It is no mean feat keeping the kids occupied on any family outing, but a cleverly mapped out plan for the day ahead can help nail your Australian Open 2024 visit.
Spread across the expanse of the AO precinct, countless activities including the AO Ballpark to AO Hilltop, Kids Tennis Day and watching the big names on court or at the Practice Village are sure to keep even the youngest patrons entertained.
AO Ballpark
Young fans can become immersed in hours of exploration at AO Ballpark presented by Emirates, trying out totem tennis, Hot Shots Tennis and the Emirates Sky Cadets Challenge, the AO’s own nine-metre-high aerial adventure.
There is also the AO Ballpark Stage, which features daily performances from the likes of Looney Tunes and Batman, and the Splash Zone, which includes a waterslide to cool down the kids.
If all that action and crowds become too much, a reprieve is in store for neurodivergent fans at the soothing and calming Sensory Room.
Fans aged five to 14 have a chance to try out tennis for themselves at Hot Shots HQ, where they can book a 30-minute experience emulating Alex de Minaur’s and Ajla Tomljanovic’s training and pre-match warm-up – right down to their playlists – before hitting mini courts.
Bookings are required on Kids Tennis Day once you arrive on site, while it is advised on other days, and all equipment is provided. AO Ballpark is open until 5pm daily.
Plan your food, drink, merchandise and bathroom stops
Aim to avoid the rush of crowds after big matches finish on the main arenas to help minimise times queuing for food, drinks and bathroom stops.
If timed correctly, the queues on the RLA and MCA concourses can be shorter than those outside, especially during Week 1.
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Plan any non-ticketed on-court seating early, and your visits to Grand Slam Oval, AO Ballpark, food and drink outlets, water fountains, AO Shop and bathroom stops accordingly.
For the first time, a dedicated AO24 eXplorer map will offer a digital touchpoint for fans to find locations across the precinct.
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AO Hilltop
For those keen to enable their family to gain a taste of what the AO offers for free, AO Hilltop could be just the spot.
Situated outside the ticketed area, it is a great place to enjoy watching tennis together on the big screen against Melbourne’s skyline.
This year, families can have a hit at the Canadian Club Padel Court, while live DJs will play every day amid a host of food and drink outlets.
AO Hilltop is situated at Upper Terrace at Birrarung Marr and can be entered via City Entrance or Batman Avenue.
Kids Tennis Day
Always a huge hit with young fans, Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates returns on Saturday 13 January at AO 2024.
Expect big crowds of excited children across the precinct, from the Rod Laver Arena Spectacular, featuring current AO stars and iconic performers, to those learning to play tennis on the outside courts.
AO Ballpark sessions must be booked to set timeslots while Grand Slam Oval Super Stage will keep the whole family entertained and Garden Square offers the likes of face painting.
Kids Tennis Day is $25 for those over 12, while kids and concession entry is $15.
Three Days of Family Fun
If the mass crowds of Week 1 seem a little challenging for a family outing, the Australian Open has you covered from Monday 22 January to Wednesday 24 January in Week 2.
On Monday, kids can embrace their creativity on Barbie Day, including photo opportunities with life-size Barbie Blister Packs, yoga and mindfulness sessions, dance classes and art activities.
Tuesday is LEGO Day, where guests can try their hands at building stations, meet LEGO characters, and take part in challenges, while Super Hero Day on Wednesday features DC Justice League shows and chances to meet the likes of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Supergirl.
