If you’re looking to have the ultimate day out with Kids in Melbourne, then you’ve come to the right place.
As a mother who loves to live life to the fullest with my family, I’ve pulled together a list of 13 of my favourite fun things to do with kids in Melbourne.
13 fun things to do with Kids in Melbourne
1. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
This is the perfect place for kids who love being outdoors and getting their hands dirty. The garden is full of spaces to explore and features super-fun water features that spray up out of the ground in summer.
There’s also a Kitchen Garden which is full of yummy vegetables to discuss, and a tranquil waterway that runs through the Garden, perfect for kids of all ages to paddle in.
Entry is free.
One of the best things about Luna Park Melbourne is that it’s free to enter, so you and the family can just browse around and take in the exciting atmosphere of Melbourne’s historic amusement park. Located on the beautiful foreshore of Port Phillip Bay, I have no doubt that the kids (if they are anything like mine), will be way too excited to stand still or browse, and they’ll be asking to do this and do that as soon as you walk through the iconic giant mouth.
I’d highly recommend you start your day on ‘The Great Scenic Railway roller coaster’. It’s a fun way to capture a magnificent view of the bay, the city and neighbouring suburbs of Melbourne.
Entry into Luna Park Melbourne is free.
For rides and attractions, see their website for current pricing.
Discover thousands of aquatic animals in four amazing worlds at the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium. The Aquarium is located a short walk from either Flinders or Southern Cross train stations, and makes for a great family day out.
The family can glide on a Glass Bottom Boat, meet the King penguins, or book a dive to come face-to-face with huge sharks and stingrays. It’s the perfect place to visit when the weather is not so nice, you might even find Nemo if you’re lucky!
See their website for current pricing.
Take a ride on Melbourne’s big observation wheel, for some extraordinary bird’s-eye views of the city and it’s surrounds. My kids loved the whole experience and we all enjoyed the amazing sight overlooking the CDB.
The commentary of history and what-to-see throughout the half-hour adventure makes it even more worth while as an iconic Melbourne activity for your to-do-list. A must for locals and visitors if you haven’t already been onboard.
See their website for current pricing.
This fun, little amusement park can be found directly under the Melbourne Star. With attractions including the Bouncing Castle, Dodgem Cars, Circus Train, Tea Cups and Twiggy the Talking Tree, Wonderland Junior could keep the kids busy all day long.
It’s situated right next to some great restaurants and cafes, which makes it easy to grab a coffee and watch them laugh and play, or take a break and enjoy some lunch between rides.
Entry into Wonderland Junior is free.
For rides and attractions, see their website for current pricing.
Say hello to the ultimate indoor Lego playground. At Legoland, the kids will be kept entertained with 2 rides, 5 build and play zones, an awesome 4D cinema, plus heaps, heaps more!
Keep your eye out for the mini city of Melbourne, built completely out of Lego, so cute!
See their website for current pricing.
Melbourne Zoo is one of my favourite zoo’s in Australia. Here you and the kids can meet over 300 different species from around the world, including Asian Elephants, playful seals, cheeky Orangutans and our very own native koalas and kangaroos.
There are some exciting new interactive exhibits designed especially for children, where you will get the chance to learn about all the zoo’s animals and their fight to save wildlife from extinction.
You could also head out to the Werribee Open Range Zoo, to enjoy their Off Road Safari, your kids will love it!
See their website for current pricing.
8. Indulge in a yummy High Tea
If there’s one thing most kids (young and old) go gaga for, it’s a sweet treat. Melbourne has a range of High Tea options available for little tackers.
Our favourites include the Children’s High Tea at Om Nom and the kid’s themed High Tea, which The Langham feature every school holidays.
See the individual websites for booking times and current pricing.
I’d highly recommend a sunrise hot air balloon experience over Melbourne.
The flight runs for around an hour and is an incredible experience for kids aged 7 and up. There’s no better way to see the world’s most liveable city and fly over the CBD skyscrapers and the Yarra River.
See the Adrenaline website for current pricing.
10. Take a drive to Phillip Island
Jump in the car with your family and take the scenic 90 minute drive south of Melbourne to Phillip Island, where you can explore the natural wonders that make up Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Visit the iconic little penguins at the Penguin Parade, relax and unwind at Churchill Island Heritage Farm, check out the residents at the Koala Conservation Centre, and immerse yourself in the exciting new Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies.
While you’re on the Island, experience a spectacular two hour boat cruise to see Australia’s largest wild Fur Seal Island colonies. Situated on Seal Rocks (2kms off the south west coast) you are in for a truly amazing wildlife and educational experience.
See their website for current pricing for each attraction.
11. Book a ‘Petite Pamper party‘ at French Pink
These super-fun 90 minute sessions includes party games, mini-manis and makeovers, party food and a take-home treat. And you can rest assured that the finest quality products are being used on your little ones – think natural nail-polish from nail brands Essie and Butter London. Suitable for children aged four to eight at their Collins Street salon every Sunday.
See their website for current pricing.
12. Swim with Dolphins & Seals
Witnessing dolphins and seals playing in their natural environment is truly a life-enhancing experience. And you don’t have to travel far from the CBD to enjoy the experience with your kids!
Just a short drive from Melbourne, in the picturesque seaside village of Sorrento (on the Mornington Peninsula) you can swim with Dolphins & Seals.
See their website for current pricing.
13. Pentridge Prison Ghost Tour
If you have older kids who enjoy a spooky tale, then the Pentridge Prison Ghost Tour is for you!
On this 90 minute walking tour, you’ll discover the remains of Ned Kelly and walk in the footsteps of Chopper Reed. The last execution in Australia took place here and in total there are 44 bodies buried on the site making this tour as fascinating as it is eerie!
See their website for current pricing.
Be sure to note any of your favourite things to do in Melbourne with your kids in the comments below…
Monty
What about Interaxcity children’s museum? Just opened and looks cool
Emily Collie
Will have to pop in for a visit, thanks for the tip Monty.
diyasree
Hey, Emily Collie.
Thanks for the detailed review of these places, as my sister is going to visit Melbourne next month. I would love to pass this information to her 🙂 Thanks!
Emily Collie
You are welcome Diyasree x