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Things to Do with Kids in Melbourne During AFL Grand Final Week
Are you looking for things to do with kids in Melbourne during AFL Grand Final Week? The 2025 Macca’s Footy Fest returns to Yarra Park this September, bringing four days of free family fun. The festival features player appearances, giveaways, live music, food trucks, and the popular AFL Play Zone designed especially for kids.
Don’t miss the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade on Friday 26 September 2025, when both competing teams will make their way through Melbourne before arriving at Yarra Park to be presented on stage.
If you would like to watch the AFL Grand Final on the big screen, head to Fed Square from 12 pm on Saturday, 27 September 2025.
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Family Activities at AFL Macca’s Footy Fest 2025
The Macca’s Footy Fest (AFL Footy Festival) is a free four-day event filled with fun footy activities. Here’s what families can look forward to:
The Huddle
• Create your very own Macca’s Captain’s Card
• Take part in fun challenges like Rebel’s Kick to Win with great prizes up for grabs
Centre Square
• Visit the TCL Main Stage for live entertainment
• Enjoy family-friendly dining at the Food Area
• Kids can enjoy the excitement of the Toyota Dodgem Cars
AFL Play Zone
• Perfect for kids to immerse themselves in the world of AFL
• Meet AFL and AFLW players at the Gatorade Players Hub
• Get merchandise signed and take photos with footy heroes
When is Macca’s Footy Fest 2025?
Dates & Opening Times:
Wednesday 24 September 2025 – 10 am to 5 pm
Thursday 25 September 2025 – 10 am to 5 pm
Friday 26 September 2025 – 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday 27 September 2025 – 8 am to 7 pm
Location: Yarra Park, outside the MCG
Entry is FREE for all ages.
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AFL Grand Final Parade 2025
The Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade is one of the most exciting family-friendly highlights of Grand Final Week. It’s the best chance to see the 2025 Grand Final teams, coaches, umpires, and the Premiership Cup up close.
Date: Friday 26 September 2025
Time: 10 am – 12 noon
Route: From Melbourne Park Oval, through Birrarung Marr and over the William Barak Bridge, finishing at Yarra Park.
Best Spots to Watch the AFL Grand Final Parade with Kids
• Melbourne Park Oval – Pre-parade entertainment, mega screen, and easy public transport via Richmond Station or Tram Route 70.
• Birrarung Marr – Big screen, food stalls, and family-friendly activations.
• Yarra Park @ Footy Festival – See the Grand Final teams presented on the main stage alongside festival entertainment.
AFL Grand Final on the Big Screen at Fed Square
The AFL Grand Final is one of Melbourne’s biggest traditions, and if you can’t be at the MCG, the next best place to soak up the atmosphere is at Fed Square. Gather with thousands of fans and watch all the action live on the Big Screen, right in the heart of the city.
Date: Saturday 27 September 2025
Time: coverage begins from 12 pm, with the first bounce at 2.30 pm AEST.
Location: Fed Square
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Grand Final Long Weekend at Queen Vic Market
Catch the footy fever at Queen Vic Market this Grand Final long weekend! They are open all weekend with free activities and entertainment for the whole family.
What’s On
School Holiday Play Days
Date: 23, 25, 30 September & 2 October 2025
Free footy skills sessions, handball challenges and ball games led by umpire-dressed coaches. Kids can also win free footy medals!
Grand Final Public Holiday Spectacular
Date: 26 September 2025
Meet AFL stars Lewis Young (Carlton) and Ben McKay (Essendon) from 12 pm–2 pm. Join in for handball coaching, Q&A, photos and autographs. Plus, enjoy live MC entertainment, skill challenges and giveaways.
Dates: 23, 25, 26, 30 September & 2 October
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Location: C Shed (Peel Street end), Queen Victoria Market
Footy Fest – Finals Fever at Eastland
Footy Fest is coming to Eastland Town Square and The Park on Friday 26 September 2025 from 10 am – 2 pm. Hosted by MC Brodie Holland, the day will feature games and giveaways every 30 minutes, live DJ sets, a kids Inflatables Zone, Rebel Sport handball competitions, free arts and crafts, face painting, Auskick and Junior player sign-ups, roaming entertainment, and plenty of prizes to be won.
Ringwood Mazda will be on site with special appearances and the chance to win 2x Grand Final tickets, plus don’t miss photo ops with Max Gawn (10:15 am – 12:15 pm), Sam Darcy (11:15 am – 1 pm) and Tim Taranto (12:20 pm – 2 pm). Major prize winners, including the car and Grand Final ticket giveaways, will be announced at 1:50 pm.
Dates: Friday 26 September 2025
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Eastland, Level 3 Town Square and The Park
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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.
