Easter Long Weekend Ideas in Melbourne

The Easter Long Weekend is an unusual kettle of fish! As a moveable holiday, it feels early one year, and late the next, so we’re never quite prepared when it lands. But never fear, we won’t leave you lost for ideas. Check out some of the best family-friendly adventures for the Easter Long Weekend in Melbourne.

Egg Hunt Adventures

Everyone loves an egg hunt, so take yours out of your backyard and into one of our most beautiful public green spaces: the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens, a 35-minute walk from SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Nestle your brightly wrapped eggs amongst tree roots and lush lawns (but don’t trample the garden beds, or you’ll be shooed away faster than a pigeon on a mission for crumbs!) Remember to save an Easter egg so you can ‘discover’ it behind the ear of your youngest child. That joke never gets old!

Fantastic Fish

It’s Melbourne, and it’s Easter, so it’s likely to bucket down with rain. Don’t let inclement weather drown the hopes of your pint-sized adventurers. The only water you need is waiting at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, filled with the most fascinating fish you’ll see this side of the Great Barrier Reef. Check out the King and Gentoo penguins, as well as our rescued sea turtles. Ever wondered what swims under the waters of Port Phillip Bay? Discover the ‘Bay of Rays’ exhibit and meet these little guys face to face. Or hang out with their much larger shark cousins in the ocean exhibit. A Melbourne Big Ticket gets you and a child into the Aquarium and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, with both attractions open on public holidays. Sweet deal!

Wonder Walls

In a city famous for its art, the excellent news for families is – a lot of the best stuff is outside where you don’t have to keep the kids quiet. So many of our laneways are alive with vibrant street art and murals; you can’t help but stumble upon them by accident. Young kids will love the larger-than-life artworks, while older kids can learn about the political and social meanings behind them. Once you’re done, find a cosy café and order hot chocolates for everyone. After all, it is Easter.

Book Weekend

Don’t wait for the official Book Week – host your own over the Easter Long Weekend. This idea works best for the under 8s. Let the kids dress up as their favourite book character and head to your nearest library for an afternoon of imaginative exploration. Grandma and Pa might like to be the official story readers for the day; extra points if they dress up too! The State Library of Victoria is Australia’s oldest library and a beautiful place to visit, and it’s only a 25-minute walk from SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Many libraries hold free youth activities and events, so keep an eye out online.

Lights, Camera, Action!

The exhibitions are always changing at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, where you can explore TV, film, games, and digital culture. A quick 15-minute walk from SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, it’s a great space for the Sci-fi and superhero fans in your family, and an exciting introduction to virtual reality. Get lost in the free gaming lab, which is packed with local and international games.