Family Activities in Melbourne
Parks, playgrounds and things to do with kids in Melbourne, Victoria
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
cashmere cat cafe
If your kids love cats, Cashmere Cat Cafe is the purrfect place to visit! While there’s no food on the menu, you can relax with a soft drink and spend time cuddling with adorable, fluffy cats. It’s more of a cat-petting experience than a cafe, with plenty of friendly furballs to adore. Just a heads-up—kids must be 6 and over to enjoy the fun, and there are a few simple rules to follow.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
life four cuts
Get ready for a fun family photoshoot at this super quirky spot! Choose from a selection of outfits and props—like funky glasses, hats, wigs, and costumes—then hop into a photo booth to capture some hilarious moments. It’s all about having fun, and you’ll walk away with a cool memento to remember the adventure!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
sealife aquarium
Explore the magical underwater world at Sealife Aquarium, where you’ll discover a vibrant array of sea creatures! From giant crabs and sharks to majestic seahorses, stingrays, and playful penguins, there’s so much to see. Enjoy live talks and feedings throughout the day, plus the Art Aquarium, where kids can create their own fish species to watch swim in a virtual tank. With easy access for strollers and a truly immersive experience, it’s perfect for the whole family!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
lightning planet
Treat the kids to a creative day out at Lightning Planet, now open in Melbourne! This fun spot lets kids design their own unique accessories, from bracelets and bags to t-shirts and even Crocs. Little Miss 9 made a super cute hair clip with charms and a chain! With prices starting at $10 and the option to book ahead, it’s a great way to get creative. While you wait for your creations to dry (about 30 minutes), there’s plenty to explore around the area.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
mamma's tips for heading to the basketball
Basketball season with the NBL is here, bringing action-packed games and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy cheerleading, breakdancing, towel-waving competitions, and prize games during breaks, with a live basketball game and commentary to keep the excitement going. Arrive early for pre-game fun and grab your hand clappers to join in!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
presgrave place
Presgrave Place is a hidden gem of art tucked away in Melbourne. This vibrant laneway is lined with framed artwork, photos, stickers, and pieces made from recycled materials, all reflecting the city’s multicultural spirit. It’s a unique spot that celebrates Melbourne’s creativity and community, leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for the city's identity and artistic energy. A must-see for anyone exploring Melbourne’s creative side!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
state library of victoria, swanston street
The State Library Victoria is a beautiful spot to visit, with its stunning dome and endless rows of books! It’s a peaceful escape in the city, perfect for a quick break or a fun outing with kids. Best part? It’s free to explore and borrow books! Plus, don’t miss the chance to see Ned Kelly’s armour on display!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
city circle tram
Hop on the iconic City Circle Tram (Tram 35) for a unique Melbourne experience! This free, old-school W-Class tram takes you on a scenic loop around the city, complete with audio commentary. It's a fun and easy way to explore Melbourne, perfect for families and little ones. With stops at key attractions, it’s a must-do activity—whether you're spotting landmarks from the window or pulling the rope to get off!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
degraves street
Degraves Street is Melbourne's vibrant, artistic hub, filled with graffiti, live music, vintage stores, and quirky cafes. Known for its unique, local atmosphere, it’s home to one of Melbourne's longest-running artist-run initiatives. Grab a coffee or a bite to eat, soak up the creative energy, and capture the cool vibe that makes this laneway a must-visit spot.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
guildford lane
This green laneway offers a refreshing twist on Melbourne's iconic alleyways, with lush plants and vibrant foliage replacing the typical street art. You’ll find charming cafes, cozy spots to relax, and unique artworks scattered throughout, making it a perfect destination to eat, drink, and enjoy the urban oasis.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
byo picnic boats - goboat
GoBoat offers a unique and relaxing way to explore Melbourne’s waterways with the whole family! These electric picnic boats can accommodate up to 8 people and come with built-in tables, so you can pack a meal and enjoy it while cruising. No boating experience is needed, and the boats are quiet and smooth, making for a peaceful ride. Life jackets are provided for the kids, and pets are welcome onboard too! Just make sure to keep an eye on the little ones as you float along.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
holey moley golf, little bourke street
Holey Moley combines mini-golf, a cocktail bar, and a fun 90s vibe for the ultimate night out! Located in the former Tunnel nightclub, it offers three unique 9-hole courses filled with creative challenges and nostalgic references like the "Smells Like Tee Spirit" hole and Barbie’s Scream House. Perfect for a date, night out with friends, or just embracing your inner kid. Sessions are booked in 10-minute intervals, ensuring minimal waiting time while you enjoy each hole.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
hosier lane
Hosier Lane is one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, known for its ever-changing street art and vibrant atmosphere. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a mix of pop culture pieces, live art, and sometimes even film crews or dance troupes. While the area is full of creative energy, it’s also a busy urban space, so expect some occasional litter or less-than-pristine spots. The artwork can be bold and confronting, so it’s a place to explore with an open mind!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
two peck crispy chicken
Two Peck, located on Swanston St, serves up crispy fried chicken straight from Taiwan. Choose from options like popcorn chicken, thigh, or breast, and pick your seasoning—salt & pepper or spicy plum salt. Order via tablets, wait for your number, and enjoy this popular late-night spot for a tasty snack!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
blossom rooftop bar, the pullman - little bourke st
Blossom is Melbourne CBD’s highest rooftop bar, located on the 14th floor of the Pullman City Hotel, with sweeping city views in every direction. The family-friendly venue offers crowd-pleasing meals including pizza, pasta, burgers and fish and chips, with bookings recommended and walk-ins welcome.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
publique bakery @ queen victoria market
Publique is an artisan French bakery offering a variety of pastries, from croissants and cronuts to mini treats, perfect for sampling. Outdoor seating includes play space for kids, and rustic sourdough loaves are available to take home.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
mama's gozlemes
Mama’s Gozleme serves freshly made gozleme with options like cheese, beef, spinach and vegetarian, prepared in front of you. They can be found along the riverbank near Fed Square and at many city festivals.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
riverland
Riverland, located beneath Princess Bridge, is a waterfront restaurant and beer garden offering a relaxed escape in the CBD. The menu features simple, tasty dishes with a kids’ menu including schnitzel and fish and chips, while adults can enjoy cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks with city views.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
le petite creperie
Le Petite Creperie serves authentic French crepes with both sweet and savoury options, offering a Paris-inspired experience in the heart of the city. Nutella crepes are a popular choice, along with a variety of other tasty fillings.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
lune croissanterie
Lune in Melbourne is famous for its freshly made croissants, with a traditional plain option and four daily rotating flavours, all prepared on-site. Located near Federation Square Parking, it’s a perfect grab-and-go spot to enjoy expertly baked pastries and coffee before exploring the city.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
pretzel
This vibrant spot serves freshly made pretzels with a wide range of toppings and flavours, from Cheese & Pepperoni to Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter Oreo, Cheese & Bacon and the classic Cinnamon Glazed. It’s a fun and tasty treat perfect for a city snack.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
betty's burgers & concrete co
Betty’s Burgers on Elizabeth Street serves crispy chicken and classic burgers, with sides like onion rings and fries, plus thick shakes, desserts and drinks. The cool décor, friendly staff and lively atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual city meal.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
barbarella
Barbarella in Melbourne’s Block Arcade serves coffee, hot chocolate, freshly baked treats, pretzels and lunch options. It’s a perfect spot for a quick bite, takeaway or a cozy city pitstop.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
shanghai dumpling house
Shanghai Dumpling House in Melbourne is known for its wide variety of dumplings, noodles, pumpkin cakes and Chinese broccoli. Quick, affordable and efficient, it’s a great spot for a tasty city bite, especially when dining with kids.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
the moat
Tucked at the base of the State Library, this hidden bar/cafe is perfect for writers, poets, and anyone seeking a quiet escape. The walls are lined with books, the aroma of fresh coffee fills the air, and you can enjoy a cruffin while getting lost in a good read. A cosy little haven away from the city bustle!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
chin chin
Chin Chin in Melbourne’s CBD is a vibrant pan-Asian dining experience perfect for a fun night out. The banquet takes you on a flavour journey with fish, pork, tofu, and veggie dishes, each bursting with taste. Friendly staff, amazing cocktails, and a relaxed, lively vibe make it a must-visit!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
birrarung marr playground
Birrarung Marr Playground is a city gem in the heart of Melbourne, packed with swings, tunnels, a spider climb frame, sandpits, and lots of slides for endless fun. Picnic tables and open spaces make it easy to run between play zones. It’s also a hotspot for festivals and events, perfect for ending a city adventure on a high note!
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
fern gully @ royal botanical gardens victoria
Fern Gully in the Royal Botanic Gardens is a peaceful oasis filled with lush ferns and a newly installed boardwalk, putting you right among the greenery. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, with Mamma’s favourite being the hanging Birds Nest chair for a quiet moment. It’s centrally located, near Gate E, and just a short walk from the Children’s Garden.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
the children's garden @ royal botanic gardens
The Ian Potter Children’s Garden is a fully fenced play space for kids, featuring streams, water play, mazes, climbing trees, a bamboo forest, sand pits, and animal-shaped shrubs. It’s ideal for family outings, picnics, or kids’ parties, with plenty to explore in all seasons.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
fitzroy gardens
Fitzroy Gardens in central Melbourne offers lush greenery, winding paths, and family-friendly attractions including a Tudor Village, Cook’s Cottage, a playground with giraffe swings and a dragon slide, and hidden whimsical features like The Fairy Tree. KereKere Green cafe is on-site for a snack, and the Conservatory showcases seasonal floral displays. The gardens are perfect for picnics, walks, and exploring with children.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
royal botanic gardens victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for picnics, parties, walks, or scooting. With vast gardens to explore, there’s always a new area to discover, and plenty of space to find a quiet spot even on busy days.
📍 melbourne · north
taco truck
Taco Truck Tres serves up tasty tacos (fish, chicken, or bean) and burritos with sides like guacamole, chips, and their signature crunch fries. Specials like cauliflower escabeche and broccoli & white bean mole tacos also appear. Follow their social media for current lunch and dinner locations around Brunswick East and West.
📍 melbourne · north
old melbourne gaol
For a perfect blend of fun, learning, and history, Mamma recommends the Old Melbourne Gaol—an iconic, heritage-listed site that offers captivating stories for both kids and adults. One of the top highlights is the Watch House Experience, where you can get a firsthand feel of being arrested and locked up in the old cells. With a sardonic Sargent guiding the experience, it’s a mix of humor and chills that brings history to life. During school holidays, there are educational activities that engage kids in scavenger hunts through the cell blocks, dodging guards and searching for clues. While there’s no café on-site, Lygon Street’s food precinct is just a short walk away, offering plenty of delicious options. For parking, there’s 2-hour parking nearby or all-day parking at QV for a longer visit.
📍 melbourne · south
mum walk org
Tired Mum Strolls offers free weekly pram-friendly walks across Australia to help new parents connect and get some fresh air. You can join a local group or start one in your area with support from the organisers. Check their online map to see what’s nearby and meet others on a similar journey.
📍 melbourne · south
fern gully @ royal botanic gardens victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a peaceful city escape with plenty to explore. Don’t miss Fern Gully, a shaded area filled with ferns and a new boardwalk that winds through the foliage. A highlight is the Birds Nest hanging chair, perfect for pausing and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
📍 melbourne · south
ian potter children's garden, royal botanic gardens
This children’s garden is full of activities to spark curiosity and keep little ones active, with mazes, lakes, trees, a bamboo forest, a treehouse, and animal-shaped shrubs. Seasonal water play, grassy areas, and a sandpit make it fun year-round, and the fully fenced space with picnic spots is perfect for families.
📍 Melbourne · melbourne
let's party - fashion and fun, ngv kids exhibition
Get ready for a vibrant, fun-filled experience at the NGV’s latest children’s exhibition this summer! Explore colourful outfits and accessories from the NGV’s Fashion and Textiles Collection, spark creativity, and discover the world of design. Kids can dance, dress up, and even create their own fashion video portrait to take home.
Events in this area
The Story of the Moving Image
📍 ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
📍 MelbourneFREE
Mystery Sidedoor City: Wine and Asian Fusion Bites
📍 Lonsdale Street
📍 MelbourneFREE
Mosaic Art Classes: Turkish Lamp Workshop
📍 Art Masterclass Melbourne
📍 MelbourneFREE
Footsteps Through Time: Melbourne's History Walk
📍 Immigration Museum
📍 MelbourneFREE
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show
📍 The Capitol
📍 MelbourneFREE
DIY Craft Workshops
📍 Lightning Planet DIY Crafts Workshop & Party Arts_Chinatown
📍 MelbourneFREE
Stories of Blessing: Modern Echoes of Minhwa by Minhwa Group
📍 City Library
📍 MelbourneFREE
Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
📍 InterContinental Melbourne
📍 MelbourneFREE
2026 Melbourne: AI-Era Career Planning In-Person Meetup (mandarin speaking)
📍
📍 MelbourneFREE
BSR & Big Racket pres. [Night 1] Developing ideas in the studio w/ Sleep D
📍 Miscellania
📍 MelbourneFREE
Workplace Law in Focus: Navigating Sweeping Reforms and Emerging Challenges
📍 InterContinental Melbourne
📍 MelbourneFREE
Chamber Philharmonia Cologne - Vivaldi Mozart Handel
📍 Scots' Church
📍 MelbourneFREE
Relaxed Sessions – Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light
📍 NGV International
📍 MelbourneFREE
Behind the Lanes | Laneways. Espresso. Aperitivo. After dark.
📍
📍 MelbourneFREE
Ethics, Professional Skills & Practice Management for all Lawyers
📍 InterContinental Melbourne
📍 MelbourneFREE
Solace Radio x Thread W/ Ewan Sutardy, mishLXY, Steve Pan
📍 Solace
📍 MelbourneFREE
Louise Milligan with Michael Williams at Hill of Content Bookshop
📍
📍 MelbourneFREE
FUTURE COUNTRY: Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions
📍 The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
📍 MelbourneFREE
Macaroni & the City: Uncover Melbourne's pasta history with a walking tour and pasta dinner
📍
📍 MelbourneFREE
Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2026 - Melb Capitol Theatre Fri 20 Mar 7pm
📍
📍 MelbourneFREE
FUTURE COUNTRY | Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions 2026
📍
📍 MelbourneFREE
Michael Nyman's 'The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat'
📍 Athenaeum
📍 MelbourneFREE
Audio Description Tour – Westwood | Kawakubo
📍 NGV International
📍 MelbourneFREE
Septem Fm Two Year Anniversary w/ Baby Ouzo, Navyblue Radio & Selena
📍 Angel Music Bar
📍 MelbourneFREE
A-League Men: Melbourne Victory vs Central Coast Mariners
📍 AAMI Park
📍 MelbourneFREE
Club Club at Melbourne International Comedy Festival
📍 Theory Bar
📍 MelbourneFREE
Dorsett Melbourne x Sucre Du Jour: Easter High Tea
📍 Dorsett Melbourne
📍 MelbourneFREE
Mother's Day Lunch Cruise
📍 Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant
📍 MelbourneFREE
