A free day out in Melbourne with kids
This is a free day in Melbourne with kids, and every stop costs nothing to enter. The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, ACMI and the City Circle Tram are within 1.8 km of the centre. The District Docklands is 2.3 km out and Dights Falls in Abbotsford is 3.8 km out. It mixes gardens, a museum, a tram ride and a riverside walk.
Start in the gardens, then go to ACMI when it opens at 10am. The City Circle Tram runs about every 12 minutes from 9:30am to 5pm. Bring a picnic, hats and water. Some ACMI exhibitions are ticketed, and The District has shops and restaurants, so keep to the free parts. Check each listing for current hours.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
- Late morning: ACMI
- Lunch: The District Docklands
- Afternoon: City Circle Tram (Route 35)
- Late afternoon: Dights Falls
Morning
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, South Yarra · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.8 stars (19703 reviews)
Free, 38-hectare botanic gardens on Birdwood Avenue with nature trails and a Children's Garden. They are 1.8 km from the centre and open 7:30am to 5:30pm. Kids get space to run before the museum. The Children's Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday.
Tip: Free entry; the kids' minibus tour is extra at $12.
Late morning
ACMI at Fed Square
ACMI, Melbourne · Museum · Ages 3-14 · Free · 4.7 stars (6138 reviews)
A free museum of film, TV and videogames at Fed Square, open daily 10am to 5pm, 0.7 km from the centre. It has family activities. For ages 3 to 14 it is a good indoor stop with film, TV and videogames to explore, and general entry is free.
Tip: Some exhibitions are ticketed; stick to the free galleries to keep the day free.
Lunch
The District Docklands
The District Docklands, Docklands · Markets & Family Outings · Ages 2-12 · Free · 4.1 stars (10001 reviews)
An outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment precinct in Docklands with undercover walkways, table tennis, foosball and a monthly makers market. It is 2.3 km from the centre. Bring a packed lunch and let the kids try the table tennis and foosball.
Tip: Free to enter; food and shops cost extra.
Afternoon
Ride the City Circle Tram
City Circle Tram (Route 35), Melbourne CBD · Tours & Cruises · Ages 0-17 · Free
A free heritage W-Class tram that loops central Melbourne with audio commentary, running about every 12 minutes from 9:30am to 5pm daily. It is a free way to see the city and rest tired legs. Kids who like trams get a ride in a heritage one.
Tip: Free; runs about every 12 minutes, 9:30am to 5pm daily.
Late afternoon
Walk at Dights Falls
Dights Falls, Abbotsford · Nature & Outdoors · Ages 3-10 · Free · 4.6 stars (351 reviews)
A heritage weir and riverside walking trail on the Yarra River at Abbotsford, 3.8 km from the centre. There is parking and there are toilets, and the council and Parks Victoria manage it. The listing gives ages 3 to 10, so it suits a short walk at the end of the day.
Tip: Parking and toilets on site; check the listing for any closures.
Before you go
- All five stops are free to enter, but food, shops and some ACMI exhibitions cost extra.
- ACMI is open daily 10am to 5pm.
- The City Circle Tram runs daily, 9:30am to 5pm.
- The Children's Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens is open Wednesday to Sunday.
- Check the listings for The District Docklands and Dights Falls, as hours are not listed here.
Questions parents ask
What are the best free things to do in Melbourne with kids?
This plan uses five free stops: the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, ACMI at Fed Square, the City Circle Tram, The District Docklands and Dights Falls in Abbotsford. The tram runs about every 12 minutes, and ACMI has family activities. Some ACMI exhibitions are ticketed.
Is the City Circle Tram free?
Yes. The City Circle Tram (Route 35) is a free heritage W-Class tram that loops central Melbourne with audio commentary. It runs about every 12 minutes from 9:30am to 5pm daily. It is a simple way to give kids a tram ride without paying. Check the listing for current times.
Is there a free museum in Melbourne for kids?
ACMI at Fed Square is a free museum of film, TV and videogames, open daily 10am to 5pm, with family activities. Some exhibitions are ticketed. The National Gallery of Victoria also has free general entry and NGV Kids activities, but it is not in this plan. Check the listing for current exhibitions.
More days in Melbourne with kids
- Your first day in Melbourne with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- A rainy day in Melbourne with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A beach day in Melbourne with kids - Patrolled beaches, calm water and what is near the sand.
- Melbourne with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Melbourne with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Melbourne with kids: all guides