Unforgettable Family Experiences in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world to visit for unforgettable family adventure. Melbourne has many museums, parks, wildlife encounters, events and virtual experiences to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages. Here's our list of the best family experiences in Melbourne so you can get planning for your next adventure.

If your kids are drawn to nature, animals and the great outdoors the Melbourne Zoo; home to lions and elephants, frogs and reptiles, gorillas and lemurs and many other wild animals is a great family experience. Young children between three and eight will enjoy the Growing Wild interactive play area where they can explore sculptures and tunnels and identify animal sounds. You can also book exclusive animal encounters with zoo keepers including a koala meet and greet and behind the scenes walking tours.

If your family love the ocean and it's vast variety of inhabitants, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is a must-visit during your trip to Melbourne. See penguins and sharks, seahorses and crocodiles and learn about their natural habitats and the importance of their conseravtion. Discover bioluminescence beneath the sea with a Night on the Reef, see tropical clownfish, blue tangs and lion fish on a Coral Atoll, explore three interactive Ocean Invader jellyfish zones, and Dive into the Deep on an immersive digital dive.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a popular Melbourne attraction, offering a range of nature-inspired activities especially created for families. Take the open-air mini bus and visit different areas of the gardens. Complete the nature cards available at the visitors centre, ticking off your finds as you explore the different landscapes and nature collections. Don't forget to pack a picnic, which can be enjoyed in the Woodland playground.

If you’re looking for something different to do with your family, visit the Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens. It is designed to appeal to families of all ages and interests. The Forest Gallery offers an immersive experience as you walk beneath trees and hear birds singing. Discover the ever-changing natural history exhibits and take in the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Children’s Gallery. The Children’s Gallery is specially designed for kids up to the age of five years and provides plenty of exploring and learning activities for inquisitive minds.

The Polly Woodside tall ship is moored in Melbourne’s South Wharf. The three-masted cargo ship sailed around the Cape Horn numerous times. You can climb aboard to explore the decks and find out from the crew what life was like at sea.

Dreamskape at the District Docklands is an incredible, multisensory three-dimensional experience for kids of all ages. You and your family will be captivated by the dream coaster, the virtual reality experiences, game rooms and magical light room. The Dream Coaster takes you on a 3D tactile ride through a magical world of sweets, toys, rainbow colours and real bubbles. This is a great experience for younger kids. Dream Verse is a virtual reality experience that takes you through the ages, across different periods in history – dependent on what is currently showing at the time of your visit. Immerse your family in a motion picture adventure as if you are diving in the ocean, captaining a spaceship, racing with dinosaurs or exploring a real rainforest. This is a fun and interesting experience for kids of all ages.

The six games rooms offer families an opportunity to play interactive arcade games featuring laser beams and glowing floors. Each player users their physical skills to jump, climb and run over obstacles. This is a great family experience for kids aged seven and up - you can pair up or break up into groups.

There is a separate room called Little Dream Space for younger children, featuring a ball pit and video games where they can safely draw, imagine, and pretend. The Dream Light room offers a magical sensory experience as if you are part of augmented reality, swimming with jellyfish and exploring meadows filled with blossoms. 

Being outdoors in nature is part of the Australian ethos. Come and explore the city’s nearby valleys, rivers, mountainscapes, and vineyards. Go on a hike or cycle the many trails found just thirty minutes from Melbourne.

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges offers a great day trip away from the city. Enjoy being in nature, spotting local wildlife, and taking in the beautiful country views and vineyards. Explore the many walking tracks, that take you through gum tree forests and beautiful villages. There are over two hundred walks and trails for hikers and cyclists to enjoy and a myriad of eateries along the way in Warburton, Healesville, Coldstream and Belgrave. Enjoy a stream railway journey on the Puffing Billy train in Belgrave. Healesville is an artist’s haven - visit some of the town’s galleries and studios. Go kayaking on the Yarra River in the Warburton valley and meander along the Coldstream Trail’s collection of arts, crafts and eateries.

If you’re a fun seeker, take the family to St Kilda. This friendly, hip coastal suburb in Melbourne has a beautiful boardwalk and golden beach. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés, and the old school Luna Theme park and St Kilda Adventure Playground are a dream come true for little ones. You may even be lucky enough to spot penguins while walking on St Kilda Pier.

Melbourne has its fair share of rainy days, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. At the Scienceworks Museum families can immerse themselves in exhibits, with hands-on displays and live demonstrations guaranteed to ignite every kid’s curiosity. Escape Rooms are great for older kids and teens and add an element of competition to a game that requires collaboration, good observation and deductive skills.

Art workshops are another ideal activity for rainy days. The Met Art World offers free, school holiday workshops like interactive drawing sessions, grid game competitions and virtual reality movies. The Lume surrounds you with immersive digital projections that allow you to experience art in a whole new way, and at MoPA, the Museum of Play and Art, the exhibits combine art and play, encouraging children to learn through exploration and interaction.

Australian’s are sports mad! And Melbourne has a lively sporting culture. Aussie Rules Football is an institution, and games are played at the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which also hosts national and international cricket matches. You can take in a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or join a guided tour of the stadium. Your kids will enjoy the interactive Australian Sports Museum, located at gate three of the MCG. They can climb on the statues, explore through touch screens, and participate in different sporting challenges. The Marvel Stadium is another multi-purpose venue which hosts Aussie Rules and Soccer matches, concerts and other family-friendly events.

Melbourne is known as a market city and there are few nicer things to do than amble about a market in search of good coffee, artisanal food items, gifts and fashionable clothing.  Locals and visitors alike flock to Melbourne's markets in search of that special find and to enjoy delicious dining experiences.

Melbourne’s landmark market, The Queen Victoria Market is best known as a foodie’s paradise where discerning locals come to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious pastries, breads, and artisanal jams, vinegars and oils and pretty much anything else. There’s also an amazing array of street food that you can eat on the run or sitting down in one of the communal seating areas. There are foodie tours of the market and kids can get in on the action with a Queen Victoria Market Kids Passport. Get your passport at the info hub and collect stamps from the traders in order to claim a prize. The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 3pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. The night market opens at 5pm every Wednesday and closes at 10pm.

South Melbourne Market has been operating in the inner city since 1867. This is where you will find speciality food items and artisanal products. There is a restaurant precinct on Cecil Street where you can enjoy a variety of different menus. Some of the restaurants are open in the evenings so check the individual stall pages for opening times. You will also find clothing, homeware, beauty products and second-hand books at South Melbourne Market. The market always has something going on, from live music to activities like foodie tours, interesting talks, and seasonal events. The market is open during the day on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 

Melbourne has many parks and gardens geared towards families. It's a good idea to allow time for relaxation during your family holiday as it lets your kids recharge and rejuvenate. Fitzroy Gardens, located in East Melbourne, dates back to 1848 and still retains the Victorian-era landscape design. Abundant floral displays, a conservatory, sculptures and fountains, and the magical Fairies’ Tree and model Tudor village are just a few of the highlights. Albert Park is a large lakeside suburban park situated about four km's south of the CBD. It’s a great outdoor space for picnicking, walking, jogging, cycling, rowing, and sailing.

Gardens to visit during your family time in Melbourne include the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden where kids can learn how to plant vegetables and the Enchanted Adventure Garden at Arthur’s Seat on the Mornington Peninsula. With its mazes, tube slides and tree surfing courses, your kids can enjoy hours of outdoor entertainment.

Melbourne may appear to be more laidback than its cosmopolitan counterparts, but it has a varied arts and cultural scene. Family-friendly shows at the Arts Centre Melbourne situated in the Southbank arts precinct on St Kilda Road, include candlelight concerts, pantomimes and musicals, chorus performances, and seasonal programmes. A visit to ACMI, Australia's national museum of screen culture introduces you to a world of film, TV, videogames and more. You can also spend a happy evening watching a movie outdoors and take in a show at the Melbourne Kid’s Theatre. 

Whether this is your first visit to Melbourne or you’re a returning visitor, you’ll love the wide range of family experiences available throughout the city. Kids are very much a part of the social milieu. Family friendly museums, parks and playgrounds, active adventures and the great outdoors are a tram ride or cycle away. When planning your trip to Melbourne consider staying at one of our family-friendly Novotel hotels. Novotel Melbourne Central, located in the CBD offers quick access to the District Docklands and Southbank via a short, free tram ride. The spacious Family Rooms and Junior Suites feature modern amenities including 55” Chromecast TV’s and free WiFi. Novotel Melbourne on Collins is ideally situated close to shops, restaurants and trams and is a short walk to Southbank. The hotel’s family rooms accommodate up to four people and feature a king bed and two single beds, which makes it a great choice for families with children. Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is the ideal base to take in the South Wharf districts many restaurants, shops and entertainment experiences. Go for a ride on the Ferris Wheel and enjoy a round of golf at the Straya Mania’ themed mini golf course.