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Family-Friendly Events & Activities at the Australian Open 2026
The Australian Open 2026 delivers one of Melbourne’s biggest family-friendly summer events, with a packed program of kids activities, live entertainment and interactive experiences across the precinct. Held during the January school holidays, the AO is designed to be welcoming for families, offering everything from character shows and tennis play zones to waterslides, scavenger hunts and dedicated kids days, all alongside world-class tennis.
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Australian Open 2026 Family-Friendly Highlights include:
Ballpark Presented by Emirates
Ballpark Presented by Emirates is the heart of the Australian Open’s kids and family offering, operating daily from Sunday 12 January through to Saturday 1 February 2026. Designed for children aged 3–12 years, this expansive family zone includes mini tennis courts where kids can rally with parents and siblings, shaded seating areas, creative play zones and live entertainment. Families can cool off on the jumbo waterslide, take part in tennis challenges or enjoy scheduled stage shows featuring much-loved characters. Entry to Ballpark is included with a Ground Pass, making it one of the best-value family activities at the Australian Open.
Date: 12 January – 1 February 2026
Time: Gates open daily from 7 am
Opening Week Character Shows & Meet and Greets
Opening Week brings exclusive live entertainment to Ballpark Presented by Emirates, with character stage shows and meet and greets running from Monday 12 January to Friday 16 January 2026. On Monday 12 January, Gabby’s Dollhouse appears with shows at 11 am and 1:30 pm, followed by a meet and greet at 12:30 pm. Tuesday 13 January features PAW Patrol at the same times, while Wednesday 14 January welcomes Peppa Pig and Baby Evie. The Care Bears take the stage on Thursday 15 January, and Friday 16 January, rounds out Opening Week with Superman and Supergirl Live: Power Within. All performances take place at The Stage in Ballpark Presented by Emirates, and are included with a Ground Pass.
Date: Monday 12 January – Friday 16 January 2026
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Kids Tennis Day Presented by Emirates
Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates returns on Saturday, 17 January 2026 as a once-a-year, full-precinct takeover designed entirely for families. Running from 8 am to 4 pm, this special event features live arena spectaculars, character appearances, interactive tennis sessions and stage shows across Melbourne Park.
Arena Spectacular at John Cain Arena
A highlight of Kids Tennis Day is the Arena Spectacular at John Cain Arena, running from 10:45 am to 11:40 am on Saturday, 17 January 2026. This high-energy production combines live performers, dancers, music, interactive games and appearances from Australian Open players. BOOK TICKETS
Kids Tennis Day Character & Activity Schedule
Across Garden Square, Grand Slam Oval, Western Courts and KIA Arena, Kids Tennis Day features scheduled appearances from SpongeBob at 8 am, Elmo at 8:30 am, Bluey’s Live Interactive Experience at 9 am, and Dinosaur Zoo Live at 9:30 am. Throughout the day, families can also enjoy Peppa Pig, Kevin the Minion, Captain Barnacles from Octonauts, Gabby’s Dollhouse and Superman & Supergirl, alongside tennis play sessions, dance workshops, cheerleading performances and interactive challenges.
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Adventure Pass Family Scavenger Hunt
The Adventure Pass runs throughout the Australian Open from 12 to 26 January 2026, offering a self-guided scavenger hunt for families. Children collect stamps, answer quiz questions and explore Melbourne Park while learning about tennis and the Australian Open. Completed booklets give families the chance to win prizes, including tickets to later-round matches.
Daily Racquet Giveaways
Each day of the tournament from 12 to 26 January, children can receive a Hot Shots Tennis racquet giveaway at 12 pm and 4 pm on Grand Slam Oval. These giveaways encourage kids to try tennis for the first time and are extremely popular with families attending earlier in the day.
Trick Shot School
Trick Shot School runs twice daily from 12 to 26 January 2026 at the POP Tennis Court. Designed for children aged 8–12 years, these sessions teach fun tennis trick shots and skills in a relaxed, entertaining environment led by experienced coaches.
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Main Draw Character Shows
During the Main Draw period, Ballpark Presented by Emirates continues daily kids entertainment with scheduled character shows at 11:30am and 2 pm, followed by meet and greets at 12:30pm. Characters appearing between 18 and 30 January include Paddington Bear, PJ Masks, Looney Tunes, Octonauts, Justice League, Hey Duggee, Peppa Pig, Scooby Doo and Superman & Supergirl.
Date: Sunday 18 January – Friday 30 January 2026
Waterslide & Play Zones
The AO waterslide operates daily from 12 January to 1 February 2026, offering a fun way for kids to cool down during hot summer days. Height requirements apply, and swimwear is required. Additional play zones include Hot Shots HQ, Speed Serve challenges, coloured ball target practice, table tennis and creative craft stations.
Date: 12 January – 1 February 2026
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FAQs – Australian Open with Kids
Is the Australian Open suitable for young children?
Yes. The AO is one of the most family-friendly major sporting events in Australia, with extensive kids programming, shaded areas and activities for toddlers through to tweens.
How much are kids’ tickets to the Australian Open?
Opening Day – Monday 12 January 2026
Kids aged 3–11 years receive free entry to the entire Australian Open precinct on Opening Day, including access to family zones and activities.
Kids Tennis Day – Arena Spectacular (John Cain Arena)
Saturday 17 January 2026
Kids’ tickets are priced from $15–$30, depending on seating and availability. A reserved seat ticket is required.
Kids Ground Pass Pricing (Ages 3–11)
Opening Week: $10
Week 1: $15 – $25
Week 2: $15 – $20
Ground Passes provide access to Melbourne Park, outer courts, entertainment areas and family-friendly activities. Arena access requires a separate ticket.
Kids Aged 2 & Under
Children 2 years and under enter free, provided they do not occupy a reserved seat.
Is Ballpark included with entry?
Yes. Ballpark activities are included with your Ground Pass.
What ages are the kids’ activities best for?
Most activities suit children aged 3–12, with some shows and tennis challenges ideal for older primary school kids.
Can we attend without watching tennis matches?
Absolutely. Many families visit the AO just for Ballpark, Kids Tennis Day and entertainment activities.
Why Families Love the Australian Open
With its mix of sport, entertainment, play, and free kids’ activities, the Australian Open is one of the top school holiday events in Melbourne.
If you are looking for things to do in Melbourne these summer school holidays, the Australian Open should be at the top of your list.
Book Tickets to the Australian Open HERE
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
