Coming up with ideas of fun things to do in Melbourne with kids can be a bit of a struggle when school holidays come around. I’ve compiled a list of the 20 best things to do in Melbourne so that you don’t have to come up with ideas.
20 best things to do in Melbourne with kids
- Spend a day at Luna Park:
Enjoy a carnival experience for the day at Luna Park. There are 20 rides and attractions for children and adults to enjoy. From the widely-known scenic railway rollercoaster to carousels and sky riders, everyone is bound to find an attraction they enjoy.
I recommend pre-purchasing your tickets online and arrive at the time of opening.
Price: (Subject to change)
The unlimited rides or family pass tickets are the best value
Unlimited rides:
0-3 Years: $18.00
4-12 Years: $41.50
13+: $51.50
Family Pass:
2 Adults (13+) & 2 Kids (4-12 Years): $155.00
1 Adult (13+) & 3 Kids (4-12 Years): $155.00
Click here to purchase tickets to Luna Park
Opening Hours: (Subject to change)
Weekdays: Closed
Saturday: 11:00AM – 10:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM – 7:00PM
Public Holidays: Open (Except Christmas Day)
Victorian School Holidays: Open
(Please check the luna park website for opening hours prior to visiting)
Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
- Make discoveries at Melbourne Museum:
The Melbourne Museum has plenty on offer throughout the year. Exhibitions change often; there’s always something new to learn. Dive deep into the history of Victoria and explore all there is to see within the museum.
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the permanent exhibition of Australia’s greatest racehorse, Phar Lap.
Price: (Subject to change)
Adult (18+): $15.00
Senior: $10.00
Child: Free
Student – Concession: Free
Click here to purchase tickets to Melbourne Museum
Opening Hours: (Subject to change)
Mon-Sun: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Closed: Good Friday and Christmas Day
Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Enjoy a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens makes for a beautiful afternoon in the city, especially during the springtime.
There are over 10,000 plant species to explore while strolling along the safe walking trails, great for prams or wheelchairs. Enjoy exploring the different lawns and the immense lakes.
The Children’s Garden is the perfect space within the enclosure for children to learn about the world of plants.
Price: Free
Opening Hours: (Subject to change)
Mon-Sun: 7:30AM-7:30PM
Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3004
- Take a ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
This one’s not great for just the kids, but parents (or caretakers) will love it too! The Melbourne Star observation wheel is a great way to experience Melbourne City and its surroundings from above.
From experience, the best time to go is at night so you can see all of the city lights sparkle. It’s also a great way to see the observation wheel light up with interchanging colours from the outside.
Price: (Subject to change)
Single price admission:
Adult: $40.00
Child (5-15 years): $28.80
Concession: $33.60
Family price admission:
1 Adult & 1 Child: $58.40
2 Adult & 1 Child: $92.00
Additional Child: $24.80
Purchase tickets to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
Opening Hours:
1st September – 25th April: 11:00AM-9:30PM
26th April – 31st August, Thurs-Mon: 11:00AM-6:30PM
Christmas Day and ANZAC Day: 1:00PM-9:30PM
Address: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008
- Test your limits at Clip N Climb Richmond
Clip N Climb Richmond is something you will want to add to your list of things to do in Melbourne with kids. This adventure centre is the ideal way for kids to challenge themselves on the 33 different climbing walls.
Parents can relax and watch their kids climb while enjoying the cafe.
Free parking is available.
Price: (Subject to change)
1 hour session
2-5 Years: $14.50
6+: $19.50
Book a session for Clip N Climb
Opening Hours:
Weds-Sun: 10:00AM-6:00PM
Address: 144 Murphy Street, Richmond VIC 3121
- Indulge in a frozen yoghurt treat from Yo-Chi Carlton
Yochi is a fantastic place to take the kids for a dessert. This self-serve interactive dessert bar includes healthy options like fruits making it a fun thing to do in Melbourne with kids. There are also dairy-free options.
Choose from up to 10 frozen yoghurt flavours, add your toppings, then weigh and pay. The delicious frozen yoghurt will have you wanting more!
Price: (Subject to change)
$2.80 per 100 grams
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12:00PM-11:00PM
Address: 194 Faraday Street, Carlton VIC 3053
- Enjoy the fresh air at Royal Park Nature Playground
The Royal park nature playground is a natural wood playground that blends in with the surroundings of trees.
The park boasts unique slides to tricky high rope courses; children will love testing their ability within the safe space.
Set up a picnic on the grass and enjoy an afternoon in the fresh air, the perfect family activity in Melbourne.
Price:
Free
Opening Hours:
Always Open
Address: 28 Gatehouse St, Parkville VIC 3052
- Experience an out-of-this-world escape with a virtual reality adventure
Travel to a place out of this world and experience an alternate reality with family and friends.
This 3D experience can be enjoyed with 2, 3 or 4 players. The team-based adventure makes it a great activity in Melbourne for families.
Save yourself some money and book your session online.
Price: (Subject to change)
Off-peak: $49.00
On-peak: $59.00
Book your session here
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10:00AM-10:00PM
Address: 75 Peel Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003
- Discover Melbourne from above at Eureka Skydeck
Face your fear on the 88th floor of the Southern Hemispheres highest observation deck. Go out on the edge at Eureka Skydeck for an experience like no other.
Take in the view of the bustling city beneath you as you experience being suspended 300 metres in the air. This great family activity in Melbourne will be enjoyed by children and adults as they take in their surroundings from above.
Price: (Subject to change)
Adult: $25.00
Child (4-16 Years): $16.50
Concession: $22.00
2 Adults & 2 Children: $66.00
1 Adult & 2 Children: $46.00
2 Adults & 3 Children: $76.00
The edge experience is an additional $12.00 for adults and $8.00 for children.
Book your session to Eureka Skydeck
Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: Closed
Wed-Thur: 4:00PM-9:00PM
Friday: 4:00PM-10:00PM
Sat-Sun: 12:00PM-10:00PM
Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
- Immerse yourself in the artwork of Artvo Melbourne
Artvo is a self-guided 3D art gallery in Melbourne. This exhibition is full of fun photo opportunities, great for adults and kids making it a fun thing to do in Melbourne with kids.
There are 80 artworks to explore in which are fantastic for kids’ imagination.
Price: (Subject to change)
Adult: $28.00
Child (0-14 Years): Free
Child (5-15 Years): $18.00
Student: $25.00
Seniors: $25.00
Purchase tickets to Artvo Melbourne
Opening Hours:
Everyday: 10:00AM-6:00PM
Address: 26 Star Crescent, Level 1, The District, Docklands VIC 3008
- Dine inside an igloo at The Winter Village Melbourne
Enjoy a skate on ice or dine in at an igloo at The Winter Village Melbourne. It’s a winter wonderland pop-up that runs from May 13th-August 29th.
There are 24 private igloos for 2-5 guests in which makes it great for family fun.
Price: (Subject to change)
Ice skating:
Adult: $27.60
Child (6-14 Years): $19.10
Toddler (2-5 Years): $10.65
Igloo session:
Standard Package: $49 per person
Premium Package: $69 per person
Purchase your tickets here
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11:00AM-10:00PM
Friday: 11:00AM-12:00AM
Saturday: 10:00AM-12:00AM
Sunday: 10:00AM-10:00PM
Address: Federation Square Rooftop Car Park Extension, Russell St Melbourne VIC 3000
- Spend the day with farm animals at Collingwood Children’s Farm
The Collingwood children’s farm is a community farm involving a not-for-profit organisation. This farm is a great educational opportunity for parents and children and makes a great day out in Melbourne with kids.
The entry fee supports the animals, conserves the farmland and supports people experiencing hardship.
Price: (Subject to change)
Adult: $12.00
Senior: $10.00
Child: $5.00
Child (<2 Years): Free
Purchase tickets to the Collingwood Children’s Farm
Opening Hours:
Everyday: 9:30AM-3:00PM
Address: 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067
- Take a tour around the Old Melbourne Gaol
Take a step inside the Old Melbourne Gaol, built in the mid-1800s, to experience Australian criminal history.
There were 133 hangings inside this gaol, including the infamous Ned Kellys’ death.
Take a guided tour and wander down the eerie hallways. Check the official website for new events and night tours.
Price: (Subject to change)
Adult: $30.00
Child (5-17 Years): $17.00
Concession: $25.00
Book your tour around the Old Melbourne Gaol
Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 10:00AM-6:00PM
Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Explore the Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is a terrific activity for families in Melbourne. Zoos Victoria is committed to fighting wildlife extinction and is trying to recover 27 threatened native species.
Stroll around the footpaths to view the animals; from zebras to gorillas and even snow leopards, there’s a species here that will shock everyone.
Price: (Subject to change)
Adult: $38.00
Child (4-15 Years): $19.00
Child (0-3 Years): Free
Concession: $29.00
Senior: $34.00
Purchase tickets to the Melbourne Zoo
Opening Hours:
Everyday: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Address: Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
- Discover the world of science at Scienceworks
Children (and even adults) can learn about electricity, astronomy and how the body works. The museum is very interactive and encourages everyone to get involved.
There are interchanging events that run for a while; they may include learning about the solar system and exploring artificial intelligence. Scienceworks is a great thing to do in Melbourne with kids as it’s educational and fun.
Price: (Subject to change)
Adult: $15.00
Senior: $10.00
Concession: Free
Child: Free
Purchase tickets to Scienceworks
Opening Hours:
Everyday: 10:00AM-4:30PM
Address: 2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015
- Get your game on at Strike Melbourne Central
Show your competitive side and play a game of bowling with the family.
If bowling isn’t your thing, there are games of laser tag and escape rooms at Strike Melbourne Central.
Price: (Subject to change)
Prices start at $17 per person
Check the website for more details and book your visit
Opening Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 10:00AM-11:00PM
Fri-Sat: 10:00PM-1:00AM
Address: Melbourne Central, Shop 305, Level 3/211 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Discover what’s beneath the surface of the water at Sea Life Melbourne
Discover the underwater world of Sea Life Melbourne. The fantastic family activity in Melbourne has plenty of creatures on offer.
Children will love looking through the glass as the shark and stingrays glide through the water.
Allow a few hours to explore the entire aquarium.
Price: (Subject to change)
Adult: $46.00
Child: $32.00
Concession: $36.00
Purchase tickets to the underwater adventure here
Opening Hours:
Thur-Mon: 10:00AM-5:00PM
Address: Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Enjoy an educational film at IMAX Melbourne
IMAX Melbourne is home to the largest cinema screen in the world. It stands at a whopping 32 metres wide x 23 metres high.
IMAX is a 3D theatre which makes it a fun thing to do in Melbourne with kids.
There are constantly interchanging educational movies and documentaries that both children and adults will love.
Price: (Subject to change)
Premium Seating: $23.00
Adult: $18.00
Child: $10.00
Concession: $15.00
Wheelchair User & Companion: $10.00
Take a peek at the films currently on offer
Opening Hours:
Opening hours depend on the films that are showing, check the website for more details
Address: Melbourne Museum Precinct, Rathdowne St, Carlton VIC 3053
- Enjoy a morning at the Birrarung Marr playground
The Birrarung Marr playground is a brightly coloured play space great for children.
Easy access is available from Princes Walk or the Russell Street exit; mostly locals only know about this playground.
There’s plenty of space and things to do at the Birrarung Marr playground for children’s imagination to run wild.
Children can enjoy the rope courses, hammocks, bridges and dual slides while parents watch them enjoying themselves.
Price:
Free
Opening Hours:
Open 24 hours
Address: Birrarung Marr Playground, Birrarung Marr Melbourne VIC 3000
- Test your ice skating skills in Docklands at the O’brien Icehouse
The O’brien icehouse is located in the Docklands and is open 364 days a year.
The icehouse has two skating rinks and makes for a great active day out in Melbourne with kids.
Lessons can be booked for freestyle skating, or take it at your own pace and test your skills around the rink.
Price: (Subject to change)
Prices are including skate hire
Adult: $28.00
Child (<8 Years): $14.50
Concession: $24.00
Book your skate session at O’brien Icehouse
Opening Hours:
Mon & Wed: 9:00AM-3:45PM
Tue, Fri-Sun: 9:00AM-3:00PM, 3:30PM-10:00PM
Thursday: 9:00AM-3:45PM, 7:00PM-10:00PM
Address: O’brien Icehouse, Ground/105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands VIC 3008
Wrapping Up
There we have 20 Ideas for fun things to do in Melbourne with kids. The great thing about a number of these places is that parents or caregivers can get involved on the fun too!
There are plenty of fantastic places in Melbourne for families to spend quality time together.
Have you been to any of these places? Or what is your favourite family activity in Melbourne?
