From world-class sport and musical theatre to long weekend fun and school holiday escapes, these family-friendly events prove that the best days out are the ones everyone enjoys.
Australia’s 2026 events calendar is shaping up to be a strong one for families, with major sporting moments, live theatre and community-focused experiences designed to welcome all ages. Think daytime sessions, open-air precincts, interactive fan zones and shows that balance spectacle with heart — without parents feeling like they’re missing out.
Whether you’re raising future sports tragics, theatre lovers or simply looking for easy, memorable days out, these are the family-friendly events worth locking into the calendar early.
Australian Open
Melbourne | 12th January – 1st February
Few global sporting events do family-friendly quite like the Australian Open. Day sessions make it easy to attend with younger kids, while outer courts offer a relaxed atmosphere where children can move freely and get close to the action. Off-court, Melbourne Park becomes a festival precinct, complete with live music, food hubs, brand activations and shaded spaces to recharge between matches. It’s polished, energetic and flexible — ideal for families wanting to dip in and out at their own pace.
Location: Melbourne Park
Tickets: General admission and family passes available.
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Melbourne | 6th–8th March
While race day itself is high-octane and intense, the Australian Grand Prix offers plenty for families who plan strategically. Practice days and fan zones provide a more relaxed way to experience the spectacle, with interactive displays, live entertainment and wide-open areas around Albert Park to explore. For kids curious about motorsport, it’s an exciting introduction without the pressure of a full race-day crowd.
Location: Albert Park Circuit
Tickets: Multi-day passes and family-friendly packages available.
The Mona Australia Day Long Weekend
Sydney | Friday 23rd – Monday 26th January
The Mona is embracing laid-back, community-focused vibes this Australia Day long weekend, with a four-day program designed to keep families entertained — and best of all, free entry throughout. Live music takes over Saturday afternoon with performances from Jack Dawson, Greg Nunan and The General Jacksons, while Sunday and Monday are dedicated to younger guests, featuring a petting zoo, face painting and balloon twisting. It’s an easy, no-stress option for families looking to enjoy the long weekend without overplanning.
More info: themona.com.au/whats-on/Australia-day
Shrek The Musical
Melbourne & Sydney | January 2026
After delighting audiences across the US, UK, Asia and the Middle East, Shrek The Musical arrives in Australia this summer with all the ogre-sized charm fans know and love. Brought to life by Showcase Entertainment Group, the high-energy production features dazzling costumes, Broadway-quality staging and a cast of 16 professional performers. Expect laugh-out-loud moments, big-hearted storytelling and show-stopping numbers — plus a dragon so spectacular it travels in its own 40-foot shipping container. A perfect school holiday outing for families who love theatre with humour and heart.
Performance highlights:
Melbourne, Geelong, Frankston & Bendigo: 31 Dec – 17 Jan
Sydney Coliseum Theatre: 21–24 January
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026
Sydney, Gold Coast & Perth | 1st–21st March
The standout family event of the year, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup arrives in Australia with serious momentum behind women’s sport — and a refreshingly inclusive approach for fans of all ages. Major Matildas matches are already tracking strongly in Sydney and Perth, while the introduction of an Official Hospitality Programme marks a first for the tournament. Delivered by MATCH Hospitality Asia, the premium offering brings together excellent seats, all-inclusive dining and entertainment in a comfortable, family-friendly environment. It’s a significant step forward for women’s sport, reflecting growing demand for elevated yet accessible match-day experiences.
Tickets: General admission via Ticketmaster; premium hospitality via MATCH Hospitality Asia.
The Goboat Experience
Throughout Aus | Summer Season
Designed for effortless cruising and laid-back fun, The Original Experience invites you to take the helm and enjoy Sydney’s waterways at your own pace. With easy steering and thoughtful comfort features, the boat seats up to eight guests — including children and pets — making it perfect for group outings. A shaded canopy offers relief from the sun, while the onboard picnic table with built-in cupholders sets the scene for long lunches, sunset snacks and unhurried moments on the water. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply soaking up a blue-sky day, this experience is all about comfort, connection and stress-free adventure.
Bookings: goboat.com.au
School Holiday Fun at The Clocktower Centre
Moonee Ponds, VIC | January–April
The Clocktower Centre continues its long-standing tradition of welcoming families with a vibrant school holiday program packed with creative activities and live performances. Highlights include beloved children’s books brought to life on stage and a three-day safari-themed holiday adventure in January. With pram- and wheelchair-accessible facilities, an onsite café, a dedicated children’s play space and relaxed performance options, it’s a venue designed with families firmly in mind. Special performances in April include a relaxed session ideal for younger audiences and those seeking a sensory-friendly experience.
Venue: Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds
Bookings: clocktowercentre.com.au
Art Gallery of NSW
NSW | Throughout the year
Designed to spark imagination and hands-on learning, the Art Gallery of NSW offers a welcoming space for families to explore art together. From interactive kids’ programs like The Key’s Under the Mat to thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the gallery encourages children to engage, question and create. With spacious galleries, family-friendly facilities and free entry to the permanent collection, it’s an easy, enriching day out that blends culture, creativity and fun at your own pace.
More Info: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/
