Things to do in Melbourne With Kids

The best things to do with kids in Melbourne fall into three camps: indoor attractions in and around the CBD, wildlife on Phillip Island, and rides that feel like a proper outing. This page has family tickets for all three, from the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium on the Yarra to the Penguin Parade, a heritage steam train and a river cruise.

Indoor things to do with kids in Melbourne

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a popular choice, on the banks of the Yarra River on King Street. It spreads 10,000+ sea creatures across 12 zones, including the Bay of Rays and Night on the Reef, with daily animal presentations and shark and ray feedings. Allow a 90-minute visit.

At Chadstone, the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre has MINILAND, LEGO-themed rides, build and play zones and a 4D cinema. For both in one trip, the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE combo covers entry to each.

ArtVo Melbourne is a trick-art gallery where kids climb into the picture, with 80+ hand-painted 3D artworks and floor markers showing where to stand for the photo. More wet-weather ideas are on the Melbourne rainy days page.

Penguins and koalas from Melbourne

The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is the big one. Little Penguins come ashore at sunset every night of the year, and the boardwalks stay open after dark. Phillip Island is around a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.

The Phillip Island 3 Park Pass adds the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. If you'd rather not drive, the Penguin and Koala Encounter Day Tour leaves from the Immigration Museum on Flinders Street by air-conditioned mini coach, with koala reserve admission, Penguin Parade viewing entry and a walk along the Nobbies boardwalk.

A steam train and a river cruise

Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside is a heritage steam railway running since 1900. Kids can dangle their legs from the open-sided carriages as the train crosses four historic timber trestle bridges. It's open to the air, so pack a warm layer.

For a short window, the Melbourne Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise is a 50-minute loop from Federation Wharf past Southbank, Queens Bridge and Flinders Street Station, with live captain commentary.

Choosing a day out with kids in Melbourne

Pick by the weather and the clock. A wet afternoon suits the aquarium, LEGOLAND or ArtVo, all indoors. A dry, full-day outing suits Phillip Island or the steam train. The river cruise fits the gaps in between.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Phillip Island from Melbourne for a day trip with kids?

Phillip Island is around a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, and longer from mid-December to late January, on long weekends and in school holidays. The Penguin Parade is a 50-minute experience from the first penguin crossing the beach.

Do children need a ticket for the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?

Yes. Children under 4 still need a ticket so Phillip Island Nature Parks can manage capacity. Photography is not permitted at the Penguin Parade.

Can I take a pram on the Puffing Billy steam train?

Only folding or narrow prams fit through the narrow doors of the heritage Puffing Billy carriages.

Can adults visit LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne without children?

Not during regular sessions. Adults aged 18 and over must be accompanied by a child, except at the adult-only evening events.

Do kids need an adult with them at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium?

Yes. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and child tickets cover ages 2 to 15.

That's the kids' list for Melbourne: a wet-weather fix, a full-day trip to Phillip Island, or a ride on a steam train. For more animal time, try the Melbourne zoos and aquariums page.