BEST THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE WITH KIDS

INSIDE: The Best Things to Do in Melbourne with Kids. Updated 2024.

Melbourne, the home of the best Italian food in Australia, and the centre of art and cultural activities for kids.

There’s:

fabulous nature playgrounds
community playgrounds
themed high teas
AFL, and cricket
Melbourne museums
epic science museums
indoor rock climbing
Luna Park in St Kilda, and a
giant Melbourne wheel where you can see the Melbourne skyline from a bird’s eye view.

The Melbourne Zoo and the Werribee Zoo safari park are two of Australia’s best animal parks.

You can fill your days SHOPPING in Melbourne.

It’s the hotspot for op shops AND high fashion, and don’t miss Queen Victoria Markets.

My woollen UGG boots from there are 10 years old and still look almost brand new!

But when a local thinks of Melbourne, it’s all about the food.

Don’t miss Lygon street for that moreish Italian food, or the main street of St Kilda for decadent cakes and pastries.

Take a look!

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Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in AUD, unless otherwise stated

There’s SO MANY fun things to do with kids in Melbourne.

Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne for families.

RELATED: Best Australian Souvenirs you must buy for family and friends (UNIQUE!)

No.1: Best Melbourne Attractions for Kids

Wander Chinatown and go inside the Chinese museum
Head into LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne
Visit Collingwood Children’s Farm and Abbotsford Convent shops
Take selfies at ArtVo
Catch the City Circle tram
Tour Melbourne Cricket Ground
Head inside Old Melbourne Gaol
Get busy with hands on activities at Scienceworks!
Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery

Image credit: Karl Noring via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.2: More Fun Places in Melbourne for Kids

Ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
Take in the view from Eureka Skydeck
Check out the National Gallery of Victoria
Grab a croissant at Flinders Street Railway station
Have a look at the iconic State Library of Victoria
Check out the Australian Sports Museum and the ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
Discover history at the Immigation Museum
Be awed by St Patricks Cathedral
Check out the views from St Kilda Pier
Spend a day visiting Polly Woodside museum ship
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne Zoo Victorian Era zoo, close to the CBD
IMAX Melbourne
Melbourne museum (Natural history and cultural collections)
Kings Domain park and the Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Click here for a map of Melbourne tourist attractions.

No.3: ArtPlay Birrarung Marr Park Melbourne

There’s a gorgeous brick building smack bang in the middle of Birrarung Marr park.

One of the last remaining structures from the Jolimont Rail yards, this heritage building has been converted into a children’s art and cultural centre called ArtPlay.

Opened in 2004, children from babies to 12 year olds, and their families, can join in creative arts workshops on weekends, and during school holidays.

Birrarung Marr ArtPlay in Melbourne supports kids to explore their creativity and share unique artistic experiences with professional artists.

With over 300 workshops, events and performances a year, with teachers from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, you will definitely find something fun to do.

Bookings are required for most workshops, however there are also free drop-in events available.

Click here to follow them on Facebook to find out about upcoming events

Image credit: Kandukuru Nagarjun via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.4: Birrarung Marr Bells

You’ll hear the Birrarung Marr Bells before you see them.

The Federation Bells sit on the middle terrace and you access them via the ramp.

There are 39 inverted bells, and they sound something like a church bell symphony. Controlled automatically by a computer, they play a range of compositions.

The best bit? You can download a player from Federation Bells and compose and submit your own works online!

Image credit: Filipe Castilhos via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

WHERE TO SHOP IN MELBOURNE FOR SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND MORE

No.1: Best Shopping in Melbourne like a local!

Go shopping at Acland Street or Chapel Street
Eat all the yummy cakes at the St Kilda Esplanade market, and Prahan market
Shop Queen Victoria market shopping for toys, beanies, Disney toys AND all the foodie treats!
Check out Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central, and Emporium Melbourne for high end fashion, & fun!
Buy chocolates at Haigh’s Chocolates in the Block Arcade (all the shops in the Block arcade are worth a squizz)
Wander Royal Arcade, built in 1870!
Melbourne Docklands

No.2: Melbourne Shopping for Good Design

Koncent Japanese homewares and designer goods in South Melbourne
Find quirky design goods at NVG Australia
Top 3 Design Emporium Melbourne on Lonsdale street in the CBD
Galleria Melbourne
Kami Paper is an adorable paper, art supplies, and book shop
Dinosaur Designs Melbourne for resin art, jewelry and homewares
The Rose Street Artist’s Market in Fitzroy is an indoor arty crafty market of handmade goodies and food
Lost and Found market on 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy has vintage apparel, antique furniture, housewares, bric-a-brac & art.

WHERE TO EAT IN MELBOURNE WITH KIDS

No.1: Easeys burgers

Easeys is a cool burger joint inside a converted train in Collingwood.

Go for the novelty factor.

No.2: Queen Victoria Markets

Go with an empty stomach and eat your way around.

Hungry? Book a 2 hour Foodies Tour of Queen Victoria Market. Kids 8+ welcome.

No.3: Melbourne Restaurants with Playgrounds

Try:

Zagame’s Reservoir Hotel in Reservoir
Moreland Hotel pub in Brunswick
Templestowe Hotel bistro in Templestowe Lower
The Boathouse at Moonee Ponds
The Farm Cafe at Abbotsford in the Collingwood Children’s Farm (the Abbotsford Convent is one of our favourite spots for a Melbourne day out – do check out the “pay what you like” Lentil as Anything for vegan eats too)
Cowderoy’s Dairy cafe & milk bar in St Kilda has a playground next door for outdoor eats
Cubbyhouse Canteen Armadale is in the Union Street Gardens park, with TWO fully fenced adventure playgrounds next door

Image credit: Chris Putully via Flickr CC BY-2.0

No.4: Birrarung Marr Night Noodle Market

Love noodles?

Get on down to Melbourne’s annual Asian Noodle market at Birrarung Marr.

Try your favourite noodle dishes and street foods from Japan, Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and more from November 8th to November 25th.

Here’s some of the noodle market stalls you’ll find:

Donburi station
the Original Korean Twisto Potato
Mr Miyagi
Sambal Kampung
Bangkok Street Food
Chinese Dim Sum King
Bao Brothers
Oriental Tea House
Puffle’s Egg Waffles
Korean Tacos
Wonderbao
Teppanyaki noodles
Hoy Pinoy skewer sticks

Night Noodle Markets Opening Hours:

Mon – Tue 5pm – 9pm
Wed – Thu 5pm – 10pm
Fri 5pm – 11pm
Sat 4pm – 10pm
Sun 4pm – 9pm

Entry is free.

Event is cashless. All major cards accepted.

No.5: Where to eat at Birrarang Marr

The best bet to find food close by is to find the food trucks near Federation Square.

Head to Chocolate Buddha Japanese restaurant, or Taxi Kitchen for more substantial meals, both in the Federation Square area.

Tower Sushi, in front of Flinders St Station, is another good bet for kids.

No.6: Langham Hotel High Tea for children

If you are looking for things to do in Melbourne for kids involving food, try a super fun themed high tea for children at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne

There’s new themes, usually in conjunction with a latest release movie each school holidays!

BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN MELBOURNE

Here is a list of the best Melbourne playgrounds with that something extra!

ie. Not boring.

It may:

be community minded
be an adventure playground
be a nature play space, and/or
have an aesthetic design

But they ALL have something a little special!

Best Adventure Playgrounds in Melbourne

Fitzroy Gardens dragon playground
Skinners Adventure Playground
Cubbies Fitzroy Adventure Playground
Ron Barassi Snr Park

Best Nature Play Playgrounds in Melbourne

Ian Potter Children’s Garden

See below for all the details of the best Melbourne playgrounds for kids!

No.1: St Kilda Adventure Playground in Melbourne

St Kilda Adventure Playground in Melbourne is a community-run playground with a difference.

If you dream of letting the kids play like we played as kids, head straight there.

PIRATE Ships? Yes.

MONSTER slippery dip? Yes.

An in-ground jumping trampoline with TRAFFIC CONTROL?

YES!

There’s a push button to set the timer before kids jump on!

Everyone gets a fair go.

Parents everywhere breathe a sigh of relief of thanks for this awesome invention & addition to this community playground in Melbourne.

St Kilda Adventure Playground Melbourne

Anyone with a tendency to be a helicopter parent should scratch St Kilda Adventure Playground in Melbourne off the list.

This adventure playground in Melbourne is NOT your normal playground.

But everyone is welcome!

It’s a community playground where children can:

explore
dig
plant
climb, scale, and slide down fireman poles
sing, dance, laugh
hammer, and build cubbies from loose parts.

BYO Beach Toys & digging tools.

Risky Play Welcome at St Kilda Adventure Playground St Kilda Vic

This community playground in Melbourne is manned by staff during opening hours.

The playground equipment is mostly timber, handmade-style, and rough around the edges.

Painted in bright rainbow colours, there’s an element of risky play and controlled danger here.

Kids LOVE it.

So do local parents.

This playground attempts to recreate somewhat the elements that many of us grew up with, especially the freedom to build, create, climb and play with whatever we lay our hands upon.

Sanitised playgrounds BORE OUR PANTS OFF.

This organic one excites the kids with all the possibilities for imaginative thinking, and creative construction potential!

St Kilda Adventure playground is top of the list as it’s one of the most popular Melbourne playgrounds for risky play.

That is, it’s NOT perfectly safe and clinical.

St. Kilda playground has stairs to climb, and ladders, and community built cubby houses (like what you might find in your neighbour’s backyard), and there’s the odd splinter or two, and uneven concrete pathways.

Kids (and adults) have to watch their step and pay attention to their surroundings as they go about their play, but they are also given the freedom to:

imagine and create, and
move things around, and
stretch their own limits.

It’s bloody awesome!

Pirate Ships Galore at St Kilda Playground

Yes, there’s TWO pirate ships.

And more.

Kids can explore:

the big airplane
the wooden horse and a dinosaur
trees to climb up high
a go-kart path
the steep giant silver slide! (This was the highlight!)
swings and a tunnel slide
giant tractor tyres
gardens
scramble nets
the rainbow cubby house
skateboard pipe
giant castle-themed sand pit
mini basketball court
natural play spaces
shop fronts
the castle with stairs up and stairs down, and fireman poles too

Things to do at the Adventure Playground St Kilda

Visit the chooks, make new friends, and play a game of Gaga (Israeli dodgeball) in the purpose built pit.

Rules above!

St Kilda Playground in Melbourne is an unstructured playground with plenty of opportunity to use loose parts for imaginative play.

St Kilda adventure park is fully fenced so families can find a spot to sit in the shade to catch up with neighbours or friends, or stake out a spot on one of the wooden platforms and relax, while the kids explore and adventure.

Best suited for kids aged 5-12 years.

Keep a close eye on the littlies.

Young toddlers and smaller children may need active supervision at St. Kilda adventure playground to help them avoid falls and mishaps.

Junk Food Free Zone

You can bring snacks and water, but the playground is a Junk Food Free Zone as the Community Playground’s mission is to bolster healthy lifestyles and active movement for local and visiting kids.

All sweet, fatty or fast food must be consumed before entering.

RELATED: Amazing List of Healthy Road Trip food & snacks (perfect for picnics & playgrounds)

Quiet Zones

There’s also dedicated imaginative play set ups, and quiet reading zones at St.Kilda adventure playground too.

So it’s not all wild and wooly!

In Ground Trampoline at the Adventure Playground St Kilda

The trampoline rules help all the kids to share and take turns.

Sometimes the trampoline is empty, but other times, the queue is LONG.

Ready, Set, Go!

Kids love to push the GO button when it’s their turn, and jump their heart out until the light changes.

Adventure Park St Kilda Playground for Kids in Melbourne

Take a look at these pics below to see some of the fun activities for kids at St. Kilda Playground around the yard.

The fireman pole is popular!

Pirate ropes below deck

Climbing ladders

Rope Nets …

Even Roam the Gnome couldn’t resist!

Parkour ropes

There’s plenty of things for children to do in Melbourne at this park, including slides, and swings.

There’s stairs to climb, and mountain sides to traverse.

This set up is perfect, with all the uneven surfaces that rise and fall, heave and ripples, for kids who are developing their spatial awareness, motor skills, left and right brain consolidation, and midline integration.

Roadways for Moving Vehicles & Scooters

Watch out for speed demons on these undulating tracks.

Shop Play

This is a popular spot for younger kids who love to play shops, restaurants, and cooking.

Kids learn how to negotiate, take turns, share, and more.

Is there anything cooler than a rainbow cubby treehouse?

This one’s painted inside and out.

Kids think not!

St Kilda Playground Melbourne – Location, Entry fees, Opening hours

Address: St Kilda community playground is located at Neptune St St Kilda Melbourne 3182.
Website: Click here.
Telephone: (03) 9209 6348

NB: Luna Park is close by!

St Kilda Adventure Playground opening hours

We strongly recommend calling the playground directly before you go, to check opening times and avoid disappointment.

St Kilda Adventure Park Melbourne opening hours are:

School Holidays: 12 noon to 4.30 pm
School Term Monday – Friday: 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon to 4.30 pm
Public holidays (excluding Good Friday): 12 noon to 4 pm

The playground will be closed from 24 December for the Christmas/New Year period and will re-open 2 January.

St Kilda Adventure Playground Entrance fee

Is St Kilda playground free? YES!

The St Kilda Community Playground is FREE for all to enter.

It’s a top spot for a party, or take part in the activity choices already on offer.

It’s a winner of a playground in South Melbourne near Port Philip!

How to get to St Kilda Playground Melbourne

By Tram to St Kilda:

Via Trams 3a, 16, 96.
Exit at the corner of Fitzroy Street and Grey Street and walk from there.

By Car:

7.5km from the Melbourne CBD.
About 15 minutes drive.

St Kilda Adventure Playground Parking:

Limited street parking in surrounding streets.
Car park with ticketed parking on the corner of Princes and Pattison streets.

NB: Street parks may be limited to one hour use.

St Kilda Playground Map

Facilities at St Kilda Adventure Playground

Toilets: Yes, including baby change table
Disability access: Yes
Enclosed: Yes
Picnic tables: Yes
Electric BBQs: No
Scooters and Bikes: Yes
Dogs: No dogs are permitted in the playgrounds.

Conditions of Entry:

Adults are only permitted in the playground when accompanying a child or children.
Remember that you are entering the backyard of local families and children.
No alcohol, smoking or drugs are permitted in the playgrounds
Respect others privacy by only taking photos of you and your family or group in the playground.

NB: There’s another St Kilda Playground in South Australia, with a giant flying fox. Find details of the St Kilda Playground Adelaide here.

Image credit: Adam G

No.2: Fitzroy Gardens dragon playground

You can also visit the Children’s Playground in Fitzroy Gardens – it has a DRAGON SLIDE!

Here’s a creative playground in Melbourne.

Check out the adorable dragon slide, and the innovative giraffe swing.

Plus there’s a big sandpit for digging.

Fitzroy Gardens is famous for being home to a sizable collection of enchanted statues too. Don’t miss:

Boy on the Turtle
The Dolphin Fountain

AND the Fairies Tree!

Check out the old Bandstand too.

Find the playground located on the south side of the Grey Street at Fitzroy Gardens, 230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne.

Hot tip: If you have small children in tow, do also visit the imaginative Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery in the Melbourne Museum at Carlton Gardens (Older kids will love the Melbourne Museum playground too)

Image credit: ゆうたかはし

No.3: Skinners Adventure Playground

Another community playground in Melbourne with lots of loose parts for children to create with. It’s bright, and colourful!

Skinners playground in Melbourne is for kids 5 to 12 years old.

One of the unusual features of this adventure park in Melbourne is that it is staffed.

Another one is that there’s old shipping containers in the space too.

But the best bit is it is brightly coloured, painted in rainbows, so it’s a cheerful playground for kids to play in.

Risky play is honoured – there are:

rough edges and reclaimed materials in use
fast slippery silver slides
timber cubbies and a pirate ship made from offcuts and pallets, and
giant tyres to hide inside
trees to climb
balancing beams made from old car tyres
an in-ground trampoline
bikes and trikes to ride
an old school seesaw
a basketball court

Plus loose parts such as timber pallets, rocks, and logs to move around in imaginative play.

Skinners Adventure Playground opening hours are:

3.30pm to 5.30pm weekdays
12pm to 4.30pm on weekends
12pm to 4pm on public holidays

Find it at 211A Dorcas St, South Melbourne

Image credit: HerHeSweetcone

No.4: Cubbies Fitzroy Adventure Playground

Don’t miss THIS amazing playground in Melbourne.

While small, this community built playground has an impressive central feature – the Coal Flower Garden fort and pods with climbing tunnels and slides.

It’s quite something to see in the middle of a busy city.

It’s also the only staffed adventure playground in North Melbourne.

Find it open on:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday after school from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Saturdays from 12.30pm to 4.30pm

Located on Condell Street & R O W Y, this Fitzroy playground has a fantastic climbing structure, unlike anything we’ve seen before!

Three giant sculptural “flowers” form the centrepiece of this unique climbing fort.

Image credit: Li Yang

No.5: Ron Barassi Snr Park

Not far from the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel on the waterfront, you’ll find Ron Barassi Senior playground.

Centrestage, the giant apex tower with futuristic silver slide is the landmark you are looking for.

There’s also some innovative sandpit play equipment including:

levers, and
pulleys, and
sand trays, and
pipes.

And waterplay.

Sadly, no flying foxes or monkey bars though.

It’s also probably one of the only playgrounds right next to a major above ground highway!

But the grassy area makes up for it.

Open dawn to dusk.

Find it at Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008

Image credit: Colin

No.6: Maritime Cove Community Park

Find this amazing boat-themed playground right next to Sandridge Beach at Port Melbourne.

The views are spectacular, and there’s:

fun play equipment and climbing frame made from recycled timber
rope nets
nest swings
timber stepping stones and rope bridges to cross
water pumps with sand play
a tall wooden tower fort with ladders to climb, and a slide

The addition of the large steel buoy and warning tower adds a quirky touch!

A good reserve playground for little ones and big kids.

Find it at 200 The Blvd, Port Melbourne

No.7: Ian Potter Children’s Garden at Melbourne Botanic Garden

Tucked away in a corner of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, the Ian Potter Children’s Garden is the antidote to super chaotic children’s playgrounds in Melbourne.

The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden near the Melbourne CBD is the best nature playground around.

This nature playground in Melbourne is a place to roam, to scamper, and to play in amongst Australian native bushland.

There’s a bamboo forest and many a garden for silent contemplation and discovery.

If you are looking for fun things for kids to do in Melbourne, pop it on your Melbourne itinerary.

Located in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, this playground is just 3km from the city centre:

a 30 minute walk, or
12 minutes by car.

PS: The Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the best parks in Melbourne city, and not to be missed.

Take a look inside the Melbourne Botanical Gardens Children’s Garden here.

There’s EIGHT different gardens within the garden to explore.

The Ruin Garden
The Meeting Place
The Wetlands
The Bamboo Forest
The Gorge
The Plant Tunnels
The Kitchen Garden
The Tree Tower.

No.1: The Ruin Garden

There’s rocks to climb over and rock tunnels to pass under.

And places to dig and scoop too.

It’s my fave spot.

No.2: The Meeting Place

There’s a water play area with streaming jets to soak the kids.

Remember to BYO swimmers and towels if you are visiting during Spring or Summer.

The kids WILL get wet, both at the Meeting Place, and at the River Mill.

The Meeting Place has spiral fountain jets that spray water into the air between 10am and 4pm, daily.

But only on warm days 25 degrees or more.

(No catching a chill here)

Check out the Queensland Bottle Trees here too.

These rotund trees are something special!

No.3: The Wetlands

In the centre of the gardens, a natural pond is home to nature’s creatures.

It’s the place to spy insects, plants and fish.

No.4: The Bamboo Forest

Bamboo forest is a cool spot to sit, as the kids dig in the sandpit.

BYO sandpit toys.

No.5: The Gorge

There’s space to explore nature, without fear of snakes or other dangerous Australian wildlife.

No.6: The Plant Tunnels

The plant tunnels play area is ideal for a game of hide and seek!

No.7: The Kitchen Garden

This is where you can get dirty helping to grow fresh veggies (spy the scarecrow!)

Learn all the ins and outs of planting in season, and companion planting tips too.

Plants and trees you’ll find here include:

Olive tree
Passionfruit vine
Persimmon
Japanese banana
Tamarillo
Rhubarb
Fig
Orange
Black Muscat grape
Babaco
Medicinal Aloe

Plus, herbs including rosemary, thyme, chamomile, Vietnamese mint, Nasturtiums, Parsley and Apple mint.

No.8: The Rill Stream

The Rill stream is a river stone-encrusted waterway that runs from 10am to 4pm daily too.

Find a leaf boat and sail it along, or play jump and skip over the stream and back.

Lots of fun for little ones.

No.9: The Tree Tower

The newest addition is the Tree Tower.

Climb up high for awesome views of the garden.

Topiary Sculptures

Around the garden edges, along the pathways, spy unusual topiary.

Vegetable Gardens

Spy these gardens as you wander round.

Look for the sticker spots with suggested activities of things for kids to do at Ian Potter’s Garden as well as mandalas in nature!

50 things for kids to do at Ian Potter Foundation Childrens Garden

Kids need inspiration?

Take a look at this list of 50 things for kids to do at the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden

Inside Ian Potter Children’s Garden Melbourne

Ian Potter Childrens Garden is a beautiful, elegant patch of landscaped Australian bushland, with nooks for children to:

hide in
daydream, and
potter about.

Things for Children to do at Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden

There are so many hands-on activities on offer at the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden

Children can play, explore and discover the changing colours and seasons of nature at the award-winning Ian Potter children’s playground as they stroll and wander among the plants, waterways, pathways, and rocky outcrops.

The Melbourne garden design is accessible for everyone.

ALL :

ages
backgrounds
abilities and
cultures.

The goal at this Melbourne garden for kids is to immerse children in nature so they grow up with a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment.

With luck, this early immersion will be enough so that as adults, they continue to practice conservation throughout their lives.

Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in the Botanical Gardens of Melbourne, on the:

Oak Lawn, beneath the mighty oaks. A top spot in Autumn!
Western Lawn, close to the Children’s Garden, with plenty of space to play

It’s the ideal day out in Melbourne for garden play with friends, and to learn about lots of different species of Australian plants and grasses.

(Here’s a list of what you’ll find in the garden)

The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden – Location, Entry fees, Opening hours

Worth a visit?

DEFINITELY.

Nature play lovers, and imaginative kids who create their own games & stories, will adore it.

This place in Melbourne for children is better suited to younger kids under 12.

There’s not much to “DO” for older kids, but it’s a quiet calm space if they like reading, or chatting to mates.

It’s on Roam the Gnome’s list of top 10 playgrounds in Melbourne.

BYO Sunscreen and hats.

Address: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
Website: Click here

Opening Hours at Ian Potter Children’s Garden in Melbourne

Open:

10am–sunset Wednesday–Sunday and public holidays
10am–sunset seven days a week during Victorian State School holidays.

Closed to the public Monday and Tuesday, during Victorian State School terms.

Closed for winter break (restoration, maintenance and rejuvenation) for eight weeks following the end of July school holidays.

Entry fees: Free

How to get to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria at Melbourne Gardens is approximately two kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre.

By Bus: Route 605 (Melbourne Observatory/Birdwood Avenue)

By Tram: Routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 (Stop 19 Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd)

For detailed public transport information, visit Public Transport Victoria.

By Bike: Designated bicycle paths along the Yarra River and Melbourne CBD lead to Melbourne Gardens.

Please note that riding of bicycles in the gardens is not permitted.
Dedicated bicycle parking is available at Observatory Gate.

Parking: Street metered car parking for up to four hours is generally easy to find close to entry gates.

Visitor information & facilities at this Nature Playground in Melbourne

Toilets: Yes, including baby change table. Walk 50 metres to the right from the front gate.
Disability access: The Children’s Garden is accessible for wheelchair users, visitors with walking frames, and parents with prams.
Picnic tables: BYO picnic rug.
Dogs: No
Notes: Children must remain clothed at all times.

No.8: Birrarung Marr Playground, Melbourne CBD

Next to the Flinders trail that runs along the Yarra River, but hidden amongst leaves and greenery, the unique Birrarung Marr playground is the best playground in Melbourne City CBD, with views of the river, and very near Federation Square.

It’s right next to ArtPlay, the community arts hub for families.

What does Birrarung Marr mean?

Birrarung Marr is the Aboriginal word for “River of mists” and “river bank” in the Woiwurrung language of the local Wurundjeri people and it’s a fitting title for a playground next to the famous Yarra River that runs from Yarra Ranges National Park up in the hills near McMahons Creek and Reefton, all the way down:

past Dockside, and
the Westgate Bridge, and
Scienceworks, and
out to Port Phillip Bay.

Brightly coloured, the Birrarung Marr playspace has lots of natural elements.

Kids have plenty of grass to run around on.

It’s hard to believe it is in inner city Melbourne, as it’s peaceful and there’s LOTS OF SPACE to relax on the grassy fields, or ride bikes.

Being riverside brings a cool breeze.

This Melbourne CBD playground has a climbing pyramid, dual slides, and is very near the Federation Bells, so you can hear their chimes from time to time.

It’s quite a soundtrack they play, and a real treat to hear!

Finding a playground just a few hundred metres from Flinders Street station in Melbourne CBD is nothing short of a miracle.

But finding a Melbourne playground surrounded by nature is next level!

This one is well hidden, and known only to locals.

It’s not a playground we’d go out of our way for.

But if you are in the city, it’s only a hop skip jump to get there along the riverbank, and give the kids 30 minutes of outdoor exercise after lunch.

Take a look inside below.

How to find Birrarung Marr Melbourne

Wander down towards the river from Federation Square and turn left.

You’ll find the playground just a few hundred metres along on the left.

Kids can race each other down dual slides – the two super-slippery tube hill slides.

Sacred Stones at Birrarung Marr Playground Melbourne Vic

At one end sits a semi-circle of Sacred Stones, reminiscent of Stone Henge.

Kids love to climb these giant rocks.

Why is Birrarung Marr sacred?

This site is a traditional one because of the ceremonial importance that it conveys. Individuals from various tribes come to this location to perform a Tanderrum which is a large gathering/celebration. (Source)

Playground Equipment at Birrarung Park Melbourne

The Birrarung Marr playground also features:

a wooden ramp elevated walkway and stairs
a liberty swing
sandpits
swinging hammocks
activity panels
balance beams
netted bridges
giant scramble net pyramid for rope climbing

The only downside is it’s not fenced, and there’s multiple entrances and exits.

Keep a close eye on those quick runaway toddlers.

And sadly, graffiti is an ongoing problem.

What is the proper Birrarung Marr pronunciation?

This is how to pronounce Birrarung Marr is:

Birra Rung Mar. (beer-a rung-ma)

Birrarung Park Location, Opening hours, Entry fees

Opening hours: Sunrise to late afternoon.
Entry fees: Free

Toilets: Yes including baby change table
Disability access: Yes
Picnic tables: Yes
Dogs: No

Image credit: Philip Mallis via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Where is Birrarung Marr Melbourne?

The park lies south-east of the Melbourne CBD, between Flinders street and the north bank of the Yarra River.

How to get to Birrarung Marr in Melbourne

By Tram: Disembark at Federation Square/Swanston Street, and walk along Princes walk until you find the playground

By Car: Click here to add your location for directions on google maps

By Foot: Birrarung Marr is directly behind Federation Square and you can walk to the playground and ArtPlay via the Flinders Walk riverside trail from the city.

Alternative access via Batman Avenue.

Birrarung Marr car park

Car parking at Birrarung Marr can be hard work.

For Birrarung Marr parking, the best bet is the Wilson Parking Federation Square carpark.

Our last visit, we scored a park near the William Barrack Bridge, and walked in via the bridge.

Image credit: Lui Nguyen

No.9: Docklands Playground Harbour Esplanade

Look for the unusual sculpture with gold, red and blue spokes off a giant upright wheel.

When you spot it, you know you are in the right place.

Under the shade of the trees, you’ll find:

a ring of swings
a spinner pole
toadstool balancing pods to leap across
a teal coloured “mountain”, with tunnels underneath, and dual slides on the mountain side
a sandpit

There’s a stadium of stairs to one side too, so lots of space to sit and eat a picnic.

BYO Sandpit toys.

This park is very close to the road, so keep a close eye on runaways.

Find it at 1-47 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands (at Collins St intersection)

Image credit: Jessie Koh

No.10: Flagstaff Gardens Playground

Follow one of the main thoroughfares, William Street, all the way past Lonsdale Street, and La Trobe street, until you reach Flagstaff Gardens.

It’s a 20 minute walk from Flinders Street railway station (1.7km) or you can catch the FREE tram.

You don’t need a MYKI card – just jump on board at any one of the stops on this map.

The playground is a top find!

Kids can:

climb the fort and slide the slides
scramble over the nets
swing
dig in the sandpit

Little ones can bounce on the toddler equipment and climb the little playground playspace.

Find it at 309-311 William St, West Melbourne

Image credit: Teemu Karjalainen

No.11: Royal Park Nature Play Playground

Nature play playgrounds are growing in popularity, and Melbourne is no exception, boasting quite a number for families to visit.

Royal Park Nature playground is another.

It’s also the biggest playground in Melbourne, AND one of the best parks in Melbourne for picnic feasts (and DIY charcuterie boards – savoury and more importantly, chocolate ones!)

Set in a bushy Australian landscape, with golden hued timber play equipment and sandstone boulders, the Green and Gold is alive here.

Kids LOVE:

the rope net climbing area that challenges the best of them to stay upright
the chunky balancing rope walk
the log climb (similar to this one in London near London Eye) and
the extra long slippery dip!

(There’s a second smaller slide for smaller kids who might not yet be ready for the big one)

BYO sand toys for the giant sandpit.

PS: This is home to a Melbourne water playground too, so bring your swimmers and a change of clothes, plus hats.

There’s not a lot of shade around.

Find it at 28 Gatehouse St, Parkville VIC 3052

Hot tip: Visit Melbourne Zoo with kids while you are here

Image credit: Grace Baliviera

No.12: Gardiner Reserve Playground Melbourne

At this fun Melbourne playground in the city, you’ll find:

cute timber cubby houses with blue roofs
balancing logs
stepping stones
a diagonally leaning rope challenge, and
spider web swings

This nature playground also has quirky additions to it that make it more fun than usual!

Look out for the:

Mama Spider
her baby “rope” spiders

Find it on Haines street, opposite the North Melbourne pool

Image credit: Adam G

No.13: Melbourne Museum Playground

Located in Carlton Gardens at 111 Carlton St, Carlton, next to the Melbourne Museum, this one is a concrete and steel jungle with a industrial age aesthetic!

Kids who love to play hide and seek will be thrilled with this red and green family playground.

They can:

hide in between the waves of concrete walls, and
crawl through the holes to move from row to row.

There’s also a separate toddler playground with swings and a fort.

No.14: Albert Park Community Playground

Does your kid love to dress up?

Do they wear fairy dresses or pirate suits all day long?

Then put on your best costume and head to Albert Park Playground next to Albert Park Lake, near St Kilda.

Albert Park Playground is a Magical Timber Castle Fortress playground.

Roam the Gnome rates it of the top 10 playgrounds in Melbourne.

Take a look why below.

Insider’s Guide to Albert Park Playground Melbourne VIC

Albert Park playground is inside ALBERT PARK, near the Athletics Victoria centre.

The Albert Park playground design was a collaborative effort between local kids and playground architects.

It’s the play space that every child dreams of!

There’s:

hidey holes
tunnels
nooks
crannies
pathways, and
platforms.

It’s by far the best playground in Melbourne for a fabulous game of HIDE AND SEEK.

BYO digging tools and sandpit toys too.

Inside this Melbourne Playground in Albert Park

Features include:

Giant X’s and O’s game
Wooden Fortress lookouts
Balance beams
Monkey bars
Swings
Swing bridges & monkey grips

More play equipment

Spiral slide
Straight slides
Rope bridges
Wonky bridges

It’s the perfect Melbourne playground for kids 2-12.

Building the Albert Park Playground

This beautiful wooden playground is proof that community spirit is alive and well.

Built by volunteers over 5 days in 1993, over 3000 people worked shifts from 7am to 10pm at night:

sawing
sanding
painting
shaping
hammering and
nailing the timber.

Mums and dads wheelbarrowed bark and mulch into place.

Local school kids scrubbed and sealed the tyres, and sanded the wood.

Yet others cooked free meals to feed and water the volunteer crew.

Local building businesses lent their tools.

Bigger companies donated building materials.

The rest was bought with donated money.

Some people call it the Fairy Castle Melbourne, because of these turrets.

Albert Park Adventure Playground Location, Opening hours and Entry fees

Address: On the western side of Aughtie Drive, Albert Park.
Website: Click here
Entry Fees: Free
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset

Facilities at Albert Park playground

Toilets: Yes, including baby change table
Disability access: Limited. Wheelchair accessible ramp leads to inner fort.
Picnic tables: Yes
Electric BBQs: Yes
Dogs: No

How to get to Albert Park Playground Melbourne

By Tram:

The easiest way to get to Albert Park from the city center is to take a tram.
It’s a 3km route on Melbourne tram route 96
Closest tram stops are Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre/Albert Road 131, or Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre light rail stop.

By Car: Click here to add your location for google map directions

Albert Park parking

Yes, free on site street parking available, right outside the playground.

MORE THINGS TO DO AT ALBERT PARK

Albert Park is a HUGE 560 acres big, yet just 3km from the Melbourne city centre.

World famous for the Melbourne Grand Prix circuit, it’s also home to many sporting facilities and parks activities.

Check out:

the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
the Albert Park golf course
Junction oval (historical sports ground)
Lakeside stadium (home of Athletics Victoria, and South Melbourne Football Club)
the Aquatower
Gunn Island
Albert Park Lake lookout (pictured above)

No.1: Albert Park Golf Course

The Championship golf course is on Queens Rd &, Lakeside Dr, Melbourne.

Click here to find out more about playing a round on the golf course, golf lessons, and the golf club shop.

No.2: Albert Park Mini Golf

There’s also a mini golf course at Albert Park.

Play 18 holes with the kids around obstacles, cubby houses, and more to get a hole in one!

Book here

No.3: Albert Park Lake

How long is the walk around Albert Park Lake?

It’s a 4.8km track, popular with:

local runners
joggers and
mums with prams.

Stop for a drink at one of the water fountains, placed along the track every kilometre.

A common question is can you swim in Albert Park Lake?

The answer is no, not in this manmade lake.

It’s not advisable.

Head inside to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic centre for a dip instead.

No.4: Albert Park Cafe & Restaurants

Try these Albert Park restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner:

Carousel Cafe, or the Boatshed Cafe, both on the lake
Sir Albert Cafe is near the roundabout at 30 Aughtie Dr, Albert Park. It’s a fancy Melbourne cafe with good coffee.
Jack the Geezer has delicious eggs benedict, and smoothie bowls, burgers, chips and coffee. It’s 3 minutes walk from the playground.

MELBOURNE ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES

Update coming soon!

ANIMALS, WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND ZOOS IN MELBOURNE

Check out these Melbourne zoos and animal sanctuaries on a Get your Guide tour.

Image credit: Peter Dowley via Flickr CC BY-2.0

AWESOME MELBOURNE EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

No.1: Birrarung Marr Festival

Birrarung Marr plays host to LOTS of different festivals and travelling theatre companies including:

Circus OZ
Moomba Festival “Waterfest”
2 Worlds Festival
Suitcase rummage
Paint and Sip
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
Global Poverty Walk
Bikefest
Run Melbourne Friendship Dash
Nike events
The Natural Confectionary Co. Family Splash Play Park event
Sustainable Living festival

Find latest events at Birrarung Marr here

No.2: Birrarung Marr Tennis at Federation Square

Federation Square Flinders Street amphitheatre nearby, also hosts the 7Tennis Australian Open live, showing all the matches live on screen from the comfort of deck chairs, cushions and beanbags.

No.3: What’s on in Melbourne this weekend?

Update coming soon…

No.4: What’s on in Melbourne these School Holidays?

Update coming soon…

BEST MELBOURNE DAY TOURS

Here’s some once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

Click the links in blue below for our Ultimate Family Travel Guides.