Having being rated one of the most liveable cities in the world for 12 consecutive years, it is easy to see why so many tourists flock to Melbourne every year. For families especially, there are so many fun things to do in Melbourne with kids of all ages.
All over Melbourne you will find little hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether you just spend your days exploring the little streets and laneways, visiting a museum, attending a sports event or exploring some of Melbourne’s beautiful gardens, Melbourne is a city that will leave an unforgettable impression.
Here are 6 fun things to do in Melbourne with kids:
1.Get lost in the city streets
Melbourne city is an amazing place to take a walk with the kids. With its beautiful laneways and little streets it is easy to just get lost in its beauty. When you are done exploring, take a rest in the botanical gardens, or have a bite to eat in one of Melbourne’s amazing restaurants or cafes.
2.Experience the Aussie Wildlife
You can’t come to Melbourne and NOT see a kangaroo or a koala! There are 3 Zoos in Melbourne, where you can see Australia’s wildlife and get up close to these incredible animals. (Before you go, check out these great books about unique Australian animals!)
Werribee zoo is an open range zoo with a safari bus. Melbourne Zoo is more of your classic zoo with highlights including a butterfly enclosure and getting close up with the meerkats. While Healesville sanctuary has a range of Australian animals and birds. Each zoo has amazing experiences where you can get up close to the iconic kangaroos and koalas. Definitely one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne with kids.
3.Surf in Melbourne’s Beaches (Or just swim)
No visit would be complete without visiting at least one of Melbourne’s beautiful beaches. You don’t need to travel far from the city to visit some of the stunning Mornington Peninsula, and if you have a weekend, I highly recommend a road trip down the Great Ocean Road where you can visit the famous Bells Beach, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Lorne, or Appolo Bay which are all part of the stunning Victorian coastline. If you want a day out on the coast take a look at our list of the best beaches near Melbourne.
4.Take a ride on Puffing Billy
Even Roger Federer couldn’t miss the chance to take his kids on Puffing Billy Railway when he visited Melbourne with his kids during the Australian Open a couple of years back. Puffing Billy is Australia’s favourite steam train which runs through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges just East of Melbourne city.
This steam train allows you to hang your legs out the window and feel the breeze before stopping off for a picnic by the lake. Puffing Billy makes the perfect day trip out of the city once you have seen the main sites, and is definite must see if you are looking for fun things to do with kids in Melbourne.
5.Explore Melbourne’s Museums
Melbourne is filled with culture and has various museums which are perfect for families with kids. Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is one of the biggest aquariums in the world. Get up close to some of the most beautiful Sea Life, and even one of Australia’s largest saltwater crocodiles
Scienceworks is another hit attraction for kids. This kid friendly science museum in Melbourne has some fantastic hands on activities to stimulate your kids imagination and even has a planetarium.
CC Photo Credit: Michael Spencer
6. Go to an AFL Football Game
Australian Rules Football is a pretty big deal in Melbourne. AFL is unique to Australia and not many people around the world have heard of it. But if you happen to be in Melbourne, experiencing the atmosphere of a footy game is lots of fun for the whole family, EVEN if you don’t like sport!
Melbourne Fun For Kids
Whether you are looking to explore the city, experience the nature and wildlife, or head to the beach, there are so many fun things to do in Melbourne with kids!
Maybe I am bias, but there must be a reason Melbourne has been the world’s most liveable city for so long! So what are you waiting for?
Chontelle Bonfiglio is a mum of two who grew up in Melbourne and lived abroad for over 12 years. She writes about her Melbourne adventures and world travels over at Mum’s Little Explorers. You can find her on Pinterest, or Facebook at Mums’s Little Explorers Melbourne and Mums’s Little Explorers Travel
What do you think? I love to hear from my readers:).