20 Amazing Things to do in Melbourne (Aus) with kids

Embarking on a family adventure in Melbourne unveils a world of wonder and excitement. This vibrant city is a treasure trove of experiences, blending urban charm with natural beauty. From the tranquil green spaces of its parks and beaches to the bustling streets lined with culture and history, there are numerous things to do in Melbourne with kids.

In this guide, we delve into the heart of Melbourne’s family-friendly attractions, uncovering the best activities that promise to delight and engage children of all ages. These recommendations are based on the five months we spent there recently, so read on to discover our top picks!

Parks, playgrounds, and Beaches

Melbourne is a paradise for families who love the great outdoors, offering an abundance of parks, playgrounds, and beaches. Each of these spots provides a unique blend of fun, relaxation, and adventure, making them perfect for families looking to explore the city’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Whether it’s the sprawling green spaces, innovative playground designs, or inviting sandy shores, these destinations promise delightful experiences for kids and adults alike.

All Nations Park, Northcote

All Nations Park in Northcote has something for everyone. There are nice grassy areas, including an off-leash dog area, a fun rocky area with a little hill, many trees, and a pond.

The kids will love the two modern playgrounds (such a treat for us after traveling in SE Asia and India), and there’s also an outdoor gym.

It’s also conveniently located next to the Northcote plaza if you need to do some shopping, and those with wheels can play in the skate park outside the plaza.

Neighborhood parks and playgrounds

Melbourne is full of parks and reserves, so you’ll undoubtedly find them within only minutes of walking.

The ones we found in the Northcote area all have fantastic modern playgrounds. Many have clean toilets (with toilet paper!), and usually water fountains too. Even the doggies are well looked after, with their own drinking fountains and bowls.

We mostly hung out at Johnson Park and the Rubie Thomson Reserve. Johnson Park was our number one fave in the Northcote area because we’d always meet plenty of people to talk to and dogs to play with. It also has an excellent climbing pyramid in the playground and paths suitable for skating and rollerblading.

So, if you’re in Melbourne and seeking a green space for a walk and fresh air or a playground for your kids, check out your closest park or reserve on Google Maps.

Darebin Parklands, Alphington

The Darebin Parklands in Alphington is a lovely place to enjoy a stroll in nature. It has paved paths for biking and walking, short off-road tracks and mini hills, and plenty of trees to feel like you’re far from the city.

You’ll find duck ponds, lots of birdlife, an off-leash dog area, and stepping stones to take you across the streams. It’s a really idyllic parkland – not quite what I’d call a hiking area, but more like somewhere to walk and enjoy nature.

You could team your visit with a trip to the Alphington farmers market on the corner of the Parklands. It’s on every Sunday from 9 am until 1 pm.

And if the kids need a playground, there’s a nice one at Pitchers Park next to the parklands.

Ceres Community Environment Park, Brunswick East

The CERES Community Environment Park in Brunswick East is an excellent place to visit with the family.

It’s a fair foodie/whole foodie heaven and a fab place to spend time in nature near the city.

CERES is spread across four locations, and the Brunswick East site is the main one. They have an organic grocer and bakery, a nursery and bookstore, a market garden, a cafe, and a play space.

The Terra Wonder play space is made from repurposed materials, with the key features being an octopus-like creature made from tires and ropes and a giant millipede made from wood and tractor parts. And there’s plenty of dirt, ropes, and trees, so kids can enjoy being kids.

Merri Cafe has yummy salads, sandwiches, coffee, and treats. Just be careful of the local magpies if you sit outside. Our croissant was swiped from under our nose?.

Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne

The Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne is a fantastic, family-friendly spot to visit in the city.

Start at the information center and ask for the color hunt activity for kids. It takes you around the gardens to find the colors of various structures and items. They have a free version and, during the school holidays, a $7 version with a prize at the end.

The park’s playground is very small, with a swing and slide. But there are many other interesting features, such as the fountains, fairy tree, and model Tudor village.

One of the best spots we found was a tree canopy that felt like a hut or hideout- the perfect play spot.

Finish back at the visitor center for reasonably priced and delicious coffee and cake. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Melbourne with kids, check out the Fitzroy Gardens!

Birrarung Marr playground in central Melbourne

The Birrarung Marr playground on the Yarra River in central Melbourne is a great spot to hang out with the kids.

The playground has the standard things you need, like slides and swings. But one of the most fun aspects is the hill and rocks beside the playground. If your kids are anything like ours, they’ll love climbing on the rocks and rolling down the hills.

You’ll find lots of fab attractions in the area, too. Team your playground trip with a visit to the ACMI museum, a session at Art Play, or a look around the National Gallery of Victoria.

North Road Foreshore Reserve

The North Road Foreshore Reserve playground is an excellent spot to head with kids in Melbourne if you’re after a play spot, beach, and coastal walking or riding trails.

The playground has a fun ship to play on and little trampolines, which our girls love.

You can follow the bay trail along the coast, which has separate paths for walking and biking.

A little north of the playground is Elwood Beach, and Brighton Beach is the next beach south. There are places nearby to grab a coffee or a bite, so it’s a fab place to hang with the kids for fresh air and fun.

Eastern suburbs playgrounds

If you find yourself in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, we can confirm the Howard Dawson Reserve playground and Anderson Park playground are top picks for kids.

Both are in the Glen Iris area and have excellent modern playgrounds with sails for shaded play. The Anderson Park playground also boasts superb views of the city skyline.

And if you want a delicious place to eat in the area, try The Baker’s Wife, which we enjoyed for the tasty smoothies and excellent brunch menu.

Aspendale and Edithvale beaches

Aspendale and Edithvale beaches are part of the seemingly never-ending sandy stretch along the Melbourne coastline. They’re fantastic spots to check out the brightly colored bathing boxes lining the shore (you can also find these a little further North at Brighton Beach).

We recommend heading to Sunset Scoops in Edithvale on the main road for ultra-delicious ice cream and then walking down to the beach to enjoy it?

Indoor Activities

Melbourne’s indoor attractions are just as exciting as its outdoor offerings, providing endless entertainment for families, especially on those less sunny days. From interactive museums and educational centers to fun-filled indoor play areas, the city caters to the curiosity and energy of children of all ages.

These indoor activities are a blast for kids and offer a great opportunity for the whole family to learn, play, and create memories together in Melbourne’s vibrant indoor spaces.

ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image)

ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image) is a kid-friendly place in central Melbourne. This interactive museum showcases all things screen culture, including videos, television, and gaming.

We’re pretty intentional about screen use in our family, so we weren’t sure how much we’d enjoy the museum. However, it’s interactive, interesting, and engaging, and we had a lovely time exploring the exhibits.

The kids got to see how movie storylines are created, and we even got to add all the sound effects to our own movies. They could play and experiment with many things, from developing a movie storyline to playing video games and moving images forward and backward.

Entry to the museum is free, and they also have temporary exhibitions and cinema screenings for an extra fee.

One of the neat features of the museum is the cardboard disc you get upon entry. You can touch it against the exhibits you like, and when you go home, you can visit the website, enter the code, and look at your favorite exhibits again.

We’d recommend visiting ACMI if you’re looking for things to do in Melbourne with kids.

Chipmunks indoor playground

Chipmunks is an excellent place to take the littles if you’re after an indoor playground in Melbourne. It’s for 1-11-year-olds, and they have an under-5 area for the wee ones.

We went to Chipmunks Playland Northland, and they have three other locations you can choose from in Melbourne. At around 11AUD for the off-peak rate, the price isn’t too bad by Australian standards.

Our girls loved the slides, which are pretty fast, and the ball pit area, where they could play some sort of throwing game.

They also loved the slack rope lattice. I guess it’s designed for climbing through the various layers. Instead, they threw their bodies through it, ended up with rope burns everywhere, and had a wonderful time?.

Chipmunks also has a cafe, so you can grab lunch, treats, or coffee while the kids play. So, if you’re looking for indoor playgrounds in Melbourne, check out Chipmunks!

The Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is a fantastic place to take the kids for a few hours, or perhaps even the whole day for older ones!

Entry for adults is $15, while kids are free. They might also offer a special exhibition for an extra fee, but if it’s your first time visiting, there’s plenty to see on the standard ticket. The IMAX theatre also offers various screenings for an extra fee.

The museum has a fantastic under 5’s area. It was great for our 9-year-old, but older kids are only allowed in if you have a little one. It’s free, but you must book an entry time when you get your museum ticket. They have timed entries for 50 minutes every hour.

The kids’ area has many fun and interactive exhibits, an excellent indoor play and climbing area, and an outdoor area where they can excavate dinosaur bones or play.

The museum has other kid-friendly sections focusing on dinosaurs, bugs, and animals. There’s even an outdoor forest-type area and a mini-model section.

If you’re looking for things to do in Melbourne with kids, check out the Melbourne Museum!

Scienceworks

Scienceworks is a fun and interactive place to go if you’re looking for things to do in Melbourne with kids.

The general entry fee is $15 per adult, with kids free. Scienceworks is also home to the planetarium, with regular screenings you can book for ($10 per person). There may also be a science demonstration when you visit (also $10 per person).

We went for the general admission. The planetarium shows are 45 minutes, and the science show is 35 minutes, so that’s something to consider if you have young kids.

Scienceworks’ main themes are the future, sport, and light, so you’ll find plenty of interactive displays on these topics. The sports section was the winner for us. You can race against Cathy Freeman and test your reaction times, balance, strength, flexibility, and more.

Trampoline parks like Bounce Inc.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Melbourne with kids, take them to one of the many trampoline parks! We visited Bounce Inc., which has five locations around the city. Colin also brought the girls to Rush HQ in Rowville, which is easy to access from the Dandenong Ranges.

There are lots of rules on the Bounce Inc. website. For example, not bringing your own snacks, only wearing their branded socks, etc. But we found it was pretty relaxed when we were there, and we didn’t get told off for our Rush HQ socks?.

You can book one or two-hour sessions; there’s heaps of fun for all ages. The kids can throw balls around, jump off cliffs and walls, and do tricks from long trampolines onto big air mats.

A dedicated space for children under 5 has a ball pit, play area, and trampolines.

We went on the weekend when it costs a little more and is a bit busier, but it wasn’t overwhelming. We had lunch there and stayed several hours. A fun place to visit for families!

Wander the streets of Melbourne

Exploring the streets of Melbourne is an adventure in itself, offering a delightful journey through the city’s vibrant culture and stunning architecture. As you wander, you and your family will encounter an eclectic mix of street art, quaint cafes, bustling markets, and hidden laneways, each with unique charm.

This urban exploration provides an authentic glimpse into the heart of Melbourne, making it a must-do for families seeking to experience the city’s dynamic atmosphere and rich cultural tapestry.

Take a self-led walking tour through the city.

Melbourne’s city center is full of beautiful old buildings and interesting landmarks. It’s easy to wander around, and you could create your own walking tour like we did!

Stroll through the botanical gardens and visit the Shrine of Remembrance across the road. Then head into the CBD and admire the character of Flinders station and the gorgeous St. Paul’s cathedral across the road.

Head down Hosier Lane past the bright, graffiti-covered walls and snap photos before strolling through the quaint shopping arcades. The Block Arcade, for example, has a famous tea house with a delicious array of cakes. Some other delightful wee stores sell products like artisan chocolates or fresh spices.

The Queen Victoria Market sells everything from fresh produce to clothing and jewellery at reasonable prices. It’s a must-visit place if you want to shop at a local market and open until 3 pm each day.

Walk the Merri Creek Trail

The Merri Creek Trail is a 21-kilometer paved trail through Melbourne’s northern suburbs. If you’re looking for somewhere to bike or walk near the city, check it out.

I get a little bored walking on paved trails, so my choice would be biking. But it’s suitable for either, and there are plenty of points of interest along the way. You could also catch public transport back to wherever you start from to avoid walking back along the same path.

The Merri Creek Trail is an excellent option for getting in some physical activity and being close to nature in the city. Just look up the creek on Google Maps, choose your starting point, and away you go! You’ll also find signs marking the track along the way.

Spend a day at the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a must-see area if you’re visiting Melbourne. Known for its wineries and beaches, it’s a superb spot to spend time in nature, and there are many things for families to do.

You can visit the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs (which looks divine) or the Enchanted Adventure Park with its high ropes courses, mazes, tube slides, etc. Plus, a cable car will take you up to Arthur’s Seat Eagle Summit station.

We went for the budget-friendly (i.e., free) option as each of the above (except maybe the cable car) is in the ballpark of $200 for the family for entry tickets.

Instead, we parked the car and drove to Arthur’s Seat Eagle Summit station. You’ll find lovely bush loop walks with lookouts boasting breathtaking vistas up here.

We walked to the Seawind Gardens, which also has a fantastic playground. It’s only small, but it’s unique. The kids can identify native wildlife pawprints and test their athletic abilities against echidnas, swamp wallabies, and Eastern Grey kangaroos at the Roolympics.

There are so many beautiful beaches you could visit on the Peninsula. Sorrento is highly recommended, but we didn’t want to drive to the end (more extended drive home), so we headed to the Flinders pier to eat our packed lunch, watch the divers come in, walk on the beach, and bury each other in the sand.

Then we finished with delicious icecreams on the grass verge at the wildly popular Mornington Peninsula chocolaterie and icecreamery in Flinders (definitely recommended).

The only thing we didn’t like about the Mornington Peninsula was the tiny, friendly flies that loved flying into our eyes and noses. They were everywhere… up the hill, on the beach, at the ice cream shop. Maybe people get used to them after a while?

Take a day trip to Phillip Island

A day trip to Phillip Island is a perfect escape from the city, offering an enchanting blend of wildlife, nature, and adventure just a short drive from Melbourne.

This picturesque island is a haven for families, where you can witness the famous Penguin Parade, explore the Koala Conservation Reserve, and enjoy the historic Churchill Island. The island’s diverse activities cater to all interests, from wildlife spotting and scenic walks to learning about conservation efforts.

Each experience on Phillip Island is entertaining and educational, making it an ideal destination for families looking to combine fun with a deeper understanding of nature and wildlife.

For a more detailed exploration of what Phillip Island offers, check out our full post, where we share our personal experiences and favorite spots on this beautiful island.

Attend a show or one of Melbourne’s many special events

There’s always something going on in Melbourne. Choose from top-rated theatre or any special events while you’re visiting. I watched the Rocky Horror Picture Show with my mum, which was fantastic fun.

The following are a couple of winter festivals we attended in Melbourne.

The firelight festival

The Firelight Festival in Melbourne is an annual 3-evening event around the winter solstice?.

Held at the Docklands area in the city center, it’s all about fire, light, food, and music. A fab evening out for families❤️

Lightscape at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens

Lightscape is a multi-sensory winter experience at the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. If you’re visiting Melbourne during winter, check it out. The annual event started in 2022 and is also held in Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth.

You can book tickets for your desired entry time from 5:30 pm onward when it’s dark enough to enjoy the experience to its fullest.

After entry, you can follow the 2-kilometer trail at your leisure, taking as long as you wish to appreciate the dazzling lights, sounds, and nature around you.

Lightscape also has a few drinks trucks along the way and a pop-up food hall, so your dinner is sorted!

Things to do in Melbourne with kids | In Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of Melbourne’s diverse and engaging attractions, it’s evident that the city is an endless playground for families. With the countless things to do in Melbourne with kids, from its captivating parks and beaches to its lively streets brimming with art and culture, there’s never a dull moment.

Our five-month adventure in this dynamic city has given us a treasure trove of experiences, but there’s still so much more we didn’t get to explore. In Melbourne, families will never run out of new discoveries and fun activities to enjoy.

We hope our top picks have inspired you to explore Melbourne and create your own unforgettable family moments in this wonderfully kid-friendly city.