The Australian Open Grand Slam tennis event is more and more increasing its providing past tennis, with music, meals, actions and extra all including to the sporting expertise.
This 12 months’s Australian Open (Sunday 14 January – Sunday 28 January 2024) options a lot of family-friendly actions so I’m excited to take my youngsters alongside!
Listed below are my prime suggestions for visiting the Australian Open 2024 with youngsters.
When is the Australian Open 2024?
Australian Open 2024 is on from Sunday 14 January to Sunday 28 January 2024.
purchase Australian Open tickets
One of the best worth ticket for the Australian Open is the Floor Cross, beginning at $59 for week 1 of the competitors and $29 for week 2 of the competitors.
Youngsters 3-11 years can go to the Australian Open for simply $10 on weekdays of the event and $15 on Friday 19 January 2024 and Saturday 20 January 2024.
You’ll nonetheless must pay in your grownup floor cross ($19-$75) however the mixed value gives a full day of tennis-related enjoyable. Even when your baby isn’t a tennis fan there are many actions alongside Birrarung Marr and inside Melbourne Park to maintain everybody entertained all day.
You should buy your Floor Passes on-line or on the door (although I like to recommend pre-booking to keep away from disappointment).
If you happen to’re on the lookout for Australian Open area tickets, youngsters aged 3-11 (which incorporates 11-year-olds who haven’t but reached their 12th birthday) as of the date a ticket is introduced for entry might buy a Youngsters Ticket.
Australian Open entrances
All three entrances to the Australian Open are accessible:
- Backyard Sq. Entrance is advisable for entry to Rod Laver Area and Margaret Court docket Area;
- Grand Slam Oval Entrance is advisable for entry to John Cain Area and the quite a few meals and beverage retailers at Grand Slam Oval; and
- Metropolis Entrance is advisable for entry to AO Ballpark at Birrarung Marr.
In 2024 there is no such thing as a direct entry to the precinct by way of cease 7C MCG 4-7/John Cain Area as Follow Village Entrance isn’t open. Meaning the closest entry level to John Cain Area is the Grand Slam Oval Entrance.
Richmond Entrance won’t function for AO24.
Find out how to get to the Australian Open
There may be little or no parking round Melbourne Park, so the most suitable choice is to take public transport, trip a motorbike or take an Uber in case your youngsters don’t require a automobile seat.
Discover out extra about learn how to get to the Australian Open.
Australian Open by Tram
Travelling to Metropolis Entrance
If you happen to’re heading to the Metropolis Entrance for AO Ballpark (the youngsters zone) stroll right down to Birrarung Marr by way of Flinders Road or Batman Avenue.
You can too take the Route 70/70a trams to Cease 7A William Barak Bridge, then stroll again to the Metropolis Entrance.
Travelling to Backyard Sq. Entrance
If you happen to’re heading to the Backyard Sq. Entrance for Rod Laver Area and Margaret Court docket Area your finest choices are to take the Route 70/70a trams to Cease 7B Rod Laver Area/MCG gates 1-3.
There is no such thing as a direct entry to the precinct by way of cease 7C MCG 4-7/John Cain Area in 2024. The closest entry level to John Cain Area is the Grand Slam Oval Entrance.
Australian Open by Practice
Travelling to the Metropolis Entrance
Catch a practice to Flinders Road Station, then stroll to Birrarung Marr to the Metropolis Entrance.
Travelling to Backyard Sq. Entrance
Catch trains to Flinders Road Station, Jolimont Station or Richmond Station after which take a tram Route 70/70a to Backyard Sq. Entrance.
Australian Open Parking
If you happen to should drive to the Australian Open, then your choices are:
NATIONAL TENNIS CENTRE (ON-SITE)
Parking may be pre-purchased as an improve on the time of reserving your tickets.
YARRA PARK (OFF-SITE)
Public parking in Yarra Park is on the market for $10, payable by EFTPOS solely.
Automotive parking in Yarra Park is topic to capability, so that you’ll must arrive early to safe your parking.
For extra data and different parking choices, please go to the MCG web site.
Australian Open by Uber or Taxi
There are designated Uber pickup and dropoff factors exterior John Cain Area alongside Olympic Boulevard, and additional alongside Olympic Boulevard close to tram cease 7D.
A taxi rank is positioned on Olympic Boulevard, adjoining to Grand Slam Oval.
Australian Open by Bike
In earlier years, now we have opted to cycle to Melbourne Park and there’s bike parking alongside Olympic Boulevard. The trip alongside the Yarra River to Melbourne Park is gorgeous and we keep away from all of the whining related to strolling within the warmth!
Bicycle parking amenities are supplied on the underpass intersection of the William Barak Bridge and Entrance A, and the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Batman Avenue.
Australian Open AO Ballpark
The AO Ballpark introduced by Emirates is a devoted leisure and exercise space only for youngsters and households positioned at Birrarung Marr.
Get to the AO Ballpark as early as doable to beat the warmth and the crowds. The positioning opens 10am with variable closing instances.
AO Ballpark Actions
The AO Ballpark is geared in direction of youngsters 5+ years. In 2024 the AO Ballpark options an aerial course, colouring wall, Totem tennis forest, colored balls activation, LEGO play tables, dwell stage exhibits, competitions, and a waterplay and water slide zone.
Little youngsters will notably benefit from the water play space (in earlier years designated for youths 6 years and underneath), the LEGO tables and watching exhibits on the principle stage.
Youngsters of all ages (who can wield a tennis racket) may also take part in a lot of the Tennis Sizzling Pictures actions, that are all drop-in.
AO Ballpark Meals
There are usually just a few meals choices on the AO Ballpark however loads of seating and picnic tables, so I like to recommend BYO meals if you need extra selections.
Pay attention to age and top restrictions at AO Ballpark
AO Ballpark has a lot of cool actions inside, however don’t promise the youngsters something until you already know that they’ll meet age and top restrictions.
As an example, in earlier years the aerial journey required youngsters to be 120cm+, whereas the waterslide was instructed for youths 5+ years.
Deliver bathers and closed-toed sneakers to AO Ballpark
If you wish to do the aerial impediment course or the short bounce at AO Ballpark you will have to put on closed-toed sneakers. I don’t consider placing anybody in closed-toed sneakers in 38-degree warmth so Woman AB could be very aggravated when she isn’t allowed to go on the course in her sandals!
If you happen to assume you’re going to go to the water play then deliver bathers and a towel – there are useful changerooms close by. We take our trusty Tesalate super-absorbent journey towels!
There are two dad and mom rooms within the Australian Open precinct – as soon as inside AO Ballpark and one inside John Cain Area.
Household Enjoyable Days
On Monday 22 January 2024 AO Ballpark is internet hosting Household Enjoyable that includes Barbie yoga, Barbie video games, and inventive play.
On Tuesday 23 January 2024 it’s Household Enjoyable with a LEGO Construct station, character meet & greets, video games and actions.
On Wednesday 24 January 2024 it’s Household Enjoyable with Justice League, together with character meet & greets with Batman, many extra Justice League legends, stage present, challenges and picture moments.
Tickets for Australian Open household enjoyable days are the identical value as normal adults/youngsters floor passes in Week 2 of the event.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN FOOD
BYO Snacks
There are a great deal of stylish meals choices touted on the Australian Open however choices are extra restricted throughout the AO Ballpark.
The primary meals/hospitality space is at Grand Slam Oval inside Melbourne Park, which is on the different finish of the precinct and fairly a hike from the AO Ballpark, particularly within the warmth.
So I like to recommend bringing a minimum of some snacks – you may herald most meals objects, simply not glassware and alcohol.
BYO Water
Hold everybody hydrated by frequently filling up at water stations with a refillable water bottle – simply look out for the indicators saying ‘Water Station’.
The Australian Open Fan Outlets additionally sells memento water bottles if you happen to overlook to deliver your personal.
Go to Grand Slam Oval for extra consuming choices
If consuming nicely on the Australian Open is your precedence then both BYO or head to the Grand Slam Oval.
What’s useful on the Grand Slam Oval is you can order meals from the QR codes on each desk, after which go and decide it up from the meals stand whenever you obtain an SMS notification.
Professional tip: it pays to make your strategy to the meals vendor rapidly after you place your order (ie earlier than you get the SMS notification) in order that 1. you already know the place it’s and aren’t circling Grand Slam Oval looking for it (whereas hungry) and a pair of. typically the stalls are so busy with orders from clients who’ve lined up that they overlook or de-prioritise the net orders. So if you happen to’ve been ready some time in your on-line order and haven’t obtained an SMS notification then simply ask on the counter as to your order’s standing. I had this expertise they usually gave me my order on the spot.
Notice that AO24 might be solely cashless, so be ready.
Attempt the Peach Melbourne
A scorching day on the Australian Open means the proper alternative for ice cream!
Sit back with the Australian Open‘s signature dessert, a riff on the Peach Melba known as Peach Melbourne. It’s creamy vanilla soft-serve ice cream drizzled with peach syrup and topped with crushed freeze-dried raspberries.
Perhaps it’ll be as iconic as strawberries and cream at Wimbledon someday!
Australian Open Accessibility
There may be loads of details about accessibility on the Australian Open web site – right here is simply among the key data.
If you happen to want help for a non-visible or hidden incapacity, search for the sunflower badges worn by the AO24 Buyer Expertise Workforce.
Accessible seating
There are 3 ways to buy accessible seating:
- Ticketmaster web site – Wheelchair and accompanying seats (both as paid tickets or with a Companion Card) may be bought by way of the Ticketmaster web site. On the seat choice web page, use the ‘View solely Accessible Tickets’ toggle or the ‘Ticket sort’ filter to view obtainable accessibility seating choices.
- Ticketmaster telephone line 1300 446 925, Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm (AEDT).
- Submit an Accessibility type on-line.
Companion Playing cards are accepted at AO24. All companion ticketholders should present their legitimate Companion Card for gate entry verification.
Accessibility map
Obtain the Accessibility Map which exhibits the situation of accessible and All Gender bathrooms, Altering Place amenities, Travellers Assist help, Service Animals reduction space and extra.
Australian Open Sensory Rooms
If the individuals and the warmth get too overwhelming there are two small Sensory Rooms you can go to within the AO Ballpark and and in John Cain Area. The rooms are quiet, with calming colors, bean luggage and delicate video games.
There may be additionally a Quiet Room close to Court docket 3.
I carry my noise-cancelling Airpods with me so that youngsters can have a relaxation from the noisy environment if wanted.
Australian Open Social Story
Downloading the AO Social Story earlier than you go might assist to cut back stress. It supplies a easy textual content and visible illustration of what occurs or might occur on the Australian Open.
You can too obtain a Sensory Map which signifies areas with loud noise, sensory rooms, quiet rooms and the place to search out shade.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN WEATHER
The summer season warmth in Melbourne in the course of the Australian Open may be brutal. On our go to, the UV score is ‘Excessive’ so it’s necessary to deliver a hat, put on sunscreen and if you happen to can bear it, clothes that covers you. And search out shade!
If you happen to do overlook your sunscreen, thankfully, there are many promotional individuals and stands handing out free sunscreen samples all through Melbourne Park – so there’s no excuse to not be protected.
If the warmth is getting an excessive amount of then hand around in the carpeted, air-conditioned lobby space surrounding John Cain Area. A floor cross will get you basic admission seating for matches inside John Cain Area.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN procuring
If you happen to’re after a kind of large tennis balls (the scale of a basketball) then get in fast, as they usually promote out in the course of the Australian Open!
There are 12 AO Outlets across the precinct and also you’ll discover the biggest vary at Centrepiece. There’s additionally Click on and Accumulate obtainable at Kia Area.
The opposite giant merchandise present store is for Polo Ralph Lauren, which is the Official Clothing store of the Australian Open. You’ll discover AO2024 commemorative and restricted ranges inside their pop up retailer at Rod Laver Area Terrace.
New Steadiness is the official Efficiency Attire and Footwear supplier for AO24 so additionally they have a store for his or her co-branded vary.
the place to look at the AUSTRALIAN OPEN
If you happen to’re not eager to catch the tennis motion from inside Melbourne Park, there are a number of dwell websites round Melbourne the place you watch matches.
Federation Sq.
Fed Sq. in partnership with 9 is about to remodel into the final word sport-watching hotspot, broadcasting each match from Spherical 1 to the Finals on the large display screen.
From the finals weekend, (and persevering with till the top of Summer time), attendees will be capable to take pleasure in refreshing drinks whereas catching the video games on the Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters Pop-Up Bar on the principle sq..
The District Docklands
District Stay might be hosted at The District Docklands underneath the wheel with a pop-up bar and free display screen dwell streaming the tennis, plus a lot of video games and actions to maintain you busy all day.
Sit again and loosen up on beanbags within the occasion house with a chilly beverage from City Alley bar, have successful of desk tennis within the solar, and snap a photograph in entrance of the tennis court-themed swing and tag @thedistrictdocklands in your probability to win a $250 District Present Card. All whereas experiencing the dwell tennis motion in entrance of the large display screen positioned underneath the wheel!
Extra summer season vacation concepts in Melbourne
Free water play in Melbourne & Regional Victoria
Finest out of doors swimming pools in Melbourne
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