Things To Do With Kids

Whether it's Dolly Parton hitting the Comedy Theatre stage bootstraps and rhinestones in tow, or the awaited return of Lightscape’s epic winter trail, Melbourne’s serving up another weekend of top-tier happenings. 

Arguably Melbourne’s most picturesque regional city, Ballarat was founded in 1838 and was the centre of the gold rush in Victoria—and very briefly one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It’s come a long way since then and it’s not just about gold rush history anymore—there’s more things to eat, drink, do and see than ever before.

If you're planning on cosying up and leaving home only for the most impressive events this winter you're in luck, because Firelight Festival is set to return bigger and brighter than ever. 

Consider this your Melbourne bucket list that covers both tourist attractions and local haunts. There are endless things to do, see, eat and drink but sometimes it's difficult to know where to start. Like all good city guides, we’ve divided our hit list into a compass-like fashion to help you navigate your way around Melbourne’s best activities. So this is your chance to discover something new in your suburb or dare to venture into an unfamiliar area.

Geelong, it's only an hour away from Melbourne but it's a whole new world and there's plenty of things to get around. Here's the local inside scoop on where to eat, drink, play and stay when you're in The Pivot.

From the usual suspects like Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios Singapore to more unusual offerings like Haw Par Villa and Changi Jurassic Mile, here are the best things to do in Singapore.

Looking for Melbourne's best mini golf? Whether you're after a glow-in-the-dark party, coastal views with your putts or the ultimate obstacle courses, we've teed up the city's top spots for unforgettable rounds. 

For those on the hunt for a cultural experience rich with all things history, people, stories, and nature, Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) should be top of the list. 

The moment every foam-footed fanatic has been impatiently waiting for is finally here – Crocs is opening its first Australian flagship store at Melbourne Central this April, and it's about to rewrite everything you thought you knew about comfortable footwear. 

Winter just got cheesier. From 15 May to 22 June 2025, Fed Square transforms into a snow-dusted French alpine village for Fondue Chalet—the city’s most indulgent winter pop-up from the team behind Melbourne’s cult-favourite Raclette Igloo.

We asked mum and midwife Lauren Brenton for the hacks every toddler parent needs to know. 

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

Patience, young padawan LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition will be knocking down blast doors and arriving in Melbourne on 4 May at Melbourne Museum.

As the temperature rises and summer holidays get into full swing, it’s time to hit the pool. Here’s our list of the best places to make a splash this summer.

Returning to where it all started Jurassic World: The Exhibition is pipelining for Melbourne with some raving reviews following its massive season in Sydney. 

The sight of the blossoming purple flowers of the Jacaranda trees is a friendly reminder that the true frosty season is over and there are warmer climates ahead. The Jacaranda is typically earmarked with the coming of summer and Christmas (according to the jingle). The floral tree is an Australian icon in the plant community and a welcome beacon to the tail end of the year. 

Have a bit of a sweet tooth after dinner? Or maybe you're just craving a sugary fix from one of Melbourne's many incredible dessert bars. Don't worry, we've got you covered with our top picks for dessert in the CBD and further afield. These are Melbourne's best dessert spots for 2025.

Go karting is a timeless activity. The almost child-like pursuit of speed and reckless endangerment is a thrill that you can’t (and shouldn’t) get driving to coles. With many tracks and karts around town, all with their own different bends and different levels of engine CC’s, it can be a little difficult to know where exactly you should burn rubber. 

Melbourne loves to make a big deal of things—think laneways and the metro rail project—and fortunately for us, Christmas falls into that category of ‘things’. Kicking off at the end of the month is the City of Melbourne’s four-week-long Christmas Festival set to take over the city.

It’s that time of year again where Melbourne welcomes Moonlight Cinema back for its 28th summer. Returning to their usual turf—the Botanic Gardens Friday 29 November 2024. This annual cinematic tradition has multiple flicks to feast your eyes on. 

Tucked away in the lush, tranquil Otway Ranges, just a stone’s throw from the legendary Great Ocean Road, there’s a slice of nature that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a fairy tale

Everoyne's favourite train is running a late timetable this spring, with Twilight Trains choo chooing us into the balmy evenings ahead and making room for plenty of Instagrammable moments. 

If you’re up the top end of the Sunshine Coast and looking for things to do in the bustling hub that is Noosa, we’ve got you covered.

Parents and guardians know the struggle all too well of trying to find an activity that will entertain kids for longer than a few minutes. If you’re looking for something to do away from the screens and out of the house, we know a couple spots. Even better, some of these outings will amuse adults just as much if not even more than the kids. 

Big swing, all ding! The suburbs are set for another cracking entertainment venue, this time in the form of an indoor golf simulator. X-Golf is moving into Clyde North on August 21 and will provide a sports entertainment hybrid with a big food and drink offering. 

Instead of waiting for school holidays to plan your next vacay, pack your suitcases for a destination that has the little people covered from check in to check out. 

Getting out and pounding the pavement and mixing up your environments is a bloody good way to refresh the body and the mind. There are plenty of ripper trails and paths across the city that’ll give you some great vistas of Melbourne and show off some of its most pristine stretches and undiscovered spots.

In the small town of Moama just on the outside of the Victorian border sits a stretch of the Murray river that holds a long and special history. 

After a successful sold-out debut in 2011,  The Art of the Brick Immersive LEGO exhibition returns to Melbourne for a second time at The Showgrounds in mid-April, this time as an immersive experience. This globally acclaimed exhibition, which redefines the intersection of LEGO and art, uses over one million LEGO bricks to present over 100 pieces within a 360-degree setting, bringing the childhood toy to life. 

Here’s a round-up of kid-friendly places to see and things to do in Melbourne CBD. 

Brunswick, or Bulleke-bek in Woi Wurrung language, is the inner-city suburb in Melbourne's northeast, and once a year the entire suburb lights up for the long-loved Brunswick Music Festival. Nine huge days, the festival stands to celebrate the people, place, culture and music of Brunswick. From compelling performances to free live music, here are five things to do this year at the Brunswick Music Festival for 2024:

Attention all summer beach lovers, The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series returns for a massive 11th season in 2024 ready to delight and inspire with stunning agility, skill and team spirit.

What better time to upgrade on some culture and history and explore what makes Victoria unique. Melbourne newbies can check out the classic Melbourne Museum or locals can head a few hours out to one of the largest surf museums in Australia. Regardless, such interesting niches exist within this state and it would be remiss to not get cracking to at least one museum Melbourne and Victoria have on offer.

No matter how much you love your job, some weeks just seem to drag, right? But, instead of wishing them away, we’ve trying to add in more mid-week activities to give us something to look forward to during the work week and to embrace our thriving cities. 

Whatever your dream vacay looks like, Village Roadshow Theme Parks has over 120 world-class rides, slides, shows, characters and attractions to choose from.

Following an extended season in the US, the closest thing to taking a walk in Jurassic Park has arrived in Melbourne at Dinos Alive, an immersive exhibition featuring 80+ life-sized, animated dinosaurs. 

There’s no need to jet off to Europe for a culture fix. Instead, set your sights on Auckland (aka Tāmaki Makaurau) just a short plane ride away. New Zealand’s largest city turns it on over the summer months with a vibrant event line-up encompassing music, art, culture, and all things inspiring.

Bring the light and flavours of Diwali home with some delicious help from our community and The Spice Tailor. 

Christmas shopping in Melbourne can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially if you've taken it upon yourself to transform your home into a festive wonderland. 

Heading over to Singapore with the family or simply love all things nautical? Home to more than 100,000 beautiful and distinctive marine creatures, S.E.A Aquarium Sentosa is a must visit on your next vacay to Singapore. 

With summer around the corner, the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) is gearing up to welcome the Darebin community on Monday, November 13, following an extensive 18-month transformation. 

It’s safe to say you’ve had at least one ‘team building’ session at a Holey Moley over the years, and it’s safe to say you’ve left feeling like your cup is full—as well as your ego if you managed score a hole-in-one. Well, the good news is that those in the south-east can try their luck at another ace at Holey Moley’s latest locale in Moorabbin.

It's the grand final weekend, the big one is here and it's finally returning to the sacred grounds of the MCG for the first time since 2019. If you (like many) couldn't nab a ticket, your home audio-visual set-up is less than desirable, or you're just looking to get well involved, we've wrapped up some of the top spots to catch all four quarters. 

A sure-fire way to end friendships and relationships, a giant real-life Monopoly experience is arriving in Melbourne. 

Take to the skies, soak in the view and pop a bottle once you're back on dry land, the hot air balloon experience is pretty bloody sweat. 

You'll love these kid-friendly experiences, too. 

It can often be too gloomy to venture out over the winter months. Stop cabin fever and the groans of “I’m boreddd” in its tracks with these kid-friendly indoor activities. 

From scenic flights to night kayaking, luxe harbour cruises, haunted ghost tours, and more. 

Going Indoor rock climbing and bouldering has never been easier in Melbourne. Thanks to the flurry of interest in the sport a couple of years ago off the backs of films such as Free Solo and The Dawn Wall there's now some world-class indoor climbing around town. 

There's never been a better time to be (or indulge) a Disney fan with the Disney100 Celebration taking over the 'Happiest Place On Earth'.

‘Beaches’ might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of for a day-trip with the kids in and out of Melbourne, but we’d argue that there are more than plenty of absolutely gorgeous spots for the entire family to enjoy.

Whether it's just another weekend or summer school holidays, activities with kids can quickly become costly. So we’ve rounded up a list of the best free things to do with kids in Melbourne. Lucky for us the city is littered with destinations and excursions that the whole family can enjoy for little to no cost at all. 

If you’ve successfully rounded up the kids to make it to a cafe, you may as well make the most of the outing and piggyback brunch with a trip to the park. We’ve found some of the best cafes across Melbourne that are conveniently located right next to or around the corner from a playground. 

The hike has long been a weekend tradition for Melbournians. An off-the-grid walk is one of the best reasons to escape suburbia and the concrete jungle. With so many hikes in Victoria to choose from there's never been a better time to pile the whole family into the car, kids and maybe even dogs included.  

Between Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-a-day weather and La Niña it can be tricky to organise a rainproof plan that the whole family can enjoy. Lucky for you, we’ve found a heap of activities you can do with the kids if the weather forecast is calling for a wet day timetable. 

Saturday, October 15 is National Mushroom Day, reminding us to pay homage to the mighty mushrooms in our lives. Whether you’re a mushroom farmer, cafe owner, or simply a humble mushy admirer, Saturday is the day to shout your love of mushrooms to the rooftops and celebrate everything about them—from their mind-boggling health benefits to that unparalleled taste.

We’ve got plenty of sunshine on the cards, and what better way to enjoy it than picnicking amongst the leafy backdrop of the Yarra Valley’s Cherry Hill Orchards farm.  

If you wish you could take your furry pal everywhere around Melbs, get ready for some amazing news.

Bring your wildest interior design fantasies to life at the mammoth IKEA Festival.

Join us for Reason Season to craft healthy daily habits and routines.

Say goodbye to home delivery.

Join us for a four-week course to help you establish healthy habits and improve your overall wellness. 

Have a whale of a time this winter at the Gold Coast, Australia's whale watching capital. 

With five flavours to choose from, you're spoilt for choice. 

A true hikers’ Shangri La, the all-new Grampians Peaks Trail or more the digestible ‘GPT’ as it is colloquially known as has officially opened to the public. The sprawling 160km trail delves deep into the breathtaking landscape of one of Victoria’s treasured regions, exploring the Gariwerd wilderness. 

As part of the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Thread Count is an art show that endeavours to celebrate First Nations’ rich and diverse culture. These masterpieces made with an age-old technique hold generations' worth of knowledge from the expert hands that wove them

With Melbourne Fashion Festival coming in hot there’s a whole raft of things happening all over the city, one more than worthy of your time and attention is the Stay Soft autumn market. 

Federation Square is launching Summer Fest, a Kaleidoscope of free events to take over the centre of the city. Encouraging Melburnians to reclaim their city this summer in a celebration of culture and community; eloquently dubbed, ​​The Kaleidosquare.

If there’s one thing we love about summer, it’s the stacked social cal. And after this year, throwing on your party threads never felt so good. Whether it’s balmy beachside picnics, classy evening soirées or just a good old festive dinner—summer is where the socialising is at.   

For Victorians, this summer is bringing with it many glorious things—like being able to drink a pint at the pub and the ability to stay out past 9pm—but a more wholesome phenomenon is the welcoming of the state’s cherry season, and specifically The Cherry Trail.

Head to Victoria’s goldrush region this spring either in-person or through the magic of the internet for the annual Bendigo Bloom Festival. Across the region, there will be a selection of over 20 cultural and outdoor events that have been designed to be enjoyed in-person and virtually—the main star of which is the tulip blossom, a stunning collection of over 50,000 tulips coming into full bloom.

While we shouldn’t be burying our heads in the sand on the situation that we’re facing, sometimes, disconnecting from the noise is necessary. The legends over at Zoo’s Victoria are helping you find some catharsis in your day with several live streams watching candidly over their furry—and feathered—friends.

The annual Firelight Festival is back and packed with some truly spectacular fire-fuelled performances. Usually, this festival would fall on the longest night of the year to celebrate our emergence from winter, but due to COVID setbacks, it’s instead celebrating Melbourne’s emergence from lockdown and our return to city life. 

Its been a while since we’ve been able to saunter through the halls of the NGV and thankfully after the easing of restrictions this Friday we’ll be able to get back to it. The cultural drought is about to be quenched with a hefty new line-up of exhibitions and events at the gallery kicking off with the French Impressionism exhibition straight from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. 

Everybody’s favourite historical archeologist is set to return after 40 years since his first appearance. The 1981 Spielberg classic Indiana Jones ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’ is being immortalised by the Metropolitan Orchestra with a special live performance of John William’s entire film score, including the incredibly iconic theme tune.

Everyone knows the best cannoli are filled on the spot. Unfortunately, the process can be difficult to follow and tough to replicate at home. To sort this tricky situation, Melbourne’s very first dedicated cannoli bar is offering take-home DIY kits. You can pipe delicious cannoli custard into a crispy shell, or directly into your mouth, whenever you desire. 

The exploration of some of Melbourne’s heritage-listed and most iconic buildings is back for 2021, although last year it went completely virtual, this year it looks like we’re shaping up for a fully IRL line-up of inspection festivities.

In case you haven’t quite got your fill of animal-based livestream activity from all the Melbourne Zoo action, SEA LIFE Melbourne’s Aquarium is making your dreams of dwelling under the sea come true. Catch all the action from above and below sea levels with a live stream straight the maritime domain.

Stay home, keep rugged up in your favourite sweater and trackie-dacks, and enjoy what this city still has to offer, despite being confined to lockdown restrictions. Here are 9 things to do this weekend. 

Sure to put plenty of tails in a spin, The Dog Lovers Show is returning for 2021.

Up in the Macedon Ranges in Woodend just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD lies some of the most fertile ground, each year as Victoria’s temperature dips and the rain starts to fall a special kind of season begins. Mushrooms, one of earth’s greatest and most delicious bounty’s start to spring up all over the hills and pine forests. Fan favourites like the Slippery Jack and Golden Tops make their way onto tables across Restaurants and homes in the state. 

It's been a real jump to light-speed between events but #MayThe4thBeWithYou is back for 2021, and the celebrations for the Star Wars universe are about to begin. With the iconic date landing on a weekday this year, the galactic conference will be happening on Sunday 2 May at the rebel base stronghold of Federation Square.

Melbourne winters are underrated in the frost department, as the temperature dives and wind chill factor becomes a thing again we’ve finally got a reason to embrace our nippy season with the Winter Village.

Get lost in the world's largest inflatable maze this summer with Inflatable Fun Park. Head down to Dandenong South from Saturday 19 December, as the giant maze features six different sections, designed for an unforgettable summer adventure. 

Set to run right through to Sunday 23 May, IMAGINARIA will illuminate Docklands with its multi-sensory installation combining light, sound, sculpture and even scent. 

As we gradually feel safer about going back into Melbourne's CBD, we'll be greeted with an amazing array of activations this Christmas.

Melbourne florists are the talk of the town this week thanks to their incredible floral installations which will be dotted around the CBD for the next couple of weeks. 

Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews announced an $84 million boost for Werribee Open Range Zoo. The funding comes from the next state budget and will see the zoo reimagined into a “world-class” facility.

After months of lockdown, our city is blowing up with a bevvy of cultural events lined up for summer. The latest to be announced is Sky Castle at Fed Square, an immersive, multi-sensory installation comprised of giant inflatable arches sprawling across one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks.

Admit it, we all have a soft spot for adorable mammals and otters are probably one of them. With big eyes and small fluffy physique, many people see otters as friendly mammals. But while we can’t visit the zoo to see these cute-looking creatures goof around, Victoria Zoo is bringing them—virtually—to your home with Animals at Home. 

Lockdown has taken many things away from us Melburnian’s, but what it has gifted us is animal live streams, and lots of ‘em. We’ve caught the sea dragons at the Melbourne Aquarium, the lions over in Werribee and even Phillip Island’s fairy penguin parade—next up, the rescued farm animals of sanctuary, Edgar’s Mission in Lancefield.

WIth streams happening so regularly, you’d think Sea Life Melbourne is slowly trying to take on the likes of Netflix and Stan. So far we’ve checked in with their resident penguins for International Penguin Day, and just recently we spent a Saturday morning floating about with their jellyfish colony. Next up? Sea dragons.

Whether you’re blessed with Greek heritage or not, there’s never really been a better reason to celebrate traditions, or adapt some new ones, to keep you entertained and painfully full, all weekend at home

The Antipodes Greek Festival is this weekend, and they’re shutting down Melbourne’s Greek precinct for a celebration of traditional cuisine, performance, music and of course an all-in Zorba.

If you’re a Ho Ho Ho for sweets then prepare for the biggest sugar rush of your life: Sugar Republic is launching a Christmas pop-up in November.

It’s time to get nostalgic people: from Friday 25 October, Melbourne Central will host an exclusive art exhibition celebrating one of the most iconic shows, Sesame Street.

There’s nothing like slurping on some liquid chocolate to beat the cold right out of your body. Luckily there’s a Hot Chocolate Festival coming to Victoria next month, so you’ll be able to slay those cold demons with a variety of chocolatey drinks.

If you’re a Marvel fanatic, then head over to the Shot Tower in Melbourne Central next month and shower your eyes with 80 years worth of Marvel art.

If you too have been suffering from seasonal affective disorder, let me just throw some words out there for you: fireworks, flame jets, fire twirlers and flaming sculptures. This year, the City of Melbourne is planning its biggest ever iteration of Firelight Festival and we’re bloody excited.

On 29 June, you’ll be able to get a taste of Canadian commuting with The District’s giant ice slide. The 15-metre slide will pop up from 11 am to 5 pm until 14 July. 

This is not a drill, people. The ultimate nostalgic Pac-Man-inspired escape maze will be in Melbourne for one day at a secret location in Williamstown and it is going to be wild.

Welcome to your weekly urban culture wrap.

It's not the latest sneakers or neon tee we want stuffed in our Christmas stocking this year, we’re all still totally hung up on all things avocado. To ensure you’re receiving the ripest presents this festive season, we’ve sourced some choice avocado-themed gifts to help satisfy that relentless avo fetish of yours.

Fortnite? Big whoop. Remember playing WoW till 4am on a school night?

We don’t mean to alarm you, but Melbourne’s biggest cheese festival is back with an extra cheesy vengeance.

Get ready to clear you calendars, there’s a street festival coming this September and it’s going to be jam-packed with Melbourne’s most mouthwatering multicultural food.

Expecto Patronum. Got your attention? Good. Can you remember that time The Astor theatre blessed us with a slightly-crazy, back-to-back-to-back-to-back (to-back) Harry Potter movie sesh—well, they’re doing it again. 

Taste. Shop. Play. Don't mind if we do!

Last year we were extremely happy to find that Victoria has its own answer to Japan’s cherry blossom season—albeit a lot smaller—in the form of almond blossoms in the northern part of the state. Well, it’s that time of year once again, and you’re going to need to know where to go, and what to check out at this year’s Mallee Almond Blossom Festival.

Winter in Victoria is absolutely choc full of things to do, and this weekend you’re in for a real treat—because the Geelong Scarf Festival is up and running, and it doesn’t get cosier than this.

Hold on to your Wizard hats, muggles. Tickets to the Aussie premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child go on sale this Monday 6 August (9am).

It’s that time of the month, guys. We’re chucking on our top hats, polishing our opera glasses and getting some good ol’ fashioned culture. Some people think art and theatre are the cultural equivalent of eating your greens—but who cares? Greens are good for you. They have vitamins and stuff. And they taste great when you cover them in pork and oyster sauce...were getting side-tracked.

For a surefire whale of a time.

When I’m not checking out the latest bars, restaurants, and events happening in Melbourne I spend my time staring at photos of animals, mostly dogs, but really any animal I can stare at to be honest. Sloths are obviously a highlight.

Taking a walk through the Aussie bush is one of the most peaceful experiences you can have. Strolling down gum-lined trails with marsupials scurrying about is about as close as you can get to heaven for me. And now there’s a game that has captured the essence of this experience, and put it into a mobile game that does it just.

As if our winter belly wasn't already in peak condition, Ballarat goes and puts on a potato festival which is surely just teasing us at this point.

We always like to keep up to date on the latest in dog news, and this is some dog news you really need to know about.

​Something wicked this way comes...and it’s not Wicked | The Musical. It’s Harry Potter & The freaking Cursed Child, the world’s most exclusive theatre experience (outside bloody Hamilton).

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. We’re deep into winter, the puffer jackets are out, the mulled wine is being consumed, and the Reclink Community Cup is back once again to pit the Silver Jubilee Rockdogs against the Megahertz.

Whether you love it, or you hate it, we can all agree on the fact that coriander certainly exists.