Ultimate List of Things to do in Melbourne with Kids

Melbourne is a vibrant city, known for its friendly disposition and the fact that you can experience four seasons in one day. What you may not know is that it has a plethora of attractions to see and do, ensuring that you never exhaust your list of things to do in Melbourne with kids today.

The Ultimate List of Things to do in Melbourne with Kids

Our current list of things to do in Melbourne with kids details many of our very favourite things to do. From things to do with kids this weekend to free family events Melbourne, we have you covered. There’s just so much to do!

Melbourne School Holidays

Around every 10 – 11 weeks students all around Australia celebrate the school holidays. Luckily there is always a plethora of Melbourne school holiday activities for kids to enjoy with their families. Even better, we try to round up all of the best activities in the Ultimate List of Melbourne School Holidays Activities!  

Places to Visit in Melbourne with Kids

Melbourne Zoo

Despite lacking Taronga’s view, it could possibly be my favourite zoos in Australia so no wonder I’ve listed it at the top of my ultimate list of things to do in Melbourne with kids. My earliest memories of Melbourne Zoo revolve around a gorilla named Mzuri. He was born just before we moved to Victoria and made the gorilla’s the most popular exhibit during the 80s. Taking my kids to the Royal Melbourne zoo is always a highlight of our Victorian holiday trips.

With over 300 different species from all over the world, the Melbourne Zoo keeps the kids busy looking for each different one. Our highlights are usually the incredible Butterfly House, which is warmed at 28 degrees and has so many glorious butterflies that often land on you for a rest, and the gorillas. I think the Keeper Kids is also pretty awesome for little kids.

CLICK to read about the animal encounters at Royal Melbourne Zoo

Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
Open: From 9.00 am to 5.00 pm every day of the year
Website: Melbourne Zoo
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 4 kilometres or approximately 11 minutes by car

Kids are free during school holidays and weekends. All visitors, including Zoo Members and babies, must have a pre-booked online ticket. No tickets available at the gate.

Queen Victoria Market

Visiting Melbourne is never complete without a trip to the iconic Queen Victoria Market. It is my favourite place to shop when in Melbourne with kids and I can never go past a tub of pickled octopus! When I was a local I would buy all my veggies here as they were fresh and dirt cheap.

Retaining its original marble counters, the Deli Hall is a must stop for its extensive range of local and imported cheeses and preserved meats. If you’re polite and smile a lot, you may even get to sample a treat or two. Depending on the day, you will also spot livestock, fashion finds, and the amazing F Shed Laneway.

During summer, right through until early March you can enjoy the Summer Night Market where you and the kids can enjoy delicious street food stalls, great shopping and enjoy free live entertainment.

Address: Queen St, Melbourne
Open: Open Tuesday-Friday 6.00 am – 3.00 pm | Saturday 6.00 am – 4.00 pm | Sunday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm | Specialty shops open at 9.00 am | Night markets (seasonal) on Wednesday 5.00 pm – 10.00 pm
Website: Queen Victoria Market
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 450 metres or approximately 6-minute walk

Chinese Museum

Melbourne’s Chinatown is a destination we always head to when we are in the city, usually for the food! What you may not realise is that it is the oldest area of continuous Chinese settlement in the western world. Amazing, right? The Chinese Museum is the perfect place to discover a little about Chinese history and culture in Australia. It needs to be on your list of things to do in Melbourne with kids.

Having visited Maldon,  Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill and Hill End and learning about the Goldrush,  think my kids are going to enjoy the Finding Gold exhibition which is below ground and will give us a taste of what the 19th-century goldfields were like for the Chinese. A visit will also include a viewing of the world’s largest processional dragon, the Millennium Dragon. This place has so much to see!

Address: 22 Cohen Pl, Melbourne
Open: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily
Website: Chinese Museum
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 750 metres or approximately 9-minute walk

Werribee Open Range Zoo

Just like Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo is a not-for-profit conservation organisation that always put me at ease when visiting. The set-up is quite different with animals free to roam the larger grounds.

Werribee Open Range Zoo is the place to experience an African style adventure right here in Australia. You can even go on a safari! We loved visiting and highly suggest that you pack swimsuits so we can enjoy Hippo Beach.

CLICK to read about our adventures at the Werribee Open Range Zoo

Address: K Road, Werribee South
Open: open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Website: Werribee Open Range Zoo Victoria
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 33.5 kilometres or approximately 35 minutes by car

ArtVo Trick Art Museum

Popular in Asia, it’s so exciting to learn that for the very first time Australia has its very own immersive art gallery or ‘trick art’ gallery which was recently revamped with new murals added. With over 11 themed zones to discover, ArtVo is a 1400 square metre museum where you can put yourself into the scene and create some incredible memories for the whole family.

CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE AT ARTVO & GALLERY

Address: 26 Star Cres, Level 1, Harbour Town, Docklands Vic 3008
Open: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily 
Website: Artvo Melbourne
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 3 kilometres or approximately 9 minutes by car

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria features the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden which is open from 10.00 am to sunset each day of the school holidays. The garden is an interactive marvel and features lots of fun places to explore including a water feature.

Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Open: 7.30 am to sunset every day of the year
Website: RBG Victoria
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 3.2 kilometres or approximately 11 minutes by car

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria is free.

What do you think so far? Is this the ultimate list of things to do in Melbourne for kids?

Melbourne Skydeck

When I swapped Melbourne for Sydney, the Rialto was still the tallest building. Sometime between then and now, the iconic Eureka Tower has become the tallest. Reaching a nerve-racking 297 metres above the streets below, the Eureka Skydeck is the highest public observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere making it the best viewing platform in Melbourne (and one that gave me vertigo!)

CLICK to read about our death-defying trip up the Eureka Skydeck

Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
Open: Daily from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
Website: Melbourne Skydeck
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 2.3 kilometres or around 10 minutes by car

The Old Melbourne Gaol

If you hear “bushranger”, which name comes to mind first? Ned Kelly, right? Australia’s most famous bushranger spent time at Old Melbourne Gaol and you can view his Death mask at the site (a little morbid perhaps, but you can see what he actually looked like).

You can also visit the former City Watch House and Court One of the former Magistrates’ Court which is within the attraction. It’s an incredible experience and it is appropriate for the whole family (although the live watch house tour could be scary for some kids as you are locked into a cell for a few minutes)

CLICK to read about our scary adventure at Old Melbourne Gaol

Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne
Open:  Wednesday – Sunday, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Website: Old Melourne Gaol
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 1 kilometre or a 7-minute walk

Scienceworks

Before kids, my first and only visit to Scienceworks was as a supervising teacher some 17+ years ago. I am thrilled to visit with the kids where they enjoyed a huge array of hands-on science through the interactive exhibits and swore that we would visit frequently when my kids arrived. 

I’m always amazed at how well science museums introduce STEAM concepts to kids through play, and Scienceworks was a firm winner with the kids.  Although it is a lot smaller than Canberra’s Questacon, I feel that Scienceworks is quite an exceptional spot to visit with the kids in Melbourne with numerous hands-on activities and science to explore. 

Air Playground has become one of the favourite places to head. Here the kids can explore an immersive and buoyant experience, and experiment with the weird, squishy, powerful and elusive properties of air. They can experience being blown away by giant fans, challenge themselves in the aircade, and become a master of aerodynamics as their best paper-plane designs take flight in the playground.

Whilst all children are free to attend Sciencworks (adults are $15.00), additional fees are applied for the Air Playground, Lightning Room show and Planetarium show. 

CLICK to read about Australia’s favourite Science Museum – Questacon

Address: 2 Booker St, Spotswood
Open: Daily from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Website: museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks
Distance from Melbourne CBD: Just under 10 kilometres or approximately 20 minutes by car

Collingwood Children’s Farm

The Collingwood Children’s Farm has been operating for just under 40 years as a not-for-profit community resource. It’s a wonderful place where kids (and their parents) can milk a cow, help out with farm chores, bottle feed the lambs, hand feed the other animals, look for eggs or just relax under a tree.

Collingwood Children’s Farm even boasts vegetable and fruit crops that the kids can tend.

CLICK to read about the animals you can feed and milk at Collingwood Children’s Farm

Address: 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford
Open: Open daily, 9.30 am and to 2.00 pm | Pre-booked tickets only 
Website: www.farm.org.au
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 5.5 kilometres or around 15 minutes by car

Melbourne Museum

When I was in primary school my dad worked in the Defense building on Swanson Street. Directly across the road was the original site of the Melbourne Museum which I would visit every chance I had. What I most vividly remember is that it housed Phar Lap and his heart, a large collection of dead butterflies and an amazing ‘hands-on’ area for kids.

Now situated in the Carlton Gardens, opposite the historic Royal Exhibition Building, I have enjoyed revealing Phar Lap,  the complete skeleton of a blue whale and the living rainforest to my kids. There are eight permanent galleries to explore with one just for children.

If you are visiting the Melbourne Museum with kids under 5, make sure to visit the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery. 

Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton
Open: Daily, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Website: museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 1.6 kilometres or approximately 7 minutes by car

Melbourne Tram Museum @ Hawthorn Depot

Melbourne is famous for its Trams which also make the hook turn quite terrifying for those living interstate. Touted as the most authentic tramway museum in Australia, the Melbourne Tram Museum is heritage listed and houses 21 historic tramcars, associated objects and the history behind them.

Address: 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn
Open: Check website for the next open day. 
Website: Melbourne Tram Museum
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 7.3 kilometres or around 15 minutes by car

Australian Centre for Moving Images

The Australian Centre for Moving Images is situated on Federation Square and is Australia’s national museum of film, video games, digital culture and art. Come along and immerse yourself in motion pictures.

Address: Federation Square, Flinders St,
Open: Open daily 
Website: www.acmi.net.au
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 900 metres or a 9-minute walk

Entry to ACMI is FREE. Ticket prices apply to the cinema programs, special exhibitions and some other events.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Having visited quite a number of aquariums around Australia and America, I was unsure if I should include the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium on our Melbourne Bucket List until I noted that they have both King and Gentoo Penguins on exhibition. That made the decision for me!

CLICK to read about our penguin experience at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Address: King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Open: Daily, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Website: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 1.6 kilometres or around 6 minutes by car 

Australian Sports Museum

Situated at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Australian Sports Museum showcases some of Australia’s most loved sports and sporting events including Australian football, cricket, Olympic Games, soccer and many other sports. You can even incorporate a tour of the MCG into your visit!

Address: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Ave, Melbourne
Open: Daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Website: Australian Sports Museum
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 2.5 kilometres or approximately 10 minutes by car

Cook’s Cottage

Way back in 1755 in the little English village of Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, a cottage was built by James and Grace Cook – the parents of Captain James Cook.

In 1933, Australian Russell Grimwade purchased the cottage for £800 and deconstructed it brick by brick. Loaded into 253 cases and 40 barrels, the cottage was shipped to Melbourne where Grimwade donated it to the people in celebration of the centenary anniversary of white settlement in Melbourne. It was reconstructed in Fitzroy Gardens where it can now be toured.

One of the fun things about visiting Cook’s Cottage is dressing up in the 18th century period costumes! 

Address: Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Open:Daily from 10am to 4pm (except Christmas Day). Bookings required for a 35 minute session.
Website: Via the City of Melbourne Website
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 3 kilometres or 8 minutes by car.

State Library of Victoria

If I was to write an autobiography the State Library of Victoria would heavily feature in the chapter dedicated to my university days. For that reason, I love visiting with the kids. 

Recently the State Library of Victoria underwent extensive renovations and the children’s area is pretty amazing. It also has super-fast FREE WIFI! 

CLICK to read about Sunshine and my adventures with Ned Kelly

Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne
Open: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily
Website: State Library of Victoria
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 550 metres or around 7 minutes by foot

The State Library of Victoria has no entrance fee.

Immigration Museum

Through a medley of moving images, personal and community voices, memories and memorabilia, the Immigration Museum explores the stories of migrant Australians. Located in the Old Customs House,  I think the kids will enjoy adding their stories to the Share a Story database in the Immigration Discovery Centre.

Address: 400 Flinders St, Melbourne
Open:  Daily, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Website: museumsvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 905m or around a 9-minute walk

National Gallery of Victoria

Every visit to a new city should include an exploration of at least one art gallery. It always amazes me the different ways kids can be engaged with art and I’m looking forward to see how the range of interactive and hands on activities that have been built around the artworks of the artists to engage the kids.

Victoria boasts the oldest and largest art gallery in Australia, with the NGV founded in 1861. Personally, I think that the NGV offers the BEST kid-focused art programs in Australia.m

Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Open: Daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Website: www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 1.3 km or 18 minutes by foot

Luna Park

Back in 2012 Melbourne’s Luna Park celebrated its 100th birthday making it the oldest operational Luna Park in the world.  I was always terrified of the old wooden Scenic Railway Roller Coaster (the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world) which, to my horror, is Sunshine’s favourite ride.

The park promises to have a ride for all ages.

Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Open: Open every weekend, Victorian School Holidays and every public holiday except Christmas day | 11.00 am – 6.00 pm
Website: Luna Park Melbourne
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 7.7 km or 20 minutes by car

Street Art

These days Melbourne has grown a reputation as one of the street art capitals of the world. I’ve noticed that whenever my favourite instagramers head off to Melbourne they almost never fail to get an image or two in Hosier Lane. Exploring street art is one of those ultimate things to do in Melbourne with kids

CLICK to read about our Street Art journey in Melbourne

The Most incredible Melbourne Street Art Google Map Walk Resource

Address: Hosier Lane, Melbourne
Open: All hours.
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 900 metres or 11 minutes by foot

Federation Square

Opened in 2002, Federation Square was recently named the 6th Best Public Square in the World which makes it a must-see destination. Throughout the year, on any given week, the site hosts a number of activities that are perfect for families.

Address: Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne
Website: Federation Square
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 900 metres or 9 minutes by foot

Vary depending on the current event. 

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Australia finally has its own LEGO home with the recent unveiling of the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Chadstone. Whilst not as big as LEGOLAND in the USA or Asia, this version boasts an ultimate indoor LEGO playground with two rides, five LEGO build & play zones, a 4D cinema.

CLICK TO READ the FULL COVERAGE OF OUR VISIT TO THE LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE MELBOURNE

Address: Level 2, • Chadstone, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
Open: daily from 9.30 am
Website: melbourne.legolanddiscoverycentre.com.au
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 25.2 km or approximately 40 minutes by car

CLICK for FREE activities and attractions for you in Melbourne with kids? 

Moorabbin Air Museum 

The Moorabbin Air Museum  at Moorabbin Airport was founded in 1962 and today boasts a plethora of aircraft, models, uniforms, engines and other items curated to carefully illustrate Australia’s aviation history.

Head to this aviation museum to feast your eyes on the oldest surviving Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) aircraft – Wirraway A20-10; a Victa AirTourer and a DAP Mk21 Beaufighter, one of only two Australian made variants left in the country and the only Beaufighter left in the world capable of ground running an engine.

Address: Corner First and Second Ave, Moorabbin Airport 3194
Open: Monday to Friday 10.00 am – 4.00  pm. Saturday and Sunday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. Also, open Public Holidays (except Christmas Day) 10.00 am – 5.00 pm, ANZAC Day 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Website: www.aarg.com.au
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 29.2 km or approximately 36 minutes by car

CLICK TO LEARN ABOUT BALLARAT AND WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE A DAY TRIP TO SOVEREIGN HILL WITH KIDS 

Are there any other places you think we should explore in Melbourne? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Melbourne School Holidays

Melbourne school kids are fortunate enough to have 4 separate school holiday periods every single year. Across the city, a number of attractions develop incredible school holiday activities for kids. We have committed to rounding up as many as we have in our ultimate Melbourne School Holidays post where you will find a few things to enjoy.

Things to do near Melbourne with Kids

Victoria has so many things to do just a short distance from Melbourne. Check out some of the great near Melbourne experiences for you and the kids.

Take a trip to Phillip Island. Make sure to book your Penguin Parade visit in advance (don’t miss our Guide to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade).

Head to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs with the kids – this was one of our TOP experiences on our Victorian road trip. Check out the farm gates on the way and enjoy a little strawberry picking.

Find out what activities are heading to Melbourne for the school holidays.

Visit the Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill or explore the Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill. 

Find things to do in Mildura. Or take a paddle steamer adventure at Echuca. 

Take a trip down the Great Ocean Road with kids. 

Other Australian Cities to Explore with Kids

Looking for another Australian city to explore with kids? Have a look at our Australian city guides:

Click to explore Noosa with kids

Click for the best things to do and see in Sydney with kids

Click to explore all the fun things to do in Canberra with kids

Heading to Perth? Click here for a bonza list of Perth attractions to explore with kids

We love Darwin! Here are our favorite things to do with kids in Darwin

Tasmania with kids? Yep, we’ve found all the cool things for you to see and do