Best Things to Do in Melbourne Vic With Kids and Family 2024

I am Australian and I often go to Melbourne as a I have a few friends over there . It is a perfect place for the whole family and a great place if you want to enjoy life with kids and have family fun. Melbourne city is really alive and there is many options during school holidays and even the winter months . This beautiful city, unique place in the world , is perfect for kids activities and family getaways !

Here, you will find a brief on some of the attractions in Melbourne that will be ideal for a family’s one-day tour. We were away for the summer but just returned, and a lot happened. I look forward to sharing some delightful and fun things families and children can do here in Melbourne.

To be more specific, Melbourne CBD incorporates quite a colorful approach within this area as it offers almost everything from exciting events for the family. My friends and I had a lot of fun sightseeing as we toured many places such as Melbourne Zoo and Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium Melbourne. The kids were mesmerized! We also took a leisurely tour with my kids at the Royal Botanic Gardens and Science Works area, where they offer touches and quizzes.

Indeed, I must advise you to visit Luna Park; that, my dear friends, is always an excellent ride! This shows that Melbourne is overrun with fun activities for any family or individual traveling to the city. But yes, for anyone seeking a good time, whether it is a learning experience or plain old-fashioned entertainment, Melbourne is the place for you. Believe it, the kind of reception your family will give will be nothing less than what our families did.

Heads up ! Weather in Melbourne is … Weird . 

Firstly, during the winter it is pretty cold and grey and you can get low temperatures like 5-10 degrees celsius . So for you family and kids, plan to bring jackets, scarf and all warm clothes . Then , during the spring and summer, it is really fluctuating . The forecast can be 30 degrees during the day, but the sun won’t really show, so it is kind of grey, but still warm. Then it can be very hot, then all of a sudden, you might get wind, colder weather and even rain . It is really unreal . Peoples from Melbourne say ” Five seasons in one day” and it is the truth . So basically pack a wide range of clothes and be ready to change your kids often !

15 Best Things to Do in Melbourne Vic With Kids

Australia-Melbourne, mainly, is one of the best places that could be identified for family adventures. In my summer vacation writing, we recently took our children there for a memorable week out, and I am eager to highlight our adventures. Here are some of the best things we did in this dynamic city:

1. Museum of Play and Art

If you are still trying to decide whether it is one of the main attractions to visit in Melbourne, you should check out the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) in Sandringham. Nestled in Melbourne’s suburb of Mulgrave,14.5 km from the Melbourne CBD area, Museum of Play and Art Melbourne houses more than 30 exhibits focusing on play-based learning and creativity.

This entertainment entertained the entire family for hours, including painting an actual car with different colors of paint, getting into a gallery filled with real-life paintings, and even getting to dance during regular business hours. The kids were making things, playing drums, and enjoying tool-touch and other such things, making it a good trip for the school events.

MoPA is an avenue of fun, so I always capture good moments with my kids on trips to the Melbourne Zoo and the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium.

Chinatown Families may love an outing to Melbourne’s Chinatown for an authentic experience in the city. A series of activities enjoyed throughout this visit engaged everybody in the group for some time. Our first stop was for food; it feels good that the kids have options. I loved that things were explicitly made for them in a noodle house.

In the afternoon, beautiful shops were visited, and the children liked the variety of exciting souvenirs and entertaining karaoke. We also went to a Chinese Tonic shop, which I heard was the first, and the kids enjoyed seeing such an ace. The most informative was the Chinese Museum, which was interesting for the children as they could get acquainted with the years 1800-2000 Chinese immigrants and their work in Australia.

They observed that people enjoyed the freedom to move about and explore the centers’ different forms and were engaged through the touch-screen exhibits and other features, making it enjoyable and informative. Some family-friendly destinations include Chinatown in Melbourne CBD, which is culturally diverse.

2. District Docklands

During our recent visit to Melbourne, we found all the fun activities one can think of, especially those that can be enjoyable for children, at District Docklands. This is a good occasion for dining, entertainment, and shopping as it is an outdoor site. The older kids enjoyed various fun activities, including ArtVo, Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique, and Glow Golf.

Melbourne has children-friendly activities for young children’s entertainment—Legoland Discovery Centre, O’Brien Icehouse, and Chaos Lab are a few suggestions. We could spend an entire day here and still not exhaust all the over 80 specialty retail stores and cafes. Help is excellent for young children and, reciprocally, for older children; this place has arcade games and entertaining diversions at every corner.

Other fun places that you and your family could visit near the area include the Collingwood Children’s Farm, the Australian Sports Museum, and the St Kilda Amusement Park. We have seen famous places worldwide but would like to inform anyone that if you are in the city of Melbourne, then the District Docklands is a place to visit!

3. Ice Skating at Docklands

Need children’s entertainment in Melbourne or things to do with kids? Ice skating at the O’Brien Icehouse Docklands is just a short journey away. From what I’ve figured out, it is one of the most incredible things to do in Melbourne.

I was tense because it was my first time skating, and Myla’s only experience was when she tried it for once. I move with skates on with relatively no trouble, and I can even skate in circles at a slow pace. Watching Myla use the seal-shaped skating aid was exciting, and she skated around many times. Of course, it was suitable for the family outing and spending time together, and taking the children out for physical activity was a bonus.

Other tourist destinations we also visited include the Melbourne Skydeck and Royal Park, which are adjacent to the hospice. Winter sports must include ice skating, as it is an ideal type of recreation during the cold season. Wear layered outfits so you can easily remove or put on something in case it gets cold or hot.

4. ArtVo

You might ask for the places to visit in Melbourne and things to do with kids of different ages; ArtVo is a worthy place to visit. This is a unique art gallery with a feature of actual touch on the content displayed as a piece of art in this gallery. They are painted on floors and walls and have seven sections: Australiana, Jungle Safari, and Aquatic Adventure.

We blended into different scenes, not knowing that there were photo points specially designed for the best shots. They occupy a great hall where children can play freely; it is more of an indoor playground where children can play with their imagination. If you are planning to take your family on a vacation, be sure to visit ArtVo, located in the District Docklands, which amuses children of all ages.

5. Werribee Open Range Zoo

Located approximately 40-45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers visitors a taste of a mysterious African adventure. Our first foray there left us with a lucky guided tour of the extensive plain, crossing paths with rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. The walking trails allowed me to see lions, hippos, and the most extensive gorilla display in the world.

The film was an excellent adventure for the audience, especially those with families. Then, we had time to buy and eat healthy food from various regional markets. Many other exciting places exist, such as the District Docklands, NGV, etc. Going for a ride at the Werribee Zoo is exciting and a fun family activity.

6. Federation Square

Federation Square, for instance, can accommodate as many as 2000 special events annually, nearly half of which are free. When we went there, a pop-up games convention was held, including children dancing on ‘Just Dance’ besides playing games like connect-four.

This place hosts the Melbourne Visitors Centre, NGV Australian Collection, and the AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR THE MOVING IMAGE. It is quite an enticing hiking spot that is best for families.

It is recommended to visit during lunchtime as the area is quite active then, with people passing through the square. SITUATION is located at the corner of Swanston and Flinders Street, easily accessed via the free tram zone. It is perfect for a family day out.

7. Australian Centre for the Moving Image

Any proposal for free children’s entertainment within Melbourne CBD should name the ACMI in Federation Square. This is a free museum covering Australian film, television, the video gaming industry, and digital content generation. Interestingly, Myla enjoyed watching old-school video games and learning about the evolution of TV.

During our visit, we enjoyed Wallace and Gromit and Friends. The pupils also enjoyed going through The Magic of Aardman exhibition, learning how Claymation, a form of animation, was made, and, at a point, even making our own animated Claymation film. ACMI, situated in the central business district of Melbourne, is an engaging place that explores the world of movies in an hour; it is one of Melbourne’s favorite activities.

8. Melbourne Tram Museum

If you are thrilled with the idea of catching Melbourne’s trams, the Melbourne Tram Museum is something to try. Opened at Hawthorn Depot, an A-class historic site, the museum houses 20 operational teams that have been restored to life. Our children enjoyed the trams, particularly learning about the history of transportation in the city from the 1880s.

It was about the trams of Melbourne, and those trams really have a history. I learned much of this from the well-informed volunteers accompanying the guided tour. It is one of the low-cost activities, and families are charged a gold coin if they intend to attend the event. This fantastic museum will give anyone interested in history a good time

9. Yarra River Cruise

My favorite place to travel with my family is a Yarra River cruise, for they are some of the most exciting places to visit in Melbourne. My kids loved looking for creatures in the water and making up stories about pirates and treasures (in spots like Melbourne CBD, Southbank and other famous places).

I loved the commentary; it was very informative and insightful in terms of historical facts of the area. The children participated in board games during their sailing trip and seemed to create stories out of thin air. We only selected a two-hour sightseeing cruise, but there are also cruise offerings for afternoon tea and dinner.

This excellent spot provides the most fantastic outlook on Melbourne’s skyline and will be great for families seeking entertainment. Like ArtVo Melbourne, the Phillip Island Nature Parks jump was memorable.

10. Luna Park

It was a fun-filled day for everyone, which made our visit to Luna Park one of the many memorable experiences during our Melbourne family tour. Established over 103 years ago, this is one of the widely known American icons, which is a perfect combination of the adventures one may have in the park. There is a giant smiling face entry that is fitting for a family selfie and, of course, is one of the main attractions in the park.

Out of the 18 different operational rides in Luna Park, there are those suited for children only, adults only, and combinations of the two. It features a slow ride for the kids and numerous daredevil rides for teenagers and adults. As for the amusement, there are games and food facilities, so one could have a great time and entertain children of all ages.

Also, it is essential to know that not all tours are open to children, and in some cases, children need an adult company, which also has to pay for the ticket. Thus, Luna Park is one of the most exciting trademark attractions that would be nice for an optimal family day in Melbourne.

11. Melbourne Museum

This made our visit to the Melbourne Museum enjoyable, and given the interactive nature of the information, everyone in the family benefited. Yes, it will prove to be an ideal place to explore education and fun things to do with kids in Melbourne. There is a chance to learn about Victoria’s nature, people, and history, illustrated through other exhibits and multimedia facilities.

Something more special for children between 0 and 5 years old was the Pauline Children’s Gallery, where they could dig fossils like archaeologists or dance in a camouflage disco. It was fun and exciting for the kids, and most of them who attended benefited a lot from playing, though they did not know they were doing so.

Another iconic attraction was the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum, which captures the history of the Aboriginal people of Victoria. The Melbourne Story and the Forest Gallery were also quite interesting to watch as they guide the viewer through the city as well as the features of the forests.

All in all, the Melbourne Museum is an excellent venue for children to be entertained and learn at the same time, making it among the greatest children’s attractions in Melbourne.

12. State Library Victoria

Going to the State Library Victoria was magical and inspiring, with a diverse educational history and discovering fun for children and adults. When we entered the large La Trobe Reading Room with its domed ceilings, some kids were stunned at its size and gigantic architecture. It took us many hours to walk through the generously filled shelves containing manuscripts, books from the Middle Ages, and classics up to the present books that excited and wanted to read.

The library’s exhibitions and workshops excited the kids, letting them be entertainingly involved in history and culture. We also took a light walk through the lush corridors and little courtyards, which seemed perfect for a family barbecue. The Australian section of the State Library Victoria was ideal for learning and fun, making it the best place in Melbourne for family visits.

13. Queen Victoria Markets

The Queen Victoria Markets is one of the leading activities in Melbourne; by taking the family to this busy market, one would have a perfect family holiday. It is a well-known fact that Australians love food, and as the land down under’s food hub, you have a diverse selection of fresh foods, including fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, and cheeses. We appreciated the concept of homegrown crafts and other products made by local artisans in this particular setting, suggesting precisely the combination of high-tech and craft.

Since we were in the kingdom of food lovers, I was lucky to participate in the 90-minute Foodie Tour, where I met the stallholders and tried some of the valuable products. Thus, for calorie-conscious families desiring to have a good time, the market should be an ideal place to start their outing.

14. St Kilda Penguins

The one with a magical feel for the family includes observing the St Kilda Penguins returning to their nesting place each evening. We started our pursuit just as the sun set over St Kilda Pier, and it was breathtaking to see these cute creatures returning from work. The children unveiled their creativity as they Zoomed and Glanced at penguins feeding their young ones. Even though the weather was freezing and windy during the movie’s shooting in the mountainous regions, I found the experience relatively warm.

It is one of the most effective ways of interacting with the social history of the regions and geographic environment. But if you want to arrive to get more comfortable, you can visit in April because the heat gets higher, and it may be helpful for those with children.

15. Melbourne Skydeck

The views of Melbourne from the Melbourne Skydeck were fantastic, and we enjoyed it a lot as a family. I am glad to recall that the kids were eager from the initial stage when we got through with registration. The first part of the activity was by using the express lift to the top floor, which is the 88th floor, and they made them enjoy the view of Melbourne.

They also enjoyed observing various valuable sights of the town, such as the Yarra River and Federation Square, from a Bird’ s-eye view. The explanations and the use of the interactive screens maintained interest, and we were all very excited by the Edge, where people dared to go out on the glass floor for a birds-eye view.

It also gave the kids a great time testing the VR experience and pretending to fly over the city. My family and I enjoyed visiting the Melbourne Skydeck, which provided an excellent activity and a thrilling challenge suitable for all of us.

I wrote many interesting articles about Australia . Check them out ! Best wineries Australia, Best beaches in Western Australia, Best beaches in Perth ,  Best restaurants Darwin, Things to do in Darwin city 

Conclusion

Altogether, families would be satisfied with Melbourne, as there are many exciting things to do that would introduce them to both fun and knowledge. Whether visiting the smell of the Museum of Play and Art and malls or enjoying the Chinese culture that Penn Quarter represents, the city is full of experiences.

Docklands adorn people within fun and shopping districts, and Luna Park will be thrilling for all adults. Melbourne Skydeck provides excellent spatial and multimedia tour activities, so visiting is highly recommended. From visiting the historic point at Melbourne Museum to taking a tour of the Queen Victoria Markets for food, Melbourne is full of excitement for families, not only for fun things to do but excellent places to visit.

WHO AM I ?

Hello !

I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover

I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.

I believe that travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world and about yourself. When you travel, you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. You learn about different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life. You also learn about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.

Travel can also be a great way to make new friends. When you’re traveling, you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, and you’re all in the same boat. You’re all there to explore and experience new things, and that can create a bond between people.

Let’s connect together !

I hope that my travel blog will inspire others to travel and to see the world. I also hope that it will help people to learn about different cultures and to become more open-minded.

https://funkyfreshtravels.com