Looking for fun things to do with the kids?
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Family-Friendly Laughs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back from 26 March to 20 April 2025, bringing family-friendly laughs with a stellar mix of international stars, beloved Australian comedians, and rising talent. The Festival kicks off with The Gala, supporting Oxfam Australia, at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre, followed by the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, featuring comedy royalty from around the world.
For the whole family, the Festival offers an exciting kids and family program, including the Comedy Club for Kids throughout the Easter holidays, the free-flowing fun of The (Very) Big Laugh Out at Fed Square, and performances by The Listies and Circus Oz and more!
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The (Very) Big Laugh Out
The (Very) Big Laugh Out, hosted by Tash York on Good Friday, 18 April, will bring an afternoon of fun and laughter to Fed Square. This free event features an exciting lineup of street performers, stand-up acts, physical comedians, and musical entertainers.
Enjoy performances by Josh Glanc, Nat Harris & Hannah Camilleri, Polite Mammals, Dane Simpson, Kirsty Webeck, Clara Cupcakes, Bubble Laboratory, DJ Monski Mouse, and more.
Date: 18 April 2025
Time: 1.30 pm & 3.30 pm
Location: Fed Square Main Stage, Federation Square
Price: FREE
Comedy Club for Kids
Comedy Club for Kids is here to deliver non-stop laughs with a lineup of kid-friendly performers guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Enjoy a mix of hilarious stand-up, quirky sketches, jaw-dropping circus tricks, and musical comedy. This year’s lineup features Josh Glanc, Showko, Tricksy Collins, Mr Snotbottom, Jon & Jero, Bubble Laboratory, and more! Don’t miss the fun!
Dates & times:
Sat 5 April 2025: 11.30 am & 2.45 pm
Sun 6 April 2025 11.30 am & 2.45 pm
Tue 8 April 2025 – Sun 13 April 2025: 11.30 am
Tue 15 April 2025 – Thu 17 April 2025: 11.30 am
Sat 19 April 2025 & Sun 20 April 2025: 11.30 am
Location: Melbourne Museum – Theatre, Nicholson Street, Carlton
Price: $16 – $25
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The Listies – 110% Ready
The Listies, are back with 110% Ready—a show where Rich and Matt attempt the impossible: getting the family out of the house on time! Packed with hilarious puns, ridiculous slapstick, and a healthy dose of improvisational chaos, this 55-minute comedy extravaganza promises non-stop laughs for the whole family.
Dates & times:
Sat 5 April 2025 & Sun 6 April 2025: 12.45 pm
Tue 8 April 2025 – Fri 11 April 2025: 11 am
Sat 12 April 2025 & Sun 13 April 2025: 12.45 pm
Tue 15 April 2025 – Fri 18 April 2025: 11 am
Sat 19 April 2025: 12.45 pm
Location: The Malthouse – Merlyn Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Price: $33 – $116
Aboriginal Comedy Allstars for Kids
Our premier First Nations comedians present a one-off kids’ show jam-packed with laughs, singalongs, dance and an education for all no matter where you’re from and who’s your mob.
Date: Sunday 13 April 2025
Time: 1.40 pm
Location: ACMI – Swinburne Studio, Fed Square
Price: $20 – $23
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Monski Mouse’s – Baby Disco Dance Hall
Join DJ Monski Mouse and her dancers for this award-winning, epic session of bopping, bonkers, beautiful fun. Expect high-energy smiling to retro beats and thumping nursery rhymes.
Dates & times:
Sat 5 April 2025 & Sun 6 April 2025: 10.10 am
Sat 12 April 2025 & Sun 13 April 2025: 10.10 am
Sat 19 April 2025 & Sun 20 April 2025: 10.10 am
Location: ACMI – Swinburne Studio, Fed Square
Price: $5 – $26
Mojo & Jimmy – The Totally Awesome Magic Show
Filled with mind-blowing illusions, playful humor, and a heartwarming message, this show delivers a thrilling experience the entire family will enjoy. Created by a Broadway magician and a World Champion of Magic, it’s family entertainment at its very best—guaranteed to captivate and delight audiences of all ages.
Dates & times:
Sat 5 April 2025 & Sun 6 April 2025: 1.15 pm
Tue 8 April 2025 – Sat 12 April 2025: 1.15 pm
Sat 12 April 2025: 2.45 pm
Sun 13 April 2025: 1.15 pm
Tue 15 April 2025 – Thu 17 April 2025: 1.15 pm
Sat 19 April 2025 & Sun 20 April 2025: 1.15 pm
Location: Melbourne Museum – Theatre, Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton
Price: $21 – $28
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Kaboom!
Kaboom! offers an engaging mix of science and entertainment, featuring a variety of experiments and demonstrations. Join this award-winning performer for a show filled with fascinating gadgets, interactive moments, and hands-on learning that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Dates & times:
Fri 18 April 2025: 11.30 am & 1.20 pm
Sat 19 April 2025: 11.30 am & 1.20 pm
Sun 20 April 2025: 11.30 am & 1.20 pm
Location: Arts Centre Melbourne – Fairfax Studio, 100 St Kilda Road
Price: $26 – $115
Playhouse Pantomimes – Story Soup
A talented team of improvisers will create a brand-new musical pantomime on the spot for each performance—and they need your input! Bring your best ideas, and watch as they craft a unique fairytale based entirely on audience suggestions.
Dates & times:
Sat 5 April 2025 & Sun 6 April 2025: 12 pm
Tue 8 April 2025 – Sun 13 April 2025: 12 pm
Tue 15 April 2025 – Sun 20 April 2025: 12 pm
Location: ACMI – Gandel Lab, Fed Square
Price: $20 – $25
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Circus Oz – Non Stop
Circus Oz returns to the iconic Melbourne Town Hall with a dynamic blend of breathtaking acrobatics, tumbling, tightrope, slack wire, and high-flying feats. This irreverent medley of seemingly impossible acts offers a glimpse into a world far beyond the everyday.
Dates & times:
Wed 16 April 2025: 6.30 pm
Thu 17 April 2025: 11.30 am
Thu 17 April 2025: 3 pm
Fri 18 April 2025: 11.30 am
Fri 18 April 2025 & Sat 19 April 2025: 3 pm
Sat 19 April 2025: 6.30 pm
Sun 20 April 2025: 3 pm
Location: Melbourne Town Hall – Main Hall, 100 Swanston Street
Price: $20 – $150
To check out all the kids’ shows, visit comedyfestival.com.au and filter by ‘kids and family’. The 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from 26 March to 20 April 2025.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025: FAQs
1. What age groups are family shows suitable for?
Family shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival are designed for children aged 2 years and up, with specific age recommendations provided for each show. Most family-friendly shows are suitable for primary school-aged children, while others may cater to younger or older audiences. Check individual show descriptions for details.
2. Where can I find family-friendly shows at the Comedy Festival?
Family shows are held at various venues across Melbourne, including popular spots like the Melbourne Town Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, and Melbourne Museum. The Comedy Festival website has a dedicated section for ‘kids & family’ shows to help you plan your visit.
3. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance as family shows often sell out quickly. You can purchase tickets online through the official Melbourne International Comedy Festival website or via the venue’s box office.
4. Are there free family shows available?
Yes, The (Very) Big Laugh Out at Fed Square is completely free!
5. How long do family shows typically run?
Family shows are designed with younger audiences in mind, so they generally run between 40 to 60 minutes to accommodate shorter attention spans. Check specific show details for exact durations.
6. Are the venues accessible for prams and wheelchairs?
Most venues hosting family shows are accessible for wheelchairs and prams. However, it’s a good idea to confirm accessibility options with the venue directly or check the information provided on the Comedy Festival website.
7. Can I bring snacks or food for my children?
Some venues allow outside snacks for children, especially for younger attendees. However, policies may vary by venue, so it’s best to check in advance.
8. How do I find out if a show is suitable for my child?
Each show listing includes details about its recommended age group, themes, and content.
9. What should I do if my child gets restless during the show?
Most family shows are prepared for the occasional disruption and welcome young audiences with understanding. If your child needs a break, you can step out of the venue and re-enter quietly when they’re ready.
10. Are there discounts for families or group bookings?
Many family shows offer discounted tickets for group bookings or family packages.
11. Where can I find more information?
Visit the official Melbourne International Comedy Festival website for the latest schedule, ticket information, and details about family-friendly shows. You can also follow the festival’s social media channels for updates and announcements.
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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.
