Melbourne is one of Australia’s most beautiful cities.
It has many places for families to visit, from the bustling city centre to quieter suburbs.
No matter what age your kids are, there is something for everyone here. Here are some ideas for things you can do with kids in Melbourne.
Take in the views at Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is a great place to take in the best views of Melbourne.
It’s located on Level 1 of the South Wharf Promenade near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, so if you’re planning to visit both places, it’d be nice to have something nearby to relax.
And don’t worry about parking; I found docklands parking was easier to find than you think.
If you’re visiting with kids, add a trip to the nearby Melbourne Aquarium. It’s a fantastic aquarium full of colorful fish and sea life, plus it’s right next door to the observation wheel on top level 2 of South Wharf Promenade.
Visit underwater at the Melbourne Aquarium
The Melbourne Aquarium is a fun place to spend half a day with the kids. There are hundreds of aquatic animals to see in tanks and displays, but you can also visit the stars of the show in their unique habitats.
The aquarium is located in Docklands, so you can combine it with other things to do in Melbourne’s heartland.
For example, if you’re catching public transport from the city centre or Southern Cross Station, consider taking a tram along Collins Street (Route 86) or Swanston Street (Routes 19/19a).
You enter through an entrance that looks like a ship’s bow and walk down into an ocean wonderland filled with colourful creatures worldwide.
There’s even a glass tunnel that goes right through the middle!
Get close to nature at the Melbourne Zoo
The zoo is a great place to see and learn about animals. Some exhibits showcase different habitats around the world, allowing you to see various animals in their natural surroundings.
Some of these exhibits show off the stunning animal diversity found in Australia, while others showcase exotic wildlife such as lions or tigers.
The animals at Melbourne Zoo are fed three times per day by zookeepers who ensure that they have clean water and plenty of space for exercise and playtime outside their enclosures during certain hours each week!
March with the city’s penguins
The city’s penguins can be seen coasting through the water at St Kilda Pier every night at sunset. Dolphins, seals and even orcas sometimes join them.
The pier has been a popular tourist attraction since the 1860s, when it was used as a coal and timber depot. Nowadays, it is home to several restaurants and bars and a colony of little penguins (also known as fairy penguins).
Take a ride at Luna Park
Luna Park is an old-school amusement park with bright rides, plenty of fun things for families, and all carnival trappings.
It’s an excellent place to take your kids on hot summer days because it has lots of shade—and in winter, it’s still an exciting escape from the cold. You can find tickets online easily.
Enjoy an outdoor haven at The Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are 38 hectares of lush trees, flowers, and beautiful picnic spots. The gardens contain several different environments and plants from around the world.
There are also many fountains, waterfalls, and pools to explore.
You can get there by tram or bus—the stop is Domain Road on Bourke Street Mall (or you can walk from Flinders Street Railway Station).
If you want to bring your own food, be sure that it’s sealed in plastic containers or aluminium foil so that no one has to leave their picnic basket behind for fear of being bitten on the hand by an angry possum!
If you don’t have time for a leisurely stroll through this green space before catching your flight out at Tullamarine Airport, conveniently located right across the street, then visit some of the great flower shops with plenty of time left over before boarding your flight back home.
Shop at Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is an old-world market selling fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, meats and cheeses.
It also sells hot meals from around the world and has craft stalls, clothes shops and live performances.
It’s a great place to visit if you want to get a taste of Australian cuisine or try something new.
You can find anything from Asian food to Indian curries or traditional Greek souvlakis at this market—or venture into some of the speciality shops within it!
Experience outdoor activities at The Causeway
The Causeway is filled with outdoor activities such as horse riding and archery or indoor activities such as bowling, rock climbing and laser tag.
It is a great place to take kids on a rainy day (or any day), as they can choose what they want to do. The weather is usually good in Melbourne, so it’s the perfect opportunity for them to get outside and enjoy themselves!
- Horse riding: Horses are available for hire at The Causeway during school holidays and weekends. You can also have private lessons if you prefer some one-on-one lessons. It’s great fun for all ages!
- Archery: If your child loves practising archery or has ever dreamed of shooting an arrow, then this may be just what they need! There are plenty of places offering archery lessons in Melbourne, but if yours doesn’t already know about this activity yet, then I would highly recommend going here first because it’s such a fun experience that allows families to get together while having fun outdoors too :)
Some other places to go in Melbourne
If none of the above tickles your fancy, consider the following places to take your kids in Melbourne.
- Eureka Skydeck 88, St Kilda Pier, The Museum of Play and Art, ArtVo Immersive Gallery or UrbanSurf.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Here are a few ideas for spending time in Melbourne with kids.
We hope this has inspired you and you’ll return again soon.