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Top 15 Things to do with Kids in Melbourne
Renowned as the world’s most liveable city, Melbourne offers plenty of family-friendly activities that can leave you spoiled for choice. Whether you are a local seeking new adventures or a visitor exploring Melbourne with little ones, making decisions on what to see and do can be overwhelming. To help make your choice easier, my family and I have compiled our top 15 things to do with kids in Melbourne. From iconic attractions to hidden gems, these activities have brought us countless fun and memories. We hope they bring the same joy to you and your loved ones!
Top 15 Things to Do with Kids In Melbourne 2024 – TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Melbourne Zoo
• Melbourne Museum
• National Gallery of Victoria
• ACMI
• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
• Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
• Melbourne Street Art
• Melbourne Skydeck
• Puffing Billy Railway
• Fed Square
• Luna Park Melbourne
• Shrine of Remembrance
• Collingwood Children’s Farm
• iFLY Indoor Skydiving Melbourne
• ArtVo
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1. Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo has to be my kid’s favourite day out. It’s a short 10-minute drive from the CBD or families can catch a train from Flinders Street Station to Royal Park Station. Melbourne Zoo features trails like Lion Gorge, Trails of the Elephants, and Wild Sea, home to Australian Fur Seals and Fiordland Penguins. Families can meet lions, Snow Leopards, and Sumatran Tigers in Lion Gorge. Enjoy the Butterfly House and Keeper Kids indoor play area.
Location: Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Ave., Melbourne
2. Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum is where you will journey through Victoria’s history, culture, and natural wonders. Explore exhibits like the Learning Lab, Forest Gallery, and Science and Life Gallery, showcasing bugs, dinosaurs, and more. Learn about Melbourne’s story and indigenous cultures at Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Te Pasifika Gallery. Enjoy interactive fun at the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery and discover global exhibitions at the Touring Hall. Plus, catch 3D documentaries at the IMAX Melbourne screen.
Location: 11 Nicholson Street, Melbourne
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3. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is housed within two magnificent buildings: NGV International and NGV Australia. They both offer a diverse range of international and local artists, exhibitions, programs, and events spanning contemporary art, major historic showcases, fashion, design, and more, the NGV is a cultural hub for all. Be sure to visit the NGV Kids Gallery, which features FREE kid’s exhibitions throughout the year.
Location: 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
4. ACMI
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Fed Square, ACMI (formerly Australian Centre for the Moving Image). ACMI is a great museum to visit if you love screen culture. Families can explore the vast universe of film, TV, video games, and art. The Story of the Moving Image is a FREE and family-friendly exhibition that explores the history of film, TV, video games and art.
Location: Fed Square, Melbourne
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5. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium has just unveiled Night on the Reef, a stunning $9 million transformation of its 2.2 million-litre Oceanarium. Families can also Immerse themselves in the mysterious world of jellyfish and venture to the icy waters of Antarctica to meet King and Gentoo penguins. Encounter a 5-metre-long saltwater crocodile and marvel at graceful colonies of seahorses and sea dragons.
Location: corner of King and Flinders Street, Melbourne
6. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens is a short walk from the CBD. The gardens have a collection of over 8,500 plant species from around the world, including camellias, rainforest flora, and succulents. Be sure to visit the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, educational activities in the Arid Garden, and the whimsical Fallen White Oak seating area. Families may collect Seek and Find Nature Cards or travel on the Explorer (kids ride for FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays) around the gardens.
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
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8. Melbourne Skydeck
For those unafraid of heights, Melbourne Skydeck offers a thrilling experience high above the city! Melbourne Skydeck provides an immersive and educational adventure suitable for all ages, boasting the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, and cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality technology.
Location: Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne
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9. Puffing Billy Railway
If you’re looking for an adventure in the Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy Railway, Australia’s beloved steam train is just an hour east of Melbourne. Families can experience the timeless allure of steam train travel as you traverse the original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, winding through rolling hills, valleys, and forests.
Location: 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, Melbourne
10. Fed Square
Fed Square is Melbourne’s go-to destination for art, culture, and public events. Fed Square features everything from festivals and workshops to live performances and school holiday programs. It’s also home to ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, and the Koorie Heritage Trust. Families can enjoy multiple FREE events throughout the year, including The Little Food Festival, Melbourne Food Week, The (Very) Big Laugh Out, Candlelight Concerts, Christmas Square and many more.
Location: corner of Swanston Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne
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11. Luna Park Melbourne
Luna Park has been a favourite spot for Melbourne families for over a century. The park offers a mix of heritage attractions and new thrill rides. Its most famous ride, the Roller Coaster – The Great Scenic Railway, is the world’s oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster, providing heart-stopping dips and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. Throughout the year, Luna Park hosts numerous family-friendly events such as Easter Egg Hunts and Halloween celebrations.
Location: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
12. Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance stands as the Victorian state memorial honouring Australians who served in war and peacekeeping missions. In its commitment to remembrance and education, the Shrine offers Shrine Kids – Explorer Kits available for borrowing from the Visitor Centre. These kits include four engaging activity cards: “Unlock the Secrets,” “Discover How Things Work,” “Use Your Imagination,” and “Solve the Mysteries,” providing children with immersive and educational experiences during their visit.
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
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13. Collingwood Children’s Farm
Collingwood Children’s Farm is a lovely inner-city farm to visit with kids. For over 40 years, it has been a key part of the urban landscape through education and community programs. Families can wander around the farm interact with the animals and enjoy a picnic. The farm also hosts family-friendly events like the Winter Solstice Bonfire and NAIDOC Day celebrations. All entry fees support the farm’s initiatives.
Location: 18 St Heliers Street, Melbourne
14. iFly Melbourne
Situated just 16km north of Melbourne CBD at Essendon Fields, iFLY Indoor Skydiving Melbourne offers the thrill of soaring like a bird in the city’s first 14ft diameter iFLY wind tunnel. Whether flying solo or with the family, iFLY ensures a safe and exhilarating experience for all ages. Flyers as young as 3 are welcome, with those under 17 requiring a parent or guardian’s waiver signature.
Location: 2 Burns Street, Essendon Fields, Melbourne
15. ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery
Australia’s first immersive ‘trick-art’ gallery, ArtVo is located at The District. This self-guided experience offers endless photo opportunities and unbelievable illusions suitable for all ages and group sizes. Spanning over 1400 square meters with over 80 new artworks, visitors can interact with wild animals, conquer rocky crevasses, and more. Unlike traditional museums, ArtVo encourages patrons to become part of the art by striking poses for photos, with friendly staff on hand to assist and ensure a memorable visit.
Location: 26 Star Cres, Level 1, The District, Docklands
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
