The Australian Open 2026 is becoming a full summer festival. Here's what's new.

Thanks to our brand partner, Tennis Australia

There's something about the Australian Open that just hits different when it lands in the middle of the school holidays, and AO26 is doubling down on that feeling in a big way.

AO26 is returning to Melbourne Park this January as a full summer experience, with three weeks of action, activities and entertainment across the entire precinct. Running from January 12, families can expect a packed program that makes the Australian Open feel less like a single sporting event and more like a must‑do school holiday outing everyone can enjoy together.

Across the grounds you'll find interactive zones, live entertainment, food options for every type of eater and plenty of shaded spots to take a breather between all the excitement. It is all designed so you can make a full day of it without needing to be across every tennis scoreline to feel part of the action.

Here's everything you need to know to plan the best experience for you and your family:

Why AO26 is a school holiday must‑do.

If you are looking for something that ticks the boxes of outdoors, active, affordable and genuinely fun for different ages, AO26 is built for exactly that brief. Instead of parents trying to entertain kids on the sidelines of a grown‑up event, the Australian Open has shaped the whole precinct so families are front and centre, especially at the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates.

From character shows and play spaces to food options that work for picky and adventurous eaters alike, there's a lot that makes the day feel easy rather than like another thing to "get through". It is the sort of school holiday experience that creates core memories: late‑afternoon summer light, kids with painted faces and the iconic Peach Melbourne soft serve, with the sound of tennis in the background.

Say hello to the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates.

Around the precinct. Image: Australian Open.

The AO Ballpark presented by Emirates is the hero precinct for kids and families at AO26, and it is where most parents will find themselves setting up camp. Opening on Monday, January 12, this precinct combines play zones, stage shows, Hot Shots Tennis, character appearances and hands‑on activities so little ones can burn off energy while grown‑ups actually enjoy themselves too.

This year, there's the Emirates Adventure Club, where kids can unlock the excitement of travel with the Baggage Drop obstacle course, Flight Control digital challenge, and Luggage Round Up tricycle track.

Image: Tennis Australia.

Spread across its dedicated family‑friendly area, you can expect a mix of splash‑style fun, climbing and challenge-style activities, creative play, chill‑out spaces and easy access to food and drink options nearby. It's been curated with a wide age range of ages in mind, so whether you've got a busy 3-year-old on the move, or a primary‑schooler looking to explore, there's something that feels "just for them" around the precinct.

Key family dates to lock in.

One of the biggest drawcards this year is the program of kids' entertainment, with some very familiar faces taking over the stage. Fan favourites like Gabby's Dollhouse (January 12), PAW Patrol (January 13) and Peppa Pig with Baby Evie (January 14) are on the schedule, giving your younger kids the chance to see characters they love up close as part of the daily activities.

Alongside the big‑name shows, there are roaming performers, interactive games and chances for kids to jump in rather than just watch from the sidelines. It is the kind of program that makes it easy to fill a whole day without hearing the dreaded "I'm bored" before lunch.

For parents who like a plan (me, it's me), there are a few dates worth circling in the calendar straight away.

• Kids Go Free Day is on Monday, January 12, which also marks the opening of AO Ballpark presented by Emirates, and it is the perfect low‑pressure way to test‑drive the precinct with the whole family.

• Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates is on Saturday, January 17, bringing extra on‑court activities, player appearances and tennis‑themed fun that helps kids feel closer to the sport. There'll also be the Bluey Live Interactive Experience in the entertainment lineup.

These days are designed with families front of mind, so the schedule leans heavily into activities, entertainment and experiences that kids can be part of, not just watch. We love to hear it.

Image: Tennis Australia.

What to do for families.

Start with Opening Week, presented by Herald Sun.

Opening Week at AO26 is one of the best times to visit with kids if you want that festival feel with a bit more breathing room. During this period, kids tickets start from $10, which makes it a genuinely affordable school holiday outing compared to many big‑ticket attractions.

Because the Main Draw is yet to start, Opening Week is a great time to explore more of the AO precinct and dip in and out of qualifying matches happening on the outside courts. It's also easier to go at your own pace, whether that's a full day on site or a shorter session that fits around nap schedules.

Then move onto the Main Draw.

Once the Main Draw kicks in, the energy around Melbourne Park steps up another notch, and so does the excitement for older kids who are starting to recognise names on the scoreboards. Kids tickets from $15 during the Main Draw mean families can still access that big‑match atmosphere and everything in the precinct without blowing the budget.

For many families, this is where the Australian Open becomes a core summer tradition — a day where you might catch a star on court, grab lunch together and then head back to the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates for an afternoon play‑session. The blend of world‑class tennis and kid‑friendly zones makes it feel less stressful and more like a day out that everyone looks forward to.

The Main Draw kids' entertainment is also confirmed to be *extensive* this year, so mark your calendars to catch the family's favourites, parents:

• Paddington (Sunday, January 18 and Thursday, January 29)

• PJ Masks (Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27)

• Loony Tunes (Tuesday, January 20)

• Octonauts (Wednesday, January 21 and Sunday, January 25)

• Justice League (Thursday, January 22)

• Hey Duggee (Friday, January 23 and Friday, January 30)

• Peppa Pig (Saturday, January 24)

• Scooby Doo (Tuesday, January 27)

• Superman & Supergirl: Power Within (Wednesday, January 28)

(Find the full list of exclusive shows and meet & greets here.)

The tennis still seriously delivers.

Of course, if you or your kids are tennis fans, AO26 is shaping up to be huge on court as well. Returning legends like Novak Djokovic will be back at Melbourne Park chasing more history, while on the women's side stars such as Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are battling for Grand Slam glory.​

There is also a wave of next‑generation talent making serious noise, including players like Naomi Osaka in resurgent form and rising teen Mirra Andreeva, alongside Australia's own Alex de Minaur leading the local charge. For kids who are starting to get into sport, seeing these players live – even for a few games — can be the spark that gets them begging for their own racquet.

How to get tickets.

If AO26 is calling your name, the next step is locking in tickets that work for your family and your budget. Ground Passes are a great option for families because they give you access to the precinct, AO Ballpark presented by Emirates and loads of on‑court action across Melbourne Park, all while keeping things affordable.

You can explore dates, family‑friendly sessions and pricing, and purchase your Australian Open 2026 tickets securely via Ticketmaster. Whether you are aiming for Kids Go Free Day, planning a Main Draw adventure or just want to see what all the precinct buzz is about, now is the perfect time to grab tickets and start planning an unforgettable summer day out.

What is your favourite part of the Australian Open? Tell us in the comments section below.

Find your AO26 tickets from Ticketmaster now.

Featured image: Instagram/@australianopen

Looking for the perfect family day out these school holidays? The Australian Open is back and better than ever. With the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates, live entertainment, and plenty of fun for kids of all ages, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Kids tickets start from just $10, and on Monday January 12, kids go free to celebrate the big opening of AO Ballpark presented by Emirates. It's the summer experience that truly hits different.