Spring has officially arrived in Melbourne, and there’s no better time for families to explore the city. Fall is closer, the warm days of September follow, bright flowers and numerous free, family-oriented events that will be enjoyed by locals and tourists. Melbourne is turned into a playground, whether it is a curious kid or a curious adult, from busy Federation square to the green suburban parks.

This season is ideal for families since school holidays are either at its beginning or still going on thus the parents have a lot of time to arrange fun outings without having to spend a lot of money. Better still, the event scene in Melbourne is laden with insider-friendly perks that make your outing in Melbourne an even lighter task – consider pram-friendly venues, local cafes where you can easily grab a quick coffee, a free ride on the trams and picturesque spots to take photos or have a picnic.

RESET Festival at Federation Square (16 September – 1 October)

Federation Square, CBD

16 September – 1 October

The RESET Festival makes Federation Square a place of creativity and sustainability. This is a free, family-friendly event that has eco-workshops, outdoor cinema, art installations, and activities to do with the whole family.

What to Expect:

• Eco-Workshops: Engage in hands-on sessions focusing on sustainable living practices.
• Outdoor Cinema: Enjoy family-friendly films under the stars.
• Art Installations: Explore thought-provoking artworks that inspire environmental consciousness.
• Interactive Activities: Participate in activities designed to educate and entertain.

Local Tips:

Getting There: Federation Square is easily accessible via the Swanston Street trams, which are within the free tram zone.

Nearby Attractions: After the festival, take a stroll along the Yarra River or visit the nearby National Gallery of Victoria.

Bourke Street Mall Buskers Festival (18 – 24 September)

Bourke Street Mall, CBD

18 – 24 September

Savor the Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, being among the most famous shopping areas in the city, when it kicks into action with street entertainers performing their acts. It has musicians, magicians, and many others.

What to Expect:

• Live Performances: Enjoy a diverse range of acts, including music, magic, and comedy.
• Interactive Shows: Engage with performers in spontaneous and entertaining ways.
• Family-Friendly Environment: A lively yet safe setting for all ages.

Local Tips:

Getting There: The mall is located within the free tram zone, making it easily accessible.

Nearby Attractions: Explore the historic Royal Arcade or grab a bite at one of the many cafes lining the street.

Spring School Holiday Activities at Melbourne Libraries (From 22 September)

Various Locations Across Melbourne

From 22 September

The Melbourne public libraries are providing various free school holiday activities to the children. Such programs are geared to arouse creativity and learning in an entertaining interactive setting.

What to Expect:

• Storytelling Sessions: Immerse your child in captivating tales.
• Craft Workshops: Let their imagination run wild with various craft activities.
• Lego Clubs: Encourage problem-solving and teamwork through Lego building sessions.
• Coding Workshops: Introduce your child to the basics of coding in a playful setting.

Local Tips:

Getting There: Most libraries are accessible via public transport. Check your local branch for specific details.

Nearby Attractions: Many libraries are located near parks and cafes, perfect for a post-activity treat.

Olaf Breuning – Planets for the Planet Exhibition (Until 1 October)

Arts Precinct, Southbank

Until 1 October

Play in a fantasy world of art at the Planets for the Planet exhibition by Olaf Breuning. This interactive exhibition is like an invitation to the visitors to visit funny planets and installations that can stimulate creativity and awareness of the environment.

What to Expect:

• Interactive Art: Engage with art pieces that encourage participation.
• Educational Themes: Learn about sustainability and the environment through art.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: A welcoming space for visitors of all ages.

Local Tips:

Getting There: The Arts Precinct is accessible via trams along St Kilda Road.

Nearby Attractions: After the exhibition, enjoy a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens or visit the nearby National Gallery of Victoria.

Toy Swap at Federation Square (Late September)

Federation Square – Test Garden & Atrium

Late September (Check RESET Program)

Take part in the Toy Swap at Federation Square, which is a community-based event to bring about sustainability and happiness of sharing. Take a toy and replace it with another one and show your children the importance of reusing and recycling.

What to Expect:

• Toy Exchange: Swap toys with other families in a fun and organized setting.
• Community Engagement: Connect with other families and promote sustainable practices.
• Educational Opportunities: Teach children about the importance of sustainability.

Local Tips:

Getting There: Federation Square is easily accessible via the Swanston Street trams, within the free tram zone.

Nearby Attractions: Enjoy a riverside picnic or explore the nearby Ian Potter Centre.

Cinema Nights Nights at Federation Square (Chosen Nights During RESET)

Federation Square Big screen.

Chosen Nights under the RESET (Check Schedule)

The Big Screen Federation Square offers the enjoyment of big screen power. These are outdoor film festivals, and they are free; they involve a variety of family friendly films in a unique urban setting.

What to Expect:

• Free Screenings: Get a free ticket to the movies.
• Family-Friendly Movies: A list of movies that can be watched by anyone.
• Uniqueness in the atmosphere: Catch movies in the centre of the cultural precinct in Melbourne.

Local Tips:

Access: Federation Square may be reached by the Swanston Street trams, which are free trams.

Close by Sights: Do a stroll around the laneways, or have a meal in any of the numerous restaurants in the environs.

Other Free or Lower-cost Outings.

Van de Tesselar Tulip Festival (13 September -12 October)

Silvan, Victoria

13 September – 12 October

The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is a festival of spring. Stroll in a garden filled with tulips of a variety of color, live music and enjoy various activities which can be enjoyed by everyone.

What to Expect:

Flower Displays: The magnificent tulip displays.

Live Entertainment: Have fun and enjoy entertainment during the festival.

Family-Friendly Environment: An ideal way to have a family outing to see nature and culture.

Local Tips:

Accessibility: The festival can be found about an hour drive away out of Melbourne. Think about driving with others or seeing which transportation there is in the streets.

Sightseeing: Search the surrounding Dandenong Ranges or visit the local wineries.

Additional Free or Affordable Excursions.

• Queen Victoria Market Moon Festival: Multicultural Melbourne is a festival that is celebrated in music, lanterns and free performances.
• AFL Maccas Footy Fest: It is a family oriented event, which is related to sports and the kids can get some free activities.
• Local Parks and Pop-Up Workshops: The suburban parks that should host the free workshops or small performances are Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens.

The attractions are perfect activities that can be added to families that need to enjoy more of Melbourne without necessarily spending a lot.

Family & Visitor Tips

• Spring weather in Melbourne: Melbourne weather is unpredictable. Pack jumper, hat and sunscreen.
• Tramming and parking: Free Tram zone exists at the CBD. Check Myki card requirements beyond the zone.
• Snacks/Meals: Shoe water, pack snacks because there are good family cafes in Melbourne but they can be too packed.
• Photo Spots: Instagram worthy spots are Laneways, Federation Square and the Yarra River.

The spring is lovely and the second half of September is the most suitable time when families can pay a visit to the city of Melbourne. It can be be it the interactive arts of Southbank or the buskers of Bourke Street, library workshops or outdoor movies, there is at least something free, fun and memorable.

Then put a pram on board a tram and enjoy the best of spring events in Melbourne – both local and international visitors will not forget it.

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