Summer in Melbourne, Best Things to do for Families
Summer in Melbourne is a season of sunshine, long days, and endless family adventures. With school holidays in full swing and warm weather inviting everyone outdoors, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids across the city and beyond. From splashing at the beach to exploring playgrounds, heading out on road trips, or enjoying festive events, Melbourne is packed with summer experiences for the whole family.
Best Things to do in Melbourne in Summer
Here are some of the best family friendly activities and attractions in Melbourne:
1. Hit the Beach
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach. Melbourne’s coastline is dotted with sandy shores perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, or just soaking up the sun. St Kilda, Brighton, Williamstown and Mornington are family favourites that are close to the city. We have a full guide to Melbourne Beaches.
Read More>> Best Beaches in Melbourne for families
2. Splash Parks and Water Playgrounds
There are plenty of free water playgrounds and splash parks around Melbourne that are perfect for cooling down during the summer months. These interactive water areas are always a hit with kids.
Read More >> Best water play areas for kids
3. Berry Picking Adventures
Summer is berry season, and one of our favourite things to do. Head to Blue Hills or CherryHill Orchards for a delicious day of fruit picking, it’s great fun, plus you’ll come home with lots of yummy treats.
More info here >> Cherry Hill, Blue Hills
4. Outdoor Cinemas
From the Moonlight Cinema at the Botanic Gardens to pop-up cinemas across Melbourne, outdoor movies are a fun way to spend warm summer nights together, we always try to do this at least once every summer.
Read More >> Moonlight Cinemas
5. Christmas Fun in the City
Summer starts with festive cheer. Federation Square comes alive with a pop-up Christmas wonderland, decorations, and family events, while the Myer Christmas windows are a must-see.
Read More>> Christmas in Melbourne
6. Funfields Theme Park
In Whittlesea, Funfields is so much fun in summer! There are epic waterslides, a wave pool, and rides for all ages, it’s the perfect way to keep cool while having fun. When we go we usually spend the whole day there and we are one of the last to leave.
Read More >> Funfields
7. Visit the Melbourne Zoo’s
The warmer weather makes the zoo a vibrant day out. Wander leafy paths, spot animals from around the world, and enjoy keeper talks and summer activities designed for kids. Plus the water play areas are lots of fun. Hippo Beach at Werribee, the new Creek Play at Healesville and the Lion Gorge area at Melbourne zoo.
More info here >> Melbourne Zoos
8. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens
Pack a picnic and head to the Botanic Gardens for a relaxed summer’s day. Kids can run around the open lawns, explore nature trails, and even take a family punt ride on the lake. The Ian Potter Childrens Garden is great for little one as there is water play there too. Lots of shady spots under the trees.
Read More >> Royal Botanic Gardens
9. Urban Surf
Urban Surf in Essendon is the ultimate place to learn to surf without heading to the coast. With wave pools and lessons for beginners, it’s perfect for adventurous kids.
Read More >>
10. Gumbuya World
This family friendly theme park in Tynong is packed with summer fun. From the water park with slides and lazy river (our fav!) to wildlife encounters and rides for all ages, it makes a great day out. We usually hit the rides and wildlife in the early morning then spend the afternoon on the waterslides.
Read More >> Gumbuya World
11. Moomba Festival
Melbourne comes alive in summer with outdoor concerts, food festivals, and cultural celebrations. Many are family-friendly and often free to attend such as Moomba held each year in March.
Read More >>
12. Boat Ride on the Yarra
See the city from a new perspective on a river cruise or hire a self-drive boat. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend a summer’s day on the water. Pack some drinks and a picnic and head out at sunset when it isn’t too hot, so beautiful!
Read More>> Goboat River Boat
13. Paddle Boarding
Older kids and teens will love trying water sports on the rivers, lakes, or at the beach. It’s a great way to stay active while keeping cool. There are plenty of places to paddle board in Melbourne, check out our full guide.
Read More >> Best spots for paddleboarding Melbourne
14. Picnic Day
Take a riverside stroll or bring a picnic to one of the many beautiful gardens and parks in Melbourne. It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy a summer afternoon.
Read More>> Best picnic spots Melbourne
15. Cool Off at an Outdoor Pool
Outdoor pools are a lifesaver in the summer heat. Many have family friendly facilities and shaded areas for little ones too. We love to head to our local outdoor pool for a swim to cool off in the summer months.
Read More>>
16. Go Camping or Glamping
Take advantage of the warm nights and head out camping. Whether at the beach, in the mountains, or a nearby holiday park, kids will love the adventure. We love Healesville Big 4 and iLuka glamping spots, Lake Fyans holiday park is a fun holiday park in the Grampians with a lake.
17. Ride the Arthurs Seat Eagle
Take in the sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay and beyond from the Arthurs Seat gondola ride. It’s a family favourite on a sunny day. Up top you can have a picnic or even head to Enchanted Adventure for an action packed day. Afterwards when it heats up you can head to the beach for dinner, just a short drive away!
18. Great Ocean Road Day Trip
One of Victoria’s most iconic drives, the Great Ocean Road is perfect for a summer adventure. Stop at beaches, waterfalls, and the famous Twelve Apostles.
Read More >> Great Ocean Road
Summer Getaways
Summer in Melbourne is all about embracing the sunshine, getting outdoors, and making the most of the city’s endless family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re chasing thrills at a water park, fruit picking in the hills, or road-tripping along the coast, there are lots of things to do in Melbourne this Summer!
Here are some Summer Getaway Guides:
For more family friendly ideas and inspiration follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM or join our Facebook Group Melbourne for Kids for more inspiration.
