22 Things Not To Miss in Melbourne, from $0 to $50

You don’t have to fork out too much $$$ to explore Melbourne with the family! Here are 22 kids activities in Melbourne that mean you won’t have to part with a ‘pineapple.’

1. Federation Square is a great place to start. Impressive architecture, and kid-focused free stuff in the ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image.)

2.Get on your bike and ride through Australia’s most cycle-friendly streets. There’s no shortage of bike hire services around town. Don’t forget to wear a helmet!

3. Swap pedals for petals at the children’s garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens. There’s lots of floral fun for your little daffodils.

4. Eyeball a Grey Nurse Shark at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. The majestic Grey Nurse was the first shark to be officially protected, and you’ll see why.

5. Minotaur Comics is the self-described ‘pop culture megastore,’ packed with comics, figurines and more. Fantasy, gaming and cartoons; lots under $50.

6. Learn indigenous history at Bunjilaka Melbourne Museum. Super interesting and beautifully put together, thanks to the Koorie Heritage Trust.

7. Checkmate this out: free chess boards at the State Library! Move like a queen in any direction that’ll get you there fast.

8. G’day ray! Chill out in the Bay of Rays at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, and meet some of Port Phillip Bay’s local inhabitants. Drier than a dip in the sea!

9. Random Tram is all about the journey, not the destination. Just pick a tram and go! Travel anywhere within the city’s free tram zone, or use your Myki to go beyond.

10. Everyone loves the ‘Queen Vic’ Markets. It’s an entertaining spectacle of colour, noise and unusual items. Wander through and soak it up.

11. Climb into a glass-bottomed boat, and glide across the enormous Oceanarium at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Even the sharks will look up in envy.

12. You’re terrible, mural… just kidding, Melbourne’s murals are some of the world’s best. You don’t need a guide, just keen eyes and a good pair of walking shoes.

13. Head to Lygon Street for a delicious Italian feast. Finish with your favourite flavour of Gelato, which, to be honest, is any of them.

14. The stylish Sun Theatre is an art deco icon, with family movies galore. Weekly Bambini sessions for parents and bubs are a massive win for your social life.

15. Take the kids to Savers to choose any outfit they like. Pink shoes, purple wig, whatever! You can’t help their fashion sense, but you will help the community.

16. Head out to Hanging Rock for a day in the beautiful Aussie bush. The scenery is gorgeous and picnicking is family-friendly. Check the weather first. 

17. Enrol in a Creative Workshop with a LEGO® Master at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne. Get awesome tips and advice to take your LEGO® build to the next level.

18. Do nothing. Seriously – when was the last time you just sat in the park or hung out on St Kilda beach with the kids? Grab a rug and count the clouds.

19. Or, get closer to the clouds at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. Leap between ‘cloud stations’ as you fly through the trees on a zipline. It’s out of town but worth the drive!

20. Sports-mad family? Take a guided tour of the legendary MCG! See the ground through the eyes of history’s greatest cricketers at the Sports Museum.

21. Run across the ocean floor at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium’s immersive digital Wonder Wall exhibit. Bubbles fly, and fish scatter in this interactive oasis.

22. Cats and coffee, what’s not to love? Meet the purrfect patrons of Melbourne’s Cat Cafe. They might enjoy a pat, or they might turn their backs. That’s just cats.