Looking for A Family Adventure in Australia? Come Down to The Southern State of Melbourne And You Won’t Be Disappointed. Here Are 50 Things to Do in Melbourne With Kids of All Ages.
Voted as the world’s most liveable city since 2011 for 7 years, Australia’s second most populous city should be on everyone’s Australian itinerary. Also known as the sporting and event’s capital of the world, this young city has much to offer. It is a metropolitan city of diverse cultures with Mandarin as the second most spoken language outside of English whilst Melbourne houses the largest Greek population outside of Greece. There are so many things to do in Melbourne with kids of all ages and here’s a comprehensive list to kick start your family trip.
Famous Street Art in Hosier Lane.
TRAVEL TIPS YOU WILL FIND:
- #01 – #15 – THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE CBD
- #16 – #27 – THINGS TO DO UNDER 10 MINUTES OUT FROM MELBOURNE
- #28 – #32 – THINGS TO DO 10-30 MINUTES FROM MELBOURNE
- #33 – #40 – THINGS TO DO 30-60 MINUTES FROM MELBOURNE
- #41 – #50 – THINGS TO DO IN GREATER MELBOURNE
- BONUS TIP #1 – RELATED ARTICLES
- BONUS TIP #2 – WHERE TO STAY IN MELBOURNE
#01 – #15 – THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE CBD
#1 – Birrarung Marr Playground
Birrarung Marr Playground is the only playground in the CBD and is located by the river in Federation Square. Lots of challenging contraptions including the crowd pleasers.
#2 – Street Art
Head to Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane for some selfies of the best street art in Melbourne.
#3 – The Australian Centre for the Moving Image
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is an out of the norm museum of sorts which sometimes features some great moving image galleries. Check out Family Sunday for free entry and the different themes available.
#4 – Immigration Museum
Located in the Old Customs House, the Immigration Museum is filled with the real stories of people who have migrated to Victoria.
#5 – ArtPlay
ArtPlay is a wonderful concept where kids of all ages get to work and play together with artists through all forms of performing and visual arts. Check out their program for unique events.
#6 – SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium
Some popular attractions at the SEA Life Aquarium include the penguin playground, Rainforest Adventure and the glass bottom boat that hover over the 2.2 million litre oceanarium.
#7 – Playpod
Suitable for children 8 and under, head to Playpod at the State Library of Victoria. It is filled with activities to read, create and play.
#8 – River Cruise
Enjoy a river cruise on the Yarra River and enjoy the view of the city from a different perspective. Don’t let the fact that in the 1880s the Yarra River was a cesspool and the city was nicknamed Smellbourne!
#9 – The National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria has a roving kids exhibition section that will appeal to kids of all ages and is extremely family friendly. Whilst you’re there make sure you check out the world’s largest stained-glass ceiling.
#10 – Flight Experience Australia
Got a pilot in the making? Flight Experience Australia in QV Retail allows you to get in a flight simulator used by real flight trainees.
#11 – Myer Christmas Windows
If you’re around during the Christmas period, the Myer (Australia’s department store) houses the very famous Myer Christmas windows. With a different theme each year, the windows showcase a Christmas story worth queueing up for.
#12 – Signal for Teenagers
Signal is a creative studio for teenagers and young adults where they can work with professional artists. If you have a teen who craves a creative outlet, signal is definitely the place to be.
#13 – White Night Festival
If you’re in Melbourne in February, try and tee it up with White Night. This is a 12-hour festival that runs from 7pm to 7am where you’ll see the city transform with music, illuminations, dance and installations. Kids love being awake at 2am in the morning, running around the vibrant city.
#14 – Grollo Equiset Garden
Grollo Equiset Garden at the back of the National Gallery of Victoria always something going on from art installations to lazy Sundays with live music.
#15 – Old Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol houses Australia’s infamous criminals.
Luna Park in St Kilda. Oldest Continuously Running Roller Coaster in the World.
#16 – #27 – THINGS TO DO UNDER 10 MINUTES OUT FROM MELBOURNE
#16 – Giant Observation Wheel
Visit the Melbourne Star in the Docklands, Southern Hemisphere’s only Giant Observation Wheel.
#17 – Visit A Tall Ship
Polly Woodside in South Wharf is an actual tall ship that is turned into a Maritime Museum.
#18 – Ice Skating
If you’re looking to escape the heat, head to O’Brien Group Arena for a bit of ice skating.
#19 – Trick Art Gallery
ArtVo in the docklands is an immersive art gallery or ‘trick art’ gallery and is such a fun activity for the whole family.
#20 – IMAX Theatre
Locate din Carlton, IMAX Melbourne constantly screens 3D documentaries and blockbuster movies. This is such a crowd pleaser!
#21 – Eureka Tower, Best View of Melbourne
If you’re looking for the best 360-degree view of the city try The Edge at Eureka Tower. The all-glass cube is located on the 88th floor and suspends you over 300 meters from the ground! Yikes!
#22 – Australian Open Tennis
Come to Melbourne in January and attend the Australian Open. The Australian Grand Slam is the only Grand Slam that has 2 closed roof stadiums. Ground passes for families are very affordable. An interesting fact, Melbourne is the only city in the world with five international standard sporting facilities on the fringe of its central business district. Rod Laver Arena where the Australian Open is held is one of the five sporting facilities.
#23 – Melbourne Museum’s Children’s Gallery
Suitable for 5 and under, take your little ones to Melbourne Museum’s children’s gallery. Enjoy being a palaeontologist or have a boogie at the camouflage disco.
#24 – Mini Golf in The Dark
Black Light mini golf provides for a fun family adventure in the Docklands. Glow in the dark plus mini golf sure sounds like fun!
#25 – National Sports Museum
The National Sports Museum is located in the Melbourne Cricket Ground and definitely a must if your kids are into their sports. There is also a small interactive area which children and adults will both enjoy.
#26 – Melbourne Cricket Ground
Whilst you’re at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), jump on a tour. Particularly if you’re an Australian Rules Football and cricket fan. It is the 10th largest stadium in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. If you’re around between April and September, attend a footy game only played in Australia. The MCG was host to Australia’s first Olympic games in 1956, which was the first to be held in the southern hemisphere, giving you another reason to visit this iconic stadium!
#27 – Dialogue in The Dark
Dialogue in the dark is a sensory experience to show you a moment in the life of a blind person. It is an experience in total darkness led by blind guides.
Mooring Poles in Princes Pier. Photographer’s Hot Spot.
#28 – #32 – THINGS TO DO 10-30 MINUTES FROM MELBOURNE
#28 – Oldest Roller Coaster in The World
Visit Luna Park in St Kilda, Melbourne’s iconic and historic amusement park for epic rides and carnival treats. Great Scenic Railway is the oldest continuously running roller coaster in the world.
#29 – Melbourne Zoo
Located in Parkville, Melbourne Zoo is well worth the visit. Pack a picnic as the food there is not very exciting.
#30 – Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
For the car lovers in your family and you’re around in March, head to Albert Park to catch the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
#31 – Collingwood Children’s Farm
Collingwood Children’s Farm in Abbotsford is a local favourite for all things farm animals. Get up close and personal with your favourites. Check out the Farmer’s market on every second Saturday of the month and indulge in delicious hot chocolates at the Farm Café.
#32 – Indoor Rock Climbing
Clip “N’ Climb in Richmond will appeal to the rock climbing adventurer in the family. With 33 different themed zones of varying difficulties, there’s enough to amuse all ages.
Plenty of Surfing & Body Boarding Spots in Greater Melbourne.
#33 – #40 – THINGS TO DO 30-60 MINUTES FROM MELBOURNE
#33 – Adventure Theme Park
Funfields is a theme park offering 22 rides and a water play area in Whittlesea.
#34 – Beach, Beach, Beach
Melbourne is a coastal city so there are beaches as far as the eye can see. Head to Chelsea beach by the bay if you’re after flat, calm waters. Otherwise if you’re just up for a walk, even St Kilda is lovely.
#35 – Legoland Discovery Centre
Located in Chadstone Shopping Centre, Legoland Discovery Centre is designed for kids aged between 3 and 10 years. They have a Miniland, Duplo farm and even a 4D cinema.
#36 – Australian National Aviation Museum
Head out to the Northern suburbs of Melbourne to visit the Australian National Aviation Museum at Moorabbin airport. This museum showcases the aviation industry in Australia and it houses the oldest Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation aircraft.
#37 – Miniature Steam Railway
Every Sunday at the Diamond Valley Railway, the miniature steam railways are operational. Perfect for younger children. There is also a playground and pony rides.
#38 – Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is an African style themed zoo and it even has a Slumber Safari offering for a bit of overnight glamping.
#39 – Horseback Riding
Valley Park riding school in Templestowe offers beginner lessons and trail park rides for anyone looking for horseback activities.
#40 – Scienceworks
Scienceworks in Spotswood will entertain the inner geek. From robotics to the Planetarium, there’s sure to be something that will amuse kids of all ages.
View of Melbourne City.
#41 – #50 – THINGS TO DO IN GREATER MELBOURNE
#41 – Surfing and Boogie Boarding
The closest surf beaches from the CBD would either be Torquay down the Surf Coast Highway or the Mornington Peninsula. Perfect for the boogie boarders and surfers in the family.
#42 – Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Yarra Valley Chocolaterie in Yarra Glen has an amazing collection of chocolates with the favourite being the giant chocolate freckle. They also make their own ice cream with a huge range of flavours to choose from. And for those who are keen, you can always enrol the kids into chocolate making classes.
#43 – Puffing Billy
From Belgrave, ride an original steam locomotive, Puffing Billy through the forest. Puffing Billy is Australia’s premier preserved steam railway and it takes you through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. Make your way through the temperate rainforest as you brush past fern gullies and Mountain Ash trees.
#44 – Strawberry Picking
During the summer months Sunnyridge Strawberry Farm offers strawberry picking. You pay for entry and you can take home a small punnet. Best of all, you can eat as much as you like as you’re picking. Watch the kids get low down the ground searching for the juiciest, plumpest strawberry they can find.
#45 – Water Theme Park
Adventure Park is Victoria’s biggest water theme park. If you’re heading down the surf coast, you have to pass Geelong anyway so its easy enough to add to the itinerary.
#46 – Fly Through the Otway Rainforest
Found in the breathtaking Otway rainforest down the Great Ocean Road, take the kids to the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. Here you can stroll through the rainforest in the Otway Fly, which is pram friendly and you can also take the kids on a Zipline Tour.
#47 – Native Animal Zoo
Healesville Sanctuary is a zoo specialising in Australian native animals roaming in their natural habitat.
#48 – Pan for Gold
Fancy panning for some gold? Head to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat where it’s like an open-air museum which depicts Ballarat’s first ten years after the discovery of gold there in 1851.
#49 – Treetop and Maze Adventures
Enchanted Adventure Garden in Arthur’s Seat offer 3D maze gardens, big zip lines and a treetop obstacle course of up to 5 levels of difficulty. Suitable for very young children too!
#50 – See Fairy Penguins
If you’d like to watch Australia’s cutest fairy penguins in their natural habitat, you have to head to Philip Island. Observe them as they scurry out of the ocean at sunset and burrow down for the night.
We hope you found things some fun things to do in Melbourne for kids and its inspired you to visit this great Australian city! Melbourne is extremely family friendly and there are also plenty of free activities and attractions to engage in.
BONUS TIP #1 – RELATED ARTICLES
20 Festivals and Events in Melbourne
12 Outdoor Activities in Mornington Peninsula That Kids Will Love
15 Free Kids Activities to Enjoy in Melbourne
BONUS TIP #2 – WHERE TO STAY IN MELBOURNE
Luxury: Grand Haytt Melbourne
An institution the Grand Hyatt Melbourne is located on Collins Street, perfectly positioned in the heart of Melbourne’s shopping, dining and theatre centre. It boasts world-class facilities, indoor pool, open air tennis court in the heart of the city a great restsurants. Get club access and you can duck back in anytime for afternoon tea or canapes during cocktail hour.
Book Now Pay Later – Check Prices Here
Boutique: Adelphi Hotel
Located in the heart of the city, the Adelphi is one of a kind. Contemporary and filled with all the mod cons, you also get to enjoy Melbourne’s premium dessert bar, Om Nom. Oh and don’t forget to check out the rooftop pool that hangs over the building!
Book Now Pay Later – Check Prices Here
Affordable: ibis Melbourne
If you’re looking for something comfortable, good for the hip pocket and still in the heart of the city, this would be your best best. Rooms are clean and comfortable, has a fitness centre and sunny rooftop terrace. Great for families needing 2 rooms without costing the earth.
Book Now Pay Later – Check Prices Here
Apartment: Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
If you prefer to have a little more space so the while family can be a bit more comfortable, consider Aura on Flinders. Each air-conditioned apartment features a full kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven. It has a dining area, and a lounge room with a flat-screen TV. The bathroom has a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Book Now Pay Later – Check Prices Here
Disclaimer: The Family Globetrotter’s website contains affiliate links which help us to maintain this blog and assists us with our travels, at no extra cost to you. Family Globetrotters have also posted articles based on sponsored products and/or services, but all opinions are our own, truthful and unbiased.
39 comments
[…] The Melbourne Zoo is located only 4km from the centre of Melbourne CBD. It is open from 9am to 5pm every single day of the year so if you’re in town during the major holidays and everything else is closed, head to the zoo for a great day out. Best of all, the zoo is free for children up to 15 years on all weekends and holidays. – Amy Chung @ Family Globetrotters […]
I love Melbourne, it is indeed the best city to live on earth, the people are amazing and welcoming. This is absolutely an amazing blog, I can still remember when i used to read such blogs before shifting to Melbourne three years ago, these always prove to be useful to some or another. I am an expat and now a resident of Melbourne, it is now my home and i am truly loving it.
Australia has always been so close to me since the time i was graduating, and now i run an e-commerce business here. (YepOffers Australia) is my new business, it provides discount coupons and codes for travel bookings, most of the popular online brands such as City Beach, Avis, Quay and more. This blog refreshed my earlier day memories and now I have visited almost everyplace in the city. Thank you for sharing this amazing blog.
Melbourne is at the top of my list and while I don’t have or plan on having kids anytime soon to bring here with me, some of these I’m actually super down to try! I mean, the river cruise sounds like the perfect alternative to seeing the city and White Night… How festive!!! I’m also a huge mural art gal so definitely keeping note of Hosier and AC/DC Lane.
I’m planning my trip for next year and this surely helps and fills me with joy that there is so much to do with the kids. I have 2 and plenty to keep them busy. A trip on the oldest running rollacoaster would be an epic experience. The street art another gray aspect to soak in. Legoland discovery and the national museum great places to visit. Thanks fir sharing this child friendly post.
What a comprehensive list of things to do in Melbourne. You must have taken quite some effort compiling this. I love the fact that you have categorized the activities in terms of time taken and the activities are so varied in nature. Something for all kinds of kids.
Super comprehensive list of things to do with children in Melbourne, really extensive, that’s enough to keep a family busy for at least a few visits! For me, the mini and full size steam railways and the option to see native animal are the most interesting.
This is a fantastic list of 50 things to do in Melbourne. To be honest, we would love to explore each of them even though we do not have kids. From street art to outdoor activities to museums !! Its pure excitement! We have participated in Dialogue in the dark in Bangkok and it was a very humbling experience. Old Melbourne Gaol sounds pretty unique and wonder if you can actually visit it?
I definitely wished I stumbled on this post before deciding whether to visit Sydney or Melbourne (unfortunately, my schedule didn’t allow to visit both cities).
I’ve heard so many beautiful things about Melbourne, and your pics definitely confirms that! I will be going back to Australia in January for the Australian Open – so I will definitely keep this post saved! Thank you!
This is such a comprehensive collection. I was there with my son a year ago and we did manage a few. Wish I had come across the post earlier!
[…] pieces and its artists. Street art is but one of many things to do in this great city. Check out the top 50 things you can do in Melbourne if you’re heading this way for the first […]
I did not know that Mandarin is the second highest spoken language in Melbourne! And that the largest Greek population outside Greece resides there. There’s just so much to do in Melbourne, you’ve put a fantastic list together here. I’ve never been to Australia but I plan to go next year and I will keep about 5 days to explore Melbourne and surrounding areas. I won’t have any kids with me but some of these activities – such as visiting Philip Island to see the fairy penguins, Collingwood Farm, Melbourne zoo sound like places I’d also love to see!
There are so much to do with kids in Melbourne. I went there once, long before I got married and have a son, and I fell in love with the city. I put Australia in our bucket list and hope to swing by next time we go to Indonesia again.
Now that you have a child you should definitely come back and visit Melbourne. Has you husband been here? Your son will love it. So much to do for families!
Werribee Open Range Zoo sounds so cool! I’d love to do a safari trip one day! Hosier Lane sounds like a great place for family selfies! One day we will get to Australia!
Megan I reckon you would love it here. We’re an island continent as you now so plenty of beach and water for you cause I know you love the beach: The zoo is fabulous and the kids get such a kick out of it! Love that we have this in our city.
Never been to Australia/Melbourne- I am sure we can definitely use the insights and tips in this guide. We love to explore and stroll around the city centre or lanes like the one you mentioned here
Thanks for sharing this
Hopefully Australia is on your list to visit one day:) Strolling around the city and laneways continue to be something I love to do on a regular basis!
I never imagined there are too many things to do in Melbourne. I would like to do at least the number 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 27 and obviously 47 and 50 (my children love the animals)..going to the beach of course. My first son wants visiting Australia, he is 7 years old and wants to visit a Koala sanctuary (he knows about every single Australian animal) so I promised going with the family in a few more years because from Chile is a long trip and would like to be there at least one month, so this guide is absolutely necessary. Fortunately we have a direct flight from Santiago to Melbourne!
Thanks for sharing this information in a very interesting and easy to read way.
What a cutie! Your son would love Healesville Sanctuary and he will get to see all the wonderful native Australian animals. Even I love them and I love that its so unique to us. Yes, I was looking at flights form Melbourne to Santiago too but jeez its looonnggg isn’t it?? Still unbelievable that its a direct flight though. Amazing where in the world we can go nowadays.
I was thinking about a trip to Australia. Melbourne will be on the route for sure. Thanks for this amazing post!
How exciting! Yes, you really do need to make sure you add Melbourne to the itinerary. You won’t be disappointed:)
I love Melbourne, although I may be biased as I live just up the road. I think your list has a number of activities that us more mature kids might like too. I am keeping your post bookmarked so I can find some new weekend stuff to do. Thanks for sharing our wonderful city with the world
Yaya1 Glad you may have found a few things you could do. honestly I could have kept going to 100 but the list was getting out of hand! I actually left a few out. Love how we live in a city that ever changing and growing. I never get bored here.
Wow there’s so much to do for kids in Melbourne. Given I’m a big kid myself, there’s plenty to appeal to me. I particularly like the sound of the enchanted garden with the maze
The Enchanted Garden Maze is gorgeous. Real 3D garden mazes to walk through plus tubing plus zip lining across the gardens if you wish. And you can bring your own picnic too and enjoy sitting in the sun.
That is an impressive list of things to do. No kids here but there are so many things on your list that I would enjoy doing myself like visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo (love glamping) and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (for some chocolates and icecream).
The chocolaterie is gorgeous. Its a chocolate store and ice creamery set in the rolling hills of Melbourne’s wine country. You can even take classes there in a real commercial kitchen and make chocolate. So much fun!
Wow I would never think there would be so many things to do here with kids. But I would enjoy most of those things myself, without kids 😀
I know right….. so many things to do! Everything in Melbourne is so much fun. And these are mainly things you can do all the time. Throw in all the festivals and events, there is even more!
Wow, that’s an interesting list of things to do in Melbourne. I dont have kids but still I’m sure I will have fun doing these things. I would love to take ride in the steam engine, the journey sounds incredible. Hope to visit this beautiful city soon, thanks for the share.
Yes Suma, that train is incredible! I moved to Melbourne as an adult so pretty much this entire list I did when I was an adult. And I have enjoyed them all. The train through the forest is just such a special experience.
I haven’t got kids, but I’d still like to do many of these fun things on the list! I also haven’t yet made it to Melbourne, but have heard so many great things about the city. I laughed about the Smellbourne! Good to know it’s not like that now, that would be an interesting river cruise! A lovely list and with so much variety too.
Thank you Lisa and I hope you’ll get to visit this great city. Yes, as adults we do a fair bit of what’s on this list too which is why its such a great destination for families. Always something for everyone. Smellbourne was just transferred somewhere else…. but I didn’t say that. LOL!
Wow, what a great list! I’d like to do a lot of these things even without kids! We’ve visited Australia before but never Melbourne. This list definitely makes me want to start packing!
Ah! Too bad you didn’t visit Melbourne! Where in Australia did you go? Hope you enjoyed your time here.
I had no idea there was such a big Greek population in Melbourne, I wonder why that is. We just keep hearing more and more great things about Melbourne at the moment, we’re definitely going to visit Isi this next year… we might even consider moving there if we like it. We don’t have kids but I still think I’d enjoy loads of the things you’ve listed here.
I’m not sure why there was such a huge influx but as a result of that I can get some of the best Greek food and produce ever! Glad to hear you may even want to move here. As much as I travel, Melbourne will still remain as my most favourite city. And I cam constantly reminded of that when I’m overseas.
When I was in Melbourne with my husband in 2014 we had no kids but now we do and we are planning to get back to Melbourne and your list of activities for kids is amazing! Very helpful! My daughter loves dancing so the Melbourne Museum’s children’s gallery with the camouflage disco sounds fun! But they all are so we will have (especially oue daughter) a great visit in Melbourne!
Yes! Come back to Melbourne! Such a great city for kids. My daughter was born in Melbourne and there was never s shortage of things for her to do. As she grows up, we are exploring different things to do in inner and greater Melbourne.