Melbourne’s Best Family-Friendly Spots for the Whole Family

Located in Moorooduc, The Big Goose combines farmyard fun with adventure play. Kids can interact with animals, watch sheepdog demonstrations, ride ponies, and explore a giant adventure playground. The mini tractor rides and reptile house add to the variety of experiences, making it a fun-filled destination for younger children.

Located within the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Australian Sports Museum is a must-visit for sports-loving families. The museum features interactive exhibits, memorabilia from Australia’s sporting history, and hands-on activities like testing reaction speeds or virtual reality experiences. Families can also take an MCG tour, where guides provide behind-the-scenes access to the player change rooms, media areas, and the famous grounds. The museum’s engaging exhibits make it enjoyable for kids while celebrating Australia’s rich sporting culture.

Located along the Yarra River, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is home to thousands of marine creatures, including sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and jellyfish. Families can walk through the Oceanarium Tunnel, where sharks and rays swim overhead, or visit the Penguin Playground, which features adorable King and Gentoo penguins. Interactive exhibits like touch tanks allow kids to get hands-on with starfish and sea cucumbers. Daily feeding sessions and educational talks make this a fun and informative destination, perfect for young ocean lovers.

Located in Chadstone Shopping Centre, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is an indoor attraction filled with interactive LEGO-themed experiences. Kids can explore Miniland, which features a miniature LEGO version of Melbourne, or take part in building challenges. There’s also a 4D cinema, themed rides, and a soft play area for younger children. The LEGO Master Builder Academy offers creative workshops where kids can learn new building techniques. With so many hands-on activities, it’s an ideal spot for young LEGO enthusiasts.

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne provide a lush, expansive space perfect for family outings. Spanning 38 hectares, the gardens feature a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Families can explore themed sections, such as the Australian Forest Walk and the Rose Garden. The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden is specifically designed for kids, offering interactive play areas that encourage exploration and learning about nature. With open lawns ideal for picnics, serene lakes, and guided tours available, the gardens offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Seasonal events and workshops further enhance the experience, making it both educational and relaxing.

This adventure park, located about an hour from Melbourne, offers a mix of water slides, wildlife encounters, and amusement rides. Families can cool off in the water park section, see native animals in the Wildlife Trail, or enjoy rides suitable for various age groups. The park’s blend of activities makes it an ideal spot for a full day of family entertainment.

ArtPlay is a creative space near Federation Square where children can participate in art workshops, performances, and interactive installations. The venue hosts activities led by professional artists, allowing kids to experiment with different art forms, from painting to sculpture to digital media. Programs cater to a variety of age groups, making it an inspiring destination for budding young artists.

Collingwood Children's Farm provides a rural escape within the city, offering kids a chance to interact with farm animals like cows, sheep, goats, and chickens. Families can participate in activities such as bottle-feeding lambs, watching cow milking demonstrations, and taking tractor rides. The farm’s open spaces and riverside location make it a great spot for picnics. Monthly Farmers’ Markets and seasonal events add to the charm, making it a wonderful place for city kids to experience farm life.

Melbourne Zoo is one of Australia’s premier wildlife attractions, home to over 320 species from around the world. Families can visit the Trail of the Elephants, explore the Gorilla Rainforest, and see native Australian animals like kangaroos and wombats. The Keeper Kids Play Space allows children to engage in hands-on activities, such as dressing up as zookeepers and learning about animal care. Regular talks and feeding sessions provide an educational component, while lush picnic areas offer spaces to rest. The zoo’s commitment to conservation is evident in its exhibits, making it a great mix of fun and learning for families.

Families can see Melbourne from a different perspective by taking a scenic boat cruise along the Yarra River. Various cruise options are available, including short city tours and longer trips to Williamstown or Docklands. Kids love spotting landmarks like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Federation Square, and Melbourne’s skyline from the water. Some cruises even offer commentary, providing insights into the city’s history.

ACMI, located in Federation Square, celebrates film, TV, video games, and digital culture. Families can enjoy hands-on exhibits at The Story of the Moving Image, where kids can create their own animations, play classic video games, and step inside immersive digital experiences. The center also hosts film screenings, interactive workshops, and school holiday programs, making it a great place for creative and tech-savvy kids.

The Melbourne Museum offers engaging exhibits on natural history, culture, and science. The Dinosaur Walk features real fossils, while the Forest Gallery recreates a living Victorian rainforest. The Children’s Gallery is designed for younger visitors, with hands-on exhibits, discovery play spaces, and interactive storytelling. Next door, IMAX Melbourne screens documentaries and family-friendly films on one of the world’s largest cinema screens, providing an immersive educational experience. With a combination of history, science, and entertainment, this museum is a must-visit for families.

Located in Eltham, Edendale Farm is a great place for families to connect with nature. Kids can meet farm animals, explore vegetable gardens, and take part in sustainability workshops. The farm focuses on environmental education, offering activities like composting demonstrations and guided nature walks. There’s also a café and picnic areas, making it a relaxing spot for a family day out.

A bit further from Melbourne, Phillip Island is famous for its Penguin Parade, where little penguins return to shore at sunset. Families can watch from boardwalks as hundreds of penguins waddle to their burrows. The Koala Conservation Reserve and Wildlife Park nearby make it an excellent full-day trip. The experience is both adorable and educational, offering insights into penguin conservation.

Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a unique safari-style experience where families can see animals like rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roaming freely. The Safari Tour, included with entry, takes visitors on an open-air bus ride through expansive enclosures, providing an up-close view of African wildlife. The zoo also has a Lions on the Edge exhibit, a walk-through Australian wildlife section, and interactive programs like zookeeper talks and animal encounters. With its immersive experiences and focus on conservation, Werribee Open Range Zoo is an unforgettable adventure for animal lovers.

Part of the National Gallery of Victoria, this museum focuses on Australian art and often hosts family-friendly exhibitions. The NGV Kids program features interactive art activities, workshops, and play spaces designed for children. The gallery’s central location in Federation Square makes it an easy stop during a day of exploring Melbourne’s cultural sites.

Located about an hour from Melbourne in Anakie, Fairy Park is a unique attraction dedicated to classic fairy tales and folklore. Families can walk through themed displays featuring Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Jack and the Beanstalk. There’s also an adventure playground with a castle, a dragon-themed slide, and interactive storytelling features. The park is ideal for younger children who enjoy magical stories.

Just outside Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges provide a nature-filled escape for families. The 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a popular challenge for active families, leading through lush rainforest settings. The park also offers easier trails, picnic spots, and the chance to spot native wildlife like lyrebirds and wallabies. Nearby, the Grants Picnic Ground lets visitors hand-feed wild birds like cockatoos and rosellas.

Luna Park is Melbourne’s iconic amusement park, featuring a mix of vintage and modern rides. The famous Scenic Railway Roller Coaster, the world’s oldest continuously operating roller coaster, provides stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. Families can enjoy classic attractions like the carousel, dodgem cars, and Ferris wheel. The carnival-style atmosphere, complete with fairy floss and carnival games, adds to the charm. With rides suitable for all ages, Luna Park is a great spot for a fun-filled family day out.

One of Melbourne’s most famous landmarks, Queen Victoria Market is a great place to introduce kids to fresh produce, international foods, and street performers. The Summer Night Market (seasonal) offers food stalls, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Special kids’ events, like craft workshops and scavenger hunts, are held throughout the year. It’s a lively and budget-friendly outing with something for everyone.

This outdoor attraction on the Mornington Peninsula features hedge mazes, giant tube slides, a treetop obstacle course, and beautiful gardens. Families can navigate the Labyrinth Maze, take on the Canopy Walk, or enjoy outdoor puzzles and games. The adventure park caters to all ages and provides an exciting mix of exploration and active play.

Puffing Billy is a historic steam train that runs through the scenic Dandenong Ranges. Families can ride in open-sided carriages, enjoying breathtaking views of forests, valleys, and fern gullies. Kids love sitting on the train’s ledge (where permitted) and feeling the wind as the train chugs along. Special themed rides, like Thomas the Tank Engine events, are available throughout the year. With picnic spots and cafes at the stations, this nostalgic train journey is a relaxing and memorable experience for families.

Scienceworks is a highly interactive science museum that makes learning fun for kids and adults alike. Exhibits cover topics like space, electricity, and physics, with plenty of hands-on experiments and demonstrations. The Lightning Room features live high-voltage demonstrations, and the Planetarium offers breathtaking space-themed shows. Kids can test their speed against an Olympic sprinter in the Sportsworks section or learn about how the human body functions. The museum also runs school holiday programs and workshops, making it an excellent educational experience for curious young minds.

Williamstown Beach is one of Melbourne’s best family-friendly beaches, offering gentle waves and clean sand for kids to play. Nearby, Jawbone Marine Sanctuary is great for snorkeling, allowing families to see colorful fish and marine life close to shore. With picnic areas and walking trails, it’s a great spot for a relaxed seaside outing.

This community-built playground in St Kilda offers a fantastic mix of climbing structures, slides, trampolines, and rope courses. Designed for active play, it encourages kids to explore, climb, and engage in imaginative games. The playground is free to enter and features shaded picnic areas, making it a budget-friendly family outing. Nearby, St Kilda Beach and Luna Park provide additional entertainment options.

Located on the way to Phillip Island, Moonlit Sanctuary is a family-friendly wildlife park where kids can interact with native Australian animals. Families can hand-feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and watch fascinating wildlife presentations. The sanctuary also offers a unique night tour, allowing visitors to see nocturnal animals like sugar gliders and Tasmanian devils in action. It’s a fantastic educational experience for young animal lovers.

Polly Woodside is a restored 19th-century sailing ship docked along the Yarra River. Families can explore the ship, learn about maritime history, and participate in fun pirate-themed tours. Kids can swab the decks, ring the ship’s bell, and listen to stories of sailors who once traveled the world. Special events, like Pirate Sundays, offer extra hands-on activities, making it a fun way to introduce children to Melbourne’s seafaring past.

Healesville Sanctuary specializes in Australian wildlife, allowing visitors to see native animals like koalas, platypuses, and dingoes in naturalistic settings. The Spirits of the Sky bird show is a highlight, featuring impressive free-flight demonstrations. Kids can enjoy up-close encounters with kangaroos and wombats, and learn about conservation efforts through engaging keeper talks. Located in the Yarra Valley, the sanctuary is surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it a great day trip from Melbourne.