Fun Kids Activities Melbourne – Intro
Melbourne makes a marvellous short holiday destination for families. There are dozens and dozens of fun things to do with the family within the city and then, of course, there are wonderful excursions like the Great Ocean Road Scenic Drive.
So, what are the best things to do in Melbourne with kids?
Luna Park Melbourne
This historic amusement park opened on the shores of Port Philip Bay in 1912 and has been a popular seaside destination ever since. You’ll find the ferris wheel, a ghost train, a mirror maze, dodgems, a carousel and more.
The most famous of the 18 rides and attractions is the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster, which hurtles around the perimeter of the park. It is famous for being the oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster in the world.
Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda Vic 3182
Scienceworks
Play with science whilst learning at Scienceworks. Kids will love to explore all the exhibits and will find the electrifying shows in the Lightning Room very exciting. There’s also a Planetarium here. There are workshops, special exhibits and play for kids under five, plus activities especially for older children too.
Address: 2 Booker Street, Spotswood, Victoria 3015
Bundoora and Collingwood Children’s Farms
Melbourne has two delightful urban farms where children can meet and pet all sorts of animals. Both farms also have cafes, which of course are very child-friendly. Learn how farms operate, how food is produced and about sustainable farming. You can also meet some Australian native wildlife and see the Heritage Village at Bundoora.
Addresses: Collingwood Children’s Farm, 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford
Bundoora Park Farm, 1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083
Collingwood Children’s Farm website
Eureka Skydeck
Amongst the bars and restaurant and shops of Southbank is the 297 metre high Skydeck. Visit the top for a unique sky high view over Melbourne, from the 88th floor. If you dare you can enter the Edge Experience, a glass cube which juts out from the Tower. Only for the brave.
Address: Riverside Quay, Southbank Melbourne 3006
Melbourne Zoo
Only 4km from the centre of town is Melbourne’s most popular family attraction. Melbourne Zoo is home to over 300 species of animal from around the world. There are interactive play spaces for children, a zoo keeper kids’ playspace, animals talks and the award winning Trail of the Elephants.
Children aged 0 – 3 years enter free and children aged 4 – 15 years are free every weekend and in school holidays.
Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Meet Australia’s marine wildlife close up as you walk through the viewing tunnels at Melbourne Aquarium. There are sharks, rays and turtles, and a huge crocodile too. Meet the animals of the mangroves, see the seahorses, say hello to the penguins and visit the Coral Atoll.
Visitors can go on special behind the scenes tours, dive with sharks and even have a tour on a glass bottom boat.
Address: King St Melbourne VIC 3000
Melbourne Aquarium website here
Immigration Museum
This museum, housed in the old Customs House explores immigration from many perspectives. There are stories of individual migrants who have made Victoria their home having left England, Germany, Africa and many other places. There are also stories of the larger communities of immigrants and of how those communities continue after immigration.
The bigger picture is also explored with themes of identity, of loss and of gain too. There are special events and activities for children plus guided and self-guided tours.
Address: 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Old Melbourne Gaol
Between 1842 and its closure in 1929, Old Melbourne Gaol housed and hung the most notorious criminals in Victoria. It is the place where the famous bushranger Ned Kelly was hung. The museum tells the rather gruesome side of the history of colonisation. Older children might enjoy the Ghost Tours or even the Hangman’s Tour.
Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne Vic 3000
Old Melbourne Gaol website here
Laneways and Artworks
The laneways running through Melbourne’s city centre have a vibrant and colourful series of cafes, music venues and restaurants to explore. Fun by day and by night, children will enjoy them most for their street art.
You’ll see vast murals, stencils and tags, a joy to photograph. Hosier and Rutledge Lanes are the epicentre of the art; Centre Place, AC/DC Lane and Hardware Lane are great for coffee and food. Tattersalls Lane is where to find Asian food.
Meltours offers tours of the laneways with passionate locals
Queen Victoria Market
Known as ‘Vic Market’ this is one of the largest markets in the Southern hemisphere and has a history as colourful as its stalls and produce. The market is open daily except for Mondays and Wednesdays. There is sometimes a night market on Wednesdays, check the website for details.
At the market you will find fresh produce, meat and fish, cheeses, delis, flowers, clothes, handbags, jewellery and arts and crafts. Do not miss the famous jam donuts from the American Doughnut Kitchen, a food truck that’s been going strong since 1950.
Address: 513 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
ArtPlay: Kids Creativity on the Yarra
Creative kids and those who love craft might like to plan ahead for a visit to ArtPlay. This imposing building sits on the banks of the Yarra, very close to Federation Square. ArtPlay offers over 300 workshops, performances and events annually, aimed at children aged from zero to 12 years old. You usually do need to book in ahead and most activities do have a small charge.
There’s also a big playground beside ArtPlay, great for running off some energy before or after some art and craft.
Address: Birrarung Marr, behind Federation Square
Phone: 03 9658 7880
Check the ArtPlay Melbourne website here.
More Things To Do in Melbourne With Kids
Find more family activities in Melbourne on the Visit Melbourne website here
Read more about enjoying the outdoors and meeting Australian wildlife on the Visit Melbourne website here.
Melbourne Websites and Blogs For Families
If you are staying a bit longer or have kids who love to stay outdoors, check out
For the best of what’s on events and activities try
Visiting The Great Ocean Road
Planning a visit to the Great Ocean Road? Do hop over to check out the delightful website The Great Ocean Road Collective.
Essential Melbourne Smartphone Apps
The apps below are mainly free and available for iPhone/iPad and Android too
Melbourne Official Visitors Guide
Melbourne Bars and Pubs
Vic Heritage
Train Trapper
TramTracker
Melbourne Airport
How to Pick the Best Thing to do With Kids in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, is a vibrant city brimming with entertainment, art, history, and nature that caters to individuals of all ages, making it an ideal destination for family outings. The city presents a plethora of activities for children, allowing them to unleash their creativity, indulge in outdoor adventures, and learn about the world around them.
With such an extensive array of attractions, selecting the best one for your family can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, consider these factors when choosing the most suitable activity for your children in Melbourne.
1. Age and interests of the children
Firstly, consider the age and interests of your children when planning your outing. Melbourne offers activities suitable for toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers alike. Ensure that the selected activity is age-appropriate and engaging for all members of the family. For instance, younger children may enjoy exploring the exhibits at the Melbourne Museum, while older children might prefer a thrilling experience at Luna Park.
Furthermore, take into account their interests and passions, such as sports, art, or nature, to guarantee a memorable day.
2. Educational value
Melbourne is home to numerous educational institutions and museums that offer interactive, hands-on experiences for children. When selecting an activity, consider its potential to expand your child’s knowledge and understanding of the world. Visiting attractions such as the Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, or the Royal Botanic Gardens can provide educational experiences that stimulate their curiosity and enhance their learning.
Opt for activities that blend fun and education to create meaningful memories for your children.
3. Weather and season
Melbourne’s weather is famously unpredictable, so it is essential to factor in the climate when planning your outing. In the warmer months, opt for outdoor activities, such as exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens, picnicking in the parks, or visiting the Melbourne Zoo.
During colder or wetter days, choose indoor options like the Melbourne Aquarium, the National Gallery of Victoria, or Play Central – a massive indoor play centre. Be prepared with alternative plans in case the weather changes unexpectedly.
4. Budget considerations
Melbourne offers a wide range of activities to suit varying budgets. Keep your family’s financial constraints in mind when planning your excursion. Many attractions offer family passes, discounted rates for children, or free entry for specific age groups.
For a cost-effective day out, explore Melbourne’s numerous parks, gardens, and playgrounds or visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) or the National Gallery of Victoria, which offer free entry. Alternatively, invest in a Melbourne Attractions Pass, providing access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate.
5. Time constraints
When selecting an activity, consider the amount of time you have available for your family outing. Melbourne boasts attractions suitable for short excursions, day trips, or even weekend getaways. Allocate sufficient time for the chosen activity to ensure you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without feeling rushed. Also, consider the location of the attraction and the travel time required to reach it, particularly when using public transportation.
6. Accessibility and facilities
Finally, evaluate the accessibility and facilities of the chosen attraction, particularly when visiting with younger children, those with special needs, or elderly family members. Many of Melbourne’s attractions are wheelchair accessible and provide amenities such as ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets. Furthermore, consider the availability of family-friendly facilities, such as baby-changing rooms, breastfeeding spaces, and child-friendly dining options.
Enhance your family’s adventure in Melbourne by exploring beyond these fantastic activities. Melbourne tours offers an enriching and comprehensive way to experience the city’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.
7. Accommodation in Melbourne
If you are staying for several days, be sure to book your accommodation in advance. To find the perfect family-friendly accommodation, try cozycozy, where you can compare available hotels, vacation rentals, Airbnb, and prices.
8. Rainy Day Activities
Great for a rainy day. A unique idea is to create custom craft work to keep the kids busy with great kids activities. Use custom craft ideas to incorporate your child’s art ideas into custom lapel pins. It’s also a great custom craft. Custom pins can be added with any elements and artistic ideas your child likes, and they are also a great gift for kids, they can be pinned to bags, hats or clothes.
In conclusion, picking the best thing to do with kids in Melbourne requires careful consideration of your children’s age and interests, the activity’s educational value, weather and seasonal factors, budget, time constraints, and accessibility.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for the entire family. Melbourne is a city rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, and with such a diverse range of attractions, there is no shortage of options to suit every family’s preferences and needs.
NB If you are driving from Sydney to Melbourne you might like this post:
