While Melbourne is known to have some amazing wineries, bars and nightlife, there’s also plenty to do in Melbourne with kids.
Do your kids have varied interests?
That’s absolutely not an issue at all since there’s something to cater to different interests.
From heading on a safari adventure to learning more about native Australian animals and getting the creative juices flowing with lego, this list will cover it all.
Read on to find out more about 17 fun things that you can do in Melbourne with kids.
1. Melbourne Zoo
There’s plenty to see in the Melbourne Zoo, and kids are sure to love it.
Besides being Australian’s oldest zoo, it also has numerous attractions from the Butterfly House to the Gorilla Rainforest.
You’ll also get to see plenty of native animals such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats and more.
One of the most famous attractions is the Trail of the Elephants as you take a peek at these magnificent animals.
Children will also love the zoo’s new walk-through Lemur Island exhibit as they’ll be in close proximity to these charismatic creatures.
Those aspiring to work in a zoo will love the Keepers Kids play space along with the Growing Wild interactive exhibit.
- Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-8pm
2. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Another great place to visit is the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
While there are plenty of fishes swimming around, the focus is on creatures from the Southern Ocean.
You’ll get to see penguins roaming around, along with Antarctic creatures.
Kids wanting to get closer to the penguins can even get a penguin passport to have a unique encounter with these cute mammals.
Don’t forget to visit the other attractions such as the house clownfish, transparent sea jellies, sharks, stingrays, turtles and more.
- Address: King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am-5:30pm; Weekends 9am-6pm
3. Healesville Sanctuary
If your kids want to interact and see native Australian animals up close, Healesville Sanctuary is the place to be.
The habitat here also mirrors that of the animal’s natural habitat so you’re getting a completely authentic experience.
Spend the day with your kids wandering around while meeting koalas, wombats, wallabies and more.
You’ll even get to see some of Australia’s most dangerous reptiles and unique native birds.
Remember to catch popular show such as the Spirits of the Sky as they’re included in your admission.
Kids will also love saying hi to the rare platypus while learning more about how veterinarians help with the rehabilitation of animals.
- Address: Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
4. MCG – Melbourne Cricket Ground
While sports lovers will enjoy visiting the Melbourne Cricket Ground, there’s also plenty to see.
Not only is this Melbourne landmark one of the seven wonders of the sporting world, cricket is also a huge sport within the city.
On non-event days, you can take a backstage tour onto the turf and take a look at the changing rooms in the stadium.
There are plenty of tours that will take you to the Melbourne Cricket Grounds.
The knowledgeable tour guides will give you an in-depth understanding of the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, and children are sure to enjoy the behind-the-scenes tour.
- Address: Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002
- Opening Hours: Closed on event days; other days 10am-3pm
5. National Sports Museum
The National Sports Museum has had a multi-million dollar upgrade and kids will absolutely love the new interactive experience.
Here, you’ll get to be amazed at the extensive collection of both sporting heritage along with multi-media displays that’s sure to engage the senses.
There’s an interactive area for kids of all ages including a Sports Cinema, Champion Horse Racing Museum and more.
Visit the National Sports Museum as part of a tour and you’ll even be driven through the Athletes Village on the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix Circuit.
There’s absolutely no better way to get exposed to Melbourne’s sporting culture.
- Address: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening Hours: Closed on event days; other days 10am-3pm
6. Werribee Open Range Zoo
The Werribee Open Range Zoo is unlike any other zoo.
Just 32km outside of the city and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Africa.
Dive into an authentic safari experience on a 40-minute bus tour of the open-range animal exhibits.
Here, you’ll get to spot zerbas, giraffes, rhinos, buffalos and more.
Kids wanting a closer look can also participate in the animal encounter programs.
You can get up and close with animals during a feeding activity, meet the keepers and learn more about how they’re being cared for.
This experience is unlike any other, and children are sure to love seeing the hundreds of rare and exotic animals roaming around in spacious habitats.
- Address: K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
7. Werribee Park
If you’re in Werribee, don’t forget to soak up the richness of Werribee Park and the heritage listed Werribee Mansion.
Pack a delicious picnic and enjoy it in the gardens or the endless green fields surrounding the mansion.
Here, you’ll get to see a colorful array of 5,000 unusual historic roses from around the world at the State Rose Garden.
Children will also enjoy wandering around the grotto and taking a peek at the ornamental lake.
Much restoration has also been done to the fruit orchard that was originally planted by the Chimside family in the late 1800s.
This is truly a great place to visit just to unwind, relax, and learn a bit more of the history in the area.
- Address: Main Dr, Werribee South VIC 3030
- Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
8. Old Melbourne Gaol
While the Old Melbourne Gaol may now be a museum, it also has some dark history.
Previously it housed some of Victoria’s most notorious criminals, and a total of 135 people were hanged there.
Prepare to be a bit spooked out as you wander through the museum displays and take a look at the memorabilia.
Those who are a little more courageous can head on a night tour or view a live performance each Saturday on one of the most famous inmates at the prison.
If not, take a wander through and learn more about the rich criminal history, and what life was like for the men and women that were held there.
- Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am-5pm
9. Eureka Skydeck 88
Everybody loves seeing panoramic views of Melbourne, and there’s no easier way to see it than at Eureka Skydeck 88.
Start off by stepping on an elevator that covers 88 stories in the span of 40 seconds.
As you step off the elevator, you may feel a bit weak in the knees, but get ready to soak in the views of Melbourne from its mountains to the beaches.
There are even complimentary viewfinders placed around the skydeck so you can get a closer look at the different scenery.
Don’t forget to walk outside to The Terrace to feel the wind as you stand 300 metres above ground.
Do your kids want more of a thrill?
Upgrade your ticket to include entry to a section called The Edge where you’ll be able to step onto a glass cube that extends outside of the Skydeck.
- Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
10. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
This is a great place for kids to get their hands dirty in the garden.
Kids will be immersed in an interactive environment also educational as they discover the natural world around them.
While there are plants, structure and pathways to explore, you can also download the ’50 things for kids to do’ checklist on the official site before visiting the garden.
During the summer, you’d want to head to the meeting place and escape the heat with the water feature.
If not, the kitchen garden, bamboo forest, plant tunnel are all great places for exploration.
Most importantly, kids will get to learn about the importance of conservation and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment.
- Address: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10:30am-7:30pm
11. Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum contains a wealth of knowledge and is a great experience for both adults and kids.
While there are a series of permanent exhibitions, some exhibitions are on a rotation basis so it’s always a different experience for returning visitors.
At the Melbourne Museum, you’ll discover displays of Australia’s mega fauna, bones, the human body, amazing animals and more.
There’s also an IMAX centre for those wanting to catch one of the movies airing on the big screen.
While at the Museum don’t forget to visit a taxidermy of Australia’s most famous racehorse, Phar Lap.
- Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
12. ACMI Museum
Currently the ACMI Museum is undergoing a transformation, and it’s going to be even better than before.
ACMI has been a world leader in moving education and with the museum scheduled to open in mid-2020, be prepared to be amazed with a dynamic new exhibition.
There will be immersive experiences and interactive encounters that are sure to engage your kid’s senses.
On top of that, the new exhibition will have vibrant creative learning labs and cinemas to prepare young people with present day demands and challenges.
Some of the technologies that ACMI utilise includes film, games, animation, virtual reality and more.
This is certainly one museum to add to your list for fun things to do with kids!
- Address: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
13. ArtVo
Ever wanted to be part of a piece of artwork? Now you can!
ArtVo is an immersive art gallery that’s engaging and fun.
You’ll get to touch the art and become part of it by taking photographs at designated points of the artwork.
In total, there are nine different themes to tingle your senses and over 80 hand-painted installations.
The newest installation within ArtVo is the Fantasy theme which spans a significant portion of the gallery.
There, you’ll get to explore different landscapes from forest to the ocean and even space.
There’s even Dreamscape art that’ll take you on an ethereal experience.
Kids will love being part of this unique destination and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
- Address: Shop NCF, 07 Level/1 26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
14. Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne
Legoland Discovery Land has something for every kid.
This indoor lego playground is filled with plenty of attractions including global and local landmarks made with lego bricks.
There’s even a 4D Cinema for kids to watch some of their favourite lego characters come to life.
Prefer to get hands-on?
There are thousands of lego bricks in the themed build and play areas for children’s imagination to run wild.
After a whole day of expending energy, you can grab a snack or ice cream at the Lego-themed cafe for a quick pick-me-up.
There’s even an after school special with a discount deal after 3pm.
This is an amazing place for kids to unleash their creativity and share new experiences with their friends and family.
- Address: Level 2/1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone
- Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday 9:30am-7pm; Sunday to Wednesday 9:30am-5:30pm
Book Tickets After School Official site
15. Scienceworks
Scienceworks has plenty of attractions to entertain the curious mind of kids.
One of the most popular spots is the Melbourne Planetarium Production Studio.
Catch the latest fulldome show and learn more about the moon as you embark on an amazing adventure.
Continue to wander through the different exhibits and catch a show on lightning that features high-voltage demonstrations.
You’ll even get to go deep inside a storm cloud and find out a little more about what happens when lightning actually strikes.
Kids also love to visit Sportsworks as it’s a place for them to leap, run, row and more.
Zoom down slopes in a snowboarding simulator, and pit your skills against some of the best-known sportspeople in Australia.
Kids are sure to have an incredible day of fun as they learn more about the wonders of science.
- Address: 2 Booker St, Spotswood
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am-4:30pm
16. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is an iconic attraction in Melbourne and is a great place to get 360-degree views of the city.
The entire wheel stands at 120 metres tall, and is the perfect place for kids to catch picturesque views of Melbourne.
You’ll enter one of the spacious cabins that even have audio commentary so you’ll learn more about the history of the landmarks.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, prepare to enjoy unobstructed views from Mount Macedon all the way to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges.
Choose to take in the city sights during the day, or be amazed by the sparkling lights at night.
- Address: The District Docklands, 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands
- Opening Hours: Daily 11am-9:30pm
17. Luna Park Melbourne
Luna Park is an iconic park located in St Kilda.
Be prepared for a day of fun for the entire family as you enter through the unique entrance.
Kids who prefer more of a thrill will enjoy the Silly Serpent Rollercoaster and even the Haunted Ghost Train.
One of the most popular rides however, is the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster which showcases scenic views of Port Phillip Bay.
Younger kids can also enjoy their time at Luna Park by flying up and down on a trunked carriage in a gentle circle.
This smaller version of the classic Ferris Wheel is a relaxing experience for kids and adults alike.
- Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
- Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday to Wednesday 11am-8pm
There you have it, some of the best fun things to do in Melbourne with kids.
While the list above is extensive, there’s still plenty more to do!
If you’ve got a bit more time, you can head on the Puffing Billy Railway steam train that will take you through the foothills at Belgrave to the mountain town of Gembrook.
Children will also love going to Phillip Island to watch the little penguins return from their day at sea.
From the adventurous to the educational, there’s something to satisfy every child.
More resources:
- 12 Best Day Trips From Melbourne for Families
- 16 Best Things to do in Melbourne at Night
- 16 Best Melbourne Dining, Food & Drinks Tours
- 9 Scariest Ghost Tours In Melbourne
- 23 Best Things to do in Melbourne for Adults
- 8 Best Great Ocean Road Combo Tours from Melbourne
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