10 Things to do in Melbourne with Kids
Melbourne offers options for everyone and children are no exception. Here are the best alternatives that you can enjoy with the little ones during your trip to the city.
Melbourne, besides being the most populated city in Australia 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 southeast coast, the amusement parks and a large number of attractions ensure a lot of activities for the little ones to have fun 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 streetcar.
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 kilometers from the city, Lake Mountain offers a unique experience in a snowy environment.
At Lake Mountain you can go skiing or snowboarding. The site has slopes of different levels of difficulty, including specific areas for beginners and children. The little ones can enjoy ski lessons or simply slide down the slopes on sleds or toboggans. It is an excellent opportunity for children to get introduced to winter sports and experience the thrill of sliding on 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 will be able to carry out some activities, as it has an artificial 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 an outdoor lunch surrounded by snowy scenery. It's a great way to rest and recharge during your hike.
3. Get to know Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park in Melbourne is an exciting adventure that offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy with children. 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. Kids can enjoy short hikes 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 to enjoy a picnic or just cool off on hot summer days.
You also can't miss the Balcony Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the park and its surroundings. It's a perfect place to capture family photos and enjoy the breathtaking views.
4. Tour Melbourne's Sea Life Aquarium
Touring Melbourne's Sea Life Aquarium is an exciting and educational experience that children will enjoy discovering while having fun with the complex's marine species. Located in the heart of the city, this aquarium has 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. Children can walk through the tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays and colorful fish, giving them a close and exciting view of marine life. Also, because of its location in the center of the city, your 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 will be able to witness how keepers feed penguins, tropical fish and other marine animals, while learning about their habits and behaviors.
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 an antique, 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 performances by clowns and street performers, making it also one of the best things to do in Melbourne during the evening.
6. Enjoy a picnic in Albert Park
Enjoying a picnic at Albert Park in Melbourne is an ideal activity to enjoy with the family, especially with children. This beautiful urban park offers large green areas, serene lakes and a variety of facilities that make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a day outdoors.
One of the main attractions of Albert Park is its central lake, where children can enjoy watching ducks and swans, feed the birds and enjoy boat rides. You can bring your own fishing equipment and enjoy a peaceful lakeside experience.
The park also has numerous playgrounds for children of all ages. From swings and slides to climbing structures and water play in the summer, kids can have fun and release energy while parents enjoy a relaxing moment on the lawn. Moreover, being close to the city center, you will be able to visit it 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 wish to prepare a hot meal.
7. Tour the interactive exhibits at the Melbourne Museum
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 exhibit 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 participating in 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 observation deck.
Taking in the views of the city from the Eureka Tower observation deck is a breathtaking experience worth enjoying with kids in Melbourne. With a height of 297 meters, 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 the geography and architecture of Melbourne from a unique profile. 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, little ones 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 bottom located on the 88th floor, which will allow you to walk on it and feel the sensation of being suspended in the air while observing the city beneath your feet.
9. Visit the Adventure Park water park
Visiting the Adventure Park water park on the outskirts of 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 plan 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. Kids will be able to hurtle down thrilling waterfalls and feel the adrenaline rush as they slide into the ponds.
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 to continue enjoying the water park.
10. Take a ride on the city streetcar.
Taking a ride on Melbourne's streetcar is a fun and inexpensive way to explore the city and immerse yourself in its historic charm. The streetcars are an iconic part of Melbourne's identity and offer visitors a unique and picturesque experience.
One of the main attractions of Melbourne's streetcars is that many of them are free and run through the most touristy areas of the city. You can climb aboard one of these historic colorful streetcars and enjoy a scenic ride as you navigate the city's cobblestone streets and beautiful boulevards. Those that do have a cost are really economical compared to other activities.
In addition to being a convenient way to get around, Melbourne's streetcars also offer a ride full of nostalgia and charm. Some streetcars are vintage in style and decorated, giving passengers a retro and evocative experience. It's like stepping back in time as you move through the city streets in an activity that kids will also love.
Another advantage of taking a Melbourne streetcar 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 can admire the historic buildings, tree-lined streets, parks and colorful neighborhoods as you move through the hustle and bustle of the city.