As the capital city of Victoria and the second most-populated city in the entire country, Melbourne is an amazing place to visit!
Sitting in the Port Phillip Bay on Australia’s southeastern coast, Melbourne takes advantage of its natural scenery through wonderful beaches and parks.
Beyond this, the city is full of fun museums, cultural heritage, and cool things to do. If you’re visiting this city with your kids in tow, you may be wondering where to start and what fun things to do in Melbourne for families.
Don’t worry!
I’ve got you covered with a list of the 10 fun things to do in Melbourne with kids!
Melbourne is an ideal destination for a family holiday, offering a diverse range of activities for all ages and interests.
1. Take a Ride on the City Circle Tram
In Melbourne’s central business district, you’ll see these old-style trams running loops around the thoroughfares. This is the City Circle Tram system, and riding them is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do with kids in Melbourne!
These heritage trams are entirely free to ride, with audio commentary on the major landmarks and sites visible from each point on its circuit. Settle in for a fun ride, which will take you by major spots, such as Parliament House, the Princess Theatre, the Docklands, and more!
Running every day (except for big holidays), the City Circle Tram is a great way to get around Melbourne, see the sights, and learn something along the way.
2. Melbourne Zoo
From the lions to the penguins, there is so much to see at the Melbourne Zoo. The Melbourne Zoo is the oldest zoo in Australia, but is always expanding with new exhibits and animals! Some of the zoo highlights include the Trail of the Elephant (with five elephants), the Orangutan Sanctuary which houses a whole family of orangutans, and the Wild Sea exhibit, where you can see penguins and seals playing in the water.
This is one of the fun things to do in Melbourne with family that can fill up an entire day! Plus, children up to age 15 can get in for free on weekends and public holidays. This is a great idea if you need to find some fun family attractions in Melbourne.
Another great place a few hours drive from Melbourne to experience Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas, is the Ballarat Wildlife Park.
3. Become Part of the Art at the Artvo
Don’t worry, the ArtVo isn’t your typical art gallery that the kids might complain about! Melbourne is also home to the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, which is dedicated to Australian art.
ArtVo is Australia’s first immersive art gallery, full of “trick pieces” and 3D art you can interact with. Your kids will have a blast, putting themselves into the art and taking unique pictures. Plus, there’s even a free coat room where you can leave your bags and gear for a worry-free experience!
The interactive elements of this museum, spread across 11 themed zones, make this one of the most fun family activities in Melbourne and is fun for all the family!
4. Visit the Iconic Luna Park
As soon as you walk through the iconic, funhouse mouth, you’ll see the full wonder of Luna Park!
Luna Park is a historic amusement park right near St. Kilda beach. From the entrance, which looks like the sun swallowing each visitor, to the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster and the carousel. Even better, there is something for all ages in Luna Park, from The Power Surge and the Enterprise for older kids to the Happy Swing and carnival games for the little ones. This is an amazing activity for visitors or locals, who might be looking for family outings in Melbourne.
Melbourne also offers other adventure parks with activities like waterslides, go-karting, and mini-golf.
5. Take a Ride on Puffing Billy in Belgrave
While it won’t be a ride-speed train ride, there is nothing more classic than riding Puffing Billy! It is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do with kids in Melbourne. Puffing Billy is a preserved steam train which snakes through the Dandenong Ranges.
There are various routes you can choose from, with some routes that go to Menzies Creek and back and others that are full-day adventures to Lakeside or Gembrook with a picnic lunch included. You can even sit on the sills of the train, with your arms and legs dangling over the edge of the open carriage!
It is a beautiful ride through the landscape that shouldn’t be missed!
6. Enjoy a Day on the Melbourne Beaches
With its iconic coastline, it would be a shame to create a list of fun things to do with kids in Melbourne without including a day at the beach! Melbourne has plenty of family-friendly beaches across its coastline, so you can pick your favourite or try out a few!
A few of the top family beaches in Melbourne include Williamstown Beach, Cowes Beach, and Brighton Beach.
Each has its own special charm.
- Williamstown Beach offers gentle, shallow waves with a nearby pier and plenty of small food locations.
- Cowes Beach is another quiet, calm beach with small waves and grassy areas nearby, perfect for if the kids tire of the sand.
- Finally, Brighton Beach is a popular spot, owing to the famous and brightly painted Victorian bathing boxes, as well as the relaxed atmosphere and calm oceans.
7. Check Out the Aquatic Animals at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is an amazing way to get to know the wonders of the underwater world and its diverse range of aquatic animals. Between the Mermaid Garden, Seahorse Pier, Coral Caves, and the Croc Lair, you’ll have plenty to explore. Every day there are live presentations and feedings, so you can see the animals up-close and interactive.
If you’ve been to the Melbourne Aquarium before, you may be in for a surprise! There was a massive renovation to the Melbourne Aquarium in 2013 when it was rebranded as Sea Life, with 12 themed areas spread across three levels. The aquarium even offers passports for kids, so they can collect stamps at each area. This is one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne with kids, especially if you’re trying to make the most of a rainy day.
AFF LINK get your guide (travelpayouts)
8. Grab a Sweet Treat at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
From the beautiful drive out to the Chocolaterie to the delicious flavours you’ll find there, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is worth the trip! There is no better spot for a sweet treat and to get some fresh air wandering through the gardens.
The chocolaterie and ice creamery has bunches of flavours to choose from, as well as other treats such as macarons and scones. There are even junior chocolatier classes, designed for kids aged six to twelve. You can sign your kids up for these classes during your visit, if you plan in advance!
There is truly no better place to go for a sweet treat in Melbourne!
9. Have Some Family Fun in the Sun at Funfields Theme Park
If you’re looking for some adventure-based fun, head out to Funfields Theme Park! This theme park is just 40 kilometres to the north of Melbourne, offering some of the best waterslides and thrill experiences in all of Victoria. Whether your kids are younger or older, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Funfields Theme Park. The little ones will be delighted by the play zones, with splashing water elements, and the paddle pools in Birdy Cove. Older kids aren’t left out of the fun either, with plenty of waterslides, such as the Supernova, Kraken Racer, and Gravity Wave! It is the perfect way to catch some rays and enjoy one of the most fun things to do with kids in Melbourne.
If you’re a local in Melbourne, you should consider grabbing the season pass! Funfields is one of the popular school holiday activities in Melbourne, so having unlimited access to the park will give you a great back-up plan for any days off school!
Victoria is also home to some of the best adventure parks, offering excitement and adrenaline for the whole family.
https://www.funfields.com.au/
10. Explore the Interactive Exhibits at the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)
If you have little kids in tow, aged one to nine, the Museum of Play and Art is a magical place for kids! Also known as the MoPA, the Museum of Play and Art is full of interactive exhibits with childhood education in mind. Envisioned by Billie Georgieff and Tim Mahon, the museum pulls from elements of the best children’s museums in the world.
There are even special rooms and exhibits targeting every age group, in line with the Early Learning Framework in mind. Since this is one of the best activities to do with kids in Melbourne, you’re advised to book your tickets in advance. This is especially true if you want to attend during Melbourne’s school holidays.
https://www.museumofplayandart.com.au/
Enjoying Fun Family Things To Do In Melbourne During School Holidays
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for school holiday activities in Melbourne, this list should give you some great ideas to get started with. Melbourne is full of kid-friendly museums, natural attractions, and sights to see.
While you’re planning your days, don’t forget to take advantage of these fun activities to do with kids in Melbourne!
Melbourne offers a wide range of family activities and family fun, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
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