Melbourne with Kids: A handy holiday guide
Melbourne
Explore Melbourne with your family
Dive into our destination guide for insider intel on family fun in Melbourne! If you’re visiting the city with kids, there’s plenty to experience—including lots of free activities and attractions—and if you live in Melbourne, why not consider a micro-adventure in your own city?
Make the most of free kids’ entry into Melbourne Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria and ACMI, an interactive multimedia exhibition about the silver screen. Don’t forget to drop by the bustling Queen Victoria Markets.
To get outside and enjoy Melbourne as a family, walk the St. Kilda beach boardwalk, play on the adventure playground or brave the heights and speeds of attractions at Luna Park Melbourne.
All Melbourne Stories
Melbourne family travel guide
Your Melbourne family holiday guide
Whether it’s a trip away or exploring a new side of your own city, these Melbourne attractions offer a wonderful break from the everyday.
Kids' museums and galleries in Melbourne
St Kilda Road is home to the National Gallery of Victoria, an arty hub of family-friendly exhibitions. There is often a dedicated Children’s Gallery and exhibition book on show in addition to three storeys worth of masterpieces. In between exploring the artworks, you can pick up something to eat at the café and head outside into the garden for some cartwheeling and climbing time.
Scienceworks and the Melbourne Museum in Carlton are more all-time family favourites. Other fantastic attractions Melbourne has on offer for history buffs, nature nerds and aspiring artists include Old Melbourne Gaol, Victoria Police Museum and ACMI – the national museum of film, television, video games and digital art.
Melbourne's premier sporting events
The months from April to September mean one thing for Melburnians, and that is AFL. Catch a game at the MCG – there is no such thing as a bad seat when the atmosphere is buzzing! In January, tennis champs should check out the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
Outdoor activities in Melbourne
Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air at the Royal Botanic Gardens. A picnic and wander makes for a really pleasant family afternoon. The oasis spans 94 acres and 10,000 plants and has themed gardens with a lake in the middle and a walking track around the border. The dedicated Children’s Garden has water play areas loved by toddlers through to primary school kids. St Kilda Adventure Playground is another kid-focused favourite.
Another beloved outdoor attraction is Melbourne Zoo, which boasts over 300 different species from around the world – simply unmissable.
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Opening image: First Peoples Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum. © Visit Victoria