Joanna James
Melbourne is not just for coffee aficionados and nightlife but also a goldmine of family fun. This place is brimming with activities that would get the little ones busied and the grown-ups grinning. From animal escapades to thrilling rides, and hands-on learning, here's looking at six unmissable things to do in Melbourne with kids.
Make it a day of awe and adventure with the family, visiting one of Melbourne's phenomenal zoos. The Melbourne Zoo is an iconic favourite, letting kids come face to face with lions, monkeys, and parrots of every colour, literally a stone's throw from the city. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a safari-type experience where giraffes and zebras roam freely. For a dose of Aussie wildlife, Healesville Sanctuary lets you meet koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses up close. And if you venture north, Kyabram Fauna Park is a similarly wonderful spot with even more furry and feathered friends. Bonus: Kids aged 4-16 get in for free on weekends and school holidays, so it's as wallet-friendly as it is fun.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is an underwater wonderland that never ceases to amaze. Watch as the rays glide gracefully through the oceanarium, laugh at the penguins waddling about, and be hypnotized by the movements of the jellyfish. This aquatic journey is mesmerizing yet informative, with exhibits that educate kids on all things to do with marine ecosystems without losing their attention.
Luna Park in St Kilda offers a slice of nostalgia with a whole lot of fun. As this is Australia's oldest theme park, it has been in operation and entertaining families for well over a hundred years. The little ones can hop onto their gentle rides, while older kids and even parents take part in the roller coasters. The giant clown faces out front is the perfect family photo, and the carnival atmosphere inside promises a day of giggles and screams.
A visit to the Melbourne Museum is akin to opening the chest of all discoveries. The Children's Gallery will let kids in their junior years-0-5 enjoy a sense of wonder through interactive and hands-on exhibits that promote learning through play. The Gandel Gondwana Garden outside lets kids travel to their prehistoric past, with models of various ancient plants and animals. The exhibition entitled Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs should amaze older kids and adults with its close-to-reality details about the age of dinosaurs.
If you believe science can't be fun, Scienceworks is here to disprove that for you. This interactive museum gives kids the chance to race against Cathy Freeman, understand the elements of aerodynamics, and even wonder at state-of-the-art technology. But if you want more, catch a live show in the Lightning Theatre or blast off through the stars in the Melbourne Planetarium. It's one of those places where little minds can consider big thoughts and have a great time while doing so.
Melbourne has everything a family could ask for, making it the perfect destination for a memorable getaway. Whether you're cuddling animals, diving into underwater worlds, or exploring science and history, the city offers endless ways to connect, learn, and laugh together. For a comfortable stay in the heart of the city, consider Avani Melbourne Central Residences, one of the top choices for family hotels in Melbourne. Every moment here is an adventure waiting to happen, so grab the kids, dive in, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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.
