Many families have experienced the following situation: the kids have finished all the books, watched all the movies, and played all the games in the house, and they are now officially bored.
For those of you who recognise this predicament and have been at a loss for what to do in Melbourne during the school break, this may be the answer you've been looking for.
We have rounded up some of the most exciting and entertaining things to do in Melbourne with children, and we can promise you won't be bored for a second. In addition, grown-ups can have fun with them too!
Best Things To Do In Melbourne With Kids
Here is a list of all the kid-friendly things to do and see in Melbourne that we recommend, in no particular order.
Move To The Museum
When an outing can provide both educational value and fun for its participants, you know you're onto a winner; such is the case with a visit to the Melbourne Museum.
It has the most comprehensive collection of permanent and temporary displays of any museum in the Southern Hemisphere. This makes sure that the museum is always fresh and exciting for the kids to visit.
One of the most visited displays at the Melbourne Museum is Bugs Alive! The popular exhibition, the Dinosaur Walk, and the popular display of the legendary racehorse Phar Lap. The exhibition is great for young people who are interested in insects.
The Melbourne Museum is conveniently located next to the IMAX Theater, making it a great day out for the entire family. The museum is completely encircled by the Carlton Gardens, which are included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Swing Or Fly Into An Adventure Park
This adage couldn't be more accurate than when referring to a basic playground. To put it simply, sometimes the best things in life are free.
But when attempting to describe some of Melbourne's most acclaimed gardens, "humble" is probably not the best word to use.
Many modern playgrounds take the form of miniature amusement parks, complete with rides like flying foxes, trampolines, and enormous slides.
Popular parks in Melbourne include the St. Kilda Adventure Playground, the Ron Barassi Snr Park in Docklands, the Royal Park Nature Play, and the Fitzroy Adventure Park. If you want to do something that won't break the bank but will leave you feeling good, a visit to the park is hard to beat.
Be Thrilled At Luna Park
Despite the lack of Movie World or Dreamworld, families looking for things to do in Melbourne with kids will find Luna Park to be not only one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, but also a destination that comes highly recommended. Luna Park is an amusement park that fuses a carnival with a circus and a playground.
There are thrill rides (the Scenic Railway is the world's oldest roller coaster that is still operating), attractions that are reminiscent of sideshows, and enough sugar to keep the kids jumping around all day long.
In addition, the Great Luna Park Easter Egg Hunt will be held once again this year. All ages are welcome to attend this egg-themed extravaganza, and there may be as many as 30,000 chocolate eggs to be won. Yum!
Skate Into An Ice Rink
In Melbourne, skating at the O'Brien Group Arena is the best option for getting the whole family moving and having fun. Instead of going for a bike ride, skating is the coolest (pun intended) sporty family activity you can do with your kids.
Australia's largest ice rink is the perfect place to hone your ice dancing skills whether you've never skated before or are a seasoned pro.
Even young children who may be a little unsteady on two blades can benefit from the 15-minute ice skating lessons that are available from the Ice Ambassadors.
Looking for something to do in Melbourne? The best time to visit is during the school holidays, when there are always extra classes, games, and amazing skating performances to enjoy.
Ice Skating At Docklands
Do you have any recommendations for active, kid-friendly activities in Melbourne? After that, you can go ice skating at Docklands' O'Brien Icehouse. One of the most exciting things that tourists can do in Melbourne is this.
Even if you've never been ice skating before, you'll quickly discover how easy it is to walk while wearing skates and how quickly you can skate (very slowly) around the rink a few times. You wouldn't believe how easy it is to walk on skates if you've never tried it before.
We love the chance to spend time together as a family that ice skating provides, and we're always looking for new ways to keep the kids active and on their feet.
Though we suggest packing warm layers, you are likely to feel warmer as you get moving; for this reason, it is best to dress in layers that can be taken off as needed.
If you go on the weekend or during the holidays, you can take advantage of one of the free lessons before you even put on skates.
When the kids are out of school, this is one of the best places in Melbourne to take them.
Games, face painting, circus acts, skating shows, and a craft area are just some of the family-friendly activities available at the arena.
Rental skates are included in the admission price of $28 for adults, $24 for students, and $14.50 for children under the age of 8, but you can save $5 if you bring your own pair. Visitors can watch for only $4.
Skating is open to the public daily at 9 a.m. But before you go, check their calendar to see if there are any special events that day that would prevent you from skating. It would be embarrassing to show up and discover that you are unable to skate.
Go Wild At Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is a great place for families to spend quality time together, and anyone can enjoy watching the animals antics.
When there are more than 300 species to investigate, prioritising research can be challenging. There are many interesting places to visit, but I recommend starting with the elephant inclosure, the seal pool, and the butterfly house.
During the school break, the Melbourne Zoo will host the amazing new event, Neon Playground.
In honour of Earth Day and World Wildlife Day, the zoo will be open late every night of the week. Live performances, art exhibits, and colourful light shows will all be available to guests.
Have we also mentioned that there is no cost for kids to participate in events on weekdays, weekends, or holidays? This means that there is no longer any good reason to avoid visiting the zoo.
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
One of the exciting things to do in Melbourne with kids is to take them on a ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, which will take them high above the city.
This quick trip is a great way to introduce kids to Melbourne and is one of the most popular things to do in the city.
In addition to the breathtaking views across the entirety of the Melbourne Central Business District and beyond, you'll also receive informative commentary about the city's many points of interest.
With your admission, you'll get a free map so you can follow along as the report identifies the various points of interest.
Each of the 21 enclosed and air-conditioned cabins on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel provides a unique perspective of the city.
Each cabin has a maximum occupancy of six people, but on the day we were there, there were only a handful of other guests, so most people had their own private cabin to themselves. There is thus a lot of open space for taking in the sights of the city on foot.
Although we visited during the day, I would love to ride the Wheel at night or just before dusk to take in the cityscape illuminated below.
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel's nighttime LED light show is even more breathtaking. A ride on the Melbourne Star is a must when visiting Melbourne, and it's especially fun for kids.
The District Docklands
Family passes are available at a discounted rate, with individual prices starting at $36 and children's tickets at $22.
From May until August, visitors can ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. From May until August, the season is in full swing. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from September through April (the "warmer months"), the restaurant is open year-round.
Is there somewhere in Melbourne they can take their kids that has a wide range of exciting things to do?
Then you should head to Melbourne's District Docklands, where you'll find plenty of kid-friendly activities (keep reading below for more details about these family attractions Melbourne offers).
The District Docklands, located in Docklands, is an open-air shopping mall that also serves as a fantastic dining and entertainment district.
This section of Melbourne is home to numerous family-friendly attractions, including the Melbourne Star, ArtVo, Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique, Chipmunks, O'Brien Icehouse, the Australian Cartoon Museum, Glow Golf, and many more.
You could very easily spend an entire day exploring the District Docklands, as it is home to more than eighty one-of-a-kind stores and boutiques, in addition to cafes and other attractions. If you're looking for a family-friendly activity in Melbourne, you should visit this spot.
Also, it has many indoor shops and attractions, so it's a good choice if you're looking for something fun to do with your family in Melbourne even if the weather isn't great.
Artvo
If you're looking for family-friendly activities in Melbourne for your kids of varying ages, look no further than ArtVo!
Visitors to ArtVo, an interactive art gallery, are free to touch and interact with the 3D artwork in any way they see fit.
Since the art is painted on the floor in addition to the walls and includes a variety of sculptural elements, you can engage with it by walking among the many scenes, taking photographs of yourself, and essentially becoming a part of the artworks.
We want you to stand at this specially marked spot on the ground so that you can get the best possible shot.
Australiana, the Jungle Safari, the Aquatic Adventure, and the Dimensional Dreams galleries are just a few of the many distinct areas to explore. This is one of the best places to take the kids in Melbourne.
Pricing breaks down as follows: $28 for adults, $18 for kids 5-15, and free for tykes under 5. For $78 per family, four people can enter (2A + 2C).
The store is available to customers daily between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM.
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne
Visiting the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is a popular thing to do in Melbourne with kids.
With Sea Life, you can dive deep into the ocean and explore the hidden treasures that lie beneath the waves.
You can meet a massive captive crocodile, take a trip to Antarctica with a few penguins, and observe some incredible sea creatures and marine animals.
Melbourne's Sea Life Museum is a great place for families with kids to spend the day.
Legoland
Have you got a young kid who can't get enough of Legos? Legoland is a great place for kids of all ages to spend the day in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Toys R Us has opened Australia's first indoor LEGO playground, Legoland, for kids aged three to ten.
Activities range from LEGO Racers and the DUPLO Farm for younger kids to an underwater world and creative workshops for tweens and teens to soft play and the LEGO Racers themselves for families with kids of all ages.
This is the place to go if you're a LEGO fan and are looking for the ultimate indoor space to build, create, and explore over two million LEGO bricks.
Children's Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens
Anyone visiting Melbourne should make time to stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and have a picnic with their loved ones.
The gardens are beautiful, and within them is a spot called the Ian Potter Children's Garden. For kids, this is a one-of-a-kind spot that gives them access to the great outdoors in an organised setting ideal for play and exploration, two of the most important ways kids learn and develop.
The area is perfect for a mother's group get-together or a play date because it is completely fenced in.
Scienceworks, Spotswood
Melbourne's Scienceworks Museum is an all-ages science centre that welcomes people of all generations.
This museum is designed with kids in mind, answering all of their burning scientific questions.
With its many hands-on exhibits and activities, Scienceworks is a fantastic day trip for families visiting Melbourne with kids of all ages. The Born or Built Exhibit, which just opened, is a particularly exciting part of this destination.
The Melbourne Planetarium, which is housed in the same building as Scienceworks, offers children the chance to learn about a wide range of space-related topics.
Eltham Miniature Railway
On Sundays, the Eltham Miniature Railway runs its trains, making it a great day trip for families with kids of all ages. It can be found in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
This path is suitable for kids of all ages and winds through the bushland along the banks of Diamond Creek.
Nearly 15 minutes are needed for the trains to make the 2-kilometer circuit and return to the hub platform.
Make a day of it by packing a picnic lunch. If you're looking for a family-friendly day trip near Melbourne that's perfect for kids, look no further than the Diamond Valley Railway.
Ifly Melbourne Indoor Skydiving For Kids
Looking for a new and exciting experience for your family in Melbourne? Even the youngest of children, as young as three years old, can experience the thrill of flight at iFLY, the world's first indoor skydiving centre.
The iFLY tunnel simulates the experience of jumping out of an aeroplane at about 125 miles per hour, giving you the sensation of having actually skydived.
There is no requirement for physical fitness, absence of fear, or specialised skills. Children will have a fantastic time, and the trained staff will be there to help you every step of the way.
Vjunior Cinemas
As a group, we are aware that taking the kids to the movies isn't always a stress-free way to spend an afternoon.
If your child needs to get up and move around during the movie, the VJunior Cinemas are the perfect solution.
The V Junior theatres are kid-friendly spaces that are actually managed by young people. They have fun things to do before and after the intermission, as well as rearranged seating and brighter lights.
Junior Rangers Activities
Parks Victoria's Junior Ranger programme is a great, free way for families to introduce their kids to the outdoors and the natural world by exploring Victoria's diverse parks with a real park ranger.
Rockpool rambles, historical tours, and spotlight night walks are just a few of the exciting and educational opportunities available to Junior Rangers in Victoria's national parks.
Go Climb, Coburg
Take your little monkeys or ninjas to Go Climb! It combines elements of both a climbing gym and an amusement park.
There are 26 different climbing walls for kids and adults to try out, including a speed wall for friendly competition. If you're looking for a real test of your mettle, there's even a ninja course you can take on.
Bundoora Park Farm
A large farm, Bundoora Park is the largest park in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
For all ages, but especially young ones, this is a tonne of fun.
See all of your favourite farm animals right here! Pet the goats and sheep, check out the pigs, visit the ponies, and take a look at the guinea pigs and rabbits in the barn.
If you're looking for a day trip with the kids that will also provide a taste of country life, this is a great option.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Travel back in time to the days of the Gold Rush in Ballarat at Sovereign Hill, Melbourne's most impressive outdoor museum.
Sovereign Hill is a must-see for Australian history buffs, and it's only a couple of hours' drive from the city of Melbourne.
Gold-panning, candle-making, a game of bowling at the historic alley, and delectable treats from the area's renowned bakeries are just a few of the activities available.
The family-friendly activities at Sovereign Hill in Melbourne are unlike anything else in the city. Don't miss out on their annual "Winter Wonderlights" Christmas celebration, held in the middle of summer.
Street Art
Melbourne's impressive street art is internationally renowned and one of my favourite kid-friendly things to do in Melbourne City.
The kids will love the bright colours and huge murals that feature in the hidden laneways. During our recent stay in Melbourne, we went to see a few different streets. Our favourites are:
- AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place (large man and tree)
- Hosier and Rutledge Lanes (Melbourne sign)
- Presgrave Place (photo frames)
Others that you can check out:
- Union Lane
- Russell Place
- Queen and Franklin Streets
- Blender Lane
Others that we can also recommend:
- Centre Place
- Flinders Court
- Croft Alley
- Stevenson and Tattersalls Lanes
- Drewery and Sniders Lanes
- Caledonian Lane
- Corner 361 Little Bourke Street and Rankins Lane
- Finally Lane
So Many Things Kids Activities Melbourne!
No matter where you happen to be located, there are a plethora of kid-friendly attractions in and around Melbourne that you simply must see. We trust that this list has provided you with some inspiration for entertaining outings for children in Melbourne and the surrounding area.
So, enjoy your time in Melbourne, and if you know of any other great things to do with kids in the area, please let us know.
Conclusion
There is no other museum in the Southern Hemisphere that can compare to the Melbourne Museum in terms of the breadth and depth of its permanent and temporary exhibits. If you have a youngster who is enthusiastic about bugs, I highly recommend taking them to the Bugs Alive! exhibition. Miniature amusement parks, complete with flying foxes and trampolines, are a common feature of contemporary playgrounds. The amusement park Luna Park combines elements of a carnival and playground.
To this day, the Scenic Railway continues to operate as the oldest roller coaster in the world. There will be a 30,000 egg hunt at Luna Park for Easter. There's no better place for families to bond than at the Melbourne Zoo. It is difficult to determine which of the more than 300 species to study should be prioritised. Travel to new heights on the Star Observation Wheel.
The zoo will be hosting the Neon Playground for the duration of the school break. The District Docklands is an outdoor shopping centre and exciting nightlife hub. From May through August, you can enjoy spectacular views of Melbourne from atop the Star Observation Wheel. ArtVo and Chipmunks are just two of the many kid-friendly activities available in the Docklands. More than eighty speciality shops, cafes, and other venues can be found in the District Docklands.
Visitors to ArtVo, an interactive art gallery, are encouraged to touch and explore the 3D works on display. Visiting the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is a common Melbourne family outing. For children ages three to ten, Legoland is Australia's first indoor LEGO playground. Day trips to Eltham Miniature Railway are fun for kids of all ages. Visitors of any age are welcome at the Scienceworks Museum, as the facility caters to a wide range of scientific interests.
Experience the thrill of indoor skydiving at Ifly Melbourne. The iFLY Indoor Skydiving Centre was the first of its kind. A VJunior Cinema is a youth-run theatre that welcomes families with young children. Bundoora Park is a hybrid between a climbing facility and a theme park. For those interested in Australia's past, a visit to Sovereign Hill is essential.
The annual "Winter Wonderlights" holiday event is not to be missed. Kids will enjoy exploring the hidden alleys because they are filled with bright colours and large murals. We're hoping this list will help you think of some fun things to do with kids as far as outings go.
Content Summary
- This may be the answer to your prayers if you find yourself in a similar situation every year during the school break and are looking for things to do in Melbourne.
- We've compiled a list of some of the most exciting and entertaining family-friendly activities in Melbourne, so you won't waste a second of your time there.
- Visits to the Melbourne Museum are always a good idea because they provide both educational value and entertainment for their guests.
- Because of this, the children's museum will never get stale and boring for its young visitors.
- At the Melbourne Museum, Bugs Alive! is a popular attraction.
- There's a combination of carnival rides, a circus, and kid-friendly attractions at Luna Park.
- Plus, Luna Park's annual Easter egg hunt will be bigger and better than ever this year.
- Skating at the O'Brien Group Arena in Melbourne is a great way to get the whole family out of the house and moving and having a good time.
- How about some suggestions for physically stimulating, kid-friendly activities in Melbourne?
- If you want to connect with your wild side, a trip to the zoo is just what the doctor ordered.
- Anyone can appreciate the Melbourne Zoo's animal exhibits, making it an ideal place for families to spend quality time together.
- Taking a trip on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is a fun thing to do in Melbourne with kids because it allows you to see the city from a bird's eye view.
- This short excursion is one of Melbourne's most sought-after activities, and it's perfect for introducing the city to young visitors.
- The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel has 21 climate-controlled cabins, each of which offers a different vantage point of the city.
- The Melbourne Star is a must-do for any visitor, but it's especially enjoyable for families with young children.
- To reach The District Docklands, head to 101 Waterfront Way in the Docklands neighbourhood.
- Sea Life is your ticket to discovering the mysteries of the deep sea and all its hidden treasures.
- In Melbourne's eastern suburbs, you'll find Legoland, a fantastic day trip for kids of all ages.
- Legoland, the first indoor LEGO playground in Australia, has opened in a Toys R Us store. The target demographic is children aged three to ten.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens are a must-see for any tourist in Melbourne, and a picnic there is a must.
- The Scienceworks Museum in Melbourne is a science centre that caters to visitors of all ages.
- The Diamond Valley Railway is an excellent option for a family day trip close to Melbourne.
- This is a section for children, Ifly Exciting indoor skydiving experiences are available in Melbourne. Need some ideas for family fun in Melbourne?
- Children as young as three can experience the rush of flight at iFLY, the first indoor skydiving centre in the world.
- Parks The Junior Ranger Program in Victoria is an excellent and inexpensive way for families to introduce their children to the great outdoors and the natural world by taking them on guided tours of Victoria's many parks with a professional park ranger.
- Junior Rangers in Victoria's national parks can participate in a variety of fun and educational activities, including rockpool rambles, historical tours, and spotlight night walks.
- Sovereign Hill, the crown jewel of Melbourne's impressive outdoor museum collection, transports visitors back in time to the days of the Gold Rush in Ballarat.
- Just a couple hours' drive from Melbourne, the city of Sovereign Hill is a must-see for any student of Australia's past.
- Sovereign Hill in Melbourne provides experiences ideal for families that can't be found anywhere else.
- Visiting Melbourne's well-known street art is one of my favourite things to do with my family.
- Have fun in Melbourne, and if you discover any additional family-friendly activities, please share the information with us.
FAQs About Melbourne
- Shark Reef Snorkel. This is a great experience at Sydney Sea Life Aquarium, which you can book any day of the week. ...
- Segway. Riding a Segway is great fun no matter how young or old you are. ...
- Wet N Wild. ...
- Cables Wake Park. ...
- Monster Skate Park.
One of the best beaches within a reasonable distance of the city for kids due to its cleanliness and facilities, South Melbourne gains a leg up on the others for families with children due to its large playground area that provides plenty of play equipment for the young ones.
Melbourne is a great family friendly destination and there are so many things to do in Melbourne for kids that are great for locals, but also fantastic for those visiting Melbourne too.
Playing with Friends. Going to the Park. Watching Cartoons. Pretending to Be Something else.