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 a cultural hub of Australia, Melbourne has curated a lineup of family-friendly performances that promise laughter, learning, and limitless 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 2025, including the summer of 2026 - curtain call!

The Best Kids' Shows in Melbourne 

1. Shrek the Musical

Get ready for a hilarious, adventure-filled outing with Shrek and friends when Shrek The Musical arrives at Arts Centre Melbourne in January 2026.

This action-packed stage show brings the beloved animated film to life with vibrant sets, laugh-out-loud humour, catchy songs and a cast of familiar fairy-tale characters, including Donkey, Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad and more.

Ideal for kids aged 3 and up (and perfect for families), it’s a magical mix of entertainment, heart and fun that’s sure to delight both little ones and grown-ups alike.

Where:  Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
When:   Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 January 2026
Cost:    Tickets from $79 each.

2. Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show

 

“For real life?!” The spirit of play is alive when Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show bounces into Melbourne’s Arts Centre Playhouse this summer. The live theatre adaptation brings Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad off the screen via brilliantly crafted puppets, a brand-new tale by creator Joe Brumm, and fresh music by Joff Bush.

As Bluey and Bingo scheme to drag Dad off his beanbag, families can expect laughter, sing-along magic, and a reminder that play and connection are what make everyday moments extraordinary.

Check out the VIP Package, where you'll get access to a post-show Meet & Greet with the Bluey costume character!

Where:   Arts Centre Melbourne 
When:    Tuesday 30 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
Cost:      Tickets from $64.90pp

3. CATS the Musical

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical CATS will celebrate its 40th Australian anniversary with a season at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall in December 2025.

Based on TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show blends music, dance, and poetry in a dazzling production that has enthralled audiences for decades. Set on the night of the Jellicle Ball, the story follows the Jellicle cats as their leader, Old Deuteronomy, makes the life-changing Jellicle choice.

Where:    Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
When:     Opening Sunday 21 December, 2025
Cost:       Tickets from $89.90 - $139.90

4. Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play!

 

Mickey, Minnie, and all their Disney Junior friends are hitting the stage in Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play!, coming to Melbourne this January.

This high-energy, interactive show brings together favourites from Puppy Dog Pals, Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Doc McStuffins, and Firebuds for a musical adventure packed with dancing, singing, and plenty of audience participation.

Perfect for preschoolers and early primary kids, it’s a colourful celebration of friendship, fun, and imagination - the kind of show that keeps little ones smiling (and parents humming along) long after the curtain falls.

Where:    Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
When:     Saturday 24 January 2026 - Sunday 25 January 2026
Cost:       Tickets from $39.90pp

5. Ten Thousand Hours

No this isn't the amount of time the kids are asking you for snacks in the school holidays! Ten Thousand Hours is a stunning new acrobatic show coming to Melbourne in January 2026.

In just 60 minutes, eight world-class acrobats transform the concept of the “10,000-hour rule” into a visceral, high-energy performance - there’s a giant digital clock, live drumming, human pyramids, shoulder walks, flips and leaps, and even moments of wobble and recovery that remind you how much work goes into what looks effortless. 

It’s raw, joyful, playful, and immersive - perfect for families, first-time theatre goers, or anyone who loves movement and physical theatre.

Where:    Arts Centre Playhouse
When:     Tuesday 13 - Sunday 25 January, 2026
Cost:       Tickets from $32.00pp

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