Melbourne has a plethora of things to do that will keep the kids entertained and be fun for the parents too. Whether you want to stay in the CBD or take a leisurely drive out of town, you’ll know there are plenty of adventures to be had. It’s no wonder Melbourne has been named the world’s most liveable city six years in a row!
If you’re wanting to amuse your small people, check out these 4 must try things to do in Melbourne!
1. Visit Melbourne Museum’s Children’s Gallery
If you’re looking for discovery, creativity, learning and play, the Melbourne Museum’s Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery has it all. The new space which opened in 2016 is the ideal place for children of all ages with child-sized tunnels, street art featuring interactive shapes, a camouflage disco, indigenous storey telling and much more. Outside there’s picnic areas, sandpits with a dinosaur skeleton and rock gardens to explore.
It’s not all about the kids though,as the Melbourne Museum caters for parents too. There’s plenty of places for mums and dads to sit down and relax while watching their kids play and a café for the much-needed coffee fix. There are also regular exhibits and an IMAX theatre that will enhance the entire experience.
2. Enjoy a farm experience at the Collingwood Children’s Farm
Collingwood Children’s Farm has become an institution for city kids giving them an opportunity to experience country life at their doorstep. Here, kids can milk a cow, ride a pony or bottle-fed baby lambs. Donkeys, pigs, geese, horses, cows, ducks and chickens are ready for kids to cuddle, pat and play with. Along the way, children will learn valuable lessons of caring for animals and tending to the land.
Collingwood Children’s Farm is open every day of the year – rain, hail or sunshine! There’s a Farm Café onsite where you can have a coffee and tuck into hearty meals made from local ingredientswhile the kids run amuck. Every second Saturday of the month there’s also a farmer’s market which features up to 70 stalls selling local produce including vegetables, fruits, eggs, poultry, jams and much more.
3. Burn off some energy at Clip N Climb
Sick of your little monkey climbing all over your furniture? Take them to Clip ‘N’ Climb where they can burn off some excess energy on the 37 climbing challenges. The two indoor centres at Richmond and Moorabbin offer experiences for all ages, which is great for families or parents who like to get involved too. Race up the Speed Wall, challenge yourself on the Stairway to Heaven or conquer your fear of heights on the impressive 8m high Vertical Drop Slide.
You’ll need to book your session ahead of time, with each session running for an hour of climbing after a 15min safety briefing. Don’t forget to bring your A game, as kids approach Clip ‘N’ Climb with a no fear attitude!
4. Get out of town to Adventure Park
One of the great things about Melbourne is that there is plenty to do within an hour or two drive of the CBD like heading to Adventure Park, the most impressive out all the theme parks in Melbourne to visit. With over 20 different rides and attractions, Adventure Park offers an all-day experience your family will remember.
Make a splash down the Aqua Racer, get your scream on during a ride on the thrilling Crazy Coaster or take a leisurely cruise around Shipwreck Harbour on a pedal boat. There’s plenty of wet and dry activities that will keep you and the kids amused and when hunger strikes, there’s ample food outlets with tasty delights. Be prepared to get wet, laugh uncontrollably and feel the adrenaline pumping!