Australian Open 2026 Opens in Melbourne With Three-week Tennis Fest
Table of Contents
- 1. Australian Open 2026 Opens in Melbourne With Three-week Tennis Fest
- 2. Opening Week Sets the Scene
- 3. Finals Weekend And Ticket Details
- 4. On-Site Access And Viewing Options
- 5. Family-Friendly Activities
- 6. Getting There And Getting Around
- 7. What to Bring
- 8. Event Snapshot
- 9. Share Your Plans
- 10. >
- 11. 2026 Tournament snapshot
- 12. Free Kids Entry – What Parents Need to Know
- 13. $10 Ground Passes – Budget‑Amiable Access
- 14. Live Music & Entertainment – Turning Tennis into a festival
- 15. Family Activities – Beyond the Matches
- 16. 1. Kids’ Activity Hub (Margaret Court Arena Side)
- 17. 2. Interactive Fan Zones
- 18. 3. Food & Beverage Highlights
- 19. 4. Health & Safety Services
- 20. Practical Tips for a Seamless Family Day
- 21. How to Book – step‑by‑Step
- 22. Real‑world example: A Day in the Life of the Smith Family
Breaking from Melbourne, organizers announced the 2026 Australian Open will run January 12 through February 1 at Melbourne Park, delivering a three-week blend of world-class tennis and festival entertainment.
Opening Week Sets the Scene
The tournament kicks off January 12 and runs through January 17. Highlights include free admission for children on day one, the qualifying rounds, nightly live music, and the Million Dollar 1Point Slam. The opening week offers an ideal window to explore Melbourne Park before the main draw commences.
Finals Weekend And Ticket Details
The finals weekend is scheduled for January 30–February 1, with the champion crowned on the concluding day. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster, with Ground Passes starting at AUD 10 for adults and AUD 5 for children, providing a cost-effective way to experience the event.
On-Site Access And Viewing Options
Play begins daily at 11:00 a.m., with night sessions at 7:00 p.m. Separate tickets are required for each session. Opening-week venue passes grant access to John Cain Arena, outdoor courts, the big-screen viewing area, the training ground, the AO Ballpark children’s entertainment carnival, and festival spaces such as Grand Slam Oval and Top Court. The 2026 expansion promises richer viewing experiences and more activities than ever before.
Family-Friendly Activities
The 2026 edition will feature a host of family-focused activities, including free child admission on day one, the AO Ballpark entertainment carnival with a water play area and mini courts, a Children’s Tennis Day on January 17, and player racket giveaways.
Getting There And Getting Around
Limited paid parking nearby makes public transportation the fastest option. If you choose a taxi, a rank sits beside the Grand Slam Oval on Olympic Boulevard, close to all entrances. Ride-hailing services such as Uber have designated pickup and drop-off points outside john Cain Arena on Olympic Boulevard.
What to Bring
Spectators may carry small backpacks, sun hats, and sealed food and non-alcoholic beverages. A wide range of food and drink options is available on site, and there are several free water stations across Melbourne Park. Bringing a reusable water bottle is encouraged.
Event Snapshot
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 12 – February 1, 2026 |
| Opening Week | January 12–17; free entry for children on day one; qualifying; nightly music; Million Dollar 1Point Slam |
| Finals | January 30–February 1 |
| Tickets | ground Passes from AUD 10 (adults), AUD 5 (children) |
| access | John Cain Arena, outdoor courts, Grand Slam Oval, Top Court, AO Ballpark |
| Family Activities | Water play area, mini courts, Children’s Tennis Day (Jan 17) |
Will you chase opening-week thrills or a finals-day showcase? Do you prefer on-site courtside experiences or expansive festival zones? Share your plans in the comments below.
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.2026 Australian Open – Essential Details for Families
2026 Tournament snapshot
- Dates: 13 January – 26 January 2026
- Venue: Melbourne Park (Rod laver, Margaret Court, and Show Courts)
- Time Zone: Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)
- Official site: ausopen.com – primary source for ticketing, schedule, and COVID‑19 updates
Free Kids Entry – What Parents Need to Know
| Category | Eligibility | How to Claim | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children under 12 | Age ≤ 12 on 13 January 2026 | Register online via teh “Family Ticket” portal (opens 90 days before the event) and select “Free Kids” option. A QR code is emailed for entry. | Must be accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Only one free child per adult ticket. |
| Kids 12‑16 (discounted) | Age 12‑16 | Use the same portal; discounted price is AU$ 25 for ground access. | Same accompaniment rule applies. |
Key Tips
- Pre‑register early – Slots fill within 48 hours of release.
- Print or store the QR code on a mobile device; on‑site scanning is mandatory.
- bring ID for children over 12 to verify age if requested by staff.
$10 Ground Passes – Budget‑Amiable Access
- What’s included: Unlimited access to the outer courts,public food courts,fan zones,and the Melbourne Park precinct (excluding stadium seating).
- Purchase window: 60 days to 7 days before the first day of the tournament.
- Where to buy:
- Official Australian Open website (ticketing section).
- Partner retail outlets – 7‑Eleven, Coles Express, and selected Kmart stores.
- Limitations: Passes are non‑transferable, valid for a single day, and cannot be combined with other stadium tickets.
practical Use Cases
- Day‑trip families: One $10 pass per adult, plus free kids entry, gives full park experience at a fraction of the cost.
- Local school groups: bulk purchase discounts (5 % off for groups of 20 +).
Live Music & Entertainment – Turning Tennis into a festival
| Day | Stage | Featured Acts (Announced) | Time Slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 14 | “Court 1 Beat” | Australian indie band vikings | 14:00‑16:00 |
| Jan 16 | “Grandstand Groove” | DJ Molly M (electro‑pop set) | 18:30‑20:00 |
| Jan 19 | “Kids’ Corner” | Children’s choir Melbourne Voices | 11:00‑12:00 |
| Jan 22 | “Sunset Sessions” | International act The Kooks (acoustic) | 19:00‑21:00 |
– Free for all ground‑pass holders – no extra ticket required.
- Family‑friendly zones: Stages are located near the Kids’ Activity Hub and the Food Court, ensuring easy access for parents with strollers.
Family Activities – Beyond the Matches
1. Kids’ Activity Hub (Margaret Court Arena Side)
- Tennis clinics – 30‑minute sessions led by former Australian pros; ages 6‑12, limited to 20 participants per session.
- VR tennis experience – Simulate a grand Slam point; open all day.
- Creative corner – Face painting, tennis‑themed crafts, and selfie stations.
2. Interactive Fan Zones
- “Serve‑and‑Score” AR game – Score points by tracking real‑time player stats on large screens.
- pop‑up merchandise stalls – Exclusive 2026 logo tees and lasting water bottles.
3. Food & Beverage Highlights
- kids’ menu – 100 % gluten‑free and allergen‑clear options, clearly labeled.
- Family combo deals – $18 for two main dishes + shared dessert, available at all food courts.
4. Health & Safety Services
- First‑aid tents staffed by Melbourne Health volunteers.
- Hydration stations – Free water refill points located every 300 m.
Practical Tips for a Seamless Family Day
- Arrive early – Ground‑pass crowds peak at 11:00 AM; arriving by 09:30 AM secures a good spot near the kids’ zones.
- Stroller policy – Only compact,collapsible strollers allowed inside the pavilion. bring a lockable bag for larger wheel‑chairs.
- Public transport – Use the Melbourne Metro (City Loop) to “Melbourne Park” station; a 10‑minute walk to the main entrance.
- Parking – $15 per car for the day; discount codes provided with ticket confirmation.
- Weather prep – January can exceed 30 °C; pack sunscreen (SPF 50+), hats, and reusable water bottles.
How to Book – step‑by‑Step
- Create an account on the Australian Open ticket portal (email verification required).
- Select “Family Package” – automatically adds free kids entry and optional $10 ground pass.
- Choose dates – each day can be booked separately; multi‑day discounts (10 % off for 3 + days).
- Add music add‑ons – optional “Live Music pass” (AU$ 5) unlocks exclusive backstage videos.
- Proceed to checkout – enter promo code FAMILY2026 for an additional AU$ 5 off each ground pass.
- Receive e‑ticket – printable PDF and mobile QR code; keep a backup copy on a separate device.
Real‑world example: A Day in the Life of the Smith Family
- Morning: Arrive at 09:15 AM, scan QR codes for free kids entry (Emma, 9) and adult ground passes (Mark and Lisa).
- 11:00 AM: Join a 30‑minute tennis clinic; Emma wins a “Future Champ” badge.
- 12:30 PM: Enjoy a family combo meal (beef burger, veggie wrap, and fruit cup) at the Food Court.
- 14:00 PM: Watch “Vikings” perform on Court 1 Beat while Mark watches a men’s singles match from a nearby viewing area.
- 16:30 PM: Participate in the “Serve‑and‑Score” AR game; win a signed 2026 tournament ball.
- 19:00 PM: End the day with “The Kooks” acoustic set; susan captures a family photo at the sunset backdrop.
Outcome: The Smiths experienced a full day of tennis, music, and interactive fun for under AU$ 100 total, proving the value of the $10 ground pass and free kids entry initiative.
