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9 of the Best Things to Do with Kids in Melbourne
Written by Georgia Pearce
From controlled chaos in a Docklands science lab to interactive art displays across the city’s exquisite galleries and museums – these are the nine best kid-friendly experiences in Melbourne.
Melburnians are truly spoilt when it comes to kid-friendly activities. From timeless classics, like visiting enchanting marine creatures at SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium, to cutting-edge attractions – think virtual reality adventures at Melbourne Skydeck – the city has some fantastical experiences for the entire family. With plenty of free events, there’s no reason not to gather the kids and make unforgettable memories in the heart of the city.
1. Go underwater at SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium
For a family-fun day fuelled with aquatic wonder, visit SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Encounter over 13 species of sharks, meet a 55-year-old saltwater crocodile and witness adorable penguins waddling in their icy habitat. Make the time to explore the mysteriously fascinating world of jellyfish across three interactive zones in the Ocean Invaders exhibit. The aquarium is home to 12 fascinating aquatic habitats, each teeming with hundreds of marine creatures, providing an enriching experience for the whole family to enjoy together.
2. Find the fun at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
The ultimate kid-friendly day filled with excitement and fun can be found at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Melbourne’s Docklands. Step into this wonderland of entertainment and challenge your skills against an array of thrilling games, with the chance to win fantastic prizes, perfect for all ages! Immerse yourself in the fun-loving circus atmosphere, where cocktails, arcade games and ticket games await at every turn. From dodgem cars to virtual reality experiences, ten-pin bowling and a wonderful selection of prizes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
3. Dance at ACMI
ACMI’s upcoming exhibition, Beings by Universal Everything, promises to be an unforgettable kid-friendly experience, offering free entry to kids four years and under, and affordable prices for the rest of the family. Running from 22nd May to 29th September 2024, children of all ages can move, dance and play with the interactive display of fantastic beings that are projected on massive digital installations. These colourful characters switch between forms and textures as kids jump, move and engage with them.
4. Visit the animals at Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo offers a delightful and enriching experience for families, making it perfect for an enjoyable day out. With an exotic range of animals, including majestic elephants, powerful primates and playful seals, visitors of all ages will be captivated by the wonderous creatures and their generous enclosures. The zoo’s thoughtful layout provides ample opportunities for exploration and learning, with interactive exhibits and informative talks that engage children and adults alike.
5. Step back in time at Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum’s Dinosaurs Walk exhibition is as kid-friendly as it gets! This exhilarating and educational family-friendly adventure will have you stepping back in time to marvel at life-size replicas of dinosaurs, bringing the prehistoric world to life. Visitors of all ages will be captivated as they journey through immersive displays, encountering towering Brachiosauruses and flying Pterodactyls. With interactive displays, fossil discoveries and hands-on activities, the exhibition offers a dynamic learning experience that engages and entertains. Be one of the first to see the real fossil skeleton of a 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus named Victoria, coming June 2024.
6. Experience virtual reality at Melbourne Skydeck
Treat the whole family to a unique kids-friendly virtual reality experience with MAX at Melbourne Skydeck, taking Melbourne exploration to new heights (literally). Step into the Voyager Theatre for a thrilling 6D multi-sensory journey through some of Melbourne’s most iconic experiences. From traversing the Great Ocean Road to immersing in the vibrant sights, sounds and scents of the city, prepare for an unforgettable journey. Afterwards, venture as a family to the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, where panoramic views of the bustling cityscape await.
7. Get messy at the Chaos Lab
Immerse yourself in chaos at Chaos Lab, an interactive scientific haven tailored for kids in the vibrant Docklands. With a blend of fun, creativity, education and hands-on messiness, this event is an absolute must for the whole family. Dive into bubble ball pits, get stuck into the slime station and let creativity take over at the neon graffiti alley. Engaging live science demonstrations will captivate children of all ages, showcasing the fascinating and entertaining aspects of science for hours on end.
8. Wander Fitzroy Gardens and the Tudor Village
Blending natural beauty with historical charm, a visit to the Fitzroy Gardens is a wonderful and free kid-friendly activity. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, this picturesque park provides a serene escape for families to explore. Stroll through lush greenery, discover hidden pathways and marvel at colourful flower beds while children frolic in wide-open spaces. The highlight of the gardens is undoubtedly the Tudor Village, a charming miniature replica of an English village, complete with quaint cottages and winding streets.
9. Enter a world of fantasy at ArtVo
ArtVo art gallery in the Docklands is a must-visit Melbourne destination, offering an immersive and captivating experience with free entry for kids four years and under. As a kid-friendly ‘trick-art’ gallery, ArtVo is a world of interactive optical illusions. Currently, the Fantasy theme spans the entire gallery, inviting you to explore the depths of the ocean, traverse polar ice caps, journey through space and wander enchanting forests. Touch, pose and photograph yourself with the art, while friendly staff are on hand to assist and encourage endless photo opportunities.
Feeling inspired? Check out Kids’ Clubs to Beach Clubs: Find the Right Family Holiday for You.
Featured image: AMCI Beings by Universal Everything exhibition. Source: Supplied.
