The best free things to do in Melbourne these holidays

The Easter bunny has departed, the kids are on a sugar come-down and the school holidays have only just begun. Parents, if the purse strings are strained after 10 interest rate hikes and cost-of-living pressures, fear not. Here are six free family friendly activities in Melbourne – from interactive art and cooking classes to penguin spotting – to see you through the holidays.

Melbourne Now art extravaganza

Artist Troy Emery with his work 'Mountain Climber' which will be part of Melbourne Now at NGV. Credit: Chris Hopkins

Ever wondered what it feels like to die? Fancy meeting a three-metre big cat made from colourful pom poms? You can do this and more at the second instalment of Melbourne Now at Federation Square. The contemporary exhibition is back after a 10-year hiatus, bringing together more than 200 Victorian-based artists, designers and creatives at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Lie on a simulated hospital bed and experience death and an out-of-body experience at an immersive XR (extended reality) exhibit, step through a neon-lit Vietnamese temple made from more than 600 computer fans, and ponder the relationship between dinosaurs and a giant mound of inflatable Zimmer frames. The kids will love the tactile beehive installation and, of course, the kaleidoscopic big cat.
See ngv.vic.gov.au/melbourne-now

Right royal fun at Queen Vic Market

Enjoy hawker-food hijinks including free live music and entertainment.Credit: Queen Victoria Market

With the Easter weekend seafood crush over, return to Queen Victoria market for hawker-food hijinks and a host of kid-friendly fun. Hawker 88 Night Market returns to Wednesday evenings for five weeks from April 12 to May 10, bringing a cornucopia of Asian cuisine, live music and themed cultural performances. Book the kids in for free cooking workshops where they can try their hand rolling a sushi roll and making chocolate balls (until April 20), while the Kids Passport offers prizes for juniors who roam the stalls for stamps.
See qvm.com.au/whats-on

Tour top city landmarks

Melbourne has an abundance of heritage buildings and green spaces, and you can fill almost a week exploring some of the best with free guided tours. Start at the halls of power in Spring Street with a tour (weekdays) of Parliament House, where you can take a seat on an MP’s chair and view portraits of past premiers in Queen’s Hall. In Swanston St, tour the twin historic beauties of the State Library Victoria (daily) and the Melbourne Town Hall (weekdays excluding Tuesdays). Explore the library’s heritage reading rooms, galleries and exhibition spaces, including Ned Kelly’s armour, and at the Town Hall view the Grand Council Chambers and stand in the footsteps of monarchs and rock royalty (The Beatles famously waved to fans from the portico balcony). Let the kids blow off some steam outdoors on a guided stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens (daily).
See new.parliament.vic.gov.au; www.slv.vic.gov.au; whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au; rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens

Malthouse (Indian) summer sessions

Take advantage of the free entertainment at Malthouse Outdoor Stage.Credit: Visit Victoria

Free weekly summer gigs at the Malthouse Outdoor Stage didn’t end with the change of the seasons. There are two more Thursday DJ sessions to enjoy (April 13 and 20) before the program wraps for the season. Get there early to nab a seat (the 5pm kick-off is bedtime-friendly), order a tipple and softies at the bar and load up on tacos from the café.
See malthousetheatre.com.au

Mansfield Day on High Festival

Leave the big smoke behind for a day of wine tasting and family fun in the Alpine town of Mansfield, 185km north-east of Melbourne. The April 22 Day on High festival brings together local winemakers, producers and performers, who gather on High Street’s tree-lined median strip for a day of festivities. Pick up a $10 tasting glass to sample regional vintages, graze on local produce and kick back to live music. There are festival prizes up for grabs and fun activities for the kids.
See mansfieldwinemakers.com.au

St Kilda Little Penguins

If you’re lucky you might catch the resident colony of the world’s smallest penguin at St Kilda Breakwater.Credit: Visit Victoria

You don’t need to travel to Phillip Island and fork out cash to see little penguins. Melbourne has a resident colony of the world’s smallest penguin at St Kilda Breakwater. Assemble on the viewing platform at the entrance to the pier just before dusk to watch the cute critters waddle from the water on their nightly trek to their burrows.

Make a weekend of it and return in the morning for the Sunday St Kilda Esplanade Market, a bayside tradition for more than 50 years.
See parks.vic.gov.au; stkildaesplanademarket.com.au