With museums, parks and activities for people of all ages, family travel in Melbourne is a joyful blend of play, discovery, and memory-making that turns an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable adventure. Remember, the best time to visit Melbourne with kids depends on your ideal itinerary.
Top family-friendly attractions and activities in Melbourne for an unforgettable experience
From hands-on museums to wildlife encounters, countless interactive experiences make for the perfect family vacation in Melbourne. Check out these top attractions:
Melbourne Aquarium
- Address: King St. Melbourne VIC 3000.
- Opening hours: Daily 10 am–5 pm (last entry 4 pm).
- Entrance fee: Adults ~$38–53, Children (3–15) ~$28–39
If you are travelling with children to Melbourne, this is a must-visit. Kids will meet sharks, penguins, rays and other sea creatures up close. Book tickets online for discounts.
Melbourne Zoo
- Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052.
- Opening hours: Daily 9 am–5 pm.
- Entrance fee: Adults $53, Concession $40; Children (4–15) $26.50; (kids 0–3 free)
This is one of the kid-friendly attractions in Melbourne. It features the must-see animals: kangaroos, elephants, monkeys, and meerkats. For extra fun, you can use the free Animal Experiences.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Address: K Road, Werribee South VIC 3030.
- Opening hours: Daily 9 am–5 pm (last entry 3:30 pm).
- Entrance fee: Adults $53; Child $26.50 weekdays, free weekends; under-4 free.
For the best family holidays in Melbourne, visit this African-style zoo and embark on a free open-air safari truck. Visit in the morning hours when the animals are most active.
Scienceworks Museum
- Address: 2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015.
- Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 4:30 pm.
- Entrance fee: Adults $15; Seniors $10; free entry for children under 17.
A hands-on science playground with interactive exhibits that spark curiosity. Kids will love the lightning show and the outdoor water play area.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
- Address: Level 2/1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148.
- Opening hours: Daily 10 am–5 pm.
- Entrance fee: Based on different packages that you choose, from $28.8 – $49 per person.
From interactive themed play zones and creative LEGO workshops to exciting rides and a 4D cinema, it’s a hands-on adventure that blends fun with imagination, perfect into include in your family itinerary in Melbourne.
Melbourne Museum
- Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053.
- Opening hours: Daily 9 am–5 pm.
- Entrance fee: Adults $15; Seniors $10 (Concession free); children up to 16 free.
Highlights include the dinosaur gallery, the Children’s Gallery, and Bunjilaka Aboriginal Centre. For a learning experience, do not miss the interactive Children’s Gallery and the animatronic T. rex.
Old Melbourne Gaol
- Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
- Opening hours: Daily 10 am–5 pm.
- Entrance fee: Adults $38, Concession $30, Children (5–15) $22.
The historic former prison where infamous bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged is now a spooky museum. Take the self-guided audio tour to hear gaol stories, and consider the Kids’ Discovery Trail to keep little ones engaged.
ArtPlay at Birrarung Marr
- Address: Birrarung Marr, Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
- Opening hours: Open only during scheduled arts workshops and events.
- Entrance fee: Most events at ArtPlay are free (RSVP required).
This art space hosts free creative workshops, performances and exhibitions where kids can draw, dance or tell stories. Book online early for workshops (they fill fast) and let kids enjoy the adjacent riverfront playground next door.
Ian Potter Children’s Garden
- Address: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, 3004
- Opening hours: Wed–Sun: 10 am–5:30 pm (closed Mon–Tue).
- Entrance fee: Free.
A wild children’s garden scaled just for kids, with a miniature rainforest, water play creek, sandpit and kitchen garden. Head to Fern Gully (a creek area) to splash in cool water and explore the “grandmother tree.”
Luna Park in St Kilda
- Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182.
- Opening hours: Weekends and school holidays 11 am–6 pm.
- Entrance fee: Park entry is $25 (kids 3–12), and unlimited rides are $55 (park entry + rides).
Historic seaside amusement park with the famous big smiling face entrance. Arrive when it opens to beat the queues and combine a St Kilda beach walk before or after for a whole family day out.
See more: Sydney’s luxury beach accommodations for family
Holey Moley Mini Golf
- Address: Level 1 Clarke St Building, Southbank VIC 3006.
- Opening hours: Mon–Thu 12 noon–11 pm; Fri–Sat 10 am–1 am; Sun 10 am–11 pm.
- Entrance fee: Mini-golf $12 per person (9 holes).
This is an indoor mini-golf bar with pop-culture-themed courses. Try the school holiday special ($12pp all day) and grab a $5 taco at their bar during happy hour (4–6 pm daily).
Riverslide Skate Park
- Address: Boathouse Drive, Melbourne VIC 3004.
- Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm.
- Entrance fee: Free.
An 1800 m² street-style concrete skatepark in the heart of Melbourne’s gardens. It is free to use, but skate clinics and lessons are available. Bring helmets and pads for safety and enjoy this outdoor activity.
Explore more: Family-friendly activities in Eastern suburbs
Free things to do in Melbourne with family
Even on a budget, you can enjoy free attractions that delight kids. From historic tram rides to playgrounds and gardens, these activities prove you do not need to spend much to have a great family day out.
City Circle Tram
- Address: Melbourne CBD
- Opening hours: Runs daily, 10 am–6 pm
- Entrance fee: Free.
This is a popular Melbourne sightseeing opportunity for families that loops around the CBD. Grab a free City Circle map on board and hop off at any point.
Federation Square Arts & Street Art
- Address: Flinders & Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
- Opening hours: The public plaza is open 24/7 (galleries have separate hours).
- Entrance fee: Free.
A visit to Federation Square is one of the best things to do with kids in Melbourne. Nearby Hosier Lane and Degraves Street are famous for colourful street art and laneway cafes.
Birrarung Marr Playground
- Address: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening hours: 7 am–10 pm daily.
- Entrance fee: Free.
Set along the Yarra River with stunning views of the Melbourne skyline, this playground is a hit with kids of all ages. Highlights include a giant climbing net that seems to defy gravity, classic swings and slides, plus sandpits for creative play.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens
- Address: Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia.
- Opening hours: Gardens 7:30 am–5:30 pm daily.
- Entrance fee: Free.
Highlights include the Fern Gully (a rainforest pathway with splashing streams) and colourful floral displays. Pack sports gear or a picnic; plenty of open spaces to explore.
Library at the Dock
- Address: 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands VIC 3008.
- Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10 am–7 pm; Fri 1 pm–6 pm; Sat-Sun 10 am/12 noon–4 pm (hours may vary).
- Entrance fee: Free.
Australia’s first six-star green star-rated public building, the Library at the Dock is a modern, waterfront facility offering more than just books. Families will appreciate the dedicated children’s area, complete with play spaces and interactive learning features.
Where to book a Melbourne vacation home for your family
If you are travelling with children to Melbourne, you want to book a stay within or near the city for easy access to key attractions. This is where L’Abode Accommodation’s family-friendly apartments in Melbourne, Victoria, come in. Our central locations mean your family can easily stroll to major sights, cafes and parks. Book your family-friendly holiday rental in Melbourne before your visit to enjoy a convenient stay.