The Best Kids Activities in Melbourne for Fuss-Free Fun

Sometimes keeping the kids entertained is easier said than done. Whether you’re visiting Melbourne or call our wonderful city home, we’ve rounded up some guaranteed kid-friendly activities for when your inspiration has run dry. Whether your little ones are budding scientists, energetic adventurers, or creative dreamers, Melbourne has something special for everyone.

Ready for a day to remember? These are the best kids’ activities in Melbourne to add into your rotation.

The National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) offers a fantastic kids program filled with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, activity sheets and hands-on workshops. You can keep across the latest offering here. There’s usually a dedicated exhibit for kids, designed to stoke imagination, but children and families are encouraged to enjoy the entirety of the NGV, particularly the Great Hall and NGV garden that boasts plenty of space for exploration.

180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 

The Melbourne Museum (With a Sleepover!)

Packed with visiting exhibitions and an array of permanent exhibitions, you can visit Melbourne Museum time and again, and still not scratch the surface.

Fancy treating the kids to something really special? Melbourne Museum host the occasional sleepover, where the whole family can kick back and snuggle up under the dinosaurs. You’ll be granted exclusive after-hours access to exhibitions, go on a torchlight adventure through the space, plus you get to experience a film on the giant IMAX screen!

With supper provided while you sit in front of the big screen, cosy Ecosa mattresses to drift off on, and a piping hot breakfast in the morning, this is an experience they’ll treasure.

From $225, book here

Various upcoming dates

11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Collingwood Children’s Farm

This beautiful farm and cafe, nestled on the banks of Birrarung, dates to 1979. It welcomes everyone, particularly those facing adversity, and encourages community engagement, education and connection with nature.

There’s plenty to do at Collingwood Children’s Farm with daily activities posted by the farmers each morning, ranging from egg grading to tractor photos. School holidays are particularly busy with plenty of workshops and programs taking place. The Farm Cafe is the perfect place to refuel, with delicious seasonal bites aplenty.

18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Harry Potter™: The Exhibition

Grab your wands and broomsticks — Harry Potter™: The Exhibition has landed in Melbourne! Perfect for little witches, wizards, and big kids who still believe in magic, this immersive adventure brings Hogwarts to life with spellcasting, Quidditch fun, and a peek inside Hagrid’s Hut. See real costumes, brew potions, and explore enchanted spaces. You’ll be sorted into your house, attend Hogwarts and battle off He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in an epic battle.

Secure your tickets here

62 Dawson Street, Brunswick

123BOOM!

123BOOM! is an adventure that will raise heart rates 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 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

SENSAS 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

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

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, 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. There’s trampolines on trampolines, walls for them to (literally) bounce off, dodgeball courts if they want to get competitive, 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!

Multiple locations across Melbourne, see website for details

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.

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.