100+ Kids Activities in Melbourne, Family Friendly Fun
Things to do in Melbourne for Kids: A list of family friendly, fun kids activities in Melbourne to keep your little ones entertained for the day, weekend, or holidays!
Things to do Melbourne with Kids!
Mum’s Little Explorers is out exploring Melbourne activities and events each week to make sure we can give you updates on new kids activities, new play centres, Melbourne attractions, and any current events going on around the city.
Whether you are looking for fun kids activities or events, a museum to visit for the day, a place to spend a day out or weekend away with the family, we have you covered.
Make sure you bookmark this post and our post on School holiday activities Melbourne which we update in the lead up to the end of each term.
Follow us for events and new activities on our Instagram here>>>>>
MOPA – Museum of Play & Art
The Museum of Play and Art is an immersive children’s museum for kids where they can explore, play, create and learn. This is one of our favs for younger kids from 1-8 years old. Open in Sandringham and Geelong, both locations offer offer world-class play-based-learning facilities. Our favourite activity is painting the beetle, and not the animal, the CAR! So cool.
Read More: Museum of Play and Art
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium takes you on an interactive underwater adventure discovering the wonders of the underground world. You can see some amazing sea creatures and marine animals, meet one of the largest crocodiles in captivity and then head into Antarctica with the penguins.
Read more: Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Find Tickets>>>>
Polly Woodside Tall Ship & Museum
The Polly Woodside tall ship was built in Belfast in 1885, and carried coal and wheat between England and South America. Now docked in Melbourne, you can now join the crew, and get onboard for a tour of the ship and discover what life was like on a tall ship sailing the seven seas.
The first Sunday of the month they have Pirate day which is a huge hit. There are lots of pirate themed activities. Kids can swab the deck, hunt for hidden treasure, play pirate games and much more.
Read More: Polly Woodside
Scienceworks, Spotswood
Scienceworks Museum is a kid friendly Science Museum in Melbourne for people of all ages answering a lot of the burning scientific questions that kids often ask, (that parents can’t always answer!) Lots of hands on activities and exhibits for children of all ages. The Melbourne Planetarium is also in the same building as Scienceworks and gives children the opportunity to learn about all things related to space.
Read More: Scienceworks
ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery
ArtVo is the awesome 3D art Gallery in Melbourne that will blow your mind. This immersive exhibit of “trick art”is a fun activity for kids in Melbourne to experience because unlike your usual art museum, you can touch and interact with more than a hundred 3D artworks immersing yourself.
It’s really cool to walk around to the different art walls. You use the guides to help you take the photos with your smartphone and see the magic happen from behind the lens.
Read More: ArtVo Melbourne
Family Mystery Picnic
Looking for a unique family adventure? Try a mystery picnic! Explore, discover and eat your way through Melbourne with AmazingCo’s Mystery Picnics. They will have you solving clues and riddles with the whole family, leading you to discover the locations of your delicious picnic pieces. Finish the day off at a scenic location to enjoy your picnic spread.
More info Here>>>>>
Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is a great spot for a relaxing walk or picnic with the family. Within the beautiful gardens you will find the Ian Potter Children’s Garden which is a designated area for kids providing a natural educational environment where they can explore and learn. The area is fully fenced, so it is perfect for a play date or mother’s group meet up.
Read More: Ian Potter Children’s Garden
Old Melbourne Gaol
A visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol is a great way to learn about some of Victoria’s history and the perfect indoor activity for school aged children on a rainy day. Explore the gaol, experience the interactive watch house where you get “arrested” and “locked up”, and participate in different events and activities throughout the year. Definitely something different for the kids and they won’t even realise how much they are learning!
Read More: Old Melbourne Gaol
Ice Skating O’brien Ice House or HQ
Rug up and hit the ice all year round at O’Brien Ice House at the District Docklands. This premier Melbourne ice skating rink suitable for all ages and abilities, whether you are a beginner or a pro. You can bring your skates if you have them, otherwise you can hire a range of ice skates, helmets, and other protective gear to get you on the ice. They even have skating aids for kids and beginners too.
If you are in the north, check out Ice HQ, or for an outdoor rink, check our post on Melbourne in Winter as we will post pop ups there!
Read More: O’brien Ice House
MCG Sports Museum
The Australian Sports Museum is an interactive walk through celebrating Australian sports. Located at the MCG you can take a tour of the grounds and then explore the interactive areas where they can challenge themselves at a bit of footy, cricket, basketball, horse racing and more.
Read More: Sports Museum>>
Luna Park
Located conveniently in St Kilda across from the beach, Luna Park is Melbourne’s favourite theme park. There are a variety of rides at available for young children to older thrill seekers. Luna Park rides restrictions are based on height and are generally minimum 100cm, 110cm, 120cm, with a couple that are 130cm. Some rides allow younger ones to ride with an adult.
Read More: Luna Park
SuperPark Melbourne
Superpark is the new all-in-one adventure park and one of the best activities in Melbourne west. With three themed play areas with over 15 fun and movement activities to get the heart racing there is lots of family fun to be had.
Read More: Superpark
Legoland Discovery Centre
Legoland is Australia’s first indoor LEGO playground designed for children from 3-10 years old. There are plenty of kids activities for younger children, such as the DUPLO Farm and soft play, and for the older ones there is the LEGO Racers, the underwater world, the creative workshops and more.
Read more: Legoland
Enterprize Tall Ship, Williamstown
Enterprize Tall Ship in Williamstown is a unique and unforgettable experience for all the family. Whether it be Winter or Summer, you can head out sailing in the bay for the morning, afternoon, or even at sunset to see the most magnificent views of the city skyline. If you are brave enough, you can even climb the ship’s mast!
Read More: Enterprize Tall Ship
GoBoat Picnic Boats on the Yarra
Kids will love being captain on the GoBoat Melbourne picnic boats on the Yarra River. Designed to comfortably fit 8 people, it is the perfect activity for families in Melbourne, and makes a great outing for special events.
You can experience Melbourne with a difference as you cruise along and enjoy gorgeous city views. Such a fun and unique thing to do in Melbourne for tourists too.
Read More: Go Boat
Melbourne Museum, Melbourne
If you are interested in learning about history and the natural world, head to the Melbourne Museum. Highlights include exhibitions on art, design, history and nature. Kids (and adults) will love the dinosaur walk with skeletons of 17 prehistoric animals.
There is also the Children’s Gallery for babies to 5 year old where children can engage in activities and explore.Located next to the Royal Exhibition Building and the gorgeous Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum is also home to IMAX Melbourne.
Read More: Melbourne Museum
Imax 3D Cinema
Imax cinemas are not like your usual cinema. With a custom-built 3D theatre, IMAX Melbourne is home to the largest cinema screen in the world. Movies come to life and deliver the ultimate cinema experience for all ages whether you are watching a Hollywood blockbuster or an IMAX documentary.
Read More: IMAX Cinema
NGV National Gallery Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria or the NGV, is a great free museum with a designated kids area making it a great kids activity Melbourne. Located in the CBD, kids NGV is always promoting learning through play and hand on art experiences throughout the year. Check out the website for new exhibits.
Read More: National Gallery Victoria
State Library
The State Library Victoria spans a whole city block with a range of different spaces including the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter, which is a free, purpose-built space for children aged up to 12 years which has a range of family friendly activities. Spanning two floors the Children’s Quarter features a spectacular two-storey children’s castle which includes a dedicated space designed for kids aged 8 to 12 years and a fun space for younger children.
Read More: State Library
Melbourne Zoo, Carlton
The Melbourne Zoo is just one of Melbourne’s three fantastic zoo’s which are all unique to each other. Located near the centre of the city, the Melbourne Zoo has over 300 difference species of animals from around the world.
Walking around the Melbourne Zoo is like strolling through a rainforest. See the traditional zoo animals such as elephants, monkeys, tigers and lions, but make sure to check out the meerkat enclosure and the famous butterfly enclosures. Make sure to check out the other 2 zoo’s in Melbourne too as they are perfect if you are looking for things to do in Melbourne for kids.
Read More : Melbourne Zoo’s
Yarra Bend Park
A hidden little gem in Melbourne, tucked into the middle of Kew’s Yarra Bend Park, is the Bellbird Park and picnic area which is only a great place for a family BBQ but home to a huge colony of Grey Headed Flying Foxes.
Yarra Bend Park has a viewing platform right off of the car park where the Flying Foxes are on full display. The variety of mega-bat seen here, the Grey Headed Flying Foxes, are the largest of all Australia’s fruit bats.
Read More: Yarra Bend Park
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Arcade
Archie Brothers is a carnival themed arcade that is packed full of family fun. There are classic arcade games, dodgem cars, ten pin bowling, laser tag and much much more!
There are two locations, at the District Docklands and also Chadstone Shopping Centre.
Read More: Archie Brothers
Melbourne Tram Museum
The Melbourne Tram Museum is one of the best museums in Melbourne for kids and best of all it only requires a coin donation to entre. Housed in the old depot for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust, the kids will love exploring the trams, ring the bell and sit in the driver’s seat.
Read More: Melbourne Tram Museum
General Public
General Public has various venues around Melbourne with a range of family activities. From bowling and arcade games to darts, golf it makes a great day out for all ages. There is a restaurant on site to have a meal too so you can stay for lunch or dinner. There is also a massive slide you can use to get down to the bottom level. Big hit with the kids.
Read More>>> General Public
St Kilda Adventure Playground
The St Kilda Adventure Playground is a manned outdoor playground run by volunteers. It’s cool, rustic, funky and very St Kilda. There is something for every child to enjoy, it is a fantastic centre with many features to suit all. Best of all it is free!
Read More: St Kilda Adventure Playground
Climb n Play Maidstone
Climb n Play Melbourne’s West is one of the biggest indoor climbing and play centres in Australia and a fun kids activity near Melbourne. Your little monkeys can burn off energy climbing, jumping, sliding, rolling, and more. Join them climbing, or just sit back and enjoy a coffee at their in house restaurant while they play in the enormous play centre.
Read More: Climb n Play
TwistEd Science Centre
TwistED Science makes science fun for kids through play and is great for any age! Cure the curiosity and use get the kids using their imagination on a family fun day at this Science centre in Melbourne’s south East. From making flying paper rockets and helicopters, meeting stick insects, to being fully encased in a giant bubble. There is even dancing on the ceiling and some science themed drinks too.
Read More: TwistED Science
iFly Melbourne Indoor Skydiving for Kids
Looking for a unique kids activity in Melbourne? Children as young as 3 years old can experience the feeling of flight at iFLY, the new indoor skydiving centre. iFLY mimic the feeling of skydiving, so when you are in the tunnel, you feel like you have jumped out of an aeroplane at 200km/h.
Read More (and see videos) : iFLY Melbourne
Find tickets here>>>>
Miniature Railway
Operating on certain times of the month, Miniature Railways are such a fun and afordable activity for families. One of our favs is the Eltham Miniature Railway which operates for kids of all ages through the wooded bushland along the banks of the Diamond Creek.They have special events throughout the year such as the Teddy Bear Picnic in Winter. Other ones we love are at Buller, Altona and Mornington.
See all of them>> Miniature Railways in Melbourne
Indoor Playcentre
Melbourne has plenty of indoor playcentres which make great kids activities in Melbourne for cold or rainy days. If you are looking for something easy to it makes a great option. Some of our favs include: Landing in the North and East, Pixiland and Gumnuts in the East, Imaginationation at the Docklands, and MOPA in various locations around Melbourne.
See all our favs: Best Playcentres Melbourne
Kids High Tea
High Tea at the Langham is a family friendly affair and kids can experience everything this luxury hotel is famous for. Each school holidays the Langham host a Children’s High Tea with a different theme.
Kids get to dress up in theme and enjoy a special afternoon high tea with stunning views looking over the Yarra. Adults can enjoy with them, the famous Wedgewood High Tea. See our events section for the latest theme.
See some past themes: Barbie, Spirit, Minions
Australian National Aviation Museum
For those with little plane lovers, the Australian National Aviation Museum is the perfect kids activity in Melbourne. Just near the Moorabbin Airport District, it makes great day out for those who are interested in learning about aviation. This is a kid friendly museum and children can even sit in the planes and play pilot!
Read More: Australian National Aviation Museum
V Junior Cinemas
We all know that taking the kids to the movies can sometimes be stressful and not relaxing. Well, V Junior Cinemas are perfect for little ones who need a break during the movies to let off some steam.
The V Junior cinemas have been designed for kids by kids. They have have modified seating, lighting, and fun activities before and at intermission.
Read More: V Junior Cinemas
Animal Farms
One of the best things to do in Melbourne for kids is to check out one of the many animal farms where you can get right up close with the animals, cuddle the baby rabbits and piglets, hand feed a range of animals including the ducks, sheep and ponies, watch one of the farm shows, and even go on a tractor ride.
Some of our favs are Chesterfield Farm in the East, Animal Land in the West, Rain Hayne Shine Farm in the South East, and Collingwood Children’s Farm near the city.
Read More: Best Animal Farms in Melbourne
Melbourne Skydeck
Melbourne Skydeck is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck. Located in the heart of the city, you can look out from almost 300 metres high and view everything that is special about Melbourne and beyond.
Read More: Melbourne Skydeck
Sk8House Roller Skating Rink
Skating fun for all ages! Another fun activity for kids in Melbourne’s South is the Sk8house roller skating ring, which is fantastic place for the whole family to build confidence on wheels. There are lots of different activities for all levels so it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or advanced. You can take some lessons, or simply roll around practicing your skating skills.
Read More: SkateHouse
Junior Rangers Activities
The Junior Rangers program by Parks Victoria is a FREE and fantastic way to get kids out and about into nature to explore Victoria’s amazing parks with a real park ranger. There are lots of exciting activities in Victoria’s national parks like rock pool rambles, historic tours and spotlight night walks where they can learn about nature, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Read More: Junior Ranges
Go Climb, Coburg
If you have little monkeys or little ninja’s then Go Climb is the place to go! It is like a climbing wall meets theme park. Kids (and adults) can get active with 26 unique climbing walls to conquer including a speed wall to race your friends! There is also a ninja course to complete for those who are after a challenge.
Read More: Go Climb
Bundoora Park Farm
Bundoora Park is the largest park in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne and is home to Bundoora Park Farm. It is great fun for all ages, but the little ones especially will love it. Here you can see your favourite farm animals. Get up close to the goats and sheep for a pat, visit the pig pens, say hello to the ponies and visit the rabbit barn to see the guinea pigs, rabbits and more.
Read More: Bundoora Park Farm
Ninja Park Ninja Warrior Course
If you have little Ninja Warrior fans then you will love Ninja Parc, the new Ninja Warrior Park in Melbourne’s East. Located in Bayswater, Ninja Parc is more like a ninja playground and has over 20 indoor obstacles with something for all ages so it can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Read More: Ninja Parc
Special Events for Families
Melbourne has so many special events for families all year round. From musicals and theatre, to holiday events and much more, there is something for everyone. We have a whole family events section that is updated with everything that’s on in Melbourne at a given time. Check out these posts to fit the season!
Family Events Melbourne
Christmas in Melbourne
Winter in Melbourne
Best Kids Activities Melbourne for Day Trips
Dinosaur World
If you have a little one who loves dinosaurs, then a trip to Dinosaur World in Melbourne’s South East is a must. Step back in time millions of years and get up close to a Triceratops, T-Rex and more of your favourite dinosaurs. There is also a dig and discover activity where kids can search for dinosaur bones to keep and take home.
Read More: Dinosaur World
Puffing Billy, Gembrook
Take a ride on board Australia’s most famous steam train Puffing Billy, one of the best kids activities Melbourne has to offer. Ride through the gorgeous Dandenong Ranges through the forests and gullies.
Stop off at Lakeside for a picnic with a view or in Summer time have fun with the various water activities. If you are looking for activities in Melbourne for Kids that the whole family will love, Puffing Billy is perfect. Make sure to check out their special events, A Day Out With Thomas, and the Santa Special.
Read More: Puffing Billy Railway
Arthurs Seat Eagle Cable Cart
If you are looking for a fun kids activity in Melbourne that the whole family will love, then check out the cable cart at Arthurs Seat. The Arthurs Seat Eagle is one of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula and gives you some of the most stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. The journey to the top is relaxing and takes just under 15mins and is suitable for all ages. It is also wheelchair and pram friendly.
Read More: Arthurs Seat Eagle
Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Sherbrook
Out in the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne’s west are the stunning Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens which make a relaxing day out in nature in Melbourne for kids if you are looking to relax. These gardens really are a nature lovers dream with lots of native and exotic trees, and gorgeous waterfalls. Pack a picnic and have lunch with a view.
Read More: Alfred Nicholas Gardens
Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee South
It’s not Africa, but it’s the next best thing in Melbourne. Just 30 minutes from the city located by the Werribee river next to the Werribee Park Mansion is the Werribee Open Range Zoo. See animals from all parts of the world including native Australian animals and birds.
Take the 40min guided safari tour where you can get up close to animals from the African savannah such as Giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more.
Read More: Melbourne Zoo’s
Chocolaterie
If you have a sweet tooth, then a trip to one of Melbourne’s chocolateries is a must! Try some delicious ice cream, taste test dozens of different chocolates, and join a junior chocolaterie workshop to make your own! Wherever you are located there is a location not too far away. Check out: the
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Step back in time at Melbourne’s most amazing outdoor museum to the Goldrush days in Ballarat at Sovereign Hill. Just a couple of hours drive from Melbourne Sovereign Hill gives the whole family a unique historical Australian experience. Pan for gold, make your own candles, bowl in the old bowling alley, taste the delicious home made sweets and eat at the famous bakeries.
If you are looking for something to do in Melbourne for kids for a day out, Sovereign Hill is a unique experience you will never forget. Make sure to also check out their annual event the “Winter Wonderlights” Christmas in July!
Read More: Sovereign Hill
Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville
Healesville Sanctuary, in the Yarra Valley is home to a variety of Australian animals. Meet koalas, kangaroos, dingos, wombats, and emus and many woodland birds in a sanctuary that covers 30 hectares.
Healesville Sanctuary makes a fantastic family day out while you explore the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
Read More: Healesville Sanctuary
Adventure Park, Geelong
Looking for some adventure? Adventure Park Geelong is Victoria’s biggest water park and is the perfect place to spend the day if you are in Melbourne with kids, especially in the Summer time.
Water slides, Theme Park Rides, and a day full of adventure and fun! Adventure Park Geelong has it all including the new Tornado – Victoria’s biggest, longest & most epic Proslide Tornado water slide. They also host the Winter Glow during the Winter school holidays, and the Festival of Lights at Christmas time.
Just over an hour from Melbourne, this water park makes the perfect day out with the kids if you are looking to get out of the city.
Read More: Adventure Park
Kryal Castle, Ballarat
Kryal Castle is a medieval Adventure Park where myths, legends, and fairy tales come alive. It is such a unique day out for the whole family. Get lost in the labrynth, visit the Wizards workshop, have a go at knight school, watch the royal joust, and more!
Read more: Kryal Castle
Fairy Park, Anakie
Fairy Park is one of Victoria’s oldest theme parks, full of traditional tales, myths, and legends. Located about an hour West of Melbourne, in Anaki, Fairy Park is a great place to take your kids for a fun day of fairy tales and adventure.
There are 22 displays of different fairy tales, where kids can push the button to hear the story. (No TV’s or I-Pads here). There is a train museum with model trains, and of course the the Camelot Playground where the kids will run wild pretending they’re Knights and Princesses. One of the most unique kids activities Melbourne has to offer
Read More: Fairy Park
Gumbuya World
Wildlife Park, Adventure Theme Park, and Water Park all in one, your family will love a day out at the new and improved Gumbuya World, just over an hour from Melbourne city centre.
Explore the wildlife trail with more than 50 species of animals. Head to the thrill rides where there is a range for all ages. Then check out the Oasis Springs where you can ride your choice of 8 awesome water slides, drift along the 300m lazy river, swim in the rock pools splash in the wave pool or have a surf.
Read More: Gumbuya World
Melbourne Beaches
Melbourne has some amazing beaches. Take a picnic and head to Williamstown, Brighton. Spend the day down in Mornington or if you like the ocean, head to the Great Ocean Road.
Read More: Best Beaches in Melbourne
Otway Fly
Set in the Otway Ranges, close to Apollo Bay, is the Otway Fly is a fantastic family activity to do if you have time for a day trip. You can experience the 600mtre elevated walk up in the treetops 25mtrs high which gives you the most amazing views of the forest.
And for those who are more adventurous you can check out the Treetop Adventures, where you can fly through the forest on the huge zipline.
Read More: Otway Fly
Other Kids Activities, Melbourne
- Indoor Playcentres Melbourne
- Best Climbing for Kids Melbourne
- Best Museums for Kids Melbourne
- Best Theme Parks in Melbourne
- Indoor Activities for kids for rainy days
For school holidays, make sure to check our School Holiday Activities Melbourne post for fun events and activities on during that time.
If you have seen in and around the city you may want to head out of Melbourne for the day or even the weekend. There is lots to do just outside Melbourne for kids, check out our post: Family day trips from Melbourne for some great ideas.
On a budget? Take a look at our list of FREE things to do in Melbourne with kids
So many kids activities Melbourne!
Wherever you are based, there are so many great places to visit in and around Melbourne for kids. I hope this list has given you some ideas of fun activities for kids in Melbourne and it’s surroundings!
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