Joanna James
As one of Australia's most visited holiday cities, Melbourne is a dream destination for vacationing families. Here are some of the best things to do with kids during a holiday in the city.
Having opened its doors to the public in 1985, Funfields has become a veritable institution for families visiting Melbourne. As a sprawling leisure park with more than 22 rides to its name, the Alpine Toboggan Slide and Blackbeard's Fury ship alone make a visit to this beloved highlight a treat for the young and the young at heart. Go karts and Ferris wheels are also part of the landscape while a child-centric carousel is a special feature that parents will surely appreciate. Don't forget to bring your swimsuits as getting wet is half the fun at Funfields.
Occupying pride of place in Carlton, the Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery is Melbourne Museum's very own kid's gallery. Suitable for children as young as infants to five-year-olds, the venue sets the standard for providing educational and entertaining exhibits for children. The Camouflage Disco and the Dinosaur Dig are the main attractions for children who love to interact with exhibits while the venue's soundscape and mirror wall also provide tiny tots with plenty of elements to write home about.
Located in Melbourne's Malvern County, Interaxcity offers children the chance to experience what life will be like as an adult immersed in various industries. The life-like work environments created by this kid's museum not only allows children to envision their future selves but to experience it in a mini fake metropolis that resembles a typical city. From medical centres and construction sites to supermarkets and service stations, kids can delve into a host of exciting career options and activities that are both informative and fun.
The SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is not only one of the country's finest edutainment centres but a veritable treasure trove for children with an interest in marine creatures and the ocean. Divided into a dozen thematic sections, the sheer variety of aquatic species on display makes this spacious aquarium one of the most fascinating points of interest for families. The kids will especially love the Croc Lair, Penguin Playground and the Rainforest Adventure's interactive activities. Visitors based at Oaks On Collins or any other Collins street hotels will find that the aquarium is within close range of their accommodation provider.
If there's a location of true wonder and magic in Melbourne, it is surely Luna Park which one enters through the mouth of a giant no less. The carnival-like atmosphere of the park is hard to beat while the rides which include the Arabian Merry, The Power Surge and Enterprise and the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster are some of the reasons why local families love this sprawling sanctuary for children. Don't forget to drop by Café Luna after a day of exploring the park laden with highlights as the best gourmet pizzas, burgers and sandwiches are found here.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
