Kids Day Out returns to Melbourne on Good Friday, 3 April 2026, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
This free family festival is part of the Good Friday Appeal 2026 and offers fun-filled experiences for children of all ages, all while supporting The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Contents
- 1 When and Where Is Kids Day Out Happening in 2026?
- 2 What Activities Are at Kids Day Out in 2026?
- 3 Carnival & Inflatables
- 4 Teddy Bear Hospital
- 5 Arts & Crafts
- 6 Sports Zone
- 7 Live Entertainment
- 8 Emergency Services Display
- 9 Food & Treats
- 10 Build-A-Bear Workshop
- 11 How to Get to Kids Day Out
- 12 Is Kids Day Out Free to Attend?
- 13 Frequently Asked Questions
When and Where Is Kids Day Out Happening in 2026?
Kids Day Out will be held on Friday, 3 April 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM at MCEC, South Wharf.
The event spans multiple halls and outdoor zones of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, just a short walk from Southern Cross Station.
What Activities Are at Kids Day Out in 2026?
Kids Day Out 2026 will include rides, crafts, performances, sports, and educational displays.
Here’s what families can expect throughout the day:
Carnival & Inflatables
- Dodgem cars, mini rollercoasters, jungle maze, giant slides
- Bungee trampolines and inflatable obstacle courses
Teddy Bear Hospital
- Run by medical students from the University of Melbourne
- Kids can bring their soft toys for a health check-up while learning about healthcare in a friendly, non-clinical way
Arts & Crafts
- Cookie decorating, painting stations, face painting, badge making
- Quiet creative corner for younger kids
Sports Zone
- Mini clinics in footy, soccer, netball, and martial arts
- Relay races and team-based games for all age groups
Live Entertainment
- Main stage with magic shows, dancers, local performers and surprise guests
- Cosplay characters and roving entertainers throughout the venue
Emergency Services Display
- Meet real paramedics, firefighters and police officers
- Sit in a fire truck or try on a firefighter’s helmet
Food & Treats
- Ice Cream-O-Rama with Easter-themed flavours
- Family-friendly food stalls with vegan/GF options
Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Kids can make and customise their own soft toy
- Includes special heart ceremony experience
How to Get to Kids Day Out
MCEC is located at 2 Clarendon St, South Wharf.
Here are the easiest ways to get there:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Train | Get off at Southern Cross Station, 10-minute walk to venue |
| Tram | Routes 96, 109, or 12 stop at Clarendon St (right outside MCEC) |
| Parking | Wilson Parking at MCEC (Normanby Rd entrance) |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs, with elevators and baby change rooms |
🛑 Note: Expect crowds and possible traffic delays after 12 PM. Public transport is recommended.
Is Kids Day Out Free to Attend?
Yes, entry to Kids Day Out is completely free.
Some rides and activities require a small donation or fee, and all proceeds go to the Good Friday Appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there food inside MCEC during Kids Day Out?
Yes, there are food stalls, snack stands, and the MCEC café with family-friendly menus.
Do I need to register to attend?
No registration required. Just turn up on the day.
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, the venue is pram-friendly with ramps, lifts, and baby care facilities.
What time is the best to arrive?
To avoid queues, arrive close to the 10 AM start time.
Good Friday Appeal 2026
The Kids Day Out is one of the headline attractions of the Good Friday Appeal 2026, a statewide fundraising event dedicated to supporting The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Held annually on Good Friday, the Appeal brings together communities across Victoria through donations, events, and entertainment, all focused on giving sick kids access to world-class care.
Kids Day Out adds a vibrant, family-friendly dimension to the appeal, offering fun for a cause while encouraging hands-on support from the next generation.
