18 Fun Things To Do in Melbourne with Kids

Melbourne is known for its live music scene, its amazing restaurants and its nightlife. But you don’t have to leave the kids at home to enjoy this city. There are lots of things to do in Melbourne with kids if you just have a look around. And parents will probably end up enjoying most, if not all, of them as well. 

I’m not a parent myself, so I consulted a few experts (aka, my friends with little ones) for their thoughts on entertaining kids in Melbourne. Here’s what they’ll love doing, looking at, and even eating while you’re visiting Melbourne with kids.

1. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne are huge, and you could spend days there. But even if your kids don’t like trees or beautiful, open spaces, there are displays in the gardens that are designed precisely for restless young ones. 

The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is one of the best things to do in Melbourne for kids who love to get messy. It offers lots of places to explore, like the Ruin Garden, plant tunnels and the kitchen garden.

2. Spend a day at Luna Park 

Luna Park is one of the most fun activities in Melbourne for kids – and for adults who haven’t quite left their childish excitement behind. 

As soon as your kids walk through the slightly nightmarish clown face at the entrance, they’ll love the old-world carnival atmosphere and especially the junk food, which is available everywhere (I personally am a sucker for hot chips doused in vinegar). 

Luna Park offers roller coasters, of course, but there are also gentler, slower rides to suit every age group and courage level.

3. Encourage their inner artists at ArtPlay 

ArtPlay is an art space for kids up to the age of 13. It’s located on the banks of the Yarra River near Federation Square, so it’s easily accessible no matter where you’re staying in Melbourne. 

At ArtPlay, you’ll find a range of fun, creative workshops aimed at children. Your kids will learn to express themselves and burn up a lot of energy at the same time. There are also regular events aimed at kids as well as exhibits that will let them get up close and personal with the artwork. 

Classes at ArtPlay are popular though, so make sure you book your child’s spot ahead of time. 

4. Cycle the Yarra River

If you have really active kids and want some activities for kids in Melbourne that will tire them out, why not cycle along the Yarra River with them? There are several places where you can hire bikes in the area so you can enjoy the shared bicycle and pedestrian path stretching from the CBD along the Yarra River. 

Along the way, you’ll see the Royal Botanic Gardens and other attractions, so you can always stop if you’re getting tired of cycling. The Burnley Bouldering Wall is a particularly good place to stop if you want to encourage your kids to burn even more energy. 

You can go as far as you want along the Yarra River, so it’s ideal for little ones of all ages and ability. As a bonus, it will help you burn off all that amazing food that you’re probably eating in Melbourne. 

5. Have a splash at St Kilda Beach 

What kid doesn’t love to hang out on the beach? St Kilda beach is just 20 minutes from the heart of the city. It offers long stretches of sand and lots of amenities close by where you can grab a snack or a drink. 

It also has gentle waves, so it’s a safe place to let the kids enjoy some swimming. (Although Melbourne’s beaches aren’t as lovely as the beaches in other Aussie cities!)

And if you time it right, you can watch the sunset over the water. It truly is a magnificent sight.

6. Enjoy some child-friendly meals 

Melbourne is famous for its amazing food scene. The best part is that you don’t have to resign yourself to lousy fast food just because you’re here with the kids! One of the best family activities in Melbourne can be simply enjoying a meal together.

There are lots of restaurants and cafes that not only welcome kids, but cater to them specifically. Some restaurants go above and beyond the usual fare found on kids’ menus (chicken nuggets, spaghetti bolognese). While the family is enjoying the atmosphere and the kids’ food, you can snack on more adult delicacies. 

Some of the best child-friendly eating options in Melbourne are: 

• Cowderoys Dairy for milky treats that even picky mouths will enjoy 
• Republica for a meal on the beach before you see the penguins
• Mr Wolf for pizza and a dedicated kids’ menu
• Easey’s to thrill the kids with eating burgers in a train on top of a building
• Transport Public Bar, for a kid-friendly menu in a place the adults can relax with a drink
• Emporium food court, for when everyone wants something different – you’ll find plenty of food options here from sushi to sandwiches to Italian
• Koko Black for a chocolatey pick-me-up (I’m personally a fan of their rich, velvety hot chocolate)
• Dumplings in Chinatown – take your pick from all the yummy restaurants

7. See the penguins at St Kilda Pier 

How many kids don’t like penguins? In fact, how many people – children and adults – don’t think that these flightless, waddling birds are absolutely adorable? 

You probably don’t think of penguins in a big city, but penguin watching is one of the most popular things to do in Melbourne with kids. 

Head down to St Kilda Pier just before sunset and you’ll be treated to the sight of a colony of penguins heading home after a long, hard day of fishing. It’s free and the kids will fall in love. (Check out more free things to do in Melbourne.)

8. Get them thinking at Scienceworks 

While Scienceworks is a little way from the Melbourne CBD, the range of interactive exhibits for kids makes the trip worthwhile. It will keep them occupied for hours and sneaks in a little learning at the same time. It’s also a great kids indoor activity in Melbourne if the weather isn’t so great. (Check out the best time to visit Melbourne and my guide to indoor activities in Melbourne for when it’s raining.)

If you have younger kids, they’ll love the learning, storytelling, and shows at Little Kids’ Day In as well as the exhibits at the Ground Up: Building Big Ideas Together display. 

Older kids can explore the universe at the Planetarium or learn about energy at the Lightning Room Game Show. 

No matter what their age or what your child is interested in, Scienceworks has an exhibit that will excite their inquisitive little minds!

9. Take tricky pictures at ArtVo 

Have you ever been to a trick museum? These museums have galleries of famous paintings or scenes where you can actually become a part of the image. And now the fun has come to Australia, which is why ArtVo is one of the best things to do in Melbourne with kids. 

ArtVo in Melbourne stretches over 1,400 square metres and has more than 11 themed zones to discover. Even the most jaded child will find it amusing to take the strangest pictures possible, and you’ll enjoy looking at the photos as a memento for years to come. 

10. Spend a morning at Southbank 

Sometimes when you’re on holiday, all you want to do is wander, people watch, and find relaxing places to have a drink and a snack. And that’s exactly what you’ll be able to do at Southbank, which is why it’s one of the best things to do in Melbourne with kids. 

Located south of the Yarra River, Southbank is an area full of cafes and culture. As you wander along, you’ll be able to stop and listen to buskers and street performers and have a cool drink overlooking the water at a cool café. Basically, Southbank is the ideal destination for a lazy afternoon with kids. 

11. Get sporty at the Australian Sports Museum 

Melbourne has a vibrant sports scene, so don’t think you’ll get away with not exploring it while you’re in the city! The Australian Sports Museum is located inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the MCG) and it’s highly interactive and designed to engage everyone. 

The museum is home to the largest collection of sporting memorabilia in Australia as well as 3D holograms of AFL stars. Almost everything at the museum is interactive, so your kids will get to kick, throw, and play their way through the biggest moments in sport. 

You can even tack on a tour of the MCG while you’re there.

12. Have a bounce

For an hour of sheer kid-style adrenalin, take the family to one of the trampoline parks that are springing up around the city. Some of them are huge and offer not only rooms full of trampolines, but other activities like rock climbing, obstacle courses, and indoor play centres for very young children. 

Some of the best trampoline parks in Melbourne are: 

• Bounce 
• Rush HQ 

13. Build at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

LEGO’s popularity has exploded throughout the world in the last few years, so you might enjoy the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre as much as your kids do. 

Located in Chadstone in Melbourne, it boasts a 4D cinema, build and play zones, and an indoor playground and rides. While you’re there, you can also see a tiny Melbourne at MINILAND or enrol your kids in some workshops. This is one of the fun things to do in Melbourne with toddlers, but also older kids.

14. Learn at the Melbourne Museum 

Some kids don’t like museums very much. In fact, you’re likely to hear a chorus of groans if you even suggest it. But Melbourne Museum is different and is one of the best things to do in Melbourne for kids. Not only does Melbourne Museum offer free entry to kids of all ages, it also has lots of exhibits and activities aimed directly at the smallest members of your family. 

For younger kids, you have the Children’s Gallery, which is for children under the age of five. 

Older children will love the giant fossils on the Dinosaur Walk, the creepy crawlies in Bugs Alive!, and the bright stones in the 600 Million Years exhibit. They can also watch films at the IMAX theatre or wander through a forest in the middle of the city.

15. Explore the world of television at ACMI

Do your kids love watching movies? Then take them to ACMI to learn more about them in interactive displays. They’ll learn about how film is made and about its history without ever realising that they’re learning at all. 

Located in Federation Square, ACMI features regularly changing 3D films as well as galleries that explore modern digital culture. Basically, ACMI is interactive enough to entertain the kids and interesting enough to have you thinking and asking questions too. One of the most entertaining things to do in Melbourne with family.

16. Take a ride on a historic steam train

You’ll need your own car or you’ll have to work out the public transport system to get out to Puffing Billy, but the delight on your kids’ face will be worth the effort. This is definitely one of the most classic and beloved things to do for kids in Melbourne.

Located in Belgrave in Melbourne’s east, the century-old steam train puffs its way through the stunning Dandenong Ranges, past lush ferns and huge Mountain Ash trees.

Make a day of it and explore a bit more of the Dandenong Ranges. You can take a day trip from Melbourne and hike through the national park, enjoy high tea and wander through the charming towns of Olinda and Sassafras.

17. Be wowed by the fireballs at Crown

You can hear the whoosh of the Crown fireballs from far away, and close up you’ll feel the heat. 

Technically called the Gas Brigades, these 8 towers along Crown Casino in Southbank shoot fireballs into the night sky every night, wowing anyone waiting to see them – and shocking people who aren’t expecting them!

They are quite loud, so this probably isn’t a great activity for young kids who may scare easily.

NB. The Gas Brigades show is currently suspended.

18. Solve riddles on a Family Mystery Picnic

Kids who love solving riddles and puzzling over clues will love this Family Mystery Picnic. To get the delicious goodies that will make up your family’s picnic, you’ll need to solve each clue so that you can find the next shop holding your lunch items.

It’s a fun way to gather your meal, before unwinding and enjoying it together in a mystery location. Read my Mystery Picnic Melbourne review for more info.

If you were wondering what to do in Melbourne with kids, hopefully you’ve now got some ideas. Keeping the family occupied while you’re in Melbourne is easy, because there are lots of things to do with kids in Melbourne. In fact, the only worry you’ll have is trying to convince them that it’s time to leave the city and head back home again!

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