Australian Open aims for little fans

The Australian Open is hoping to attract more families by offering kids ground passes for just $5.

The Open, which starts January 16, is looking to break its attendance record of just over 720,000.

Organisers have set up a new "AO Ballpark", aimed specifically at children with features such as mini courts, a climbing wall and trampolines.

Previously the cost of an under 15s ticket had been bundled in a family pass or they had been charged $40.00 for a ground pass.

The Open has made a raft of changes including a new entrance - the Tanderrum Bridge - that links the city to Melbourne Park as part of stage two of the $338 million redevelopment.

There is now also shade for approximately 600 seats on the outer courts.