Family Activities in Carlton
Parks, playgrounds and things to do with kids in Carlton, Victoria
📍 Carlton · melbourne
gandel gondwana garden @ melbourne museum
Gandel Gondwana Garden at the Melbourne Museum is a fascinating exhibit that takes you through Australia's natural history, from ancient times to today. Explore interactive displays, replica models, and 3D depictions that showcase the continent's flora, fauna, and megafauna. This accessible exhibit is a great learning experience for kids and adults alike!
📍 Carlton · melbourne
triceratops: fate of the dinosaurs @ melbourne museum
The Melbourne Museum is home to *Horridus*, the world’s most complete Triceratops fossil, and it's a must-see for dinosaur lovers! The impressive skeleton, illuminated in spotlight, is a truly captivating sight. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and learn about the Cretaceous period, over 67 million years ago. The *Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs* exhibit is part of the permanent collection, included with general admission—booking in advance is recommended!
📍 Carlton · melbourne
readings kids
This vibrant bookstore is a dream for young readers and adults who love kids' books! With its bright, colorful displays and a selection that caters to all interests, it's a place that sparks curiosity and encourages a love for reading. Time will fly as you explore the exciting books on offer!
📍 Carlton · melbourne
imax - melbourne museums
IMAX is the perfect family outing for a big screen adventure! With films usually around an hour long, it’s ideal for keeping kids engaged without the restless moments. Not all films are in 3D, so there’s something for everyone. Pair it with a visit to the Melbourne Museum or a play at Carlton Gardens for an awesome day out!
📍 Carlton · melbourne
melbourne museum
The Melbourne Museum is a must-visit for curious kids and anyone fascinated by bugs, dinosaurs, and history! The Dinosaur Walk on the ground floor showcases massive prehistoric skeletons, including the incredible Triceratops, Horridus. It’s an exciting adventure for young explorers of all kinds!
📍 Carlton · melbourne
pauline gandel children's gallery @ melbourne museum
The Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery at the Melbourne Museum is a magical space designed for little ones under five, with plenty to engage babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. From crawling tunnels and interactive digital displays to nature play and a dinosaur dig, every corner invites exploration and fun. It's a hands-on, sensory experience that will keep kids entertained for hours, and there's something for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, it’s all housed within the Melbourne Museum, so you can explore even more after!
📍 Carlton · melbourne
lincoln square
This playground, set among 150-year-old Moreton Bay Fig Trees, feels like a fairy garden in the forest. It features climbing structures with mesh tunnels, swings, slides, a wobble bridge, metal chimes, and nature play elements like cubbies, hollow trunk tunnels, and balance logs. With plenty of seating and a BBQ area, it’s a fun and engaging space for kids of all ages.
📍 Carlton · melbourne
carlton gardens playground
Carlton Gardens offers two playgrounds in one spot, perfect for kids to explore after a visit to the Melbourne Museum. The main playground features tunnels, slides, climbing structures, and musical walkways, while the second playground has swings, slides, monkey bars, and a small cubby. The gardens themselves provide plenty of green space, walking paths, and scenic spots to enjoy.
📍 carlton · north
taste of amalfi
Inspired by Amalfi, Lemon Smash in Carlton serves up viral lemon sorbet in a lemon! Made fresh on-site by a husband-and-wife duo, they offer flavours like lemon, orange, mango, coconut & olive oil, and strawberry—all served inside a whole fruit. The perfect summer treat that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy. Mamma says it’s worth the trip, especially if you're dining on Lygon St. Plus, you can hire the sorbet cart for your next event!
📍 carlton · north
glo gelato
GLO Gelato is a sweet haven where every flavour is crafted with care, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia. While the menu may be small, the choices are irresistibly delicious, with standouts like the Peanut Butter & Jam (peanut butter gelato with raspberry jam), Icky Sticky (popcorn gelato, salted caramel, and sticky date pudding), and Movie Magic (Fior de latte gelato with boysenberry, waffle cone, and chocolate). You can even top your gelato with decadent chocolate or pistachio sauce! They also offer a range of mouthwatering sorbets and take-home tubs, plus artisanal cakes like the show-stopping Biscoff Mousse Donut Cake. Located next to Universal restaurant and near Argyle Square, it’s the perfect spot to relax and indulge in their sweet creations.
📍 carlton · north
musu and co (moonshine)
If you're after the cutest cakes in town, Musu&Co (Moonshine) is the place to be! From adorable Jellycat cakes to emoji and Hello Kitty designs, these treats are as charming as they are delicious. The cakes are packed with unique Asian flavours like matcha, yuzu, and mandarin, layered in jellies, panna cotta, and mousse for a delightful yet not-too-sweet experience. They also offer cheesecake, slices, and matcha lattes. While the shop is small, it’s perfect for enjoying a sweet treat in-store or grabbing one to-go. And yes, Mamma’s already planning to order one for the next birthday!
📍 carlton · north
hareruya pantry
Hareruya Pantry in Carlton is a Japanese delight serving up classics like bento boxes, onigiri, and fruit sandwiches, but their gelato steals the show! With five unique ways to enjoy it—cone, cup, daifuku (mochi-wrapped ice cream), Monaka (mochi wafer sandwich), or in tubs—you'll want to try them all. Their unusual yet delicious gelato offerings are definitely a must-try for dessert lovers!
📍 carlton · north
kantin
Now, here’s something fun and totally new for the whole family to try. Kantin in Carlton is serving up a quirky dessert that’s sure to spark some conversation: the ‘dirty sponge’ cake. It looks just like soap, with fluffy lemon ‘soap foam’ and Pandan ‘liquid soap’, but trust me, it tastes amazing (just ask Little Miss 9!).
📍 carlton · north
johnny vince and sam's ristorante
From the team behind Sooshi Mango, Johnny, Vince, and Sam’s Ristorante in Carlton is a nostalgic, family-friendly spot bursting with daggy Nonna vibes, from floral carpets and crystal cabinets to beige-and-brown plates that transport you back to Sunday lunch at Nonni’s. The menu is packed with old-school Italian favourites like spaghetti and meatballs, veal cotoletta, pizzas, and generous kids’ meals, earning two big thumbs up from Little Miss 8, while Mamma loved the patate with ’a de peepers and Angela’s arancini. Walk-ins only and always buzzing, it’s best enjoyed at lunch or early dinner for a fun, memory-filled dining experience.
📍 carlton · north
tiamo
Mamma can’t help but get animated when talking about Tiamo, a true Melbourne institution she’s been visiting since childhood. The menu features delicious homemade pasta—from rigatoni and spaghetti to lasagna and Little Miss 8’s favourite, Gnocchi Bolognese—with half sizes available for little ones. Woodfired pizzas offer Italian classics alongside bigger plate options, perfect for sharing. The lively atmosphere, complete with Tarantella music, transports families straight to Italy, while the friendly staff provide an authentic European experience. With indoor and outdoor seating available, it can get busy, so Mamma recommends booking ahead.
📍 carlton · north
pidapipo' ice cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Pidapipo’ in Carlton—a beloved spot that started as a fun game between a Nonno and his nipoti and has now become a Sunday (or any day!) family tradition. With fresh, rotating flavours to ensure maximum freshness, every scoop is pure heaven—think ricotta, cinnamon and honey, strawberry and cream like Turkish delight, or classics like lemon and blood orange. Mamma can’t resist the Nutella tap pouring liquid chocolate over her ice cream! Enjoy your gelati in a crisp waffle cone or go Sicilian-style in a brioche bun—the choice is all yours.
📍 carlton · north
tokyo lamington
Tokyo Lamington in Carlton takes the classic Aussie favourite to a whole new level! Think blueberry cheesecake Lamingtons, Snickers Lamingtons packed with chocolate, peanut butter and caramel, or even a Finger Bun Lamington—Mamma and Little Miss 8 couldn’t stop at just one. They also serve quiches, pies, sausages, onigiri made to order, cookies, and coffee. There’s a small dine-in area, but Mamma recommends grabbing a takeaway and heading to the park to enjoy the treats in the sunshine.
📍 carlton · north
panda hot pot
Panda Hot Pot offers a fun, family-friendly dining experience with a dramatic 16-metre dragon and colorful LED sky display. Choose a soup base and cook your own selection of meats, seafood, noodles, and veggies right at the table. Kids will enjoy options like fish balls and noodles, and everyone can finish with self-serve ice cream for dessert.
📍 carlton · north
flovie florist cafe
Flovie in Carlton is a café and flower shop offering beautiful food, drinks, and a stunning floral display. Enjoy specialty mocktails, sweet treats like Black Forest hotcakes, and take home a fresh bunch of flowers, all just a short walk from Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens.
📍 Carlton · melbourne
leonardo's pizza palace
Leonardo’s offers a cosy dining experience with delicious food and friendly service. Enjoy a variety of wood-fired pizzas, including a giant 15” margherita, tasty sides like brussels sprouts with hazelnuts, and refreshing drinks. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for families, with a quiet setting that keeps things stress-free for kids.
Events in this area
2 Feb → 7 DecFREELa Mama Presents The Storyteller's Some Secrets Should Be Kept Secret
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📍 CarltonFREE
La Mama presents Antipodes Theatre Company's Back to Te Maunga
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📍 CarltonFREE
Introduction to Revolutionary Marxism - Platypus Primary Reading Group
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📍 CarltonFREE
Breath & Belonging: An Evening of Breath, Conversation, and Connection
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📍 CarltonFREE
2 Apr → 7 MayFREE
4 Apr → 9 AprFREE
5 AprFREE
8 Apr → 26 AprFREE
18 Apr → 19 AprFREE
29 Jun → 11 JulFREE