A Weekend Away in Melbourne with Kids
- Thursday 7th March 2019
Planning a weekend away in the cultural capital of Australia? This southern city is a hive of activities for every adult, teen and child. Melbourne’s got you covered for fashion, art, music, food and sport, but what about keeping the kids busy? Whether you’re staying at Crown Towers, the Holiday Inn, or in the suburbs with family or friends, here’s a weekend’s worth of adventures where the kids can learn something new, AND have the best day out!
DAY ONE
Laneways
Coffee calling? Play at being a proper Melburnian and kickstart your day at one of the cafes around the city’s famous laneways. Try Rustica in Guildford Lane or Manchester Press in Rankins Lane. After your energising babyccino break at one of these Melbourne institutions, explore the boutique shops, and browse your morning away through Centre Place, Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and Tattersalls Lane.
Tram Time
Hop on a tram – it never gets old. Nothing that says ‘Melbourne’ more than watching the city roll by on one of its old rattlers or super-modern trams. For sightseeing and penny-watching, grab the free City Circle Tram, and get off whenever the mood (or nature) calls. For a slice of beachside life, hop on a tram to St Kilda, but make sure you’ve got your Myki Card.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Jump off the tram at stop number two on Flinders Street and dive straight into Melbourne’s underwater universe. You’ll all be in awe of the weird and wonderful creatures of the deep at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. See sharks put their teeth to use at feeding time, stroll under White Spotted Eagle Rays, and watch the waddling, toddling penguins in their ice Penguin Playground.
Woah – he’s a whopper! See one of Australia’s biggest saltwater crocs or chill out and watch the tropical fish show off in their coral atoll. Then, play with the seahorses or explore the rainforest with all its freshwater turtles, snakes and other curious creatures. There are even two mermaids. And, in the city of ‘four seasons in one day,’ SEA LIFE Melbourne provides a magical day out for everyone; rain or shine.
Eat and Drink
This city is all about quality eating and drinking: everywhere. Dotted with casual and fancy dining options, try hotspots like Degraves Street for some alfresco eats or Carlton’s Lygon Street for Italian fare. For food with a view – pick a place along the Yarra River, from Docklands to Richmond. Try HuTong for divine dumplings or Taxi Kitchen for a fine dining experience.
DAY TWO
Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens
Fancy a slow start on Sunday? A wander around the Children’s Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens is about as slow as it gets with kids. Pack a picnic and chill while the kids explore the bamboo forest and get their hands dirty in the kitchen garden. Wanna get wet? If the sun’s out, splash around with the water features. It’s an accessible park, so prams and wheelchairs can easily get around.
St Kilda Adventure Playground
If there’s still energy to burn, head over to the St Kilda Adventure Playground (shhhh! It’s a local secret), which is open until 4:30pm. Here, the kids can go wild in mazes, climb castles or commandeer a pirate ship and sail the seven seas. To top it all off – grab a scoop of gelato at Pidapipo
As the weekend wraps up, both kids and parents should be happily exhausted with some great Melbourne memories.
