Melbourne is a fantastic destination for family adventures, offering countless activities that kids of all ages will love. From hands-on museums and exciting theme parks to beautiful gardens and fun-filled wildlife parks, there’s no shortage of ways to keep young explorers engaged.
Melbourne is full of family-friendly attractions, many of which are located right in the city center. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best things to do in Melbourne with kids, helping you plan unforgettable experiences that the whole family will enjoy.
Here are some of the best places and experiences to enjoy in Melbourne with kids!
Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum is a great way to introduce kids to a variety of exhibits, from dinosaurs and fossils to an immersive “Forest Gallery.” The interactive displays make it a perfect place for play-based learning. There’s even a special area just for young children to explore safely. For an unforgettable experience, make sure to visit the “Dinosaur Dig,” where kids can excavate fossils and learn about ancient creatures.
Collingwood Children’s Farm
A short way from the city center, Collingwood Children’s Farm offers a slice of rural life right in Melbourne. Kids will love feeding the guinea pigs, meeting chickens, and even milking a cow. With fresh produce available and open green spaces to run around, it’s the best place for nature-loving families to relax and connect with farm animals.
Luna Park
This historic theme park in St Kilda is filled with thrilling rides and carnival fun. Luna Park has been an iconic Melbourne attraction for generations and provides a day of fun with classic rides, arcade games, and a lively atmosphere. With rides for different age groups, it’s an excellent spot for both young and older kids to enjoy.
Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including aquatic animals and exotic species, offering educational programs and interactive exhibits that kids love. Werribee Open Range Zoo, just outside the city, provides an African-style safari experience with free-roaming animals. Both zoos provide an unforgettable experience, especially for nature lovers.
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Royal Botanic Gardens and Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a peaceful, family-friendly spot, while the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden within it is specially designed for children to explore and play. The gardens are an excellent place for a free adventure, offering a variety of activities and plenty of things to keep children entertained. It’s a wondrous place for parents and children alike and one of the best things to do in Melbourne with kids.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Dive into the underwater world at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where kids can see everything from sharks to jellyfish. This aquarium is full of interactive displays that introduce kids to marine life in a hands-on way, making it a great place for a family holiday visit, especially if you’re seeking something exciting and educational.
Scienceworks
For a blend of fun and learning, head to Scienceworks. With science fiction connections, hands-on activities, and displays that explain natural phenomena, this place is great for curious minds. The Melbourne Planetarium, located within Scienceworks, has mesmerizing shows on space and our universe, which are sure to captivate the whole family.
Adventure Park Geelong
Located about an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Adventure Park Geelong is Victoria’s biggest water theme park and a favorite destination for families looking for a day packed with excitement. It offers a mix of water-based attractions and traditional theme park rides, making it perfect for both sunny days and year-round fun.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island, located around 90 minutes from Melbourne, is a must-visit for families, especially nature and animal lovers. Known for its stunning coastal views and unique wildlife experiences, the island offers some of Victoria’s best family activities. The Penguin Parade is one of the biggest attractions, where visitors can watch little penguins return to shore at dusk after a day of fishing and Phillip Island Wildlife Park lets kids get up close with kangaroos, koalas, and other native animals. Phillip Island is a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and unique wildlife experiences, making it ideal for a family day trip or weekend getaway.
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Polly Woodside
Located near the Yarra River, Polly Woodside is a historic tall ship where kids can learn about Melbourne’s maritime history. Step aboard to discover what life was like for sailors and participate in interactive exhibits, making it an educational yet fun way to spend the day.
National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Both cultural landmarks offer special activities for children. The National Gallery of Victoria has “house photo experiences” where kids can interact with art, including an ancient mosaic art exhibit. ACMI, located in Federation Square, offers exhibits on the moving image and provides fun, play-based learning for kids.
Melbourne Skydeck
For unsurpassed views of Melbourne, head up to the Melbourne Skydeck. Kids will be amazed by the panoramic city view, making it an exciting part of a family adventure. It’s a short walk from other attractions, and ideal for snapping some memorable photos
Best Melbourne Beaches for Families
St Kilda Beach
One of Melbourne’s most famous beaches, St Kilda Beach has plenty to offer for a day out with the family. Located close to the city center, it’s a great place for swimming, building sandcastles, or just enjoying a beachside picnic. After some time in the sun, you can take a stroll along the pier, grab a treat at a local café, or head to nearby Luna Park for some classic theme park fun.
Williamstown Beach
Located west of the city, Williamstown Beach is quieter than some of the more popular spots. This beach is perfect for families seeking a peaceful outing, with shallow waters that are ideal for younger kids. Williamstown has plenty of local cafes and picnic spots, and the beach offers lovely views of Melbourne’s skyline, making it a scenic spot for a family outing.
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes that make a fun photo backdrop and its calm waters, ideal for families with young children. This beach is a great spot to splash in the shallow waves or relax on the sand. Brighton’s famous bathing boxes are a unique sight, and there are grassy areas nearby for picnicking.
Altona Beach
Altona Beach is a family-friendly spot with shallow waters and a sandy shoreline, making it perfect for kids of all ages. There’s a nearby pier, grassy picnic areas, and a playground. During low tide, you can often see sandbars and interesting marine life in the water, making it a fun way to explore nature with young kids.
Half Moon Bay
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, Half Moon Bay in Black Rock offers rock pools that are perfect for curious kids to explore. The beach itself is sheltered and calm, making it suitable for young swimmers, and there’s a shipwrecked HMVS Cerberus visible offshore, which adds an interesting historic element to your beach day.
Mothers Beach and Mills Beach, Mornington Peninsula
Just outside Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula offers family-friendly beaches like Mothers Beach and Mills Beach. These spots are known for their clear, shallow waters, making them ideal for younger kids to splash around safely. There are also picnic facilities and rock pools nearby for a bit of exploration.
Port Melbourne Beach
Port Melbourne Beach is another convenient beach option near the city. With calm waters and a wide shoreline, it’s popular among families looking for a beach day without venturing too far. The beach has a nice walking path along the shore, and nearby cafes offer refreshments. It’s a great option for a relaxed beach day close to the city.
Sorrento Back Beach
Sorrento Back Beach is a fantastic place for families with older kids who enjoy a bit more adventure. The beach has beautiful, rugged scenery, and there are nearby rock pools to explore. Though the waves are stronger here, it’s a great place for those who enjoy beach walks and some mild wave action.
Best Time to Visit Melbourne
The best time to visit Melbourne largely depends on your preferences for weather, events, and activities. Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience for visitors.
Spring (September to November)
Spring is often considered one of the best times to visit Melbourne, with mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and a lively event calendar.
Weather: Temperatures range from 10-20°C (50-68°F), with cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons. There’s also occasional rainfall, so it’s a good idea to bring layers.
Events: This season is famous for the Melbourne Cup Carnival in early November, known as “the race that stops a nation.” Spring is also a great time to explore the Royal Botanic Gardens as the flowers are in full bloom.
Why Visit: Spring is perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and festivals. It’s also generally less crowded than summer, so you can enjoy Melbourne’s attractions without large crowds.
Summer (December to February)
Melbourne’s summer is warm and bustling with activity, making it a popular time for visitors, especially families on school holidays.
Weather: Temperatures range from 14-26°C (57-79°F), but Melbourne can experience heat waves with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F) on some days.
Events: Summer is packed with festivals and events, including the Australian Open (January) and various music and food festivals. Beachgoers will enjoy the coastlines at St Kilda, Brighton, and other nearby beaches.
Why Visit: Summer is ideal if you’re looking for vibrant city life, festivals, and outdoor fun. However, it’s also Melbourne’s busiest season, so expect larger crowds and book accommodations in advance.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn in Melbourne is mild and comfortable, with beautiful autumn foliage and a busy cultural calendar.
Weather: Temperatures range from 11-20°C (52-68°F), and the weather tends to be calm and dry, although nights start to cool down.
Events: Autumn is known for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (March) and Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix (usually in March or April). The city’s parks and gardens are stunning with autumn leaves, making it a great time for nature lovers.
Why Visit: Autumn is a relaxed season for exploring the city’s cultural side, from art galleries to wine events. The comfortable temperatures are great for both indoor and outdoor activities, making it a favorite time for many travelers.
Winter (June to August)
Winter is Melbourne’s coolest season, offering a quieter, cozy experience with fewer crowds and unique winter events.
Weather: Temperatures range from 6-14°C (43-57°F), and while there’s no snow in the city, you can expect chilly and sometimes wet weather.
Events: Winter brings the Melbourne International Film Festival (August), and the Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market. For those looking to experience snow, the Victorian Alps are just a few hours away, offering skiing and snowboarding options.
Why Visit: Winter is great if you prefer indoor cultural activities, like visiting galleries, museums, and theater performances. The lower tourist numbers also mean shorter lines at popular attractions.
Overall, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are generally considered the best seasons to experience Melbourne’s attractions in comfortable weather and with fewer crowds.
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From theme parks to wildlife parks, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, Melbourne offers a unique combination of experiences for kids of all ages. These are just some of the best ways to create memorable family moments in Melbourne, Australia’s favourite family destination.
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