Travelling with children can be challenging if you don’t have enough on your itinerary to keep the little ones occupied. But fear not! These four spots are where the kids can get their fix of fun on your next family holiday in Melbourne.
Luna Park – 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Conveniently located next to stunning St Kilda Beach and the bustling Acland Street, Luna Park is perfect for a day of family fun before watching the sunset or grabbing a spoonful of sugar at the nearby cake shops. With more than 15 rides and attractions ranging from the Carousel to Twin Dragon, there’s something for children of all ages at this much-loved amusement park.
Go on the Great Scenic Railway roller coaster and see beautiful sea views on your way up, or if the kids can’t get enough of the thrills, try the heart-stopping Pharaoh’s Curse, which provides views of Port Phillip – upside down, that is! Luna Park is free to enter, and you can save money by purchasing your ride tickets online.
ArtPlay is a creative arts centre that lets your kids take their imagination to the next level and explore their creativity with professional artists. Conveniently located behind Federation Square, the centre holds more than 300 workshops and creative events that teach kids (from babies to 13) to work with their hands or express themselves through music. Most events are free but require bookings to attend.
ArtPlay
Cook’s Cottage – Fitzroy Gardens, 230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Take a stroll to beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and give your kids a taste of life in the 1700s with a visit to Cook’s Cottage, a Melbourne landmark transplanted from Yorkshire where Captain James Cook’s parents lived. Volunteers dressed in 18th-century costumes provide a modern interpretation of Cook’s adventures while you and the family go on a self-guided tour in and around the cottage. Family tickets are available.
Insider's Tip: After Cook’s Cottage, take a walk around Fitzroy Gardens and look for the Fairies Tree with fascinating carvings of fairies, dwarfs, gnomes and Australian animals on the stump of a 300-year-old red gum tree.
Cooks Cottage
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium – King Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne
SEA LIFE is your easy pick for a fun-filled and educational family day out with more than 10,000 aquatic animals to see, including one of the world’s largest saltwater crocodiles. Let your little ones get a hands-on experience with starfish and shark eggs underwater at the interactive rock pools, or create their own sea creature and watch it come to life at the nine-metre virtual aquarium at Coral Caves. Buy your tickets online to take advantage of discounted rates.
Aquarium
Spaces The Whole Family Will Enjoy
If you’re after a family-friendly stay in the heart of the city, look no further than Adina Apartment Hotels. With properties located in and around central Melbourne, you can look forward to spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom self-contained apartments just a stone’s throw away from many popular attractions.
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