Top Reasons Melbourne is Australia’s Best Family-Friendly Destination

While it may primarily be recognized for its adult-oriented attractions—such as bars and live music—Melbourne equally embraces its family demographic.

As a comparatively youthful city, with a median age around 37, children are a prominent part of the community. Family-friendly museums, well-designed parks and playgrounds, and cafes offering child-friendly beverages are readily accessible.

From captivating wildlife experiences to active pursuits, there is an abundance of activities suitable for caregivers and children of varying ages.

What makes Melbourne so great for kids?

Melbourne is easy to navigate, especially its central suburbs, which boast extensive public transport connections. Significant cultural institutions, including museums and art galleries, prioritize accessibility and family engagement, with many featuring dedicated exhibitions and activities as well as reduced admission prices for children.

The central business district (CBD) of Melbourne is surrounded by numerous spacious, well-maintained parks and gardens. Throughout the city, facilities such as playgrounds and swimming areas, along with clean public restrooms and water fountains, are abundant. Furthermore, free barbecue facilities are typically found in Australian parks, offering an enjoyable and economical way to dine as a family.

Cafes present an excellent opportunity to introduce children to Melbourne’s culinary landscape, although it is advisable to select larger venues over smaller establishments. Choosing a cafe near a playground or park allows children to expend energy while adults enjoy a moment of relaxation over a flat white.

Where is best in Melbourne for kids?

The city’s most prominent family-friendly attractions are undoubtedly its museums. Foremost is the Melbourne Museum, a vast complex situated in the picturesque Carlton Gardens just north of the city center. It captivates children of all ages, featuring specialized areas focusing on science, history, and First Nations culture.

Admission to the museum (free for children) includes access to the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery, designed for children under six. It boasts an extensive outdoor area where they can engage with a sandpit, search for fossils, or explore the interactive Gondwana Garden.

Inside, children can dance on a changing-pattern floor in the “camouflage disco” and participate in sensory-based activities. As an autism-friendly facility, the museum has developed specific resources to help families prepare autistic children for their visit.

For those fascinated by animals, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Collingwood Children’s Farm both present the chance to encounter native and exotic animals. Moreover, in early 2024—upon the completion of the redevelopment of the historic pier in bayside St Kilda—visitors will have the opportunity to observe the resident colony of little penguins returning to their homes each evening at sunset.

Additional family attractions include the tranquil waters of Melbourne’s bay beaches, notably the area featuring the vibrant Brighton bathing boxes. St Kilda serves as an excellent base for families due to its close proximity to the beach and local attractions such as Luna Park, a renowned amusement park.

Best things to do in Melbourne with babies and toddlers

Meet sea creatures

A child’s fascination with marine life becomes apparent walking through one of Sea Life aquarium’s tunnels, where sharks and giant manta rays glide overhead. In addition, the facility features a 4D cinema, a penguin enclosure, and a crawl-through area that allows children to peek into underwater realms filled with tropical fish.

Play with art in a modern park

Birrarung Marr, located beneath Federation Square, is a favored area among families where activities such as rock climbing, balancing on beams, and sliding are popular pursuits.

This park also features ArtPlay, situated in a former railway structure. The city-funded organization provides complimentary creative workshops and programming for infants, toddlers, and children, including 3D portrait painting, storytelling, and various dance and music sessions.

Head to a waterside library

Libraries offer an excellent venue for a calming and cost-effective activity during rainy afternoons—with many available for exploration in Melbourne.

In the Docklands area, the Library at the Dock rests between the river and Victoria Harbour. It features an exceptional children’s section, complete with picture books and toys to keep young ones entertained.

When the weather improves, the southern side of the library includes the Buluk Park playground. Built to resemble a miniature city, it boasts a small river, blackboard walls for young artists, and a musical floor.

Best things to do in Melbourne with kids

Explore screen culture

While managing screen time is often a priority, a visit to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), located at Federation Square, is a worthy exception.

This center celebrates the world of film, television, and video games, featuring a free permanent exhibition—The Story of the Moving Image—complete with numerous interactive exhibits. Children can apply quirky sound effects to animations, explore shadows, or create flipbooks.

Take in the hottest ticket in town

Melbourne’s vibrant theater scene is widely recognized, with the city frequently hailed as Australia’s cultural capital. Each week, numerous theatrical performances are staged at both historic and modern venues, featuring everything from Broadway blockbusters to family-oriented musicals. For finding special offers, visit TodayTix for last-minute and digital lottery tickets.

Meet the locals

If you have yet to encounter a koala or kangaroo, this is your chance. Melbourne Zoo showcases both Australian and exotic species amid beautifully arranged gardens.

Located within Royal Park, this area serves as an excellent venue for a gentle urban hike amidst native Australian wildlife. A good strategy is to walk south from the zoo toward North Melbourne, following Errol Street to various cafes and restaurants suitable for lunch.

For those who prefer observing wildlife in a more natural setting, plan a day trip outside the city to join the popular visits to Phillip Island, where you can witness the remarkable sight of little penguins returning to their burrows each evening.

Press buttons at Scienceworks

Located to the west of the city center, the science and technology museum Scienceworks (free for children under 16) offers ample stimulation for inquisitive young minds.

The adventure begins with a train journey to Spotswood Station, from which the museum is within easy walking distance. The impressive venue, a historic pumping station adjacent to the Yarra River, hosts engaging and interactive exhibits, including a compressed-air playground and a planetarium.

Get out on the water

Experience the city from a different angle by taking the morning ferry from Melbourne’s Docklands district to Portarlington or Geelong, located at the southwestern edge of Port Phillip Bay, returning in the late afternoon. Family fares are available at a discounted rate.

Best things to do in Melbourne with tweens and teens

Explore the city’s café scene

Melbourne’s diverse neighborhoods are filled with vibrant cafes offering affordable and intriguing cuisine in a casual setting.

Some standout options for family groups include The Farm Cafe at the Collingwood Children’s Farm in Abbotsford (known for its homemade sausage rolls); Cowderoy’s Dairy in St Kilda, conveniently close to beaches and parks; The Stables next to the historic Como House; and The Terrace within the Royal Botanic Gardens.

For an outdoor twist, explore culinary options at Queen Victoria Market and enjoy a picnic in the nearby Flagstaff Gardens.

Ante up the adventure

Melbourne is an ideal location for an invigorating stroll that encounters stimulating architecture and picturesque nature reserves. The Capital City Trail encircles the city center, featuring a long scenic route along the Yarra River and the city’s historical docks, accompanied by the remnants of a former railway.

Another notable pathway begins with a train ride to Fairfield railway station, where one can traverse a segment of the Main Yarra Trail from the historic Fairfield Boathouse to Dights Falls. This route leads to the notable Abbotsford Convent, ideal for refueling before taking a bus back to the city.

Immerse yourselves in music

For teens with a penchant for music, the Australian Music Vault is a captivating destination. This complimentary museum located within the Arts Centre showcases a series of exhibitions dedicated to Australian music across decades, complete with immersive digital experiences, rare archival footage, and iconic artifacts such as costumes worn by celebrated Australian artists like Kylie Minogue. Visitors can curate their personal playlists by collecting a free “mixtape” card while exploring the exhibits.

Discover laneway graffiti and digital artwork

Renowned for its vibrant street art, Melbourne presents the opportunity to unveil the city’s remaining Banksy artwork, conveniently located on Duckboard Place, just off Flinders Lane.

Begin your adventure at the city’s urban art hub: Hosier Lane. There’s always a fresh and captivating piece to admire. For a deeper understanding, consider joining a guided tour from Melbourne Street Art Tours, led by local artists.

For additional perspectives on artwork beyond conventional galleries, explore The Lume, an innovative multi-sensory experience that casts digital art across expansive walls, with commentary that elucidates its significance.

Walk in the footsteps of First Nations people

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a culturally significant site for the local Kulin Nation. During an Aboriginal Heritage Walk, participants are guided by First Peoples representatives who illustrate the utilization of native plants, discuss traditional cultural practices, and communicate the ongoing relationship with the land.

Planning tips

Melbourne’s public transport system is user-friendly and more convenient than navigating the busy traffic conditions. Each family member over the age of five should acquire a Myki card, which can be purchased at train stations and convenience stores, priced at $6 for adults and $3 for children aged five to 18.

A single trip within the metropolitan area costs $5 on weekdays ($2.50 for children), with a daily cap of $10 ($5 for children). Additionally, trams are complimentary within the Free Tram Zone that encompasses the Melbourne CBD.

Most train stations in the city facilitate accessibility, and a significant number of trams feature low floors, making them manageable for passengers with strollers. However, vehicles can become crowded, so utilizing a foldable stroller or baby carrier for younger children can be advantageous.

Melbourne generally supports breastfeeding in public spaces, and designated baby care rooms can be located using the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s map. To identify public restrooms throughout the city, refer to the National Public Toilet Map.