The Best Kids Activities in Melbourne for Fuss-Free Fun

Summer in Melbourne is a magical time, with the city transforming into a playground of adventure and wonder. With the school holidays here, it’s time to plan some unforgettable experiences for the kids. Whether your little ones are budding scientists, energetic adventurers, or creative dreamers, Melbourne has something special for everyone.

These are the coolest activities that will make these school holiday the best one yet, filled with laughter, learning, and memories that will warm your hearts all summer long.

123BOOM!

123BOOM! is an adventure that will raise heartrates and test the minds of the whole family. This high-pressure mission involves solving a range of puzzles, cracking codes and defusing a bomb before it’s too late! If you fail to stop the clock, you’ll be met with a very colourful surprise—that you may not actually be mad about.

Note that kids under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate, and kids 12 and over must be accompanied by an adult.

551 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

SENSAS

For a sensory experience like no other, SENSAS is a kids activity in Melbourne to add to your hitlist. This is an immersive team experience that takes you through six themed rooms, all targeting different senses. Put yourself to the test in the ‘Smell Lab,’ which uses only smell and memory, ‘Sight Lab,’ which will have you dodging laser beams in a pitch-black room and even an ‘Antigravity’ room.

Book tickets here

Until 30th April

6 Garden Street, South Yarra

Archie Brother’s Cirque Electric

Let your inner child run wild alongside your kids at Archie Brothers Cirque Electric. This nostalgic arcade lets you and your kids embrace your playful side, from arcade games to dodgem cars. Explore the quirky games and try your hand at the claw machine to win some prizes for the little ones…or yourself.

Locations in the Docklands, Moorabbin, Glen Waverley and Chadstone

Watch a Film on the Big Screen at IMAX

Taking your kids to see a movie is a classic school holiday activity, but what about treating them to the big screen? IMAX is the perfect kids activity in Melbourne, especially when there’s a movie they’re absolutely itching to see and won’t stop talking about.

With its massive screen, 3D options and immersive sound, IMAX offers a cinematic experience like no other. It’s a fun way to keep the kids entertained while making lasting family memories.

Check what’s showing here

Rathdowne Street, Carlton

Melbourne Zoo

Who doesn’t love getting up close with all sorts of animals? Melbourne Zoo is a kids activity that never gets old. Whether your children love standing still in the butterfly enclosure in the hope one will land on their finger, or enjoy marvelling at the giraffes and gorillas, there’s an enclosure to impress every animal-lover.

There are also water and nature play zones to help burn out your bundles of energy, so you’ve got a nice, quiet ride home.

Elliott Avenue, Parkville

BOUNCE Inc

There’s no better way to tire your kids out than by sending them straight to BOUNCE Inc. With multiple locations across Melbourne, there’s an endless amount of fun to be had! There’s trampolines on trampolines, walls for them to (literally) bounce off, dodgeball courts if they want to get competitve, and big bags and ball pits for the kids to jump into!

Plus, if your kids love going to BOUNCE regularly, there are even memberships and school holiday camps available! THis is one of the best kids activities in Melbourne for the little bundle of energy in your life.

Multiple locations across Melbourne, see website for details

Grazeland

Turn up the fun these school holidays at Grazeland! Melbourne’s biggest food precinct is a family hotspot packed with entertainment and delicious eats.

There’s an endless amount of food, live music to dance along to, a bar for the adults and plenty of room to run around and play for the kids. Try a range of cuisines from across the globe all in the one place, and eat until you’re completely stuffed!

20 Booker Street, Spotswood

Check out the NGV Kids Program

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) offers a fantastic kids program filled with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and hands-on activities. The dedicated kids’ space features exhibitions designed especially for young minds, encouraging creativity and learning through play. Best of all, the program regularly changes, introducing new and exciting themes, so there’s always something fresh to discover.

 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 

Step Inside House Down Under: Where Everything’s Upside Down

Flip your world on its head and let your imagination run wild at House Down Under, the quirky inverted house that seems to have fallen from the sky, Wizard of Oz style! This fun-filled attraction invites you to capture surreal and creative photo memories while enjoying a laugh with family and friends.

Walk (or dance) on the ceilings, explore an upside-down bathroom with a quirky toilet, and wander through inverted rooms like the kids’ space, home office, lounge, bedroom, and kitchen.

With your entry ticket, you get unlimited time to snap as many photos as you like on your own devices. Opening hours vary by season, so be sure to check their socials before you go. 

Open daily, 10.00am to 7.00pm

Book here

Under the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands 

Explore ACMI’s Guided Play-Based Experience for Young Learners

ACMI offers a monthly guided play-based experience perfect for preschool children aged two to five. Each session is designed to help young learners engage with the ideas and concepts explored at the museum, which covers film, TV, video games, and digital art.

With a new theme each month, there’s always something fresh to discover and enjoy. Parents, grandparents, or carers are required to stay with the children throughout the session. Make sure to arrive 10 minutes early, as sessions begin promptly.

3rd Friday of every month, from 10.30am

ACMI, Flinders Street, Melbourne

Explore the city as it bursts into bloom and create unforgettable memories with your family with our guide to fun kids’ activities in Melbourne. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to these top family-friendly restaurants for a delicious meal that everyone will love.