The Best Kids Shows in Melbourne: Theatre for Kids

Melbourne has always held a special place in my heart for live performance. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of watching The Wind in the Willows at Fitzroy Gardens (or was it the Botanic Gardens?), a picnic basket at my side and grape juice in hand. One of my favourite books was brought to life before my eyes. It was pure magic. Soon after, I discovered the mesmerizing power of a symphony through Peter and the Wolf, an experience that left me spellbound.

These early encounters with theatre and music shaped the way I wanted to introduce the arts to my own children. From a young age, we sought out performances that would spark their imagination and broaden their horizons. One of our most unforgettable family experiences was watching the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Princess Theatre, a mind-blowing adventure that we’ll treasure forever.

To help you create your own magical memories, we’ve rounded up the current and upcoming theatre productions in Melbourne, perfect for families and lovers of live performance alike.

Melbourne’s Best Theatre Shows for Kids

Athenaeum Theatre

Established in 1839, the Athenaeum Theatre is one of Victoria’s oldest and most treasured cultural landmarks. This heritage-listed venue in Melbourne’s city centre continues to entertain audiences with a lively program of comedy, music, and theatre, blending historic charm with a vibrant contemporary arts scene.

Spot Live on Stage

Spot and his friends are off on a new adventure to visit Spot’s Dad on the farm and meet the farm animals. But when they arrive, all the animals are lost! Can Spot and his friends find them all? They might need a little help from their new friends in the audience…

HAIR The Musical

Let down your long, beautiful hair and pull out the tie-dye as you join a generation in search of love and peace during the Vietnam era. With a rainbow score featuring iconic hits like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine,” and “Easy to be Hard” – songs that have become a part of pop culture-this production delivers a raw and unforgettable musical journey.

Featuring a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot, HAIR remains a powerful portrait of a movement that changed the world. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this cultural phenomenon – get your tickets now and let the sunshine in!

Arts Centre Melbourne

With its striking spire lighting up the city skyline, Arts Centre Melbourne is both a cultural and architectural landmark. Home to world-class music, theatre, and dance performances, it serves as the heart of Victoria’s performing arts scene, celebrating creativity and connection on its many stages.

Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas

Join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a magical performance perfect for the whole family featuring traditional carols, modern holiday favourites and classically Christmas selections.

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show

Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy®️ award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush.

Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.

ZOOOM

Inspired by the children’s classic Harold and the Purple Crayon – about a child who makes sense of their world through art – ZOOOM is an interactive, award-winning show which brings the audience along for the ride!

Children are invited to “bring a piece of dark” from home, which on arrival is exchanged for their own personal light – a little spark that will keep them safe and guide them through the performance.

Celebrating creativity, courage and the magic of dreams, ZOOOM will enchant with original music, magical lasers and vivid projections.

Shrek The Musical

Experience an exhilarating adventure set in a far, far away kingdom. This topsy-turvy fairy tale bubbles with romance, fantasy and irreverent fun. Join your favourite animated characters in this globally-loved epic multi-million-dollar musical.

Ten Thousand Hours

Eight world-class acrobats compress 10,000 hours of practice into 60 minutes you’ll never forget. An ode to the countless hours needed to achieve great things.

A live drummer keeps the beat and a huge digital clock flashes as the troupe partake in a joyful game of human jenga. Bodies upon bodies. Springing from one pair of shoulders to another. Jump. Spin. Drop. Gasp!

How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert

When Hiccup and Toothless discover a secret ice cave with wild dragons and a mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves in an epic battle to save the future of man and dragons!

How To Train Your Dragon 2 In Concert features this spectacular sequel presented in HD with composer John Powell’s thrilling score performed live to picture by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in an awe-inspiring experience for the whole family.

The Capitol

Originally built in 1924 and beautifully restored in 2019, The Capitol stands as a Melbourne icon. Renowned for its striking architecture and rich cinematic history, this stunning venue continues to host film festivals, live performances, and cultural events, celebrating the intersection of heritage and creativity.

Ballet of Lights – Peter Pan

Join Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the Darling children on a magical journey to Neverland!

Discover the magic of this beloved story as 6 local dancers perform mesmerising routines in illuminated costumes. Watch how Peter, Wendy, and Tinkerbell command the stage, leaving trails of light and colour following their every move.

Rippon Lea Estate

Rippon Lea Estate is a historic mansion and gardens in Melbourne, offering a glimpse into 19th-century grandeur. While not a traditional theatre, the estate hosts cultural events, outdoor performances, and community gatherings, set amidst beautifully preserved architecture and lush gardens, making it a unique arts and heritage destination.

Captain Jack’s Pirate Party

Join the most crazy and colourful pirates of the Caribbean as they tell their life stories on the high seas, battling for booty from passing merchant ships and living the pirate life to the fullest. Learn the pirate talk, do the pirate walk, sing the pirate songs and go on a treasure hunt to find the long lost treasure!

Comedy Theatre

A Melbourne favourite since 1928, the historic Comedy Theatre delights audiences with an ever-changing program of musicals, dramas, and, of course, comedies. With its charming Spanish-inspired façade and intimate atmosphere, it’s a beloved venue that continues to showcase world-class performances in the heart of the city.

A Christmas Carol

On a winter Christmas Eve, the cold-hearted miser, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts. Transported to worlds past, present, and future, he witnesses what a lifetime of greed and fear could lead to and sees with fresh eyes the possibility of joy and kindness. Can Ebenezer be saved before it’s too late?

This magical interpretation welcomes theatre goers of all ages with dazzling staging, a moving story, and beloved carols including “Joy to the World”, “Silent Night”, and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”.

Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker

On Christmas Eve Clara receives a nutcracker doll who magically comes to life. Together they battle the Rat King and visit the Land of Sweets for a grand celebration with the Sugar Plum Fairy before Clara wakes up at the foot of the Christmas tree – but was it really all a dream?

The perfect introduction to ballet, Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker is led by an engaging narrator and runs for under an hour to keep your little ones captivated. Dressing-up in your favourite ballet-inspired outfit and dancing in your seat are warmly encouraged!

Her Majesty’s Theatre

Entertaining Melbourne audiences since 1886, Her Majesty’s Theatre is a grand heritage-listed venue celebrated for its rich history and world-class productions. From blockbuster musicals to ballet and opera, this iconic theatre continues to shine as a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant performing arts scene.

MJ the Musical

Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ the Musical goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.

National Theatre

Located in the heart of St Kilda, The National Theatre has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s arts scene for decades. Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s cinema, it hosts a diverse program of live performances and serves as a training ground for emerging talent in theatre, dance, and music.

&Juliet

The secret’s out — Juliet’s rewriting her story!

This bold and electrifying musical flips the script on Shakespeare’s classic, asking: What if Juliet chose her own fate instead of Romeo’s?

Packed with chart-topping hits and a whole lot of heart, &Juliet is a celebration of female empowerment, love, second chances, and rewriting the rules. 

Think Shakespeare meets Britney….Romeo who?

This high-octane jukebox musical flips the script and sets it to the ultimate soundtrack. featuring the hits of Max Martin – including: Baby One More Time, Since U Been Gone, ROAR, It’s My Life and many more!

School of Rock

School of Rock The Musical follows slacker musician Dewey Finn as he bluffs his way into a prestigious prep school and turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, drum-thumping rock band.

With the Battle of the Bands on the line and the school’s uptight principal watching his every move, Dewey will need more than killer solos to pull it off… he’ll need to stick it to the man… without getting caught.

The Greatest Christmas Show

The Greatest Christmas Show is Australia’s #1 family Christmas event, blending heartwarming moments, spectacular magic, and world-class entertainment into one unforgettable night.

Led by internationally acclaimed Master Illusionist Anthony Street, prepare for breathtaking illusions that will leave you wondering if Christmas magic might just be real.

Soaring vocals will fill the theatre with the spirit of Christmas, while our cast of incredible dancers and a jaw-dropping cirque aerial act bring the stage to life in a flurry of wonder, skill, and glittering costumes.

From high-flying feats to touching moments that capture the true meaning of Christmas, and a very special visit from Santa Claus himself, this is a show that will warm hearts, inspire smiles, and create cherished memories for the whole family.

Princess Theatre

Widely regarded as Melbourne’s most spectacular theatre, the Princess Theatre is an architectural gem and cultural icon. With its grand façade and opulent interiors, this historic venue has hosted some of the world’s biggest stage productions, delighting audiences and adding timeless glamour to Melbourne’s theatre district.

Annie

A grown-up musical for the whole family!  The beloved tale of Annie has been capturing the hearts of theatregoers around the globe for generations. And now the legendary, and inspiring production returns to the Princess Theatre for a strictly limited season.

Big Christmas Spectacular

Iconic Christmas jingles, hilarious Santa moments and world class show dancing – perfect for all ages! From ballet, contemporary, tap and jazz to stunning chorus lines, audiences will not have a better way to kick start their Christmas celebrations. Witness the beautiful collaboration between award-winning musical theatre stars, 25 dazzling dancers and live musicians as they transport you to a Christmas wonderland.

The Nutcracker

Journey to the Land of Sweets this festive season and indulge in the spirit of Christmas tradition.  

Witness BIG Live’s world-class dancers from around the globe perform ballet’s greatest Christmas show. 

Be mesmerised by the breathtaking snowflakes and the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy as they perform with dazzling costumes and exquisite sets.

Regent Theatre

A true Melbourne landmark, the Regent Theatre is one of the city’s premier venues for live performance. Lovingly restored to its 1920s grandeur, it dazzles audiences with its opulent architecture and hosts major musicals and world-class productions in an unforgettable setting.

ANASTASIA

ANASTASIA, the romantic and adventure-filled hit musical inspired by the beloved film, is coming to Melbourne this December! 

Rising star of stage and screen Georgina Hopson (Titanique, Phantom of the Opera) will lead the cast. The Green Room Award winner and Sydney Theatre Award nominee will play Anya, a brave young woman on a journey to discover the mystery of her past. Joined by a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Southbank Theatre

Home to the Melbourne Theatre Company, Southbank Theatre is a contemporary performance space celebrated for its striking design and dynamic programming. Located in Melbourne’s vibrant arts precinct, it offers audiences an engaging mix of classic and contemporary theatre in an intimate, architecturally stunning setting.

My Brilliant Career

My dear fellow Australians… You can’t keep a fierce woman down. Sybylla Melvyn is back, and she’s bolder than ever.

Set in the sweeping landscapes of 1890s Australia, the electric reimagining by Sheridan Harbridge, Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank transforms Miles Franklin’s literary heroine into a singer-songwriter for this very moment. Unapologetically ambitious, Sybylla Melvyn is wholly uninterested in the future society expects of her. Instead, she marches to the beat of her own drum, challenging class, gender and family to find her own voice.

St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Nestled in the heart of St Kilda, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens offer a serene setting for outdoor performances and community events. With beautifully landscaped grounds, heritage-listed features, and lush greenery, this peaceful oasis provides a charming backdrop for theatre, music, and cultural gatherings.

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Get ready for a magical adventure this December at the St Kilda Botanical Gardens with The Teddy Bear’s Picnic! This enchanting kids’ show is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with your little ones. Join a lovable cast of teddy bears as they come to life for a day of music, laughter, and heartwarming stories. With interactive performances, sing-along songs, and plenty of surprises, this picnic is designed to delight kids and families alike. Set against the stunning backdrop of the gardens, it’s an unforgettable experience that will spark imaginations and create cherished memories.

La Mama Courthouse

Renowned as one of Melbourne’s leading independent theatres, La Mama Courthouse champions diversity and inclusivity in the performing arts. This vibrant venue supports emerging artists and experimental works, offering audiences bold, thought-provoking performances in an intimate and welcoming setting.

In 2025, La Mama is temporarily pausing their regular programming to concentrate on strengthening their operations.

John Cain Arena

A versatile entertainment hub, John Cain Arena hosts everything from world-class concerts and theatre spectacles to major sporting events. Located within Melbourne Park, this state-of-the-art venue offers an electric atmosphere and exceptional facilities, making it a favourite destination for large-scale live performances and cultural events.

The Wiggles : Tree of Wisdom Big Show Arena Spectacular

They’re set to deliver their biggest and brightest production to date – a high-energy extravaganza packed with arena-sized surprises that will have the whole family singing, dancing and wiggling from start to finish. Set in a spectacular 360° arena experience, this all-around party puts The Wiggles and all their Wiggly friends right at the heart of the action.

As your favourites take centre stage, get ready for bubbles, lights, DJ Dorothy dance parties and Big Red Utes – all guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime.