The second largest city in Australia is also its hub of culture, style and sport. A vibrant metropolis teeming with life, Melbourne will provide a host of interesting activities for a family of any makeup.

Family-Fun Things To Do In Melbourne

Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne’s inner-city oasis. These beautiful gardens feature over 50,000 native and exotic plants from around the world. Guilfoyle’s Volcano was once a water reservoir for the botanical gardens. It has been restored into a landscape feature, showcasing low-water use plants. Young visitors will enjoy the Children’s Garden, where they can run through water fountains, explore the Bamboo Forest and pick yummy vegetables from the Kitchen Garden. Check the What’s On page for family-friendly events and programs occurring throughout the year. The Visitor Center is open 9am – 5pm and provides garden information, maps, tour bookings, and umbrella and wheelchair rentals. Purchase beautiful gifts and souvenirs at the Garden Shop. Relax and enjoy delicious food and beverages at the restaurants in the gardens, The Terrace and Jardin Tan Kiosk.

Animal lovers of all ages will have a wild time at the Melbourne Zoo. Founded in 1862, the Melbourne Zoo is Australia’s oldest zoo. The zoo is home to over 300 different species from around the world. The Wild Sea exhibit is the largest exhibit in the zoo, showcasing the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of Victoria’s coast and ocean. Watch enormous Asian Elephants roam around the Trail of the Elephants exhibit and playful orangutans swing from tree to tree in the elevated Orangutan Sanctuary exhibit. Children will love the interactive Growing Wild exhibit where they can meet a variety of animals and crawl inside a Giant Tortoise shell. The whole family will enjoy unleashing their wild side at the Melbourne Zoo.

Federation Square is known as the heart and soul of Melbourne. With several restaurants, bars, shops and cultural attractions, Federation Square is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Find handmade Australian jewelry, souvenirs, children’s toys and designer home goods at the unique mix of shops. From coffee shops and cafes to grills and Japanese cuisine, the square has dining options for the whole family. Absorb rich Australian culture while visiting Federation Square. View amazing Australian masterpieces at the Ian Potter Centre, the world’s first major gallery dedicated specifically to Australian art. Watch classic Australian films, explore the interesting exhibits or create your own short film at the The Australian Centre For The Moving Image. This Melbourne piazza is one you won’t want to miss.