Family Activities in Parkville
Parks, playgrounds and things to do with kids in Parkville, Victoria
📍 Parkville · melbourne
melbourne zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers and families. With a huge variety of animals from around the world, including Australian natives like Tasmanian devils and koalas, as well as African lions, Asian elephants, and more, it’s an adventure through diverse ecosystems. The zoo also offers beautiful walking paths, picnic spots, and food options, making it perfect for a day out with the family. Don't forget to visit the splash park near the lions or enjoy a snack in the bird enclosure!
📍 Parkville · melbourne
royal park 'nature play' playground
Royal Park Playground in Parkville is a magical mix of nature and play, with ropes, rocks, plants, bridges, slides, swings, and even water play. Older kids can tackle climbing ropes and platforms while little ones explore sandpits and slides, and the grassy hill is perfect for picnics and rolling fun. Bring a towel and change of clothes, and enjoy the cafes nearby, toilets, and baby change facilities—everyone will leave happy and tired!
📍 Parkville · melbourne
royal park
Royal Park, stretching from Parkville to Carlton, is Melbourne’s largest inner-city park, featuring open grasslands, wetlands, native gardens, tall gums, sports grounds, and diverse wildlife. Paths wind through bushland and link to the Royal Park Nature Play playground, making it ideal for walking, biking, or a family adventure. Facilities include toilets, benches, and water fountains, and most tracks are accessible for prams, wheelchairs, bikes, and scooters.
📍 Parkville · east
roar and snore @ melbourne zoo
Mamma is absolutely buzzing about Roar and Snore at Melbourne Zoo—a bucket-list experience like no other! This is not just a zoo visit, it’s a sleepover inside the historical elephant enclosure, including Bong Su’s former home, now transformed into a camping ground for lucky families. Running on Friday and Saturday nights during the warmer months, the fully guided experience lets you explore behind-the-scenes at the zoo, watch animals in the dark, and learn all the juicy stories and facts about your favourite creatures
📍 parkville · north
nature play the wurundjeri way @ melbourne zoo
Explore Nature Play at Melbourne Zoo, a natural play space with rocks, tree stumps, tunnels, and plenty of spots to climb, hide, and explore. On weekdays during school terms at 10:30–11:30 am, zookeepers run hands-on activities, stories, songs, and interactive animal learning. The area is fully fenced, open all year, and no booking is required.
Events in this area
Onsite: Wednesdays: March 18 + 25, 2026 at 10-12pm (Vietnamese)
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📍 ParkvilleFREE
Friday Night Social: General Feelings Sound System
📍 Science Gallery Melbourne
📍 ParkvilleFREE
Happiness Talk, Kirtan Meditation and Vegan Dinner
📍 Carrillo Gantner Theatre
📍 ParkvilleFREE