The Best Things To Do In Melbourne With Kids
Stephanie Chadwick
Contributor | Urban List Melbourne
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Melbourne? Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, school holiday outing, or just trying to keep the little ones entertained, we’ve rounded up the top family-friendly activities across the city. From interactive museums and outdoor playgrounds to hands-on workshops and sweet-treat pit stops, these are the Melbourne experiences kids (and adults) will genuinely love.
Scroll on for Urban List's ultimate guide to getting the kids off their screens and out exploring Melbourne.
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Museum Of Play And Art
Multiple Locations
Image credit: MOPA | Supplied
Galleries are often a nightmare family outing, but not at the Museum of Play and Art. MOPA has curated immersive experiences and exhibits as a playful way to introduce kids to art. The museum focuses on play-based learning that will keep the kids entertained for a couple of hours. From clay play to dance parties and even painting a real car, there's something to pique almost every child's interest.
INSIDER INTEL
- Bookings are essential, so get organised early to avoid missing out.
SuperPark
Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong
When it comes to kids and the winter holidays, you need an arsenal of go-to activities to keep them entertained in any weather. Well, may we suggest SuperPark? It’s conveniently located in Maribyrnong’s Highpoint Shopping Centre, and the indoor adventure centre promises barrels of fun in rain, hail, or shine. There are three themed areas and 15+ activities to choose from, like the ninja track, climbing wall, interactive SuperJump, archery, and the fan-favourite Pedal Car Track. Parents can kick back and relax with a St. Ali coffee at the on-site cafe, and healthy selection of snacks and treats, it’s sure to be a highlight of the holidays.
INSIDER INTEL
- Check out the kids birthday party options to take the pressure off planning your next big celebration.
Bubble Planet
62 Dawson St, Brunswick
Image: Bubble Planet | Supplied
Bubble Planet has already mesmerised more than 10 cities around the world, and now the exhibition is charming Melburnians of all ages. The immersive experience is perfect for kids of all ages, with enough going on to keep the adults entertained too. With the exhibition leading guests through a spherical, multi-room universe where you’ll find dreamlike landscapes, giant inflatables, floating soapy bubbles, and the Giant Bubble Dome, where you can relax on huge inflatable clouds while watching enchanting animations above.
INSIDER INTEL
- Children aged two and under can visit completely free.
NGV
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Image credit: NGV | Instagram
The NGV is one of Melbourne’s most loved cultural institutions and a welcoming space for families. With a long-standing commitment to engaging children and young audiences, the gallery offers creative, hands-on experiences that connect kids with art and culture from around the world.
On any given visit, you can explore family-focused exhibitions, wander the NGV Collection using self-guided activity sheets, or take part in school holiday workshops and events designed for curious minds of all ages. It’s an inspiring way for children to discover new ideas, perspectives and creative forms, all within one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
INSIDER INTEL
- Keep an eye on the NGV’s seasonal kids’ programs and free online activity sheets—perfect for continuing the creativity at home after your visit.
Flip Out
Multiple Locations
Image: Flip Out | Website
Get ready to bounce, flip and soar at Flip Out—the high-energy trampoline park for energetic families craving active, offline fun. This massive arena is packed with escapades, it’s the best place to turn up the excitement and let the kids run amok.
At the heart of Flip Out is its epic trampoline zone, where kids (and their guardians) can jump, dunk and practice flips into soft foam pits. Challenge each other on the parkour courses, test your grip on the climbing and running walls or tackle the ninja-style warped walls and escalating climbing poles. There’s even an exclusive soft play area for younger children, ensuring everyone from toddlers to teens finds their thrill.
INSIDER INTEL
- While height restrictions apply in some zones (with areas tailored for both under and over 130cm), the variety means no one misses out.
The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
If you’re on the hunt for some nature-based play within Melbourne City’s concrete jungle the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden is the destination for your family. The Royal Botanical Garden curates and maintains this garden with children in mind so they feel invited to crouch, climb and crawl around the naturescape as they explore.
INSIDER INTEL
- The landscape has been perfectly scaled for little people to enjoy carefree.
Scienceworks
2 Booker Street, Spotswood
Image credit: Scienceworks | Instagram
Scienceworks is a one-stop shop of activities to satisfy curious minds. This interactive museum combines scenes and play to create a fun educational experience for both kids and guardians.
The museum has earned a stellar reputation for its planetarium and lighting shows as well as limited edition featured exhibitions. Scienceworks is one of those few places where adults are just as captivated by the activities as the young ones.
INSIDER INTEL
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Scienceworks is just a few doors down from Grazeland, pair the two together for a day the kids won't forget.
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Melbourne Zoo
Elliott Avenue, Parkville
Image credit: Zoos Victoria | Instagram
The zoo is a classic family outing and for good reason. Our very own Melbourne Zoo is world-leading in wildlife conservation and extinction-fighting programs. The zoo located in Royal Park has enough wildlife to fill up an entire day of exploration and also doubles as a great location for a picnic.
INSIDER INTEL
- Conscious of spending? Got picky eaters? Bring a homemade picnic and set yourself up on the grass.
Urbnsurf
309 Melrose Drive, Melbourne Airport
Image credit: URBNSURF | Instagram
If your child has a love for the ocean and you’re looking for a fun physical activity, Urbnsurf is here to take them from swimmer to surfer.
The bay offers beginners a safe and gentle rolling green and whitewater waves to learn on and the coaches will have them knowing how to paddle, pop-up, take-off and dismount in no time at all.
INSIDER INTEL
- Classes are open to kids over six, so the littlies might have to wait a couple of years before joining the fun.
Sea Life Aquarium
King Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Sea Life | Supplied
If your kids have a fascination with all things under the sea, then an excursion to Sea Life Aquarium is the move for you. You can visit for a self-guided tour with a general admission ticket, or you can add on extra experiences like a trip on a glass-bottom boat that glides above the 2.2 million litre oceanarium.
INSIDER INTEL
- A short walk from Flinders Street Station, the easiest way to get to the aquarium is by train or tram.
Melbourne Museum
11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Image credit: Melbourne Museum | Supplied
The Children’s Gallery is a permanent fixture at Melbourne Museum. Here, budding paleontologists can excavate for fossils in the dinosaur dig, and aspiring botanists can explore plants and stories in the discovery garden. Too often, museums forget about creating an exhibit with little people in mind but the Children's Gallery at Melbourne Museum invites kids to get hands-on and not just observe from a distance.
Insider Intel
- While you’re there, why not roam some of the other exciting exhibitions like the Milarri Garden Trail, The Melbourne Story, Triceratops: The Fate of the Dinosaurs and Bugs Alive!
Collingwood Children’s Farm
18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Image credit: Collingwood Children’s Farm | Instagram
Collingwood Children’s Farm is a much-loved not-for-profit and destination for families. This community farm has had its gates open to the public since 1979. What started as a project to support children facing adversity, the Collingwood Children’s Farm has kept its roots in supporting social inclusion through a range of programs. Upon arrival, the team will give you a rundown of the daily activities, which could include meeting the guinea pigs or putting the poultry to bed.
INSIDER INTEL
- The Farm Cafe is a great little on-site spot for sweet treats, coffees and cold drinks.
Main image credit: NGV | Instagram
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