Open House Melbourne Weekend is back on Saturday 27 July and Sunday 28 July 2024, with a packed program celebrating the best of architecture across the city.

To help you choose from huge program, we’ve hand-picked the best places and activities to discover at Open House Weekend with kids. These buildings are offering something unique for the weekend – they’re either not normally open to the public or are hosting extra fun.

Activities are mostly free, and the buildings listed here are all pram-accessible. Bookings are required for some locations.

Also read my tips on how to visit Open House Melbourne with kids.

What is Open House Melbourne?

All cities like to celebrate their beautiful architecture.

Open House is an international movement that invites people to deepen their understanding of design and urban planning in cities all around the world.

Since Open House Melbourne started in 2008, the event has grown bigger and bigger every year. The program now covers the whole city and you’ll get to experience Melbourne’s architectural diversity firsthand – from iconic skyscrapers and modern homes to historic landmarks and hidden gems. 

So come along – you’ll get to see parts of Melbourne you’ve never seen before and gain a new perspective on the city you thought you knew!

Open House Melbourne – Melbourne CBD and Docklands

Play! in the City

Explore Melbourne’s most unique play spaces across the city!

This self-guided tour introduces visitors to some of the best play spaces across the City of Melbourne, including Rocks on Wheels on Southbank Boulevard, Royal Park Nature Play and Lincoln Square playground.

Over the Weekend (27 + 28 July), collect self-guided tour maps at the Open House Melbourne Info Hub outside Melbourne Town Hall to explore the beloved and award-winning play spaces.

Play! in the City, Collect from Open House Melbourne Info Hub outside Melbourne Town Hall, 90-120 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

AAMI Park

Guests will visit back-of-house areas not normally accessible to the public, including new corporate and media spaces, and take a walk on the pitch to experience the scale of the stadium and its new curved videoboards from the perspective of an athlete.

Tours will be conducted by members of the AAMI Park venue management team, so guests will also learn about the operations of the venue, and what it takes to deliver a year-round program of events.

AAMI Park, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC 3004

Saturday 27 + Sunday 28 July
Tours run 10am, 11.30am + 1pm
Running for 60 minutes in groups of 20

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Collins Street Baptist Church

Members of the church community will be on hand to talk more about its history as the home of the oldest continuing Baptist congregation in Australia, and its continuing commitment to social justice.

Children have the option of taking a detective trail sheet and following the clues around the building accompanied by a carer. There is also a children’s corner with toys.

Collins Street Baptist Church, 174 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

narrm ngarrgu Library

Tour the library with Six Degrees Architects, who designed narrm ngarrgu as part of the Munro Development, one of Australia’s most sustainable mixed-use developments.

In the dedicated children’s library, kids can explore artworks by First Nations artist Maree Clarke, discovering the five clans of the Kulin Nations and the seven seasons.

OPEN Play is also happening at the library. OPEN Play is a Open House Melbourne’s educational program for young people and youth exploring the role good design plays in shaping our community and city. Kids 3-8 years are invited to find ways to create new and interesting solutions to design challenges provided by the facilitator- all materials are supplied.

narrm ngarrgu Library, 141 Therry St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Saturday 27 July
Open access 10am-4pm
Tours by Six Degrees run 11.30 am + 1pm
Running for 45-60 minutes in groups of 50

Sunday 28 July
Open access 12pm-4pm

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

OPEN Play

Sunday 28 July
Drop in session runs 1pm-3pm
Last entry 30 minutes before closing

Age: 3 to 8 years
No bookings required. Capacity is limited and operates on a one in one out basis.

Scots’ Church and Assembly Hall

Constructed between 1873 and 1874, the Gothic Revival style Scots’ Church was designed to be the most beautiful building in Australia.

Take yourself through the church and experience a demonstration of the magnificent Rieger Organ, or join for a traditional church service on Sunday morning, featuring the organ and the world-class Scots’ Church Choir.

Scots’ Church and Assembly Hall, 156 Collins Street, Melbourne

Saturday 27 July
Open access + organ demonstrations 10am-4pm
Organ demonstrations running for 20 minutes

Sunday 28 July
Open access + organ demonstrations 10am-4pm
Organ demonstrations running for 20 minutes
Sunday service 11am-12pm
No bookings required

Southbank Theatre

Go backstage at Southbank Theatre, the home of Melbourne Theatre Company, where some of Australia’s most beloved actors have graced the stage.

On Saturday, explore the public spaces of Southbank Theatre and view an exhibition of the building’s design and history and see aspects of the company’s performance operations, including a display of costumes and other staging elements of its productions. 

On Sunday, see the exhibition or join a tour to see backstage and the set for the production of ‘English’ by Sanaz Toossi, before it opens on July 29. See the actors’ dressing rooms, technical operations and other spaces not usually open to the public.

Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank

Saturday 27 July
Open access 10am-4pm

Sunday 28 July
Open access 10am-4pm
Tours running every half hour starting at 10am. Last tour departs at 3.30pm
Running for 30 minutes in groups of 15

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wesley Church

Come design and build your own heritage building! Using materials and templates designed by a local artist, we encourage kids to get creative with a building of their own.

Plus there will be a musical performance on the organ, tours and talks about the windows at Wesley and the history and stories behind them, and tours of the heritage building.

Wesley Church, 136 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Port of Melbourne Boat Tours

Featuring a guided commentary from port staff, you’ll see Australia’s busiest port from a whole new angle. Normally Port Open Day boat tours run on Sundays during the warmer months but for Open House Melbourne the tours are free (with booking fee).

All tours are round-trips, leaving from Victoria Harbour in Docklands. There is a children’s activity zone onboard.

Port of Melbourne Boat Tours, Water Plaza, Victoria Harbour Docklands

Saturday 27 + Sunday 28 July
Tours run 10am + 1pm
Running for 120 minutes in groups of 220

Bookings required—$7 booking fee applies.

Open House Melbourne – North

Albanian Mosque

Informal tours will be taken through the mosque, multi-purpose room and social room and will include a glimpse of the renovations being done to the new ablution area and courtyard. Visitors will have the opportunity to see one of the five daily prayers performed by members of the congregation. Light refreshments will be provided.

There will be a children’s activity table set up.

Albanian Mosque, 765 Drummond St, Carlton North VIC 3054

Saturday 27 July
Open access 1pm-4pm

Sunday 28 July
Open access 11am-2pm

No bookings required

Montsalvat Arts Centre

There will also be self-guided tour pamphlets available outlining the 90-year-old history of Montsalvat, as well as a variety of art-centric activities for kids and adults alike. On the evening of Sunday 28 there will be an outdoor wine bar and Montsalvat’s monthly Jazz Night concert in the Barn Gallery, with tickets available at the door on the day.

For kids there will be a bingo activity sheet and an attended kids colouring station, as well as a variety of entertainment.

Montsalvat Arts Centre, 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham VIC 3095

Islamic Museum of Australia

The Islamic Museum of Australia will be open to the public for free, giving Melbournians an opportunity to see what lies behind the rusted Corten steel veil. There are five permanent galleries and two visiting gallery spaces.

Children will be given self-guided tour worksheets.

Islamic Museum of Australia, 15A Anderson Rd, Thornbury VIC 3071

Saturday 27 July 10am–4pm

Open House Melbourne – South

Mt Burnett Observatory

In small groups you will be shown around the observatory and visit the Monash Dome and the 18-inch telescope, the Celestron Dome, the Log Cabin, specialist astronomy displays and children’s activities.

Visitors on the evening tours will have the opportunity to view the night sky through the telescopes (weather permitting). 

Mt Burnett Observatory 420 Paternoster Rd, Mount Burnett VIC 3781

Saturday 27 July
Daytime tours run 10am, 11.30am + 2.30pm
Running for 60 minutes in groups of 45

Evening tours run 5.30pm + 7.30pm
Running for 90 minutes in groups of 45

Bookings required—$7 booking fee applies

Firestation Print Studio

Visitors will have open access to explore the gallery with its current exhibition; the main studio, where there will be demonstrations of printmaking techniques; and the backroom, where visitors will have the chance to participate in letterpress, gel plate printing and other hand printing techniques.

Resident artists’ studios will be also open and daily raffles with a wonderful array of prizes.

Children will be able to take part in simple printmaking techniques, such as gelli plate and letterpress printing, creating unique pieces of artwork to take home.

Firestation Print Studio, 2 Willis St, Armadale VIC 3143

Saturday 27 + Sunday 28 July
Open access 11am-4pm
No bookings required

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Wander through the building at your leisure or be guided by a member of our historical and memorabilia group. There will be live music during the afternoons.

There will be sailing-related activities for the kids, including knot-tying and face painting.

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron,  1 Pier Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182

Victorian Institute of Sport

There will be tours of the Victorian Institute of Sport, showcasing the wide-ranging facilities and fascinating architecture of the building.

There will be speed and power tests for kids (and adults!) to see how they compare to our elite Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Victorian Institute of Sport, Lakeside Stadium, 33 Aughtie Dr, Albert Park VIC 3206

Gasworks Arts Park

Over the weekend visitors can visit the open studios of resident artists working in former workshops that still retain original features, and also see a display of historical photographs showing the evolution of Gasworks from the 1880s to now.

For kids there will be Clay in the Park, where soft clay tiles can be decorated by children using a range of tools and coloured slips. The tiles will be fired in our community kiln and can be collected during the Farmers Market on August 17. There will also be wildflower pressing activities on both days.

Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park

Saturday 27 + Sunday 28 July 
Open access 11am-3pm

Clay in the Park children’s activity runs 1pm-2pm
No bookings required

Wildflower Pressing children’s activity runs 11am-3pm
No bookings required

Morris Moor

Experience the industrial feel that’s true to the roots of the property as the former Philip Morris manufacturing site. Take a tour through the award-winning grounds, or enjoy the amenities on site.

For families there is a playground, outdoor table tennis, face painting, colouring pages and more.

Morris Moor, 1 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin VIC 3189

Melbourne Holocaust Museum

Encompassing the existing heritage building on the south-eastern corner, the new Melbourne Holocaust Museum is conceived in stark contrast to the bunker-like forms of many Holocaust museums around the world. There will be tours of this award-winning building to view and understand the structure.

Inside the museum there is a permanent exhibition for children aged 10 and above. Hidden: Seven Children Saved is an innovative exhibition designed to provide children aged 10 to 14 a safe and meaningful interaction with the Holocaust, by following the experiences of one of seven child survivors who were in hiding during the war. (This exhibition is an additional cost.)

Melbourne Holocaust Museum, Elsternwick

Sunday 28 July
Tours run 11.30am + 1.30pm
Running for 60 minutes in groups of 30

Bookings required—$7 booking fee applies

Brighton Town Hall

Come explore Brighton Town Hall, with access to the Bayside Gallery, the Brighton Historical Society, the Brighton Theatre Company, and the Brighton Art Society.

Bayside Gallery will have a number of hands-on activities for children linked to the exhibition Prehistoric Bayside, while the Brighton Historical Society will have a collection of toys and games on display for children to view.

Brighton Town Hall, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter St, Brighton VIC 3186

Saturday 27 July
Open access 1pm-5pm

Sunday 28 July
Open access 2pm-5pm

No bookings required

Open House Melbourne – East

Box Hill Community Arts Centre

There will be opportunities to meet working artists and to learn what it takes to run an arts facility which hosts weddings, parties and more in this changing city landscape.

Sunday will feature child-centred family workshops, including Make Your Own Arts-House, where kids will build fantastic cardboard box arts houses; California Dreaming, where children and families can learn about and then design their own Californian Bungalow; and Mosaic Magic, where families will be able to tour the Centre’s mosaics, followed by a paper-making mosaic masterpiece workshop. Numbers will be limited, so don’t forget to book!

Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill VIC 3128

Saturday 27 July
Open access 10.30am – 4pm
Tours run 10.30am, 12pm + 2.30pm
Running for 45 minutes in groups of 16
No bookings required

Sunday 28 July
Open access 10am-2.30pm

Child-centred family tours running every hour starting at 10am. Last tour departs at 2pm
Running for 15 minutes in groups of 10
No bookings required

All workshops require bookings.

This program includes both open access and pre-booked components. Where bookings are required—a $7 booking fee waived

Schwerkolt Cottage and Museum

Come along for a special opportunity to explore inside Schwerkolt Cottage and learn about its construction and history. Tour the 19th-century stone cottage with a guide and walk around the barn, smithy, smokehouse, cellar and orcharding shed.

Explore the local history room with Whitehorse Historical Society and warm up with a Devonshire tea.

The Needlework Tapestry Guild of Victoria will be inside the museum giving demonstrations. See stunning examples of furniture and wood craft on display by the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.

Kids can see the Pepperwood Farm doll house inside the museum and get inspired to create their own fairy house or furniture at craft activity stations. The extensive grounds also include a barbecue area and family playground.

Schwerkolt Cottage and Museum, 2-10 Deep Creek Road, Mitcham VIC 3132

Sunday 28 July
Open access 12pm-4pm
Tours run 12.30pm, 1.30pm + 2.30pm
Running for 20 minutes in groups of 16

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hawthorn Arts Centre

Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Town Hall Gallery, located within the historic Hawthorn Arts Centre. Gallery staff will guide you through the exhibition spaces, workroom​and collections storeroom, offering insights into the space’s operations. 

The Explore and Create space in the Hawthorn Arts Centre is designed to engage children and adults alike. This space is an opportunity to relax and to create, with fun activities available to connect with your inner artist. We regularly activate our Explore and Create space with interactive artworks to celebrate Town Hall Gallery exhibitions, highlight cultural events, or display community artwork.

Hawthorn Arts Centre 60 Burwood Road, Hawthorn

Saturday 27 July
Open access 11am-4pm
Venue tours run 11.30am + 2.30pm
Running for 60 minutes in groups of 20
No bookings required

‘The Long Way: Kevin Chin’ curator-led exhibition tour
Running for 60 minutes in a group of 30
No bookings required

Sunday 28 July
Open access 11am-4pm
Venue tours run 11.30am + 2pm
Running for 60 minutes in groups of 20

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open House Melbourne – West

100 Story Building

Learn how this unique space was designed in collaboration with the Futuremakers, a team of young designers whose ideas have helped to create this dynamic space for creativity. Kids will love the hands-on self-guided scavenger hunt.

100 Story Building 206-208 Nicholson Street, Footscray VIC 3011

Sunday 28 July
Open access 12pm-4pm
Talks at 1pm + 3pm
Running for 30 minutes

No bookings required. Capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Moonee Ponds Court House Museum

Visitors are invited to enjoy a self-guided tour and explore the architecture of the building, learn about cases from the Court and the history of the building and locality and see the effects of the 2016 fire.

Kids are challenged to explore the sports exhibition with their own scavenger hunt activity!

Moonee Ponds Court House Museum, 770 Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

Werribee Mansion

Enjoy free access to the interior of Werribee Mansion. Parks Victoria staff and volunteers will be on site to chat to visitors about the Mansion’s history, art, and architectural features.

There will be different forms of entertainment popping up sporadically throughout the Mansion, providing a lively atmosphere and surprising and delighting visitors. The café will be open, selling light food and beverages.

Werribee Mansion, 320 K Road, Werribee South

Saturday 27 July & Sunday 28 July 10am–4pm

Tips on how to visit Open House Melbourne with Kids

Best family-friendly restaurants in Melbourne CBD

Catch the City Circle tram for a free Melbourne city tour

The post Open House Melbourne: Best Buildings and Events for Kids + Families (2024) appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

As always, the program includes family-friendly experiences, so everyone, no matter their age, can have an enriching experience.

As you explore together, you’ll have plenty to talk about – it’s a great way to bond and spark curiosity as a family. Who knows?  This could be the beginning of a lifelong interest in design and architecture for your little ones.

To help the whole family enjoy Open House Melbourne Weekend, Market your Architecture and I have developed these tips for visiting Open House Melbourne with kids.

What is Open House Melbourne?

Every July, Open House Melbourne encourages Melburnians to explore sky-scraping towers, religious buildings, private homes and public spaces.

Open House Melbourne Weekend is a free annual event and a unique opportunity to explore the city’s stunning architecture and vibrant culture with your kids.

As you explore, you’ll uncover the story of our city’s history and how it’s evolved.

Visiting Open House Melbourne with Kids

1. Plan ahead – but be flexible

Even with litres of coffee and an unlimited Uber balance, you wouldn’t be able to see everything Open House Melbourne Weekend has to offer.

How to choose? Filter your options by precinct or type of building by using the website. You can also check out our list of the best Open House Melbourne buildings and events for families.

2. Be realistic with your itinerary

Plan a realistic itinerary for your family. I find even with older kids/teens that half a day of architecture is enough (museum legs, anyone?).

Aim to see 2-3 buildings and give yourself plenty of time to do this – that should cover a large chunk of the day. If you are very fast and continue to have energy, shortlist another 2-3 optional venues close by.

3. Plan your transport

Consider how you’ll travel to your locations. I recommend picking an area/precinct and sticking to it rather than spending all your time travelling across town.

There are maps on each building listing and from there you will be able to plan your transport routes.

4. Make 1 event booking per day

I recommend keeping to a maximum of 1 time-sensitive booking a day to avoid rushing.

Some buildings and tours will require booking and sell out quickly. If you are desperate to visit a particular venue, often there are no-shows so you might be able to sneak in. But I think to avoid disappointment, it’s best to expect sold-out tours to be sold out.

For families, I think self-guided tours are easier to manage. Unless your children are very well-behaved and can keep up with a tour group, it is easier to see the buildings at your own pace.

5. Read The Fine Print

Beware! Not every building is open on both days, and not every building is open all day.

If you really want to see a building that’s not open for the whole day, note the opening time and turn up 20 minutes early so you’re not turned away.

In addition, apart from the buildings that are putting on activities for families, not every venue is suitable for kids or is accessible to prams.

6. Dress For the Weather

Make sure everyone wears warm clothes and comfortable shoes they can walk in.

Winter jackets, beanies, perhaps a small umbrella and sunglasses in case of bright sunshine are perfect for Melbourne’s ‘four-seasons-in-one-day’ weather.

7. Have a plan if people get lost

If you’re navigating through a crowded venue, establish meeting points with your kids in case they get lost/left behind.

If you have a ‘runner’ it might also be worthwhile writing your mobile phone number on your child’s arm.

8. Pack Lots of Snacks

Come armed with plenty of food for kids to snack on, and even some secret lollies if you need to revive them to keep going. Bring a water bottle, too.

In Melbourne CBD check out my list of top family friendly cafes and restaurants for refuelling.

9. Create a Fun Pack for Kids

One reader had this awesome idea – pack a special fun pack for the weekend!

Look around your home to find things that will help your child enjoy looking at buildings. You might find binoculars, a magnifying glass, a clipboard for ticking off places, stickers and textas for colouring.

10. Encourage Your Kids’ Opinions

Ask your kids what they think makes a building ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Should it have plants? Large windows? Should it be warm, big, small, or pretty? Come up with 3 criteria and rate each building after you’ve visited.

Kids will enjoy ticking boxes with you or applying stickers to show which was their favourite building.

11. Get Social

Follow Open House Melbourne on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for immediate updates as to where there is a #queue or #noqueue, for navigational tips, and to ask questions. You can also use the hashtags to post your own updates, share photos, and connect:

#OpenHouseMelbourne
#OHMWeekend

12. Speak to the Volunteers

Open House Melbourne relies on an army of workers donating their time for free. They keep the weekend going, welcome visitors, and answer their questions.

Encourage kids to say hello to them, ask what they like best about a particular building (if they’re not busy), and say thank you when they leave.

13. End at the Nearest Playground or Library

At the end of a busy day enjoying Melbourne’s architecture, plan to chill out at your nearest playground or library (or break up your day’s itinerary with a play stop).

For instance, if you’re in the CBD keep them happy with a trip to the ArtPlay Playground at Birrarung Marr in the City of Melbourne.

Then pat yourself on the back for taking part in the  Open House Melbourne Weekend with your children. Well done you!

The post 13 Tips for Visiting Open House Melbourne with Kids appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Scienceworks WINTER School Holiday Program

1. Air Playground

Air Playground welcomes curious kids and their families to play with air, the amazing invisible force, and experience the science of aerodynamics.  Whoosh, swirl, gust, squish, flow, float and more!

Float objects in mid-air, place material in fast-moving air-jets, squish a giant inflatable tentacle sculpture with your body, launch balls sky-high with compressed air, craft paper planes to soar and more.   

Air Playground, 30 March 2024 – 6 October 2024 | Daily | 10:00am – 4:30pm | Adult $25, Senior $20, Child $10, Concession $10, Member $8 | Includes Scienceworks entry 

2. Air-Palooza

Immerse yourself in the wonders of air at a free 20-minute live science show, Air-Palooza.

Uncover these secrets of invisible forces, witness levitation demonstrations, and explore the fascinating power of air pressure through interactive experiments.   

Air-Palooza 29 June 2024 – 14 July 2024 | Daily | 12:00pm and 2:00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry 

3. Guided Highlights Tour

For the first time ever, visitors can explore the museum on a guided tour!

With a knowledgeable guide, encounter some of Scienceworks’ truest treasures, including the world’s oldest surviving first-generation electronic computer, the Da Vinci Surgical System (the first ever used in Australia), a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite and much more.

Guided Highlights Tour, 29 June 2024 – 14 July 2024 | Daily | 1:30 pm | Adult $25, Senior $20, Child $10, Concession $10, Member $8 | Includes Scienceworks entry 

4. FlushBack

FlushBack, Scienceworks’ new, award-winning AR adventure, brings to life the awe-inspiring heritage-listed Spotswood Pumping Station. 

Travel back to 1942 and complete challenges based on real historical events. You must ensure the Pumping Station continues to operate so Melbourne doesn’t turn back into ‘Smellbourne’!

You’ll be guided by actual workers from the past, brought to life on your device using augmented reality (AR). They will introduce you to each of the major components that enabled the Pumping Station to pump Melbourne’s sewage away from the city for treatment. 

FlushBack, 29 June 2024 – 14 July 2024 | Daily | 1:00pm & 2:00pm | $3, $2 Museum Members 

5. Planetarium Shows

Book into the Planetarium and enjoy an out-of-this-world show exclusive to Scienceworks.  

11:00am – Tycho Goes to Mars 

12:00pm – Solar System Adventures: Where’s the Water?   

1:00pm – Starlight 

2:00pm – Solar System Adventures: Where’s the Water?   

3:00pm – Capturing the Cosmos

4:00pm – Dark Side of the Moon 

Planetarium Shows, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | $10 child and concession / $8 Museum Members 

6. Lightning Room Shows

Take a seat in our Lightning Room and be mesmerised by The Glow Show, a stunning 30-minute live science show.

Explore the fascinating processes behind luminosity, including the many ways a glow can be produced. Discover the science of fluorescence, how animals can appear bright at night and the brilliant, coloured effects of using different materials to make light.

In the spectacular finale, witness a giant Tesla coil light up the theatre with lightning using more than 2 million volts of electricity 

Lightning Room Shows, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm | $10 child and concession / $8 Museum Members | Includes Scienceworks entry 

7. Pumping Station Orientation

Sniff out some of the smelly stories from the pumping station straining well and explore the magnificent engine room, marvelling at the engineering feat that helped overcome the stench of 19th century Melbourne in daily Pumping Station tours. 

Pumping Station Tours are available every day and run for thirty minutes. However, do note that the tours are sometimes closed for private events so it would be best to check Scienework’s What’s On Page first to see if tours are running.

Pumping Station tours 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 11:00am | Included with Scienceworks entry  

8. Collection Store Tours

Take an exclusive look behind the scenes with a tour of the Scienceworks Collection Store. 

Get a glimpse of some of the rare 40,000 collection items stored at Scienceworks, and hear some amazing stories belonging to these unique objects. 

Collection Store Tours, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 12:00pm and 2:00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry 

Check out the Scienceworks’ must-do permanent exhibitions including Ground Up and Beyond Perception

Eat and drink at Grazeland next door

Click here for more things to do in Melbourne this Winter

The post Hands-On Fun: Winter School Holidays At Scienceworks 2024 appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Whether you’re a fan of Broadway hits or avant-garde pieces, Melbourne is hosting the best musicals and theatre shows in 2024, making the city arguably the home of musical shows in Australia.

The Must-See Musicals Melbourne Has Lined Up in 2024

1. SIX

Global pop phenomenon SIX the Musical is returning to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre in August 2024!

Following sensational sell-out seasons across Australia, the six wives of Henry VIII are back to remix history in this high-octane, fun 80-minute musical sensation.

Join the Tudor Queens-turned-Pop-Princesses, as they re-write and re-tell five hundred years of history like you’ve never seen before.

SIX | August 3 – Sept 8 2024 | Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

2. Wicked 

Melbourne families, get excited about the return of Wicked at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre! This highly anticipated musical in Melbourne is a family-friendly journey to the Land of Oz. 

This acclaimed production delves into the backstory of Oz’s most notorious characters, offering a twist on the classic tale. Wicked is ideal for a family night out with its universal themes and kid-appropriate humour. The show boasts an array of ticket options, starting at around the $100 mark.

Secure your spot for a magical journey complete with unforgettable melodies and a heartwarming message about friendship and identity.

Wicked | 2 March – 25 August 2024 | Regent Theatre Melbourne

3. Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard, a mesmerising journey into the golden age of Hollywood, graces the stage at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from May 2024. 

As the thematic depth of this iconic musical puts the age range at 12 and up, it makes for a fantastic choice for parents seeking a sophisticated night out. 

With ticket prices ranging from $70 to $300, theatre lovers with all budgets can immerse themselves in the poignant story of fame, faded glory, and unfulfilled dreams, set to a hauntingly beautiful score.

Sunset Boulevard | 21 May – 10 August 2024 | Princess Theatre

4. Beauty and the Beast 

Step into the magical world of Beauty and the Beast, a family-friendly musical extravaganza in Melbourne. 

Perfect for a heartwarming night out with the kids, the show brings the classic Disney story to the stage with spellbinding performances and iconic songs. 

With tickets starting at $70, you and your children can be part of the magic that will take place in Her Majesty’s Theatre from June through to October.

Beauty and the Beast | 27 June – 13 October 2024 | Her Majesty’s Theatre

5. Tina The Tina Turner Musical 

Experience the unstoppable spirit of Tina Turner with Tina: The Tina Turner Musical in Melbourne. This Melbourne theatre show celebrates resilience and music, making it a compelling watch for families with older kids. 

The musical opens at the Princess Theatre in September 2024, with ticket prices starting at $56. 

Join in to relive Tina Turner’s most memorable moments and songs in a production praised for its dynamic performances and empowering narrative.

Tina The Tina Turner Musical | 24 September – 1 December 2024 | Princess Theatre

6. Elvis: A Musical Revolution

CANCELLED – This return season of Elvis: A Musical Revolution is currently on pause. 

Step into the world of Elvis Presley like never before with Elvis – A Musical Revolution! Witness a spectacular showcase of the King’s timeless music and unforgettable performances that defined an era.

Hosted at the iconic Athenaeum Theatre, you can pick up tickets to this one for just $69. Running from July to August 2024, let the music and magic of Elvis take you on a mesmerizing journey through his legendary career.

Elvis: A Musical Revolution | 27 Jul – 11 Aug 2024 | Athenaeum Theatre

7. Sister Act the Musical

The Broadway and UK smash hit musical Sister Act is coming direct from London’s West End to the Regent Theatre in Melbourne in November 2024.

Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

Based on the iconic film starring Whoopi Goldberg and featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting and a great family night out! 

Sister Act the Musical | November 2024, Regent Theatre

8. Sweeney Todd

From the haunting melodies of Stephen Sondheim to the chilling narrative crafted by Hugh Wheeler, this production transports you to the dark heart of London’s Fleet Street. Witness the transformation of a once-content barber into the infamous “demon barber,” a suave and perilous figure with his rising desire for vengeance. Alongside the beguiling and eccentric Mrs. Lovett, they hatch a twisted plan — equal parts genius and ghastly. Mrs Lovett’s reputation of serving the best pies in town may be short-lived as Sweeney’s thirst for vengeance teeters on the razor’s edge.

Starring the powerhouse duo of Ben Mingay (Sweeney Todd) and Antoinette Halloran (Mrs Lovett) this is your chance to see why TimeOut described them as a ‘juggernaut’ and ‘perfect’.

Considered one of the most powerful, dramatic and theatrical horror tales ever set to music, this masterpiece of musical theatre will leave hearts racing and spines tingling long after the final curtain falls.

Sweeney Todd | 14 September – 21 September 2024, Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse

9. Carousel

Experience the timeless love story of Carousel at the Princess Theatre with Anna O’Byrne and Marina Prior in lead roles.

This lavish concert production brings to life Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical with unforgettable songs like “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

CAROUSEL | 7 + 8 Sept 2024 | Princess Theatre

10. Peter and the Starcatcher

Prepare to be spellbound by the Australian premiere of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” the captivating Broadway sensation coming to Melbourne in 2024.

Created by Disney Theatrical Group and written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker, this all-new production helmed by director David Morton promises a mesmerizing experience for audiences of all ages.

Reimagined by Dead Puppet Society, known for their visually stunning creations, this rendition of Peter and the Starcatcher transports viewers through mystical oceans and lands filled with curious creatures.

Join this epic pre-Pan voyage and immerse yourself in a world of enchantment, puppetry, and live music.

Peter and the Starcatcher | 8 – 24 Nov 2024 | Playhouse Melbourne

11. My Brilliant Career

Step into the world of Sybylla Melvyn in the new musical adaptation of Miles Franklin’s novel “My Brilliant Career.”

Led by the talented Kala Gare and a vibrant ensemble cast of actor/musicians, this re-imagined production breathes new life into a timeless literary character. Experience a live soundtrack that fuses contemporary pop with folk and pub rock elements, creating a dynamic and engaging musical experience.

Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks and featuring captivating performances, this adaptation captures the spirit of a young woman determined to pursue her ambitions and redefine her future against societal norms.

My Brilliant Career | 7 – 30 Nov 2024 | Southbank Theatre

12. Disco Dancer

Prepare to be transported into the mesmerising world of Bollywood with Disco Dancer – The Musical, a sensational production hitting Australian shores for a limited engagement.

Step back in time to the 80s with a spectacle of vibrant colours, iconic fashion, and jaw-dropping dance routines inspired by the record-breaking film. Marvel at the reimagined score by Salim Sulaiman as it breathes new life into Mithun Chakraborty’s iconic 1982 blockbuster.

Join Anil on his journey from the slums of Bombay to stardom, filled with love, passion, and betrayal.

Get ready to dance, laugh, cry, and fall in love with this unforgettable cultural extravaganza.

Disco Dancer | 27 – 28 Sept 2024 | Hamer Hall

13. Dear Evan Hansen

Experience the raw and moving story of “Dear Evan Hansen,” a Broadway smash-hit making its Australian debut. Join Evan as he grapples with newfound fame, teenage loneliness, and the desire for genuine human connection.

With a six-time Tony Award-winning production and a heart-warming soundtrack, this musical will leave you deeply touched.

Dear Evan Hansen | From Dec 2024 | Playhouse Theatre

14. Jesus Christ Superstar

Experience the iconic musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” in a stunning production coming to Melbourne in 2025.

Recommended for ages 10 and up, this electrifying musical features unforgettable music and compelling narratives. Prepare for a mesmerizing experience filled with special effects, including pyrotechnics and flashing lights, as it explores Jesus’ final days.

Jesus Christ Superstar | From March 2025 | Princess Theatre

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This interactive exhibition, filled with vibrant and playful digital art, is perfect for families looking for exciting things to do with kids in the city this winter.

What is Beings?

Beings is an enchanting exhibition featuring 13 artworks, including four new ones, from Universal Everything’s 20-year career. 

This international art and design collective is known for creating captivating digital creatures using cutting-edge technology. Their work has been showcased worldwide, from Seoul to New York – and Beings is their first time in Melbourne. 

Interactive Fun for the Whole Family

At Beings, you’ll meet an array of curious characters born from code. These digital artworks come to life through your movements, dances, and play – so kids can see their actions transform into mesmerising creatures on large-scale screens.

It’s a technological experience that promises fun, surprises, heart and soul!

Beings Program of Activities

In addition to the main exhibition, Beings features a suite of public programs throughout winter. 

Families can enjoy late nights, a contemporary dance series, school holiday activities, and ACMI Preschoolers – interactive, movement, and play-based sessions for children aged three to five years. 

These activities ensure there’s something for every age, making ACMI a top destination for family outings.

ACMI also offers education resources that provide practical ideas for primary and secondary teachers focusing on character design, imaginative writing, and playful creative arts activities.

Universal Everything ACMI Exhibition FAQs

When is the exhibition running?

Beings runs from May 22 to September 29, 2024, in ACMI’s Gallery 4. 

Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 19, with early access for ACMI Members and school groups.

What age is Beings suitable for?

All ages are welcome.

How long should I spend at Beings?

The suggested visit duration is 60 mins.

Can I bring a pram into Beings?

You will need to park your pram at the entrance of Beings.

How I do get to ACMI?

ACMI is located in Fed Square, Melbourne. It’s easily accessible by public transport, and there’s ample paid parking nearby.

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Ancient Egypt for Kids offers a journey back in time to one of the most fascinating civilisations in history. 

The best part? Entry is free! It’s a perfect reason to visit the NGV this winter.

Here’s everything you need to know about this experience.

Step into Ancient Egypt

From Friday 14 June until Sunday 6 October 2024, the NGV International in St Kilda Road Melbourne will host this free exhibition in the Children’s Gallery. 

Ancient Egypt for Kids has been designed specifically for kids as a companion to ‘Pharaoh’ the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition in the main gallery.

Discover Treasures and Artifacts

Step into a space filled with golden walls and floor-to-ceiling hieroglyphs and get ready for an adventure exploring the mysteries of ancient Egypt!

The exhibition showcases stunning ancient Egyptian objects from the NGV’s collection. 

Your kids will marvel at a decorated coffin lid that’s over 2,500 years old, and a golden funerary head covering. 

They’ll get to see an elaborately decorated coffin illuminated to show imagery of gods, goddesses, and hieroglyphic inscriptions. 

It’s a fantastic way for children to see and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian society.

Hands-On Activities

One of the best parts about Ancient Egypt for Kids are the hands-on activities. 

There’s an area where children can write their names in hieroglyphs. 

For the younger visitors, there’s a play zone stacked with blocks for building and rebuilding pyramid formations. 

Children will love the multimedia interactive quiz on the geography of ancient Egypt, the Nile River, and the significance of the pharaohs, gods, and goddesses. 

Ancient Egypt for Kids Art Activity Book

To complement Ancient Egypt for Kids, NGV have produced an art activity book titled “Who Were the Ancient Egyptians?” 

This book is filled with puzzles, quizzes, and art-making activities, making it a great way for kids to continue learning about Ancient Egypt while having fun at home after visiting the exhibition. 

Ancient Egypt for Kids FAQs

What are the exhibition dates for Ancient Egypt for Kids?

Ancient Egypt for Kids runs from Friday 14 June to Sunday 6 October 2024. It’s open 10-5pm daily during gallery opening hours. 

Where is it located?

NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Is there an entry fee?

No, Ancient Egypt for Kids is free to enter. If you wish to visit Pharaoh the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition in the main gallery there is an entry fee. 

What can you expect at the exhibition?

The exhibition includes interactive quizzes, a play zone and numerous learning experiences about ancient Egyptian culture.

What age group is the exhibition suitable for?

The exhibition is designed for children aged 0-8 years.

Are there any special activities for babies and toddlers kids?

Yes, there’s a play zone with blocks for building pyramid formations.

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Now open at The District Docklands until June 2024,  the official fan experience endorsed by the NBA offers families a perfect blend of education and entertainment – and as it’s indoors it’s great for all weather conditions. 

Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or looking for a fun day out with the kids, the NBA Exhibition in Melbourne offers an engaging and educational day out that’s hard to beat.

NBA Exhibition Melbourne

The NBA Exhibition is every NBA fan’s dream setup, offering a variety of basketball and NBA-related activities that engage young minds and adult enthusiasts alike. 

With 20 themed sections to explore, every corner of The NBA Exhibition offers a new surprise!

Discover, Learn, and Play – What to Expect at the NBA Exhibition

Some of the more memorable activities and experiences include the “Measure Up!” exhibit, where kids can compare their handprints and shoe sizes with legendary players.

Check out Shaq’s shoes (huge!), Giannis Antetokounmpo’s height chart (huge!) and Michele Timms’ stats (huge!).

You can also test your basketball skills…

…and even snap a photo with the prestigious Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. 

From augmented reality photo booths that transport you alongside NBA greats to virtual reality experiences that drop you into the heart of NBA action, the exhibition is a fully immersive experience. Note that kids are able to do the VR experience alone. 

You can even take home a unique memento from the “Slam Dunk Selfie” station!

Australian NBA Stars and Local Art

Highlighting the global influence of Australian players in the NBA, the exhibition includes a dedicated section featuring homegrown talent. 

There’s also a display of original artwork by Australian and First Nations artists that showcases a creative blend of basketball and local culture.

NBA Exhibition Melbourne FAQs

How do I buy tickets to the NBA Exhibition Melbourne?

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Kids under 3 years don’t need a ticket. 

Carers are allowed in free, simply show proof of needing a carer ticket at the entrance. 

Note that ticket entry is timed – if you miss your session you can enter depending on the capacity.

What is the ticket exchange and refund policy for NBA Exhibition Melbourne?

Subject to availability, changes of date and/or time are permitted up to 48 hours before the start time of your ticket. You need to email Fever with your ticket ID. 

Refunds are not allowed.

Is NBA Exhibition Melbourne accessible?

The venue is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed inside. 

No strobe lights are used and prams are NOT allowed inside the exhibition. 

The exhibition is a walk-through experience so there are limited chairs/seating available.

How to get to NBA Exhibition Melbourne

The exhibition is located The District Docklands, Level 1/116 Studio Lane,  Docklands VIC 3008

You can arrive by train (Southern Cross station) or tram. The District Docklands is located in the Free Tram Zone. 

There is affordable parking at The District Docklands, where the first 90 minutes are free.

How long should I expect to spend at NBA Exhibition?

We spent about 60 minutes in the exhibition.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting during weekday mornings.

Are there toilets inside the NBA Exhibition?

No – there are toilets outside the exhibition within The District Docklands – so we recommend that you go to the toilets before you enter the exhibition.

Can you buy food and drinks inside the NBA Exhibition?

No, there are no food and drinks available for purchase inside the exhibition. Check out nearby dining spots at The District Docklands to round off your day with a delightful meal.

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Scienceworks AUTUMN School Holiday Program

1. Air Playground

Air Playground welcomes curious kids and their families to play with air, the amazing invisible force, and experience the science of aerodynamics.  Whoosh, swirl, gust, squish, flow, float and more!

Float objects in mid-air, place material in fast-moving air-jets, squish a giant inflatable tentacle sculpture with your body, launch balls sky-high with compressed air, craft paper planes to soar and more.   

Air Playground, 30 March 2024 – 6 October 2024 | Daily | 10:00am – 4:30pm | Adult $25, Senior $20, Child $10, Concession $10, Member $8 | Includes Scienceworks entry 

2. Air-Palooza

Immerse yourself in the wonders of air at a free 20-minute live science show, Air-Palooza.

Uncover these secrets of invisible forces, witness levitation demonstrations, and explore the fascinating power of air pressure through interactive experiments.   

Air-Palooza 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 12:00pm and 2:00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry 

3. FlushBack

FlushBack, Scienceworks’ new, award-winning AR adventure, brings to life the awe-inspiring heritage-listed Spotswood Pumping Station. 

Travel back to 1942 and complete challenges based on real historical events. You must ensure the Pumping Station continues to operate so Melbourne doesn’t turn back into ‘Smellbourne’!

You’ll be guided by actual workers from the past, brought to life on your device using augmented reality (AR). They will introduce you to each of the major components that enabled the Pumping Station to pump Melbourne’s sewage away from the city for treatment. 

FlushBack, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 1:00pm & 2:00pm | $3, $2 Museum Members 

4. Planetarium shows

Book into the Planetarium and enjoy an out-of-this-world show exclusive to Scienceworks.  

11:00am – Tycho Goes to Mars 

12:00pm – Tilt 

1:00pm – Solar System Adventures: Where’s the Water?   

2:00pm – Starlight 

3:00pm – Solar System Adventures: Where’s the Water?   

4:00pm – Dark Side of the Moon 

Planetarium Shows, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | $10 child and concession / $8 Museum Members 

5. Lightning Room Shows

Take a seat in our Lightning Room and be mesmerised by The Glow Show, a stunning 30-minute live science show.

Explore the fascinating processes behind luminosity, including the many ways a glow can be produced. Discover the science of fluorescence, how animals can appear bright at night and the brilliant, coloured effects of using different materials to make light.

In the spectacular finale, witness a giant Tesla coil light up the theatre with lightning using more than 2 million volts of electricity 

Lightning Room Shows, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm | $10 child and concession / $8 Museum Members | Includes Scienceworks entry 

6. Pumping Station tours

Sniff out some of the smelly stories from the pumping station straining well and explore the magnificent engine room, marvelling at the engineering feat that helped overcome the stench of 19th century Melbourne in daily Pumping Station tours. 

Pumping Station Tours are available every day and run for thirty minutes. However, do note that the tours are sometimes closed for private events so it would be best to check Scienework’s What’s On Page first to see if tours are running.

Pumping Station tours 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 11:00am | Included with Scienceworks entry  

7. Collection Store Tours

Take an exclusive look behind the scenes with a tour of the Scienceworks Collection Store. 

Get a glimpse of some of the rare 40,000 collection items stored at Scienceworks, and hear some amazing stories belonging to these unique objects. 

Collection Store Tours, 30 March 2024 – 14 April 2024 | Daily | 12:00pm and 2:00pm | Included with Scienceworks entry 

Check out the Scienceworks’ must-do permanent exhibitions including Ground Up and Beyond Perception

Eat and drink at Grazeland next door

Click here for more things to do in Melbourne this Autumn

This article has been published in collaboration with Museums Victoria.

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Also coming up in April are the Autumn school Holidays (Friday 7 April – Sunday 23 April) and Easter (Friday 7 April to Monday 10 April) Because of the huge number of events happening during these two periods, you’ll find separate posts for Autumn school holiday events and activities in Melbourne CBD plus Easter events in Melbourne and surrounds.

The rest of the month still offers fantastic family fun – so check out the best events below!

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

THE ART OF THE BRICK

Featured Event

With a global audience of 10+ million and earning spot on CNN’s “must-see” list, The Art of the Brick arrives in Melbourne! This immersive LEGO® exhibit by Nathan Sawaya promises an unforgettable experience. Explore original collections, over 100 sculptures created from 1 million+ bricks, a LEGO® safari, dynamic installations, 360° projections, and much more!

Highlights:

• Explore the new version of the popular LEGO® sculpture exhibition
• Dive into Nathan Sawaya’s colorful world with moving sculptures, bright lights, cool videos, and awesome sound
• See famous animals made of LEGO and watch them on a big screen
• Find 7 lifelike human sculptures in every color of the rainbow
• Check out more than 250 moving LEGO® skulls with cool lights and sounds
• Have fun and learn, suitable for guests of all ages

The Art of the Brick Immersive Experience, Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032 (Entrance via Gate 5 on Langs Road)

Prices starting at $31.90 for adults and $22.90 for children. Kids under 4 enter for FREE!

Until Sunday 30 June 2024

Melbourne Events April

What’s on in Melbourne CBD / Docklands

• Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature (Thu 23 Nov – Sun 14 Apr ) – See the world from a new perspective. A hypnotic, immersive experience that explores the rhythm that cultivates and connects all life – breath.
• BBC Earth Experience (Mon 1 Jan – Sun 28 Apr) – The BBC Earth Experience at the MCEC is an all-ages interactive journey through the seven continents powered by state-of-the-art technology never before seen in Australia.
• Exhibition: Wild City At ArtPlay (Sat 20 Jan – Sun 16 Jun) – Come and visit a mini city landscape that has been transformed into a wild, thriving, green metropolis – where humans and animals share their habitat.
• Punting on the Lake (Fri 1 Sep – Fri 31 May) – Settle back in an elegant wooden punt to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s finest gardens as a professional guide tells you about its history and wildlife.
• Leonardo Da Vinci (Sat 16 Mar – Sun 16 Jun) – Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius promises to be THE LUME Melbourne’s most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking experience yet.

• Stellar Nights (Mon 8 + Mon 22 Apr) – Embark on a captivating journey through time and space with our guided tours at the Melbourne Observatory.
• Cirque du Soleil (Sun 24 Mar – Sun 5 May) – Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Australia with critically acclaimed and jaw-dropping production LUZIA, opening in Melbourne on 24th March 2024.
• Monopoly Dreams (Thu 28 Mar – Fri 29 Mar) – Embark on a nostalgic journey and reignite family fun with MONOPOLY DREAMS. Gather your crew for a classic board game experience like never before.
• I’m a Refugee… Get Me Out Of Here! (Tue 9 Apr – Sun 21 Apr) – Hailing from Ethiopia via New Zealand, Melbourne’s freshest comedy voice brings a critical and fresh view to Australia’s comedy scene.
• Australasian Quilt Convention (Thu 11 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Australia’s premier quilting event is back! Experience a magnificent quilt show, all the latest fabrics, patterns and machines and an amazing lineup of classes!
• The Pet Show (Sat 13 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Back by popular demand, Australia’s First National Pet Show is returning to Melbourne promising to be bigger and better than ever before.
• Bluey 28 Minute Special Screening (Sun 14 Apr) – Enjoy the 28-minute Bluey special with your family and furry friends (dogs welcome!) and catch the most anticipated wedding of the year!

• My Cousin Vlad – DIS/DAT (Sat 20 Apr) – My Cousin Vlad debuts at his first ever Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his Festival show DIS/DAT.
• The Vegan Market (Sun 28 Apr) – The Vegan Market is back with an epic lineup at Fed Square this April! Bring the whole family with kids activities, product tastings, fun creative workshops to unleash your creative self.
• The NBA Exhibition (Various dates from Wed 3 Apr – Sun 2 Jun) – The NBA’s first and only global touring exhibition takes you on a journey through the lifestyle, culture, and rich history of the NBA with rare items on display, unique activities and much more.

• Sonica Botanica: Stories and Sounds from the Gardens (Tue 31 Dec) – Weaving together interviews, field recordings and a musical score, this evocative listening experience responds to collectors’ passions, botanical knowledge, favourite memories, childhood impressions, historical anecdotes and cultural viewpoints
• Seek and Find Nature Cards (Until Tue 31 Dec 2024) – Set your young ones on an adventure exploring nature with Seek and Find Nature Cards to be used at Melbourne Gardens or download the cards and explore your neighbourhood.
• The Explorer – Melbourne Gardens (Until Tue 31 Dec 2024) – Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus.
• Sonica Botanica: Stories and Sounds from the Gardens (Until Tue 31 Dec 2024) – Weaving together interviews, field recordings and a musical score, this evocative listening experience responds to collectors’ passions, botanical knowledge, favourite memories, childhood impressions, historical anecdotes and cultural viewpoints
• Arts Centre Sunday Market (Until Sat 31 Dec) – find unique, quirky and handmade items at the stalls. There are always some yummy treats too!
• Aboriginal Heritage Walk (Until Tue 31 Dec 2024) – Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide.

• Melbourne Book Market (Saturdays & Sundays) – a curated collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved titles selected and presented by 15 of Melbourne’s most experienced booksellers.
• Docklands Community Market (2nd & 4th Sunday of each month) – Grab your early morning coffee, enjoy a lovely stroll & support your local producers at this lovely market.
• The District Makers Market (Last Sunday of every month) – enjoy entertainment and shop fine arts, crafts, jewellery, and artisan goods.
• Shrine Kids (ongoing) – The Shrine of Remembrance is the National War Memorial of Victoria and it makes for an educational (and sobering) outing for families. 
• 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. Read the Story of the Moving Image ACMI Review.

• SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium (Ongoing) – See some of the world’s most incredible animals, including penguins, a 6-metre-long crocodile and thousands of tropical fish, plus the newly reopened oceanarium.
• Night on the Reef (ongoing) – A kaleidoscope of tropical fish, sharks, rays, and turtles captivating the beauty and diversity of the world’s coral reefs.
• Into the Music – Composition Workshop 2024 (ongoing) – Participants in Into the Music – Composition Workshop will explore technology and techniques used to create the music they hear every day.

• Play Group & Soft Play (Fridays) – Play with your child and make community connections in a safe and fun indoor environment at Soft Play.
• Kids Passport Queen Victoria Market (Ongoing) – Collect your passport, then journey around the Market collecting stamps from our friendly traders, before making your way to the Queen Victoria Market Visitor Hub to claim your prize.

What’s on in Melbourne North / North-East

• IT’S ‘GAMEON’ AT TIMEZONE WITH $20 BONUS VOUCHER (Mon 13 Mar – Tue 30 Apr) – Until April 30, Timezone is giving guests $20 bonus credit. To claim the bonus credit, download the Timezone Fun App and enter the code GAMEON.
• The Listies Make Some Noise! (Fri 12 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Join the award winning Listies as the maestros of mirth, Rich and Matt,belt out a bunch of songs with the LOLs turned up to 11!
• Heide Gallery Kids (Fri 19 Apr & Fri 26 Apr) – Join Art Therapist Tanis Douglas, who supports pre-school children and their carers to gain confidence observing artworks in a small group
• Eid Community Celebration (Sat 20 Apr) – Join us for a vibrant community celebration in honor of Eid, with cultural performances, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages.
• Marnong Estate Petting Zoo X Second Chance Rescue (Sun 21 Apr) – Marnong Estate presents petting zoo with Second Chance Rescue. Donations support animal rescue. Enjoy interactive experiences, feed animals, and support a meaningful cause.
• Guide Dogs Victoria ‘Pup-up’ Cafe (Wed 24 Apr) – Guests will be given an exclusive opportunity to cuddle up next to real-life Labrador puppies while they sip on their morning cappuccino.
• Ballarat Marathon (Sat 27 Apr – Sun 28 Apr) – Brand-new world class running festival – The Ballarat Marathon – lands in one of Victoria’s largest regional cities in April.
• ACF20 Community Open Day (Sat 27 Apr) – Free event celebrating 20 years of vibrant activity at Abbotsford Convent.

• Diamond Valley Railway (Sundays) – miniature railway with a playground next door. Read the Diamond Valley Railway Review
• Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs (ongoing) – An immersive voyage into a lost world, where visitors will explore the landscapes of the Cretaceous and get to know the creatures that thrived there.
• Dinosaur Walk (Ongoing) – Check out the real dinosaur bones at Melbourne Museum’s permanent exhibition featuring ten dinosaur skeletons, three pterosaurs, and other select megafauna artefacts such as huge teeth!
• Sensory Tray Session (Mondays + Tuesdays) – Pour, scoop, splash, and more at these sensory tray sessions!

• Keeper Kids Melbourne Zoo (Ongoing) – Educator-led daily activities that promote learning through storytelling, craft, and play at Keeper Kids Melbourne Zoo.
• Mini Twitchers Heide (Ongoing) – Be a twitcher for a day and spot some beautiful birds in the Heide Sculpture park! Use a map to locate each area where the twelve painted birds are hidden in trees in the sculpture park.
• Gandel Gondwana Garden (Ongoing) – Explore Victoria’s ancient landscapes and learn about creatures that once walked this land, from dinosaurs and megafauna to the ancestors of today’s iconic Australian species.
• Tiny Tours (Fridays) – A 45-minute tour created for early year audiences that will invite them to wonder, discover and be amazed.

What’s on in Melbourne South / South-East / Bayside

• Metartworld (Thu 7 Mar- Sat 4 Apr) – Get ready to be blown away by the mesmerizing metal art wonders of Metartworld! Be amazed as you step inside a massive 2,500-square-meter space filled with incredible, one-of-a-kind statues crafted from recycled materials and scrap metal.
• Possum Magic (Fri 5 Apr – Sun 7 Apr) – Possum Magic, a magical live show for 3-8 year-olds, features magic, puppetry, and music, enchanting 170,000 audiences in Australia. Playing at alexander Theatre 5 – 7 April.
• Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience (Sat 6 Apr – Sun 19 May) – Don’t miss Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience! Walk into the depths of an illuminated forest and discover magical creatures and iconic Wizarding World moments. Get tickets!
• Melbourne Pedalthon 2024 (Sun 21 Apr) – Have fun and raise money to help fight below-the-belt cancers and ride with us on our closed circuit away from the cars and potholes.
• Trust Makers’ Market (Sun 21 Apr) – Shop lovingly handmade art and design on the sprawling lawns of Rippon Lea Estate.
• Wall to Wall (Fri 26 Apr – Sun 28 Apr) – Renowned street artists will adorn buildings with large-scale, colourful murals across the weekend & Saturday’s block party will include DJs, food trucks, tastings and more art.
• HOLIDAY INN x LEGO MASTERS ‘INNSPIRATION WORKSHOP’ (Sat 27 Apr) – Get ready to unleash your creativity at the HOLIDAY INN x LEGO MASTERS ‘INNSPIRATION WORKSHOP’ – it’s going to be a brick-tastic time!
• Bumblebee Kids Baby Market Berwick (Sun 28 Apr) – pre-loved, handmade, and new goods.

• Skyline Attractions (Until Sun 12 May) – Take in the breathtaking views of the St Kilda foreshore and pier at the KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel which makes its debut this Summer!
• Gasworks Farmers’ Market (Until Sat 21 Dec 2024) – On Saturdays soak up the vibrant atmosphere and sample the very best of local Victorian produce, directly from Victorian farmers and specialty makers.
• Little Play Squad Legoland (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) – An interactive parent-child Play & Learn session based on LEGO® DUPLO®. Read the  DUPLO Farm Adventure Review.
• Prahran Market Mini Marketeers (Tuesdays) – Enjoy free, guided activities teaching toddlers the fundamentals of eating well and putting the ‘yum’ in healthy food choices
• Nature Play (Tuesdays during school term) – Come along to Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve for Nature Play, an outdoor, child-led playgroup session facilitated by a qualified ranger.
• Stories and Songs in the Square (Mondays and Wednesdays) – Stories help children to discover the world around them. Nurture your child’s early literacy skills by joining in to read aloud stories and sing action songs and rhymes.
• The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (Wednesday – Sunday) – A dedicated, fully fenced space for families featuring plants, water, structures, and pathways that reflect Melbourne’s changing seasons.

• Bentleigh Sunday Market (Sundays) – plants, clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, books, videos, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods, and more! Every Sunday. 
• Mornington Railway (Sundays) – Climb aboard the Mornington Railway steam train for a fun-filled outing.
• Camberwell Sunday Market (Every Sunday) – secondhand retro, vintage, antique, fashion and collectible goods you just can’t find anywhere else
• National Steam Centre (Every Saturday and Sunday) – A visit to the National Steam Centre will delight a wide audience from the pre-schooler obsessed with Thomas and train rides, to train enthusiasts of any age!
• Lilydale Rotary Craft Produce Market (First Sunday of the Month) – craft stalls, food, and fresh produce on the first Sunday of the month.

• LEGO Friends (Ongoing) – Visit LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne to meet your new Friends, receive fun show bags, join in a scavenger hunt activity and more!
• Afternoons of Awesome at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre (Mon 26 Feb – Fri 6 Dec) – Young builders can blast out of the classroom into a world of creativity, hop on electrifying rides, and set off on epic afternoon LEGO adventure!
• Little Lunies at Luna Park (Ongoing) – Discover a fantastic world of rides, attractions, and games to suit Little and Big Lunies! There’s something for everyone from old favorites like The Great Scenic Railway, Ghost Train, & Carousel to the big thrill rides like the Power Surge, Sky Rider, Twin Dragon, and more!
• WIIILD Wednesdays, Gumbuya World (Ongoing) – Dive into Wildlife Wanderers, the trail of free-roaming wildlife, savor two interactive shows, and hop on junior rides! Get up close with exotic animals, connect with nature, and enjoy exciting entertainment every week!
• Young At Art (Tuesdays) – With the guidance of an experienced early childhood educator, participants work on a different hands-on creative activity every week, using materials from the take-home art materials box supplied each session.

What’s on in Melbourne East

• Kabloom Flower Festival (Sat 23 Mar – Sun 21 Apr) – Come and enjoy our flower fields bursting with a sea of colour with over a million flowers. A wonderful day out with all the family Read the. Kabloom Review
• Dandenong Ranges Open Studios (Sat 13 Apr, Sun 14 Apr, Sat 20 Apr, & Sun 21 Apr) – An exciting annual weekend event that promotes the work of local artists and gives you the opportunity to have a sneak peek into the private world of our artists’ working studio environments
• Bumblebee Kids Baby Market Ringwood (Sun 28 Apr) – pre-loved, handmade, and new goods.

• Blue Lotus Water Garden (Until Mon 1 Apr) – explore gardens with lakes, ponds and lagoons and fairy gardens. Read the Blue Lotus Water Garden Review
• Belgrave Big Dreams Market (2nd Sunday of the Month) – 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.
• Box Hill Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the Month) – Ride this wonderful Miniature Railway, the track winds through the picturesque surrounds of Elgar Park. Read the Box Hill Miniature Railway Review
• Mooroolbark Miniature Railway (Runs 4th Sunday each month) – miniature rail running every 4th Sunday.

• Heide Art Babies (Tuesdays) – 30 minutes of sensory play in the gallery, looking, thinking and talking about art Read the Heide Art Babies Review.
• Yarra Valley Railway (Sundays) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Read the Yarra Valley Railway review
• 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?
• Bounce Playdates (Weekdays During Term Time) – Extended toddler sessions offer little adrenaline hunters time to explore and play, while parents can choose to join in, or watch on from nearby.

• ECOSS Valley Market (Fridays) – Experience the vibrant Valley Markets, connecting local growers, artisans, and musicians in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
• Spirits of the Sky (Ongoing) – See the natural behaviours of a variety of native birds which may include the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard, Barking Owl, magnificent parrots and more.
• Eastland (Ongoing) – Sign up for the free mini & me kids club at Eastland (for kids 4 and under) and receive exclusive offers, invites to free events, and $5 valet parking! FREE.
• Bounce Playdates  (Weekdays during term time) – Extended toddler sessions offer little adrenaline hunters time to explore and play, while parents can choose to join in, or watch on from nearby.
• Kids Mornings (Wednesdays) – A fun, free activity every week at Westfield Knox!

What’s on in Melbourne West

• 2024 Get Active! Expo Launch (Sun 17 Mar – Sun 14 Apr) – Enjoy an interactive kids’ corner and activities from Western Bulldogs, Melbourne Victory, Cricket Victoria and Reclink Australia.
• Steve McCurry. ICONS: An Extraordinary Photography Exhibition (Wed 27 Mar – Sat 20 Apr) – Steve McCurry. ICONS is an extraordinary exhibition in Melbourne showcasing the work of Steve McCurry
• The Gruffalo at Kryal Castle (Fri 29 Mar – Sun 21 Apr) – Join Kryal Castle these Easter school holidays on an adventure to find the Gruffalo to celebrate 25 years of the beloved children’s tale!
• Mural Making with Baby Guerilla (Sat 1 Apr) – Learn how to design and create a public mural with street artist Baby Guerrilla.

• Footscray Community Arts’ Toddler Clay Club (Sat 1 Apr) – In this class, Artist OPAL shares simple clay-making skills for both bubs and their carers at Footscray Community Arts.
• Possum Magic (Fri 12 Apr – Sat 13 Apr) – Possum Magic, a magical live show for 3-8 year-olds, features magic, puppetry, and music, enchanting 170,000 audiences in Australia. Playing at Geelong Arts Centre, 12 – 13 April
• Supercheap Auto Racing team launch at Grazeland (Fri 12 Apr) – Supercheap Auto are super excited to launch the 2024 Wildcard season and livery in a thrilling display of motorsport excitement at Melbourne’s foodie hotspot, Grazeland.
• Taste and Create Rocky Road Workshop Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Sat 13 Apr) – craft your very own Rocky Road creation choosing from over 50 exotic ingredients
• Family High Tea Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Sat 20 Apr) – Enjoy a fun, family-friendly high tea served at private tables in their Pod Cafe. 
• Yarraville Village Farmers Market (Sat 20 Apr) – enjoy a wonderful, relaxed community environment and sample the freshest products direct from the farmers and producers as you shop in the open.

• Incy Wincy Babies (Fri 26 Apr) – Barking Spider Creative artist guides carers with their babies through a visual art experience at the Gallery.
• Western Edge Presents – Open Stage: Muses (Sat 27 Apr) – Join in at The Annex for an evening of conscious R&B, hip-hop, and poetry produced by Nomad222 and hosted by spoken word poet Akwal Magek.
• Eynesbury Market (Sun 28 Apr) – monthly community market in Eynesbury.
• Fulldome Flicks (Saturdays) – A spellbinding cinema experience for the whole family is returning to the Melbourne Planetarium this autumn.
• Toddler Art (Wednesdays during term) – Join mother and artist Kate Golding as she leads you and your kids to collaborate playfully and make art together.
• Toddler Jam  (Thursdays & Fridays) – All about getting toddlers active and learning through play, with a mixture of percussion, singing, and dancing.

• Bulla Railway (3rd Sunday of each month) – Ride the dinosaur trail on the miniature railway. Read the Bulla Railway Review.
• Art in the garden (Last Friday of the month) – It’s a combination of nature play, sensory play, process art, and playgroup. Run by ‘The Fun In Art’.
• Altona Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the month) – between 10 am and 3 pm, ride this wonderful Miniature Railway. Read the Altona Miniature Railway review.
• Grazeland (Fridays – Sundays) – huge dining precinct with city views and 50 stalls to choose from. Free face painting, live music, jungle climbing equipment and more. 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. Read the 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. Read the Station Hotel Review
• Enterprize One Hour Day Sails (ongoing) – sail from five locations in Port Phillip Bay and occasionally in other ports along the southeastern coast of Australia.
• Werribee Open Range Zoo (Ongoing) – Stroll through the Zoo spotting lions, hippos, cheetahs, monkeys, gorillas and more, catch the safari bus tour or explore the Ranger Kids indoor play space and Village Kids outdoor playground.
• Air Playground (Ongoing) – Air Playground has launched at Scienceworks. Levitate objects, engineer paper planes, & learn the physics of airflow.

• Melbourne Planetarium (Ongoing) – Sit back and enjoy the wonder of the stars regardless of the time of day – or the weather!
• Ground Up: Building Big Ideas, Together (Ongoing) – An exhibition for babies to five-year-olds where curiosity is rewarded around each bend with surprising and intriguing sights, sounds and touch sensations.
• Playnastics (Wednesdays + Thursdays) – Casual open play sessions using a selection of Preschool Gymnastics equipment and resources, as well as puzzles, blocks and more. ​Read our review here.
• The Music Playground (Various days available) –  Explore joy and connection through music-making with others. With singing, instrument exploration, musical games, rhymes and lullabies, children will grow their musical potential, by following the natural process of language acquisition.

• Toddler and Kids Art Classes (Various dates) – The Fun In Art’ provides art classes for toddlers and kids where they’re more about the fun of creation and less about the outcome of the artwork.
• Art in the garden (Last Friday of the month) – It’s a combination of nature play, sensory play, process art, and playgroup. Run by ‘The Fun In Art’.
• AquaPlay Group (Tues, Wed, & Thursdays) – A 30-minute casual swim class for infants 3-18 months old. Learn water safety in a fun, social, safe, and relaxed environment.
• Clocktower Centre Children’s Space (Ongoing) – Parents and carers can sit back and relax with a coffee and a snack from the Clocktower Café while the kids explore the space, watch the trams go by or listen to their favourite book with the interactive Storytime Pod.

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The post What’s On in Melbourne – April 2024 appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT

Some events are free, some require tickets and pre-booking – so hop to it!

Note that this post is regularly updated so make sure to check back for new events.

In 2024 Easter is at the start of the Victorian Autumn school holidays, so we’ve also published separate listings for school holidays events in Melbourne CBD and school holiday activities in Melbourne’s suburbs.

Check here for Victorian school holidays and public holiday dates.

When is Easter 2024?

Easter is on Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April 2024.

MELBOURNE Easter EVENTS

Easter Events in Melbourne – CBD / DOCKLANDS

• Easter Events in Melbourne – CBD / DOCKLANDS
• Easter at Queen Victoria Market (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Meet the Easter bunny, book for the Easter Bunny tea party and explore the Market with your Kids Passport.
• Grand Easter Celebration Grand Hyatt Melbourne (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – the Grand Hyatt Melbourne is serving an exuberant High Tea and Buffet Lunch, inspired by the wonders of Easter.
• Pirate Day at Polly Woodside supporting the Good Friday Appeal (Fri 29 Mar) – Enjoy a great day out for the whole family and experience the Pirate Life aboard Polly Woodside – all while a supporting worthy cause.
• Mad Hatter’s Easter High Tea Stamford Plaza (Sat 6 Apr) – Indulge in a whimsical high tea experience with Easter-themed treats and activities.

Easter Events in Melbourne – NORTH / NORTH-EAST

• Easter at Preston Market (Sun 24 Mar – Wed 10 Apr) – Enjoy the Roving Easter Bunny, follow the map to find all the hidden Easter eggs in the Easter Egg Hunt, enjoy kids face painting and balloon twisting and animal farm.
• Easter School Holiday Activities (Sun 24 Mar – Wed 10 Apr) – Join the Easter fun at Preston Market! March 24th: Egg hunt & bunny visit. April 3rd: Face painting & balloon twisting!
• Eaglemont Egg Hunt (Fri 22 Mar) – Join in on the Easter fun with an egg hunt in Eaglemont Village.

• Easter Morning Tea Greensborough Plaza (Sat 23 Mar) – Enjoy an exciting Morning Tea filled with chocolatey goodness and a special appearance by the Easter bunny!
• Little Explorer Wednesdays Greensborough Plaza (Wed 27 Mar) – Easter craft and hunt.
• Farm Vigano Easter Egg Hunt (Sun 31 Mar) – Visit the Easter Bunny, take a photo and join our annual community Easter Egg Hunt at Farm Vigano

Easter Events in Melbourne – SOUTH / SOUTH-EAST / BAYSIDE

• Easter Cookie Decorating Class – Beginner (Sat 16 Mar) – Learn all about cookie decorating and decorate 6+ small Easter themed cookies (bunny, flower, chick, carrot, egg and hop).
• Kids Easter Egg Decorating & Bunny Dance Party (Sat 23 Mar) – Join in on an egg-citing journey of decoration and fun at our Egg-stravagant Easter party at Little Party House.
• Easter Eggstravaganza (Sun 24 Mar) – Hop on over to Landcox Park for “Easter Eggstravaganza” for an egg-citing afternoon packed with Easter-themed delights that will leave smiles on faces of all ages.
• Busy Bodies Easter Edition (Mon 25 Mar) – Enjoy some Easter Cooking in this FREE activity sessions for pre-school aged children.
• Easter Bunny & Royal High Tea (Sat 30 Mar) – Enjoy a Mini mani, Mini pedi, meet & Greet the Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs, games, & delicious High Tea.
• Acland’s Easter Trail (Sat 30 Mar & Sun 31 Mar) – Complete the Easter Trail anytime over the Easter weekend and be in the draw to win BIG prizes!

• Easter Egg-traviganza at Boneo Discovery Park (Sun 31 Mar) – Hop into Easter fun at Boneo Discovery Park! Egg hunt, Easter bunny, races, face painting, crafts, and more included with park entry.
• Easter Day Family Day Out (Sun 31 Mar) – Hop along to Rippon Lea and enjoy open-air markets, picnics around the grounds and join in the Great Rippon Lea Egg & Spoon Race.
• MPNG Mornington Easter (Sun 31 Mar) – To celebrate one of Clip Clop Club’s biggest days of the year, Mornington Racecourse will transform into a spectacle of carnivalesque action and family-friendly entertainment where young racegoers can enter free and enjoy unlimited rides.
• Easter Egg Hunt Boneo Discovery Park (Sun 31 Mar) – Hop into the Easter spirit at Boneo Discovery Park for an egg-stravaganza of fun! Our day starts with an egg-citing traditional Easter egg hunt.

• The Great Luna Park Easter Egg Hunt (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Meet the Easter Bunny and join the egg hunts for over 30,000 Chocolatier eggs for kids of all ages.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Bottega188 (Sat 30 Mar) – Join Bottega on an exciting Easter eggs hunt with your kids, snacks and drinks included.
• Kids Easter Tea & Craft Party (Sun 3 Apr) – Create your own Easter bonnet hat, enjoy a delicious tea party, and dance with the Easter Bunny at Little Party House.

Easter Events in Melbourne – EAST

• Hop Into Easter (Mon 18 Mar – Wed 27 Mar) – Round-up the family and head in-centre in the lead-up to Easter for free activities and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
• Easter Egg Hunt Croydon Main Street (Sat 23 Mar) – Hunt for Cadbury eggs hidden in various stores along Croydon Main Street Shops, following the Easter ears on the map to track down those delicious treats. Free face painting, crafts, and hot cross buns for early birds.
• Diamond Creek Eggstravagant Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic (Sat 30 Mar) – Families are invited to celebrate Easter at the Diamond Creek playspace with an Easter egg hunt for children.
• Hop Into Easter at Forest Hill Chase (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Round-up the family and head in-centre over the Easter weekend to experience our Carrot Patch and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
• Hop Into Easter at Casey Central (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Round-up the family and head to Casey Central over the Easter weekend to experience our Carrot Patch and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
• Hop Into Easter (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Round-up the family and head to The Pines over the Easter weekend to experience our Carrot Patch and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
• Easter Egg Hunts at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Little hunters ages 12 and under will search for hidden clues throughout the grounds that will allow them to redeem a special Easter Gift Box from the Easter Bunny!
• The Big Goose Easter Eggstravaganza (Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) –collect as many plastic Easter eggs as you can until The Easter Bunny rings his bell, find the golden easter egg, enjoy active fun on the Adventure Playground, Pirate Ship Playground and more!
• Easter at Mt Buller (Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) – Enjoy mountain biking, bushwalks, trail running, the Mountain High Fun Run, markets, the fabulous Buller Air Zone’s indoor rock climbing and trampolining, and the famous Easter Egg Hunt with over 10,00 eggs

• Easter Lunch & Egg Hunt Balgownie Estate (Sun 31 Mar) – Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The kids will have a blast participating in our annual Easter Egg hunt. 
• Easter Sunday at Tokar Estate (Sun 31 Mar) – Easter Sunday enjoy an Easter-egg-hunt and cuddle in the petting zoo while you relax with wine or boozy hot chocolate at the Cellar Door!

• Tesselaar Kabloom Easter Rabbit Hunt (Sat 30 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) – This year our Easter Hunt is all new and instead of hunting eggs, you will be hunting rabbits! This is a scavenger hunt for all ages and prize includes a fluffy, cuddly bunny and eight Cadbury eggs.
• Giant Easter Egg Hunt Chirnside Park (Sat 30 Mar) – egg hunt, inflatables, face painting, sausage sizzle.
• Auburn Hotel Easter Long Weekend (Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) – petting zoo, face painting, kids entertainers. Plus, an appearance from the Easter Bunny on Sunday.
• Hop Into Easter (Tue 2 Apr – Fri 12 Apr) – We’ve got a great schedule of FREE activities running at Croydon Central these school holidays, including Build-A-Bear and Donut Decorating sessions.
• Kids Egg-venture and Family Picnic (Fri 12 Apr) – Join us for a morning of family fun at Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct with crafts for the little ones and a scavenger hunt.

Easter Events in Melbourne – WEST

• Newport Lakes Pop-up (Mon 18 Mar) – Toddler and Pre-School Kids Art with egg-shaped cardboard plus more hands-on, fun, and relaxed art event for toddlers and pre-school kids aged 1-5.
• Lara Easter Market (Sat 23 Mar) – A country market featuring arts & crafts, food vendors, a petting farm, and an Easter Bonnet & Mad Hatters Hat Competition with fun prizes.
• Easter Pop-up in Williamstown (Mon 25 Mar) – A hands-on, in-person, fun, and relaxed event for toddlers and pre-school kids to enjoy various Easter-themed arts and crafts activities.
• B is for Bunny (Wed 27 Mar – Thu 28 Mar) – Enjoy afternoon tea with the Easter Bunny and live shows with Trixie the Easter Pixie in the RT Pollard Gardens Sunshine. Catch bubbles, play table tennis with roving performers, enjoy a free sausage, get your bunny face on and relax under the shade with your family and friends.
• Easter in Werribee City Centre (Fri 22 Mar – Wed 3 Apr) – Enjoy free Easter fun, including meeting the Easter bunny, face painting, and free kids activities at Station Place. 
• Kids Easter Day Overnewton Castle (Sat 23 Mar) – Enjoy a spectacular three tiered high tea brunch in the Grand Ballroom or Sherry Room, serving traditional finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, fresh scones and free flowing tea and coffee. The Easter Bunny may just visit us, in between a busy program of games and activities, followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade – so don’t forget to bring your most creative bonnet!
• Easter Fun 2024 (Sat 23 Mar) – The Easter Bunny and helper will be appearing in various locations in Melton, offering photo opportunities and free giveaways.

• Pre-Easter Sunday Kids Funday (Sun 24 Mar) – Enjoy Easter egg hunts, pony rides Petting Zoo, inflatable rides, ‘Hop’ movie screening, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
• Easter in Wonderland (Sun 24 Mar) – Experience Easter in Wonderland with Easter craft, face painting, entertainment, outdoor activities, Easter egg hunt, and more!
• Pre-Easter Sunday Kids Funday by Eynesbury (Sun 24 Mar) – Join in on an egg-citing pre-Easter Funday at Eynesbury, featuring an enormous egg hunt, kids entertainment, rides, and a visit from The Easter Bunny and Easter Bonnie.
• Mini Makers – Easter Cooking Workshop (Wed 27 Mar) – Make your own Easter nest with fruit and meringue in this cooking workshop
• Easter School Holidays at Grazeland (Fri 29 Mar – Sun 18 Apr) – HOP INTO GRAZELAND’S EGGSTRA-SPECIAL SCHOOL HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES THIS EASTER Indulge in chocolate delights before grooving the night away to vibrant rhythms at Grazeland’s Latin Fiesta.
• Good Friday Trips – Queenscliff (Fri 29 Mar) – Take a scenic trip along Swan Bay for a fun way to donate to The Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal!
• Easter Weekend Specialss – Queenscliff (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Take a scenic trip from Queenscliff, along picturesque Swan Bay to Lakers Siding to see the Easter Bunny.
• Easter Egg Hunt Bellarine Estate (Sat 30 Mar) – Join us for a fun-filled day of searching for colourful Easter eggs hidden throughout the venue.

• Easter Egg Hunt at Mount Buninyong Winery (Fri 22 Mar) – Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt with lots of activities, fairy floss, face painting, garden games, and more.
• Easter Egg Hunt at the Chocolaterie (Sat 30 Mar – Sun 31 Mar) – Bring four different clues to the Easter Bunnies and each participating child will receive their special Easter Gift Box
• Bellarine Railway Easter Train (Fri 29 Mar – Mon 1 Apr) – different activities / timetable each day – ‘Bunny Spotto’ activity, Easter Bonnet comp judged by the Easter Bunny, Egg and Spoon Trail for children and Photo op’s with the Easter Bunny!

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