The Best Activities for Kids in Melbourne and Around Victoria

When going on vacation, parents know the struggle all too well of trying to find fun activities to entertain kids for longer than a few minutes. Luckily, the wonderful city of Melbourne offers plenty to keep children hooked and provide fun for the entire family. 

To guarantee you won’t be short of money before heading out for a fun-filled family day, ensure you stop by an accredited foreign currency exchange in Melbourne to make the most of your dream family vacation. 

Puffing Billy

When you take a ride on Puffing Billy, it will feel like you have taken a step back in time. This perfectly preserved steam train chugs its way through the Dandenong Ranges, from Belgrave to Lakeside, Gembrook, and Menzies Creek. It won’t be the fastest journey you take, but the incredibly lush landscape offers plenty of spectacular views to enjoy on the way. 

This train offers a range of different experiences, including a full-day trip to Lakeside or Gembrook paired with a pre-purchased picnic. Alternatively, you can take a shorter trip to Menzies Creek with morning tea and an entry ticket to Menzies Creek Museum. 

Melbourne Zoo

For children and adults alike, a trip to the Melbourne Zoo is a wonderful way to reconnect with the animal kingdom and gain a better understanding of the delicate ecosystems that exist around the world. 

A trip to Australia’s oldest zoo will take a full day to explore. The largest exhibit to see is the majestic Wild Sea, where penguins and seals take in the sun on land before slipping into their water feature to cool off. You will also be able to see incredible Orangutans swinging from tree to tree and visit five thriving Asian elephants in the immersive Asian village, to name a few. 

Funfields

Less than an hour north of Melbourne is Funfields theme park, where families can enjoy zooming down waterslides, riding toboggans, zipping around in Go Karts, and enjoying the many rides of this family-friendly theme park. 

Opened in 1985, your entry tickets give you access to 22 different rides, as well as a water play area for kids and a barbecue area. Small children will be well-entertained with mini go-karts, Ferris wheels, and carousels, while the rest of the family can enjoy zooming down the Alpine Toboggan Slide, a ride aboard Blackbeard’s Fury pirate ship, and a race of skill on the go-karts. 

Be sure to pack your swimming costume, as the multiple waterslides are the ideal way to cool down after a morning of fun.

Scienceworks

Scienceworks is an interactive science and technology museum specifically made to get children excited about science through first-hand experience. There are guided tours, changing exhibitions, multiple demonstrations, and special activities that change daily. 

There is an exquisite Planetarium that transforms into a domed cinema for adults every Friday night and a lightning room show that produces man-made thunderbolts to wow visitors. In the Sportswork exhibit, kids can attempt to beat legendary athlete Cathy Freeman or try their hand at snowboarding. 

Luna Park

Luna Park is Australia’s oldest theme park, and no childhood is complete without walking through the famous Mr Moon’s giant mouth to enter St Kilda’s iconic park. It has more than 100 years of history, with many exciting attractions and rides having come and gone throughout the years. However, it has never lost its infectious carnival charm. 

Don’t miss your chance to ride the heritage-listed Great Scenic Railway roller coaster, which winds around a wooden track that covers the entire park border. It is the ideal way to see the beautiful Port Phillip Bay. From laughing clowns to eerie ghost trains and dodgem cars, there is something for everyone. 

Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary is a bushland haven for Australian wildlife, most famous for its daily birds of prey and parrot shows. Located just an hour from Melbourne in Yarra Valley, the sanctuary allows native Australian animals to live and thrive in their natural environments. 

The star event is the Spirits of the Sky show, which is free to attend and displays a mesmerizing demonstration of the beauty and power of Australia’s birds of prey and parrots. Enjoy the sights and sounds of wedge-tailed eagles, falcons, owls, and colorful parrots showing off their skills. 

Legoland Discovery Centre

The first Legoland Discovery Centre in the southern hemisphere opened in Melbourne in 2017 and has been a hit ever since. Located in the Chadstone Shopping Centre and taking a massive 2800 sqm, this brick-filled playroom will amaze Lego lovers of all ages. 

More than two million Lego bricks are throughout the center, with a Miniland Melbourne recreating the city’s famous landmarks. Furthermore, there is a 4D cinema to rewatch your favorite Lego movies, a Lego factory tour, and a play zone with themed rides. 

Collingwood Children’s Farm

Collingwood Children’s Farm is not a petting zoo. Instead, it is a fantastic way to get hands-on experience of life in the country on a beautiful rustic farm right in the middle of Melbourne. Each day brings new activities that are posted by the barn on arrival, giving you plenty to choose from. 

Try your hand at milking the cows, feeding the chooks, or playing with the goats and guinea pigs. There is an opportunity to attend an information session held by one of the farmers and learn more about the importance of bees at the farm’s apiary. The plant-filled Farm Cafe is ideal for taking a break and enjoying your beautiful surroundings.