There is no doubt that Melbourne is a cultural hub for Australia. Whether it’s the great live music scene, the lively outdoor markets, art galleries and the live sporting events – Melbourne is full of fun things to do with the family.

Though the cold may be giving you the shivers, for the month of July, the city is still full of warm, joyful and vibrant family events that will help you and your family embrace the best of the winter season.

This post is updated regularly so check back in to see what’s on in Melbourne today and this weekend, as well as what’s happening for the whole month.

MELBOURNE CBD/DOCKLANDS

• Kaleidoscope (Wed 1 Jun – Sun 24 Jul) – A mesmerising symphony of light, sound and joy, staged in a breathtaking mirror maze. Kaleidoscope Review.
• Winter Night Market (Wed 1 Jun – Wed 31 Aug) – every Wednesday evening enjoy delicious street food, hot bevvies, roaring open fires, great shopping, live music and fun at the silent disco. Winter Night Market review.
• Anything But Square: Under Surveillance program (Fri 1 Jul – Sun 7 Aug) – enter a hair-raising, spine-tingling world – where we are watched, everywhere, all the time. 
• Ancestral Memory (Fri 1 Jul – Sun 31 Jul) – a huge digital projection of the Spirit Eel will weave its way along the facade of Hamer Hall this July. Hamer Hall façade, 1 – 31 July from sunset to midnight.
• The Eyes (Fri 1 Jul – Sun 7 Aug) – Stand in the centre of Fed Square, an 8 metre high sculpture of a head made of eyes – so many eyes!
• NAIDOC Week (Sun 3 Jul – Sun 10 Jul) – celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the Art Centre across multiple events.
• European Night Markets (Fridays until 29 Jul) – Madame Brussels Lane will transform into a 1920’s Parisian marketplace, with stalls serving warming mulled wine, delicate French desserts and more.

• Lightscape (Fri 24 Jun – Sun 7 Aug) – For the very first time, an immersive, after-dark experience comes to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne this winter. Iconic tree canopies will be drenched in colour, and vibrant bursts of light will tumble from the undergrowth and run-up trees like fizzing fireworks. Lightscape Review.
• Imaginaria (Fri 10 Jun – Sun 6 Nov 2022) – Fully interactive bespoke sounds, scents and lights activate in response to your movement as you walk, slide and glide through the dreamlike landscapes. Walk into a giant inflatable bubble, navigate a futuristic light maze or jump into a cosmic abyss. Imaginaria Review
• Potion Putt (Wed 22 Jun – Sun 31 Jul) – A crazy golf course inspired by famous fantasy and fiction Wizards where you can test your magic & wizarding putt putt skills
• Bastille Day Melbourne (Sat 16 Jul – Sun 17 Jul) – French market, entertainment and talks.
• Indian Festival (Sat 16 Jul – Sun 17 Jul) – Feast on authentic tastes like parathas and spicy curries, enjoy acoustic tunes and see the Queen Vic Market come to life with Bollywood and Bhangra dancing.
• Seeing the Invisible (Until Fri 30 Sep) – contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology, is presented in six countries simultaneously with Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne as the exclusive Australian locations. Seeing The Invisible Review
• The District Makers Market (Sun 29 May – Sun 27 Nov) – creative and colourful market stalls showcasing a variety of art, craft, jewellery, homewares, gifts and artisanal produce last Sunday of the month. 

• Open House Melbourne (Sat 30 Jul – Sun 31 Jul)  – This year’s theme Built / Unbuilt seeks to catalyse a city-wide conversation about the future of architecture, landscape and urban design through the lens of pressing issues facing cities today.
• Jams for Juniors: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Sat 23 Jul) – introduce babies and toddlers to the magic of music! Jam for Juniors Review.
• Woolapalooza (Sat 30 Jul) – Enjoy a day of craft by taking part in a variety of knitting, crocheting and yarn-based activities for craft lovers of all ages to enjoy.
• CRFT* WRK (Sat 30 Jul) – Experience a totally unique craft fair showcasing independent makers of all kinds with works that you won’t find anywhere else. 
• Islands (Thu 30 Jun – Sun 27 Nov) – Escape to a surreal desert island in this interactive exhibition.
• Neighbourhood Earth: The Ultimate Space Experience (until Sun 28 Aug) – Enjoy many fun learning activities at this award-winning exhibition that creatively tells the story of space exploration.
• Pond[er] NGV (until Sun 28 Aug) A beautiful architectural installation, replete with a pink pond evocative of Australia’s inland salt lakes, has been selected as the winner of the NGV’s 2021 Architecture Commission in the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV International. NGV Pink Pond Review.

• Wild About Babies Docklands (Until November 2022) – A free exhibit featuring 20 life-sized endangered baby animal statutes with the purpose of building awareness for vulnerable species everywhere.
• Arts Centre Sunday Market (Sundays) – find unique, quirky and handmade items at the stalls. There are always some yummy treats too!
• The Story of the Moving Image (ongoing) – Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation and captivating stories. Story of the Moving Image ACMI Review.
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (ongoing) – see the award-winning production of the sequel to the Harry Potter series playing exclusively in Melbourne. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review.
• Storytime by State Library Victoria (Mondays) – Share the delight of stories, songs, and picture books with your preschooler on Wednesdays at the Library. State Library of Victoria Review.
• Queen Street Plaza (Sundays) – find a rotating line-up of delicious street food, live music and entertainment, every Sunday from 9 am.
• Shrine Kids (Daily) – The Shrine of Remembrance is the National War Memorial of Victoria and it makes for an educational (and sobering) outing for families. Shrine Kids Review.
• Melbourne Book Market (Saturdays & Sundays) – curated collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved titles selected and presented by 15 of Melbourne’s most experienced booksellers.

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S NORTH / NORTH-EAST

• Yarra Grooves (Sat 23 Jul & Sun 29 Jul) – a free series of Silent Disco Walking Tours around the City of Yarra celebrating the unique character of Yarra’s main street villages.
• Tyama: Family weekend celebration (Sat 23 Jul & Sun 24 Jul) – Enter Victoria’s nocturnal worlds through the use of 360-degree responsive projections, breathtaking effects, and exquisite soundscapes.
• Gertrude Street Projection Festival (Wed 27 July – Sun 31 July) – See Gertrude Street walls and buildings come alive with projections, live events and performances!
• Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (Until Sun 31 Jul) – Enjoy thought-provoking documentaries from all over the world. Running from 1 – 31 July Online & 21 – 31 July In-Cinema.
• Creature (Until Sun 31 Jul) – a 2D digital installation that presents a unique, immersive and interactive experience of the Australian bush in a wondrous play space that will educate visitors and give them the opportunity to rediscover their natural surroundings.
• Story Seekers Melbourne Museum (Mondays & Fridays) – Join in at the Melbourne Gallery to explore stories that bring life to treasures.
• Tiny Tour Melbourne Museum (Mondays and Fridays) – a 45-minute tour created for early year audiences that will invite them to wonder, discover and be amazed.
• Bite-Sized Science Melbourne Museum (First Saturday of the Month) – Discover our natural world and uncover the secret life of the creatures around us and their ecosystems in these monthly Bite-Sized Science sessions.
• Fitzroy Market (Saturdays) – a one-stop hub for everything produce, food, artisan, handcrafted, vintage, second hand and local.

• Abbotsford Farmers Market (Saturday) – Shop local and seasonal produce and visit the Collingwood Children’s Farm which is just next door.
• VU Play Coburg pop-up playspaces (Tuesdays – Saturdays) – VU early childhood pre-service teachers create pop-up play spaces for children to play.
• Rose Street Artists' Market (Saturdays and Sundays) – Shop directly from Melbourne’s best artists, designers, crafters and makers at Fitzroy’s iconic Rose Street Market.
• Diamond Valley Railway (Sundays) – miniature railway with a playground next door. Diamond Valley Railway Review.
• Mini Mega Model Museum (ongoing) – an exhibition featuring small and big things at Melbourne Museum. Mini Mega Model Museum review. 
• Gertrude Street Projection Festival (28 Jul – 31 Jul) – projection art along Gertrude Street at Australia’s longest-running projection festival. Gertrude Street Projection Festival Review.

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S SOUTH / SOUTH-EAST / BAYSIDE

• The Cornucopia Garden (Sat 25 Jun – Sun 17 Jul) – The Plaza will be transformed this winter into an immersive garden abundant with oversized sculptures hidden amongst a swirl of the world’s first edible mist.
• Casey Winter Magic Festival (Sun 31 Jul) – be whisked away to a magic winter wonderland where you'll get to enjoy loads of free fun family-friendly activities!
• Mornington Railway (Sundays) – Climb aboard the Mornington Railway steam train for a fun-filled outing.
• Little Play Squad Legoland (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) – An interactive parent-child Play & Learn session based on LEGO® DUPLO®. DUPLO Farm Adventure Review.
• Bentleigh Sunday Market (Sundays) – plants, clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, books, videos, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods, and more! Every Sunday. 
• Frankston Community Market (Sundays) – a weekly community market located in the very heart of Frankston, featuring an ever-changing variety of stalls.
• Seeing the Invisible (Until Fri 30 Sep) – contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology, is presented in six countries simultaneously with Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne as the exclusive Australian locations. Seeing The Invisible Review.

• Camberwell Sunday Market (Every Sunday) – second-hand retro, vintage, antique, fashion and collectible goods you just can't find anywhere else
• Gasworks Farmers’ Market (Third Saturday of every month until Sun 18 Dec) – On Saturdays soak up the vibrant atmosphere and sample the very best of local Victorian produce, directly from Victorian farmers and specialty makers.
• Gumbuya World Wildlife Wanderers (Every Wed) – join in every Wednesday for a day full of fun for your little ones with a 30-minute program, which will include storytime, games and Nature Play-based activities.
• Prahran Market Mini Marketeers (Ongoing) – Enjoy free, guided activities teaching toddlers the fundamentals of eating well and putting the ‘yum’ in healthy food choices.
• Camelot Traffic School (Weekends and School Holidays) Ride or scoot in this miniature city and get practical experience riding and learning some road rules. Located in Bentleigh East. Check their hours on their website before you go as they are subject to change. Read my review.

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S EAST

• Melbourne Tram Museum (Sat 9 Jul) – historic trams on display. Melbourne Tram Museum Review.
• Belgrave Big Dreams Market (Sun 10 Jun) – discover original and bespoke design pieces, some of the yummiest and freshest produce the area has to offer, live music, a bouncy castle and face painting for the kids.
• Wine & Wildlife Healesville Sanctuary (Sat 16 – Sun 17 Jul) – Wander the Sanctuary while you taste delicious food, take your pick of the huge Teepees around the Sanctuary and warm up by the open fires with some live acoustic music. Healesville Sanctuary Review.
• Bumblebee Kids Baby Market Berwick (Sun 17 Jul) – pre loved, handmade and new goods.
• Box Hill Miniature Railway (Sun 17 Jul) – Every 3rd Sunday you can ride this wonderful Miniature Railway, the track winds through the picturesque surrounds of Elgar Park. Box Hill Miniature Railway Review.
• Family Disco at Postmaster Hotel (Sat 23 Jul) – a fun disco event for the whole family. Enjoy lots of games, prizes, and snacks.
• Mooroolbark Miniature Railway (Sun 24 Jul) – miniature rail running every 4th Sunday.

• Eastland – Mini Beasts (Sun 26 Jun – Tue 30 Aug) – Discover the luminous Mini Beasts and see them come to life through augmented reality, kids' workshops and entertainment.
• Open House Melbourne at Tay Creggan (Sun 31 Jul) – As part of 2022 Open House Melbourne, visit Tay Creggan to enjoy tours, experiences and more.
• Auburn Kids Sunday Funday (Sundays) – Let the kids roam with the barnyard animals at the FREE petting zoo while you enjoy a Sunday Roast! What could be better! Auburn Hotel Winter Igloo Review.
• Lake Mountain (June – September but dates will vary depending on snow season) – toboggan, cross country skiing and snow play 2 hours from Melbourne. Read my tips on visiting Lake Mountain with kids
• Mt Baw Baw (June – September but dates will vary depending on snow season) – Melbourne’s closest downhill ski resort is open for the winter season. Read my tips on visiting Mt Baw Baw with kids
• Yarra Valley Railway (Every Sun) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Yarra Valley Review.
• Heide Art Babies (Tuesdays) – 30 minutes of sensory play in the gallery, looking, thinking and talking about art. Heide Art Babies Review.

WHAT’S ON – MELBOURNE’S WEST

• Adventure Park – Winter Glow (Sat 23 June – Sun 10 July) – Discover a glowing winter wonderland of snow, lights, fire and ice.
• Winter Wonderlights Sovereign Hill (Sat 25 Jun – Sun 17 Jul) – Christmas in July with snow falls, carols and projections. Winter Wonderlights Review.
• Jurassic World Dominion (Sat 25 Jun – Sun 24 Jul) – Dinosaurs are on the loose at Watergardens, can you locate them all and become an expert dinosaur tracker?
• FCAC Toddler Jam (Thu 14 July – Fri 16 Sep) – getting toddlers active and learning through play, with a mixture of percussion, singing, dancing, story-time and mindfulness. 
• Winter Solstice Eynesbury (Sat 16 Jul) – marshmallow pits, a big bonfire, African drummers, food trucks & fireworks.
• Parents & Bubs Book Club (Wed 27 Jul) – A no-stress, no-fuss book club for parents who are looking for something light and easy to read.
• Edward The Emu Geelong Arts Centre (Fri 29 Jul – Sat 30 Jul) – A unique imagining of two beloved picture books in one heartfelt, clever and funny new tale.
• Seddon Village (Sun 31 Jul) – Stroll the streets of Seddon Village to enjoy the lights, colours, tastes, sounds, and magic of Christmas
• Explore AI (Sun 31 Jul) – a hands-on workshop where you’ll train an artificial intelligence system and see how this technology is used in the world today.
• Bulla Railway (3rd Sunday of each month) – Ride the dinosaur trail on the miniature railway. Bulla Railway Review.

• Altona Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the month) – between 10am and 3pm ride this wonderful Miniature Railway. Altona Miniature Railway review.
• Story Time With Amanda Falson (Mondays) – Join in this free event with your little ones every Monday morning for story time with Amanda Falson.
• Grazeland Winter (Fridays – Sundays) – huge dining precinct with city views and 50 stalls to choose from. Read the Grazeland Review
• Essendon Traffic School (Saturdays) – Essendon Traffic School is a mini road set up for kids aged two to ten years, complete with road signs, railway bells and traffic lights. Essendon Traffic School review.
• Sunday Funday Station Hotel (Sundays) – Every Sunday The Station Hotel prepares an animal farm and other entertaining activities to keep the little ones busy, while you sit back and relax. Station Hotel Review
• Enterprize Sail Williamstown (usually sails the third Sunday of every month) – go for a one hour sail on tall ship Enterprize in Williamstown

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