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Melbourne Holidays: Top Family Activities this Summer
Published: 22 November 2019
When the weather starts to warm up, Melbourne kicks into gear with an array of family-friendly activities and events. From sporting events and National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) art exhibitions to special nights with wildlife, unique cinema experiences, you can also expect all the Christmas events to keep that festive cheer strong. We’ve rounded up the best family activities in Melbourne that are sure to entertain the whole family. The best part? These events are just a short walk, tram or taxi ride away from Pan Pacific Melbourne.
Check out our top 10 events to visit in Melbourne this summer below.
1. Myer Christmas Windows
| Address: | Myer Melbourne, 314-336 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
| Dates: | 10 November 2019 to 3 January 2020 |
| Opening Hours: | Windows can be viewed at any time |
Marking its 64th year, the Myer Christmas Windows is a small but iconic piece of Melbourne’s Christmas celebrations. This year, stroll past the wonderfully decorated windows, which tells the classic Australian story of The Gum Nut Babies. After viewing the windows, you can wander down Bourke Street to admire the rest of the Christmas décor gracing retailer windows. Plus, you might just get to squeeze in some last minute Christmas shopping, and find some uniquely Melbourne gifts to take home!
2. Christmas Square at Federation Square
| Address: | Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
| Dates: | 29 November to 25 December 2019 |
| Opening Hours: | Christmas Square can viewed at any time |
Federation Square is a must-visit for anyone coming to Melbourne! Regardless of the time of the year, there will often be free performances happening. Visit during the month of December and admire the ‘Christmas Square’ which includes a majestic 16-metre tall Christmas tree that will be lit up daily from 29 November 2019 to Christmas day. The young ones will also love the giant Christmas bauble and Santa’s house which promise an exciting Christmas adventure!
3. Christmas Projections in the city
| Address: | State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
| Dates: | 29 November to 25 December 2019 |
| Opening Hours: | From 9pm to 10:45pm |
An incredible Christmas light display takes place across some of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks. Start at the State Library Victoria to watch this year’s feature show, a ‘Very Melbourne Night Before Christmas’ and then continue on to Melbourne Town Hall and the Princes Bridge. This is just another one of Melbourne’s many free Christmas events.
4. The Australian Open
| Address: | Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC 3001 |
| Dates: | 20 January to 2 February 2020 |
The world’s best tennis players will take the global stage at our 2020 Australian Open. The highly anticipated Grand Slam is the showstopper of this event where the players such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters and Naomi Osaka will be playing in 2020.Every game includes a performance by the hottest acts, such as Jessica Mauboy, Bastille, Matt Corby, Broods and Billy Idol, at the AO Live Stage.
Your food and drink needs are also taken care of across the grounds. The restaurants and bars at the event include some of Melbourne’s best-known restaurants, food trucks, as well as pop-up bars and eateries. Be sure to buy your tickets quick as they sell out fast!
The AO Chef Series is also running which promises a memorable dining experience. A line up of four highly regarded all-female chefs will present an exclusive evening with a delicious degustation menu paired with matching wines. To find out more about this event, visit the website.
5. KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness and KAWS: Playtime
| Address: | National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006 |
| Dates: | 20 September 2019 to 13 April 2020 |
| Opening Hours: | From 10am to 5pm |
An exhibition that has become infamous for its play on emotion and humour, KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness, is one not to be missed when visiting Melbourne. Brian Donnelly (also known as KAWS) is the brains behind the exhibition and an artist that has created a hybrid of cartoon and human character through his latest exhibition.
If you’re travelling as a family and miss out KAWS: Playtime as well. This free exhibition welcomes children and encourages them to engage and understand the meaning behind KAWS as well as find him a best friend. The young ones are invited to nestle into the cosy nooks, explore and experience the multimedia interactive screens and sensory experiences.
6. Summer Night Market
| Address: | Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
| Dates: | 20 November 2019 - 11 March 2020 |
| Opening Hours: | 5pm to 10pm on Wednesdays |
With more than 60 global street food stalls, festive bars, fashion and homewares stalls, live music and unique entertainment, the Summer Night Market is infamous for filling Wednesday nights with locals and travellers. After taking your pick from the delicacies from around the world, wander through over 130 stalls, join in a volleyball, or sip an exotic cocktail at the Palm Spring Bar. There’s fun and entertainment for the entire family!
Get directions to Summer Night Market
7. Moonlight Cinema
| Address: | Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3141 |
| Dates: | 28 Nov 2019 - 29 Mar 2020 |
Sit back and enjoy all your favourite films under the stars at the Moonlight Cinema in the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens. There will be a mix of brand new blockbusters, cult classics and festive favourites, so you’re bound to find the perfect movie for you. While you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, there will also be food trucks and bars to satiate your hunger. For the full movie program, visit the website.
Get directions to the Moonlight Cinema
8. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
| Address: | Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 |
| Dates: | Playing until 12 July 2020 |
This critically acclaimed play has earned the hype for a reason. We’re all familiar with the Harry Potter franchise and the awe it invokes in young fans. Continuing the Harry Potter series, this is the eighth story and the only one presented on stage. The play is in two parts and best watched on the same day (matinee and evening).
Get tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Get directions to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
9. Zoo Twilights
| Address: | Flemington Racecourse, 400 Epsom Rd Flemington, Melbourne 3031 |
| Dates: | 3 to 19 January 2020 |
As the sun sets, watch some of the best musical acts perform while surrounded by the world’s most beautiful animals with your loved ones at the Melbourne Zoo. The Taste of Twilights which consists of a huddle of some of Melbourne’s best ood trucks and pp-up bars will also be there at the Zoo! You are also welcome to bring your own picnic or pre-purchase a hamper for the ultimate Twilights picnic experience.
Get directions to Zoo Twilights
10. The Big Bounce Australia
| Address: | Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052 |
| Dates: | 24 January to 7 March 2020 |
Growing up, the greatest parties were always the ones with a jumping castle. Now we can share that joy with our families with the inflatable theme park popping up in Flemington. The largest touring inflatable event is packed with climbing towers, obstacle runs, ball pits and of course, the Guinness certified World’s Largest Jumping Castle!
Look out for the confetti cannons, beach balls and giveaways. A DJ will also be playing the hottest tunes to keep the party vibes going. Are you an aspiring Ningja Warrior? Challenge yourself at The Giant. At over 300 metres in length, there are over 50 different obstacles to overcome.
Buy tickets to The Big Bounce Australia
Get directions to The Big Bounce Australia
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Other than the ones featured above, there are many other events running across Melbourne in summer that your family would enjoy! If you would like to know more, speak to our friendly team at Pan Pacific Melbourne.
Looking to refuel after a big day exploring our city? Read our latest article about the top 5 places to get your dumpling fix in Melbourne!
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