Get ready for an enchanting ride into the world of entertainment as your favourite city plays host to a spectacular array of upcoming kids' shows in Melbourne. From whimsical tales to interactive adventures, the city is set to ignite imaginations.

As Australia's cultural hub, Melbourne has curated a lineup of family-friendly performances that promise laughter, learning, and endless fun. Embark on a journey where storytelling comes to life, bringing joy to both the young and the young at heart.

We've rounded up a diverse and exciting lineup of the best kids shows in Melbourne for 2026 — curtain call!

Fun Theatre Shows For Kids in Melbourne 2026

1. Emma Memma's Jungle Picnic Tour

Emma Memma brings her vibrant Jungle Picnic world to life in this lively, feel-good stage show made especially for little adventurers.

With picnic rugs at the ready and jungle friends waiting to dance, this is one kids' show in Melbourne where staying seated is definitely not part of the plan.

As soon as the music starts, kids will be bouncing, twirling, and laughing along — and very likely debuting some wonderfully unpredictable dance moves of their own. Joined by her cheerful Memma crew, Emma hosts a joyful jungle celebration filled with catchy songs, interactive play, and boundless energy that might just keep the excitement going all the way home.

Dates:
19 September at Costa Hall, Geelong
20 September at Civic Hall Ballarat, Ballarat
22 September at George Wood Performing Arts Centre, Ringwood
23 September at Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds
24 September at Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston
27 September at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
28 September at Drum Theatre, Dandenong
29 September at Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon
Cost:  Tickets from $42.50
Suitable for: All ages

2. Dreamer in the Deep

When his bed turns into a sailing boat, Dreamer — an endearing half-child, half-animal — finds himself adrift at sea. Guided by a magical seahorse, he journeys from seaweed forests to the ocean depths and on to the Great Barrier Reef, where a greedy lion fish has trapped a leafy sea dragon. Along the way, kids meet an accordion-playing crab, an opera-singing cleaning shrimp, and a cast of exotic sea creatures brought to life through blacklight staging, original music and striking visual artistry.

It's one of several shows running as part of the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry at La Mama, which staggers start times across its program so families can catch more than one show in a day — with free snacks and juice for kids (and coffee for the grown-ups) at La Mama HQ in between.

Where: La Mama, 349 Drummond St, Carlton
When: 22-24 September 2026 | 11.30 am to 12.15 pm daily
Cost: $25 (adult and child pricing the same)
Suitable for: Young families — a gentle, sensory-friendly runtime of 45 minutes

3. Where is the Green Sheep? In Concert

Where is the Green Sheep? brings the beloved children's book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek to life in a magical visual theatre experience for Melbourne kids.

Join Blue Sheep, who loves blue flowers, Red Sheep, who cartwheels through fields, Bath Sheep, who adore bubbles, and Bed Sheep, who bounce with joy. But the big question remains — where is the Green Sheep?

Blending puppetry and animation, this enchanting production follows three farmers on an exciting adventure to find the elusive Green Sheep. 

Runtime is approximately 45 minutes with no interval.

Where:  Arts Centre Melbourne
When:   22-26 September 2026
Cost:     From $84 to $165
Suitable for: All ages

4. Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty Lights Up Melbourne

If you thought your kids couldn't sit through a ballet, think again! Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty is lighting up the stage with a magical fusion of classical dance and glow-in-the-dark brilliance, and it's anything but ordinary.

Six extraordinary local dancers bring the story to life, showcasing their excellent technique in glowing costumes that shimmer and sparkle with every graceful move, to create an enchanting light show befitting the magic of the story.

Created by the acclaimed María Farelo and Cristian Pérez of Luma Artistas S.L., this modern masterpiece feels part theatre, part light show, and whirls and twirls with wonder. 

Where:   Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne
When:    30-31 October 2026
Cost:      $49 - $79 per ticket
Suitable for: Ages 5 and up

5. Mrs Doubtfire — The Musical

MRS. DOUBTFIRE brings the beloved 1993 Robin Williams film to life as a big-hearted, laugh-out-loud stage musical, making its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Princess Theatre this November.

Directed by four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks, the production keeps the moments fans know and love while adding new songs and show-stopping choreography.

The story follows out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard, who invents the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire to stay close to his kids after a messy divorce — and finds the disguise teaches him more about fatherhood than he bargained for. Jake Speer (Home and Away) leads as Daniel/Mrs. Doubtfire, alongside Suzie Mathers (Wicked, Mamma Mia!) as Miranda Hillard and Hayden Tee (Les Misérables, Matilda) as Frank Hillard.

Where: Princess Theatre, 163 Spring St, Melbourne
When: 25 November 2026 to 17 January 2027
Suitable for: Best for ages 8+ — it's a comedy built on adult themes (divorce, custody), so younger kids may not follow the plot even if they enjoy the songs and disguise gags

6. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Classic Kids: Christmas 

The MSO's Classic Kids: Christmas brings traditional carols, modern holiday favourites and classic Christmas selections to Hamer Hall in a short, family-pitched performance — about 50 minutes with no interval, conducted by Leonard Weiss with artists from the Melba Opera Trust.

The 12.30 pm session is a relaxed performance, adapted to reduce anxiety and discomfort — lights stay on, movement and noise are welcome, there's a downloadable visual story emailed ahead of time, and quiet space is available. A genuinely useful option for families with sensory-sensitive kids, or anyone who'd rather skip the "sit still and stay quiet" pressure of a standard concert.

Where: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
When: 5-6 December 2026 | sessions at 10.30 am and 12.30 pm (12.30 pm relaxed performance)
Cost: Check official site for pricing — available as part of the 2026 Classic Kids package
Suitable for: All ages — wheelchair, walker and scooter accessible, assistive listening devices available, service animals welcome

7. The Christmas Spectacular

Vegas glamour meets Christmas magic, kicking off its Australian tour in Melbourne!

Now in its sixth year, The Christmas Spectacular takes over the Palais Theatre with a mix of large-scale illusions, live music, circus acts and aerial performances. International illusionist Michael Boyd returns with jaw-dropping disappearances and impossible tricks, joined by vocalist Prinnie Stevens performing Christmas favourites including All I Want for Christmas Is You and Joy to the World, aerial artist Aleisha Manion, a full cast of dancers and showgirls, and a mystery special guest.

Where: Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
When: Saturday 5 December 2026 | shows at 2 pm and 6.30 pm
Cost: Check official site for pricing 
Suitable for: All ages — a festive spectacle with broad appeal, though the illusions and aerial work will land best with kids old enough to sit through a full show

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