steam Centre (Sun 28 Jul) – The museum engines are fired up and can be seen running on the last Sunday of each month except December.
- Springvale Snow Fest (Sun 28 Jul) – streets will be filled with fun, snow (real and simulated), moving rides, free kids activities and market and food stalls.
- Mornington Railway (Sun 28 Jul) – Climb aboard the Mornington Railway steam train for a fun-filled outing.
- Kids Mornings Westfield Southland (Wed 31 Jul) – Every Wednesday a different activity where your mini me’s can play, learn and be entertained.
WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S EAST
- Lake Mountain (Fri 26 Jul – Thu 25 Jul) – toboggan, cross country skiing and snow play 2 hours from Melbourne. Read my tips on visiting Lake Mountain with kids
- Mt Baw Baw (Fri 26 Jul – Thu 25 Jul) – Melbourne’s closest downhill ski resort open for winter season. Read my tips on visiting Mt Baw Baw with kids
- Open House Melbourne (Sat 27 Jul – Sun 28 Jul) – a two day extravaganza of architecture, design and art all around the city. Best Open House Melbourne buildings for families.
- Melbourne Tram Museum (Sat 27 Jul – Sun 28 Jul) – Visit a Melbourne icon at this quirky museum. FULL REVIEW.
- Yarra Valley Railway (Sun 28 Jun) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Read my review.
- National Tree Day Ruffey Lake (Sun 28 Jul) – planting some indigenous plants with our bushland crew then enjoy a well-earned BBQ lunch provided by our local Kiwanis group.
- Mooroolbark Miniature Railway (Sun 28 Jul) – miniature rail running every 4th Sunday.
- Auburn Kids Sunday Funday (Sun 28 Jul) – Petting zoo, Fairies, mermaids, superheroes, face painting and balloon animals galore!
- Heide Art Babies (Tue 30 Jul) – 30 minutes of sensory play in the gallery, looking, thinking and talking about art. Read the review.
- Wallaby Wednesdays Healesville Sanctuary (Wed 31 Jul) – Dress up as wallabies with wallaby face painting, wallaby ears and wallaby tails for pouch races, hopping games and wallaby trails. Bring your favourite soft toy animal to join in the fun. Wallaby tails and wallaby ears are provided for dress up fun. Also don’t forget Future Vets and Pouch House indoor play.
- Hot Chocolate Festival Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (Thu 1 Aug – Sat 31 Aug) – 31 limited edition hot chocolates and hot chocolate tastings. Full review.
WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S WEST
- Brickman Cities Scienceworks (Fri 26 Jul – Sun 4 Aug) – Discover the world’s most iconic cities and build your own creations at this brand-new interactive LEGO® experience. Read my review.
- Kids Eat Free Pacific Werribee (Fri 26 Jul – Wed 7 Aug) – Kids can enjoy a free meal at participating Urban Diner restaurants with any adult meal purchased over $15.
- Dingo Puppy Encounter (Fri 26 Jul – Sun 22 Sep) – Cuddle and photograph cute fluffy cubs and meet friendly dingo adults at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre. Full review.
- Essendon Traffic School (Sat 27 Jul) – mini road set up for kids aged two to ten years, complete with road signs, railway bells and traffic lights. Full review.
- Open House Melbourne (Sat 27 Jul – Sun 28 Jul) – a two day extravaganza of architecture, design and art all around the city. Best Open House Melbourne buildings for families.
- Jane Austen Winter Festival (Sat 27 Jul – Wed 31 Jul) – Join workshops in Regency style cooking and crafts, watch presentations on her writing, the fashion of the era.
- The Hole Idea Storytime (Sat 27 Jul) – Join us and bookstore owners turned picture book creators Paul and Beth MacDonald for a very special storytime to celebrate THE HOLE IDEA.
- National Tree Day Kororoit Creek (Sun 28 Jul) – Peruse the displays, get your face painted, grab a give-away and enjoy a coffee and complimentary BBQ and/or Spit lunch.
- STEM Sundays Scienceworks (Sun 28 Jul) – robotics and coding workshops for kids every Sunday. Read my review.
- My Big Fat Greek Festival (Sun 28 Jul) – live Greek music and dancing, delicious souvlakia and Greek sweets.
- National Tree Day Williamstown (Sun 28 Jul) – planting event in collaboration with Parks Victoria at the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve.
- Heritage Fruit Tree Festival (Sun 28 Jul) – Come discover the best of Werribee Park Heritage Orchard with tours of the orchard, tree sales, grafting demonstrations, market stalls, workshops, live music with The Angelicats, food & drinks and activities for all the family to enjoy.
- Singwest in Happy (Sun 28 Jul) – Happy will include a cross-section of their repertoire including the full ensemble, and will also featuring some smaller ensembles and solo voices.
- Pacific Werribee Kids Club (Tue 30 Jul) – free activities every Tuesday in the Kids Mall, near Target
- Mini Makers Highpoint (Wed 31 Jul) – free kids activities every Wednesday.
- Harry Potter Party (Wed 31 Jul) – There will be cake and trivia and fun galore!
- Toddler Circus Footscray (Thu 1 Aug) – learn circus skills with aerials, balances, circus circuits and games. Read my review.
- Toddler Thursdays Werribee Zoo (Thu 1 Aug) – special program for 1-5 yo and their carers.
- Hot Chocolate Festival Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Thu 1 Aug – Sat 31 Aug) – 31 limited edition hot chocolates and hot chocolate tastings. Full review
I hope this post has helped or inspired you! Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to find out more ways for your family to have fun together!