I sometimes get the most complimentary messages asking for a The Tokyo Chapter blog for other places around the world. So here is my Melbourne version!
Please note that I only speak of places, restaurants we have enjoyed AND have tried personally.
This is a list that I am constantly adding to (either as I try out new places or just as I get time to add my personal write up and my photos.)
See here for my favourite Melbourne restaurants for families.
See here for my recommended hotels/ places to stay with kids in Melbourne.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Needing an esim while in Melbourne? Use my Holafly link here and use the code TOKYOCHAPTER for a 5% discount.
What to book in advance when visiting Melbourne with kids:
Melbourne is a city full of events and shows. Before arriving in Melbourne, I recommend looking on What’s On Melbourne or Timeout Melbourne. I especially think it’s worth seeing what is on at the National Gallery of Victoria (they have many kid-friendly events- often free) as well as seeing which musicals are in town (this includes shows at the National Theatre in St Kilda and at Chapel Off Chapel.) During summer months, I recommend seeing a movie in the Botanical Gardens at the Moonlight Cinema. It’s also worth looking at Australian Open* tickets for January or Big Bash tickets for December. Summer is also a good time to check out what is happening as a part of the Midsumma Festival.
*TIPS FOR VISITING THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN WITH KIDS
I recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours ahead of your match times (if you have seats in the arenas.) This will minimize any wait times to get in and will allow for toilet breaks and my kids love to check out the pop-up stores (in 2026 my daughter LOVED the Mecca barbie house.) Arrive earlier or stay later to take advantage of family friendly activities such as water slides and mini-tennis games.
You CAN bring in your own empty water bottles and you can fill up for free at the water stations (water is expensive to purchase.). Make sure you also bring sunscreen and everyone wears hats and comfy footwear (sunglasses are a good idea in case your seats are facing right into the sun.) I also recommend bringing a handheld fan for each person. Did you know that you can also bring food and non-alcoholic drinks from home to the Australian Open? Cutlery too. Just make sure that your bag is small enough to fit under your arena seat.
Best to arrive by public transport (parking is expensive, anyway.)
Also, make sure you talk to kids about tennis etiquette (when to be quiet etc) ahead of time. Personally, I wouldn’t do the actual arenas with kids younger than 8 years old. But that’s just my personal comfort level for making sure I don’t ruin the experience for anyone else.
RENT YOUR OWN LITTLE BOAT ON THE YARRA
I also recommend packing a picnic and renting a putt-putt Goboat to drive along the Yarra as a family.
You pick up your GoBoat from Banana Alley (along the river behind the far end of Flinders Street Station and not too far from Afloat.) It’s possible to rent a boat for 1 or 2 hours.
TRY “AUSSIE SUSHI”
I have my full list of our favourite kid-friendly restaurants in Melbourne here (and I add to it often) but, if you’re not from Australia, I think it’s worth recommending Aussie sushi. Google “Sushi Hub” or “Sushi Sushi” to find your closest option (they are the two biggest brands) or just keep an eye out in shopping malls and food courts. This is a cheap way to get a healthy Aussie style snack or meal for kids.
If you are in Japan and are looking for something closer to this kind of sushi – see my tips here.
What makes Aussie sushi “Aussie”? The cooked and mixture of cooked and raw ingredients inside the handrolls – as well as the casual nature with which they are sold. In Australia you can find these sushi counters at pretty much every shopping centre or main shopping street. These kinds of shops sell handrolls for a few dollars each to be eaten on the go as a quick and healthy snack or a meal.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED AND SHOW KIDS WHAT A “HOOK TURN” IS!
Hook Turns were designed to prevent cars from colliding with trams. It is not necessary to turn right using a hook turn – only when this sign is displayed.
Learn how to do a Hook Turn here.
If you don’t feel brave enough to try – you can always ask a taxi driver to drive through the CBD and take a hook turn somewhere, if you like.
TRY A BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLE
It sounds strange but it’s a very aussie “thing” to do! Bunnings is one of our biggest brands of hardware stores and, on the weekends, you can grab an aussie bbq sausage in white bread with sauce for just a few dollars right outside. You can ask for bbq’d onions with it too, if you like. Don’t go calling it a hot dog – this is the aussie way to eat a sausage. Must have a cheap piece of white bread and some tomato sauce. Simple. These sausage tents outside are actually raising money for a local community group – so… everybody wins! Google “Bunnings near me” for your closest option. Fun fact – Bunnings is the inspo behind “Hammerbarn” in Bluey!
RIDE A MELBOURNE TRAM
Did you know the city circle tram is free?
FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE MELBOURNE CBD WITH KIDS
Explore Melbourne Laneways
Most tour guide style books will recommend Hosier Lane (the one with all the art work) – but I think it’s not so exciting for kids. So I recommend doing Hosier Lane, taking a picture, but then taking a walk to (and through) the Block Arcade (if you’re feeling fancy book a high tea at the “Tea Rooms 1892, ” formerly called the Hopetoun Tea Room, here) and then going for breakfast, brunch or lunch on Degraves St and connecting smaller laneway Degraves Place.
From there, you can also either:
– walk through Fed Square, take some pics of Flinders St Station and over Princes Bridge to the other side of the river and easily visit the NGV (see details below) and take a walk through the Alexandra Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens, the Floral Clock (13 mins walk from Degraves St) and along further to the Shrine of Remembrance (23 mins walk from Degraves St).
-OR you can walk under Flinders Street Station from Degraves St and pop out on the other side of the river and be a bit closer to Afloat (details on my Melbourne restaurant recommendations here), the Crown Melbourne (14 mins walk from Degraves St) and the restaurants along the Southbank.
Another laneway with a different vibe in Melbourne is Hardware Lane. Some of the restaurants here are good and others are a bit touch and go. If here in the morning, I recommend parents heading toMaker (open from 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends) for coffee (be really “Melbourne” and order “a Magic“) and kids can try a famous treat ” a lamington” (a sponge cake covered in chocolate and coconut – and this cafe does a special caramel raspberry cream filling version.)
And if you’re on Hardware Lane from midday onwards, go to Piccolina Gelateria for the most incredible gelato. Card only transactions here.
The new massive Mecca Store on Bourke St
Mecca has a huge store on Bourke St Mall in Melbourne. It’s an experience in itself. My daughter’s idea of the ideal shopping trip.
The Immigration Museum
The Immigration Museum in Melbourne is also great. Kids under 15 are free and they have different exhibitions all the time. The staff also give kids a treasure hunt to do while they explore -it’s cute.
It’s also right near the Aquarium, the putt putt Goboats and food options on the Southbank or within the casino.
The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria)
This is probably one of my favourite places to take my kids to in Melbourne. There is always something different going on and the kids section is free too. See what is happening at the NGV now. Afterwards, you can always go to the Shrine of Remembrance or just let the kids have a run around at the Queen Victoria Gardens right across the road from the NGV – don’t forget to check out the Floral Clock too. Remember that you are just a few mins walk away from Fed Square and the Southbank (so those rental Goboats and all of my restaurant recommendations near the Yarra River.)
Arts Centre
The Arts Centre is next to the NGV and has many different theatres inside.
ACMI (Australia’s National Museum of Screen and Culture) located in Fed Square
This museum has a cinema and museum and many of the kid-friendly options are actually free!
My kids both love it here. You can walk here from Flinders Street Station in 2 mins or park at Fed Square or the Wilson’s Parking across the road. The gift shop here is also really good (lots of pop culture/tv related merch etc.)
See here for our favourite spots to eat with kids in Melbourne’s CBD as many of them are walking distance from here.
Queen Victoria Market
I think it’s a really nice walk through with kids – I would skip the touristy tatt and just go for all the food and fresh produce. Oh and also, it’s a Melbourne MUST to get a hot jam donut from a donut truck, ok? A MUST! Open Tues, Thurs, Fri and Weekends. In summer and winter you can also check out the night markets here – just don’t come with a stroller – way too squishy and busy. This is a good place to also pre-book foodie tours or cooking classes.
The Old Melbourne Gaol
This is a short but cute little sightseeing excursion for kids. You can also walk from the Italian section of Lygon St in 10 minutes, Melbourne Central in 7 mins, the Melbourne Museum in 11 mins or 10 mins walk from the Royal Exhibition Building. For older kids, you can line up a tour but we just like a general ticket and exploring for ourselves- oh and taking part in the “getting arrested” experience – which doesn’t cost any additional money.
The Old Melbourne Gaol is mostly well-known for those wanting to see Ned Kelly’s cell.
On the top floor of the gaol is a cell filled with colourful beanbags, art supplies and books. This is a great little chill out spot for kids.
The “getting arrested” experience is at the Watch House just next to the Gaol. A Police Officer makes everyone line up upon entry and allocates everyone a new name and a crime. It’s really well done and cute. My little boy was arrested for drink driving and my daughter for violent crimes at a tram stop! They put our family in a cell and they even turn off the lights for a minute or two. You can read more about this Watch House experience here. It’s fun/funny but also educational as you are told lots about the history of the whole holding cells and exercise yards – with time for asking questions too.
The police officer who led us on the tour around (we had to address her as “Sergeant”) was so lovely and was so into it all. Her welcome to country intro was also very moving.
The gift shop has these cute tram socks (expensive but they do make for a sweet Melbourne souvenir.)
Melbourne Central (shopping and dining complex)
Melbourne Central Lion Hotel
I find the Melbourne Central food courts to be way too chaotic with kids (and hard when everyone wants to eat something different.) It’s not a super fancy recommendation and I wouldn’t make a trip to the city for it but if you’re at Melbourne Central already – it’s a good option. I prefer to eat at the English style pub on the upper floor over the messy and busy food courts (take the escalators up from the shot tower to find it – it’s up near the bowling and movies.) The food is pub food – but hearty portions and very kid friendly. I’ve never found this restaurant to be too crowded and have only ever just walked in. It’s near the bowling alley and the cinema. You can see the Melbourne Central Lion Hotel menu here. We like to eat here before or after an even at the State Library of Victoria (it’s super close) or after a movie at Melbourne Central or after we’ve been to meet Santa at Myer in the city centre.
The Pancake Parlour
There is also a Pancake Parlour up here on this level of Melbourne Central.
The Pancake Parlour has a kids menu as well as a full vegan menu and a gluten free menu.
When doing Melbourne Central with kids…
My two love the Lego Store and seeing the big clock (under the shot tower) as it has the Aussie animals appear on the hour every hour (take the escalator up afterwards to see the koalas on the back.)
After Melbourne Central…
Go across the road to the State Library. It’s so beautiful and they also have storytimes etc for kids.
The Old Melbourne Gaol is also 7 mins walk from Melbourne Central. I’ve written about it in detail here.
Emporium Food Court
I find the Emporium Food Court to be slightly less intense and more spacious than the Melbourne Central food court. Especially first thing in the morning and after 3pm. It’s def not a MUST to eat here but definitely better than the Melbourne Central food court.
The Royal Botanic Gardens with kids
This is a lovely spot to spend a few hours when the weather is nice. You can book a gondola ride on the lake here too. And check the official Royal Botanic Gardens website for events such a food pop-ups or night time light shows. In the warmer months, I recommend checking out the Moonlight Cinema – I’ve written in detail about it below. For little ones (pre-school ages) the Children’s Garden is also lovely here – open Wed-Sun 10am-7:30pm.
South Melbourne Market (this is outside the CBD but is easily accessible by tram)
And if you’re in South Melbourne on Wednesdays, Fridays or weekends – it is DEFINITELY worth visiting South Melbourne Market (I like it more than Queen Vic Market – at least during the day time – the summer and winter night markets at Queen Vic are pretty epic). See here for the latest on opening hours at South Melbourne Market. The South Melbourne tram stop is just 1-2 mins away from the market.
With kids, hit the food hall first and then have a bit of a wander.
There are public toilets just next to the Food Hall and they are also equipped with a baby change table.
South Melbourne Market is such an amazing place to buy souvenirs but also to get some amazing fresh produce to eat with friends – cheese, meats, sundried tomatoes, fruit and veg, pastry items and cakes as well as fresh bread (for bread – the Woodfrog Bakery just across from the market is also amazing.) Also just across the road from the market is “Chef’s Hat” -definitely visit here if you like beautiful cookwares and glasses etc.
For really cute Melbourne souvenirs, I recommend checking out the Suki McMaster store at South Melbourne Market. I like the prints and the tea towels most, personally. Ohh and the reusable coffee cups and baby onesies.
And, although it’s not in the food hall – probably the most popular food option at South Melbourne Market are all of the pastry options sold at Agathe French Patisserie.
The fruit’n’veg shops on the outside of the market are also some of my favourite places to buy fresh produce.
I like how at Rod’s Fruit & Vegetables you can even buy pre-chopped fruit platters.
If you are walking from Port Melbourne to South Melbourne Market ( you can also drive or take public transport) this little playground is also on the way – 13 mins walk from Port Melbourne Library and then a further 6 mins afterwards to South Melbourne Market. The park/playground is called Sol Green Reserve.
Sol Green Reserve, South Melbourne
This corner park has a medium sized adventure playground with lots of climbing structures as well as a flying fox (my kids’ fave!). There is also a basketball court here – it is quite busy from 4pm onwards though. There are no public toilets at this park though – so you’ll need to go to buy a drink and use the facilities at The Golden Fleece Pub if you don’t have any other options.
At Christmas time, go to Santaland at Myer and then the Myer Christmas Windows
It’s a cheezy Christmas tradition, but it’s kind of a Melbourne with Kids christmas standard. The christmas windows are insanely overcrowded so best to arrive 30 mins before they open in the morning (google as they have been changing the times a lot over recent years.)
Santaland at Myer has the cutest little Christmas Train (it’s a little carriage with screens on the windows that makes you feel like you’re taking off for the North Pole. It’s very sweet.) You can skip the line if you have a reservation to meet Santa (bookings usually open late October on the Myer Melbourne website – make sure you book for the Bourke Street store as other Myers around town have Santas but not the whole Santaland thing.)
You can also go Fed Square afterwards to check out the big Christmas tree. Then, rent a Goboat putt-putt boat as a family or go to one of our favourite places to eat with kids in the Melbourne CBD and then go to the botanical gardens in the evening for the Moonlight Cinema!
Speaking of Christmas in Melbourne (if you love cheesy christmas options), I think you’ll also love attending Carols By Candelight on christmas eve like we do every year that we are in town OR at least watch it on tv live.
The Moonlight Cinema with Kids in Melbourne (held at the Royal Botanical Gardens)
This is only an option in the warmer months but we go every single year.
Check out the timetable to line it up with a movie that the whole family will love. We often visit with Grandparents and we like to see a nostalgic movie more than a new option. We like to pay extra from the “Gold Grass” option as the bean bag beds are provided – but there is a more affordable option where you can bring your own low chairs or beanbags etc. Some movie sessions also allow pets. You can buy dinner at the food trucks but we prefer to eat before hand (we find the menu to be so limited for kids and so expensive) so we bring our own drinks and paper cups and just buy an ice-cream.
Be sure to pack mosquito spray and bring warm clothing (or a blanket) as even the hottest days turn cold when the sun goes down. We like to arrive approx 35 mins before the movie is scheduled to begin (it’s nice to be able to have a little walk through the gardens on the way there.)
As soon as it gets dark, the bats fly around in the sky and, with that Melbourne skyline backdrop, it feels really special.
To find the easiest way to access that part of the gardens – put Moonlight Cinema into google maps. Warning: it’s a late night for little ones as, due to daylight savings, the movies don’t often start until 8:45pm – that’s all on the Moonlight Cinema official website though.
The Moonlight Cinema is just 14 mins walk from the Shrine of Remembrance.
Kid-friendly restaurants to visit as a family before going to the Moonlight Cinema:
For a special dinner out beforehand, we love:
– Bacash (seafood) is 7 mins walk from the Moonlight Cinema
– Afloat (Aussie fusion / pub food on the Yarra River) is 8 mins drive from the Moonlight Cinema
– Kiwami (teppanyaki) is 10 mins drive from the Moonlight Cinema
–Movida (spanish fusion/ tapas) is 10 mins drive from the Moonlight Cinema
Where to park when visiting the Moonlight Cinema Melbourne?
We always park on Birdwood Avenue or Domain Road (meter parking that usually finishes before the movie begins so usually free.)
OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE WITH KIDS OUTSIDE OF THE CBD
The Melbourne Zoo
I’ve been taking my kids to the Melbourne Zoo since they were literal babies.
I recommend either arriving right at the opening time or around midday (when the little babies and toddlers leave for nap time.) Kids are free in the school holidays too.
There are little splash areas in summer too so take a towel and put kids in swimmers under their clothes (or just pack a change of clothes.)
You can buy food there – chips and nuggies etc but they are also find for you to bring a whole picnic from home too.
Collingwood Children’s Farm
This inner city farm is actually adorable. It’s great for toddlers too as kids can get so nice and close to the animals.
ST KILDA
I have some of my favourite restaurant recommendations in St Kilda here.
You can also take a walk along the pier and along the beach and visit Luna Park.
Please note that a walk along the St Kilda pier is very easy to do from most of my St Kilda (and some of my Middle Park) restaurant recommendations. It’s an easy, flat walk for kids and, during the day, there is an open fish’n’chip shop/cafe at the end and a Mr Whippy van (open into later in the evenings.) The pier is also stroller friendly. There is also a swimming spot at the end (a bit deep for little kids though) AND a penguin viewing deck for the evenings!!! Read about the penguin viewing pier in St Kilda here.
Although not the most “lovely” option, there is a public toilet at the end of the pier.
6 mins walk from Princes Pier is a lovely green park with a great playground (my kids love the flying fox here) called Beacon Cove Vista Playground. There are lots of little rocks to walk over and little bridges. This playground is perfect for little kids and bigger kids (up until 7 or 8 years old, I’d say.)
Walk on further for along the beach for a 30 min evening walk to Port Ormond from St Kilda. Port Ormond has a beautiful view of the bay and the Melbourne city skyline.
See our favourite places to eat as a family in St Kilda here.
PORT MELBOURNE
I have lots of recommendations on where to eat in Port Melbourne with kids here. But, as well as a meal, I also recommend a walk from the Main St (Bay St) to Princes Pier. We actually used to live in a highrise just next to this pier when my kids were babies. It’s a lovely walk from Bay St and soooo stroller friendly – all flat and you can also walk along the beach 90% of the way too. It takes approx 15 mins walk from the corner of Bay & Beach St. In the warm months you can catch a Mr Whippy ice-cream van along the way for a treat – you can also get Fish’n’Chips at D’Lish Fish (they also sell Frozen Yoghurt) along the way without changing paths once!
For a playground nice and close to the high street (Bay St) -just off Bay St (just a minute walk from Coles) is a cute little playground at Edwards Park.
ANOTHER SUMMER IN MELBOURNE WITH KIDS IDEA
Did you know that Vibe Docklands (hotel) have day passes for their pool during the summer time – for those who aren’t staying guests at their hotel. Buy a day pass to use the pool at Vibe Dockands here. $25 for Adults and $15 for kids. And you can order food straight to your sun bed.
KEW / RICHMOND
Breakfast or lunch + a boat ride + a walk at Studley Park Boathouse
The setting here is so beautiful. The restaurant food is here is ok – not bad but not great so I’d stick to drinks and scones. The ice-cream & milkshake truck is also open from 10am on weekends and this can be another cute treat.
Make a boat rental reservation at Studley Park Boathouse here (kids need to be at least 3 to board.)
There is a little playground right next to the restaurant and the gardens all around mean there is lots of space for kids to burn off energy. Lots of public barbeques (get there early on weekends though as it is popular!)
This is a really nice morning out – even with really small toddlers.
FOOTSCRAY / MARIBYNONG
This is the cleanest playcentre I’ve ever been to in Australia! It’s called SuperPark and it is connected to Highpoint Shopping Centre (high point is my favourite of all the Melbourne shopping centres, by the way. Many people say Chadstone is the best but I disagree. Highpoint has everything and is just the right size.)
Superpark can accommodate kids up until 12. Personally, I think that it’s best for kids aged 3 – 8 years old (if you have younger siblings with you – there is a sectioned off baby area too). It’s the perfect way to start of finish some shopping at Highpoint Shopping Centre with kids and they also host birthday parties!
They have lots of highchairs here.
When you book online for Superpark, don’t forget that you need to purchase the purple grip socks.
And literally next door isTom’s Confectionery Warehouse.
Open 10am everyday (from 9am on Saturdays.). They had a human crane machine section in the middle. $35 dollars and kids can keep all the candy they can literally hold on to. They have lots of sweets from the states as well as China and Japan. There is also a giant pick’n’mix section (they say it’s the world’s largest, actually.)
And just a few more doors down? Toymate toy shop (so this whole strip of shops is basically bribery heaven for parents!)
NORTH MELBOURNE
I love this shop Ace Antiques & Collectibles (they are about to open an additional store across the road soon too.) Just 1 min walk from here is the North Melbourne Library too . It’s small but charming and the kids reading section is so lovely. Spots to curl up with a book – even if you’re not borrowing. There are also nice clean toilets on the second floor.
Just across the road from North Melbourne Library is a beautiful Lebanese brunch spot called Al Makan – make a reservation as it’s popular.
I also LOVE Amiconi just 3 mins walk from the library- this place is VIBES!!!!! So friendly and charming. This restaurant has been a Melbourne treasure for more than 60 years.
MY FAVOURITE 1-2 NIGHT GETAWAYS OUTSIDE OF MELBOURNE WITH KIDS
Phillip Island – mostly for the Penguin Parade but also for the Highland Cows. When buying Penguin tix, get the more expensive option – it’s worth it.
Daylesford – I like it best here in Autumn or Winter. It’s a foodies delight too.
Bright – it’s so so pretty here.
Ballarat – I really love the Quest in Ballarat and we always love visiting Sovereign Hill.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
This is an open air museum set in the 1850s (Gold Rush times.) It’s done so well and is so much fun to visit as a family. It is 2 hours drive from Melbourne.
My kids love making candles here, watching them make the raspberry drops and also panning for gold.
The attention to detail here is so impressive, actually.
Another highlight is also going down a mineshaft and seeing a blacksmith demonstration.
Since I’m talking about Australia here – let me share our Tim Tam Slice recipe here.
Oh and no-one asked but this, to me, is the perfect vegemite to butter (lurpak only!) ratio.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
