From indoor pools filled with inflatables to the chance to help make habitats for wildlife, we’ve rounded up great free and cheap activities to do with your children in Melbourne this summer

When you need to wear them out

Dive into amphibious wellness activities

From family meditation sessions to poolside games, inflatables and twilight walks, the pools of Casey are programming a tropics-themed Summer Fun Fest with daily activities throughout January.

Ages: For school-aged children – children under 10 need to be actively watched

Cost: Free to members. Casual visitors are $9 for adults and $7.50 for kids

Dates: 6-29 January

Let them have a taste of working life

Located at the DFO South Wharf, DreamCity allows children to try the tools used in STEAM jobs such as neonatal nursing, video production and robotics over two hours

Ages: 5-13 years; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost: Free for children under 4 (there’s a “creative play” space just for them), $28 for 5-13, $11 for adults

Dates: Open daily, but advanced bookings are advised

Turn them loose in the world’s largest bouncy castle

Held at Flemington racecourse, Big Bounce Australia promises parents three hours of reading time, while their kids jump their yayas out in a lurid, 1,500 sq m bouncing castle with DJs, basketball hoops and a 70m-tall bunny rabbit.

Ages: Children over 4 can explore on their own; toddlers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Cost: $29 for bouncy castle participants; spectators visit free

Dates: 3-19 January; closed Mondays and Tuesdays



Send them off on a supervised day-trip

The Casey teenage school holiday program provides informal but sporty activities like rock climbing, kayaking, laser tags and beach days, plus trips to Luna Park and go-karting.

Ages: 10-17 (this program is fully supervised and transport is included – no need to be accompanied by a parent)

Cost: Free-$35

Dates: 13-24 January

When you want to get their creative juices flowing

Take them up in the air

Scienceworks, in Spotswood’s latest exhibition, is all about air. That means giant fans, tactile inflatables and live experiment demonstrations daily during the school holidays.

Ages: Suitable for all ages; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Cost: Entry is free for children under 16, $15 for adults. Additional costs apply for planetarium shows and some other activities

Dates: Open daily

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Let them play with glitter

The City of Melbourne’s public libraries have taken a sparkly turn for the summer holidays, with activities ranging from glitter castle building to “glam puppet” workshops and even a disco for babies

Ages: There are activities suitable for children aged 0 to 10, and you’ll need to stick around to supervise

Cost: Free

Dates: 13-24 January

Craft them into the Year of the Rat

Held in Balwyn North, Luna New Year craft week is hosted by Greythorn Library Lounge and all kids will experience Chinese traditions through art and craft activities.

Ages: It’s suitable for all ages, but kids over 11 might feel too grown up for it. Children need to be accompanied by a parent

Cost: Free

Dates: 20-24 January, 10am-6pm daily

Take them to an arty party

The National Gallery of Victoria’s Kids’ Summer festival is led by working local artists. Children can experience workshops from Ghostpatrol, Beci Orpin and Underground Sundae and dance sessions with Indigenous Hip Hop Projects.

Ages: There’s tailored programming for kids and teens, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Cost: Free

Dates: 11-19 January

When they need a taste of nature

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Wind in the Willows at Melbourne Gardens. Photograph: Australian Shakespeare Company

Watch the Wind in the Willows alfresco

The Australian Shakespeare Company’s outdoor production of the children’s classic is coming to Melbourne Gardens. The relaxed performance style encourages kids to participate – so if your little one can’t sit still, there’s no need to worry.

Ages: Suitable for all ages, although tweens and teens might feel too grown up for it. Children need to be accompanied by a parent

Cost: $25-30; group discounts apply for bookings of four or more

Dates: 24 December-26 January (performance days and times vary)

Get them to build a wildlife habitat

Held in Cranbourne Gardens, Summer Nature Play will connect kids with their animal neighbours through storytelling, habitat-crafting sessions and the opportunity to write a message to a favourite tree.

Ages: Suitable for all ages, but largely geared towards primary school-aged kids. Children must be accompanied by a parent

Cost: Free

Dates: Every Tuesday in January

When they just want to watch cartoons

Have them play putt-putt with Pixar

The western forecourt of Melbourne Museum will be transformed into an 18-hole Pixar-themed mini golf course for summer, featuring characters from Toy Story, Wall-E, Finding Nemo and other blockbusters from the Disney-owned studio.

Ages: Suitable for all ages. Kids under 15 will need to be accompanied by an adult

Cost: Free for under fours; children’s tickets start from $19.90; tickets for those 15 and older from $24.90

Dates: 20 December-3 February