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!

The Best Kids' Shows in Melbourne 

1. Signor Baffo at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Cooking up a storm for the last time, Signor Baffo is returning to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this autumn, with a big-hearted and hilarious interactive children's comedy to delight little theatre lovers and their families.

There's chaos in the kitchen when Signor Baffo's left in charge! The restaurant is about to open, nothing is going to plan – and he needs your help.

Lauded by kids across the globe, Signor Baffo returns to Melbourne for the last time, with his supremely silly, interactive adventure full of giggles, unexpected twists and even a rock and roll concert.

Where:  ACMI - Swinburne Studio, Fed Square, Melbourne
When:   3-19 April 2026 |  11:30 am
Cost:     $32 per person; Tuesdays are $25 per person; Groups of 4 are $24 per person
Suitable for: All ages

2. Sesame Street Circus: Elmo's Circus Dream

Elmo and his friends are flying in from New York with an all-new adventure! Step into the excitement and joy of the Sesame Street Circus show, Elmo's Circus Dream, under the Big Top.

This is an unmissable kids' show in Melbourne in 2026, starring Elmo and all your favourite Sesame Street friends! Little fans won't want to miss this dazzling circus spectacular.

When Elmo nods off to sleep, his bedtime story transforms into an extraordinary circus adventure inspired by the world of Sesame Street, and bursting with music, laughter and jaw-dropping acts that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Where:   Dingley Village - Cnr Boundary Rd & Centre Dandenong Rd 
               Bayswater - Cnr Canterbury Rd & Dorset Rd 
               Craigieburn - Craigieburn Central. 340 Craigieburn Rd
When:    Dingley Village: 13-29 March 2026
               Bayswater: 3-26 April 2026
               Craigieburn: 1-17 May 2026
Cost:      Adult from $45 each, Junior (2-14 Years) from $35 each + handling charge
Suitable for: All ages

3. The Gruffalo Live on Stage

After sell-out seasons across the world, including London's West End & Broadway, The Gruffalo returns to Melbourne for performances jam-packed with stories, songs and belly-clutching laughter.

Perfect for ages 3+, kids will be thrilled to join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood, to see if the terrifying Gruffalo really exists...

Runtime is approximately 55 minutes with no interval.

Where:  Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street
When:   16-19 April 2026
Cost:     From $35
Suitable for: Ages 3+

4. 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:
16 April at Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton
18 April at Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
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

5. 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 is a modern masterpiece that feels part theatre, part light show, and is whirling and twirling with wonder. 

Where:   Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne
When:    Monthly dates until June 2026
Cost:      $49 - $79 per ticket
Suitable for: Ages 5 and up

6. 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 Comedy Theatre this winter.

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. Add this to your list of must-see kids' shows in Melbourne in 2026!

Where:   Comedy Theatre
When:    Wednesday to Thursday from 1-12 July 2026
Cost:      From $64.90
Suitable for: All ages

7. Andy Griffiths' YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things 

Beloved Aussie author Andy Griffiths is bringing his trademark chaos and comedy to Melbourne with a brand-new live event, YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things, and it's set to be a wildly imaginative adventure for kids and families.

Based on his latest book, this interactive event invites young readers to dive into The Land of Lost Things, a mysterious place where everything that's ever gone missing — socks, toys, homework, and who knows what else — ends up! Joined by the audience, Andy Griffiths will guide kids through the wonderfully weird world of the story, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, hilarious storytelling and plenty of laughs along the way.

Where:   The Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne
When:    13 & 14 July 2026
Cost:      From $28
Suitable for: Ages 6-12

8. PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue

 

Here's your chance to catch the pups live and in person in Melbourne! PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue brings everyone's favourite pups to life in an action-packed, high-energy musical adventure. 

When Mayor Goodway goes missing on the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race, it's up to the PAW Patrol to save the day. Ryder calls on Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma, and Everest to step in and run the race in her place.

Where:  Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
When:   22 and 23 August 2026
Cost:     Tickets from $42.90
Suitable for: Ages 3+

9. How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert

How to Train Your Dragon 2 In Concert brings the cinematic masterpiece to life on the big screen in spectacular HD, accompanied by composer John Powell's soaring score performed live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The result is an unforgettable, immersive experience that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

When Hiccup and his loyal dragon Toothless stumble upon a hidden ice cave teeming with wild dragons — and encounter a mysterious Dragon Rider — their bond is put to the ultimate test. As an epic conflict unfolds, they must fight to protect the fragile harmony between humans and dragons.

Where:  Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank
When:   27-29 August 2026
Cost:     From $19
Suitable for: Ages 5+

10. 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

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