10 Things to do in Melbourne with Kids
Melbourne has something for everyone, and children are no exception. Here are some of the best options you can enjoy with the little ones during your trip to the city.
Melbourne, as well as being Australia's most populous city and one of the most visited in the country, is an ideal destination to visit with family or children. The variety of landscapes, the beaches of the south-east coast, the amusement parks and a wide range of attractions ensure that there are plenty of activities for the little ones to enjoy during the tour.
Some of the best things to do in Melbourne with kids include visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo, taking a snow tour of Lake Mountain, seeing the Grampians National Park, which is one of the city's natural refuges, touring the Sea Life Aquarium, visiting Luna Park amusement park and taking a ride on the scenic local tram.
2. Take a Lake Mountain Snow Tour
Taking a Lake Mountain snow tour is an exciting adventure to enjoy with the little ones in Melbourne. Located less than 100 kilometres from the city, Lake Mountain offers a unique experience in a snowy setting.
At Lake Mountain you can go skiing or snowboarding. The site has slopes of varying levels of difficulty, including specific areas for beginners and children. The little ones can enjoy skiing lessons or simply glide down the slopes on sleds or toboggans. It's a great opportunity for children to get introduced to winter sports and experience the thrill of sliding down the snow.
In addition to skiing, Lake Mountain also offers other fun activities. Children can participate in husky sled rides, which provide a unique and exciting experience. They can also enjoy hiking on snowy trails and building snowmen. Even if you visit Melbourne during the summer, you'll be able to take part in some of the activities, as it has a man-made snow area.
For those who prefer more relaxing activities, Lake Mountain also has designated picnic areas. You can bring a basket of food and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by snowy scenery. It's a great way to rest and recharge during your hike.
3. See the Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park in Melbourne is an exciting adventure that offers a variety of activities for children to enjoy. Located about 3 hours drive northwest of Melbourne, this national park is famous for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and unique rock formations.
One of the most popular activities to do with children in Grampians National Park is hiking. There are numerous hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, allowing families to explore and discover the natural beauty of the area. Children can enjoy short walks and climb some of the lower rocks for breathtaking views.
Another activity not to be missed is a visit to the park's waterfalls. MacKenzie Falls and Silverband Falls are two of the most impressive waterfalls and offer a beautiful setting for a picnic or just to cool off on hot summer days.
Also not to be missed is the Balcony Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the park and its surroundings. It's a great place to capture family photographs and enjoy the breathtaking views.
4. Tour Melbourne's Sea Life Aquarium
A tour of Melbourne's Sea Life Aquarium is an exciting and educational experience for children to discover while having fun with the complex's marine species. Located in the heart of the city, the aquarium features a wide variety of marine species and offers many interactive activities.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is the Oceanarium, which features a large underwater tunnel. Young children can walk through the tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays and colourful fish, giving them an up-close and exciting view of marine life. And with its central city location, a visit is compatible with other activities, such as taking some of Melbourne's best tours.
In addition to the Oceanarium, the aquarium offers interactive exhibits where you can touch starfish, sea urchins and other marine animals in the Rock Pools. You can also learn about sea turtles in the Turtle Rescue exhibit and see jellyfish up close in the Jellyfish Kingdom exhibit.
Another interesting activity to do at the aquarium is to attend scheduled presentations and feedings. Children can witness how keepers feed penguins, tropical fish and other marine animals, while learning about their habits and behaviours.
5. Visit St Kilda's Luna Park Amusement Park
Visiting St Kilda's Luna Park is an exciting and fun-filled experience for all ages. Located on the shores of the beach of the same name, this iconic amusement park offers a wide variety of rides and entertainment to enjoy.
One of the most famous attractions at Luna Park is the Ferris Wheel, known as The Great Scenic Railway. It is a vintage, wooden roller coaster that offers a thrilling ride with panoramic views of the city and the beach. Kids can enjoy the thrill of riding this classic attraction and feel the adrenaline rush as they ride its curves and drops.
In addition to the Ferris wheel, Luna Park has a wide range of rides and attractions for all ages. From carousels and spinning cups to smaller roller coasters and dexterity rides, there is something for everyone. Younger children can also enjoy traditional fairground rides and win prizes.
The park also offers live shows and entertainment, such as clown performances and street performers, making it one of the best things to do in Melbourne during the evening.
6. Enjoy a picnic in Albert Park
Picnicking in Melbourne's Albert Park is an ideal family activity, especially with children. This beautiful urban park offers ample green space, serene lakes and a variety of facilities that make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a day outdoors.
One of Albert Park 's main attractions is its central lake, where children can enjoy watching ducks and swans, feeding the birds and enjoying boat rides. You can bring your own fishing equipment and enjoy a peaceful lakeside experience.
The park also has numerous play areas for children of all ages. From swings and slides to climbing structures and water play in the summer, children can have fun and release energy while parents enjoy a relaxing moment on the lawn. And because it's close to the city centre, you'll be able to visit even if you plan to tour Melbourne in 3 days or less.
Finally, the park offers ample picnic areas, with tables and benches available for families to sit and enjoy a meal outdoors. Barbecues are also available for hire if you want to prepare a hot meal.
7. Tour the Melbourne Museum's interactive exhibits
If you want an educational experience for children during your visit to Melbourne, you can visit the local museum, which offers a wide range of exhibits and activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the history, culture and science of the city in particular and Australia in general.
One of the main attractions of the Melbourne Museum are the interactive exhibits that invite visitors to actively participate in learning. In the Melbourne Story exhibition visitors can explore the history of the city through immersive experiences, such as dressing up in the fashions of different eras, listening to historical recordings and playing themed games.
In addition, the museum has interactive science exhibits that engage visitors in hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Children can enjoy activities such as building bridges, discovering how the human body works and experimenting with natural phenomena.
Another highlight is the Bunjilaka Aboriginal exhibit, which explores the culture and art of Victoria's Aboriginal people. Visitors can participate in activities such as carving clay sculptures, playing traditional instruments and learning about Aboriginal traditions and beliefs.
8. Take in the views of the city from the Eureka Tower lookout point.
Taking in the views of the city from the observation deck of the Eureka Tower is a breathtaking experience worth enjoying with children in Melbourne. Standing at 297 metres high, this iconic tower offers 360° panoramic views that allow you to appreciate the beauty of the city and its surroundings from a different perspective than the best Melbourne tours.
One of the reasons why visiting the Eureka Tower observation deck is a good alternative to do with children is that it gives them the opportunity to appreciate Melbourne's geography and architecture from a unique vantage point. They can marvel at the skyscrapers, parks, rivers and cityscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
In addition to the breathtaking views, the Eureka Tower observation deck offers an educational experience for children. Through informative panels and interactive exhibits, young children can learn about the city's history, culture and landmarks while enjoying the panoramic views.
One of the most exciting attractions at Eureka Tower is the famous Skydeck. This is a transparent glass floor located on the 88th floor, which allows you to walk on it and feel the sensation of being suspended in mid-air as you look down on the city below.
9. Visit Adventure Park Water Park
Visiting the Adventure Park water park just outside Melbourne is a refreshing and fun-filled experience for the whole family. Located in Geelong, this site offers a wide range of water attractions that guarantee hours of entertainment and laughter, and is ideal if you're planning to visit the city in summer.
One of the main attractions at Adventure Park is its extensive array of water slides. From high-speed slides to more traditional tube and spiral slides, there are options for all ages and adventure levels. Children will be able to hurtle down thrilling waterfalls and feel the adrenaline rush as they glide into the pools.
In addition to the slides, the park has pools to relax and enjoy a refreshing dip. Kids can enjoy the wave pools and play in the water play areas featuring fountains, water jets and interactive games.
Adventure Park also features lounge areas with umbrellas and picnic areas, where families can relax, enjoy an outdoor meal and recharge their batteries for more fun at the water park.
10. Take a ride on the City Tram
Taking a ride on Melbourne's tram is a fun and inexpensive way to explore the city and immerse yourself in its historic charm. The trams are an iconic part of Melbourne's identity and offer visitors a unique and picturesque experience.
One of the main attractions of Melbourne's trams is that many of them are free and run through the most touristy areas of the city. You can hop aboard one of these historic, colourful trams and enjoy a scenic ride as you navigate the city's cobblestone streets and beautiful boulevards. Those that do have a cost are actually quite inexpensive compared to other activities.
As well as being a convenient way to get around, Melbourne' s trams also offer a journey full of nostalgia and charm. Some trams are old-style and decorated, giving passengers a retro and evocative experience. It's like stepping back in time as you move through the city's streets in an activity that kids will love too.
Another advantage of taking a Melbourne tram ride is that it gives you the opportunity to observe the daily life of the city and enjoy the unique sights and sounds of Melbourne. You'll be able to admire the historic buildings, tree-lined streets, parks and colourful neighbourhoods as you move through the hustle and bustle of the city.