Melbourne
Melbourne is a vibrant city that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors, combining art, culture, sport and the scenic Yarra River. The city’s mix of historic landmarks, modern attractions, and outdoor spaces makes it easy to plan a varied and engaging visit for kids.
At the heart of the city is Federation Square, or Fed Square as it is usually referred to, is a hub for cultural events, exhibitions and public gatherings. Nearby, ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) offers interactive displays and exhibitions showcasing film, television, and digital culture, giving kids an immersive insight into visual storytelling. Melbourne’s art scene extends beyond galleries, with street art and murals in the laneways providing a colourful backdrop for exploration on foot.
The State Library of Victoria is another highlight with story time, rhyme time and a wide variety of special events for kids of all ages in a grand setting. It’s a place where kids can explore history, impressive architecture and literature under the one roof.
The Yarra River, known by the Traditional Owners as Birrarung, provides a scenic corridor through the city stretching from the Great Dividing Range through to Port Phillip Bay. Families can enjoy walks, bike rides or picnics along the river, while Yarra cruises offer a different perspective of the city skyline. The riverfront also features BBQs, parks and green spaces that are perfect for having a relaxing BBQ or even a casual picnic.
Families can also enjoy a range of outdoor and recreational attractions across the city. Riverside Skate Park is a popular spot for older kids and teens, while nearby Birrarung Marr, host to many festivals throughout the year, offers a playground, sculptures and plenty of space ideal for picnics with the city as your backdrop.
If the kids need a quiet activity, The Royal Botanic Gardens will definitely provide a space to relax and unwind while being surrounded by nature and local wildlife such as the majestic swans and colourful birds. Many hours can easily be spent exploring the gardens and admiring the thousands of different species of plants.
Towards the other end of Melbourne, you will find Docklands, which is home to many waterfront restaurants and cafes. If you and the kids are looking for a quiet space, Library at the Dock might be what you are after. For something different, open 364 days a year and a great option in any kind of weather, you can head to the indoor ice skating rink at The District Docklands.
For many Melbournians, sport is a major part of life and is widely enjoyed across the city, whether watching the game on the big screen at home or in one of the many stadiums. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG or “The G” as it’s commonly referred to) hosts cricket, Australian Rules Football (AFL), Rugby League and other major sporting events. Kids and adults can take a paid guided tour of the stadium to learn about the history of the MCG. Attending an AFL game or a cricket match such as The Big Bash League (BBL), The Sheffield Shield or The Ashes (held in Australia every four years), provides an authentic local experience. Many international artists have also performed at The G, including Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, each performing to sell out crowds, breaking their own attendance records for the biggest crowds of their respective careers. In addition to sport and large music events, Melbourne is also known for its performing arts scene, with major musicals and theatre productions staged across the city’s theatres such as the Princess Theatre, Regent Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, as well as performing arts centres such as the Melbourne Arts Centre.
Laneways, arcades, and streets throughout Melbourne also feature cafes, shops and restaurants with a wide selection of international cuisine perfect for mini foodies. Whether taking the kids to Melbourne to explore the city by foot, stopping for a hot chocolate in a hidden laneway, dining out in one of the many cosmopolitan restaurants, or catching a live performance, Melbourne offers a combination of kid friendly experiences that highlight both its cultural richness and urban energy.
