It is a great time to take advantage of the good weather and get out and about to enjoy some fun summer activities for kids in Melbourne. When you have a day to spend with the kids, sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to do, so we have compiled a list of some of our favourite activities to take a look at this summer.
Werribee Zoo
Werribee Open Range Safari Zoo is only 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, making it easily accessible for families. You’ll see monkeys, lions, gorillas, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and more, as well as our favourite Australian animals like koalas, emus and kangaroos.
What makes this location particularly perfect for a hot summer’s day is the hippo splash water park, a fun water play area for kids, complete with sand. Even better, during the school holidays, children’s tickets are free (adults are $36).
Where:
Werribee Zoo – K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
When:
Open daily 9am-5pm (kids entry is free on weekends, Victorian school holidays and Victorian public holidays)
NGV – National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is a great activity for children, especially on those days when it is too hot or rainy to be outside. The fountains out the front are lots of fun, as is the waterfall by the front door. The children’s gallery is very easy access with ample space for prams.
During the school holidays, from the 15th to the 23rd of January 2022, the NGV Kids Summer Festival is on, with nine days of free activities for children and families, including artist-led workshops and performances.
While you’re there, don’t miss The Gecko and the Mermaid: Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu and her Sister exhibit, which introduces two significant contemporary Yolŋu artists from Northeast Arnhem Land to young visitors. The award-winning artists share their culture, stories and language through art and hands-on activities, on display from the 17th of December 2021 to the 25th of April 2022.
Where:
National Gallery of Victoria – 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
When:
Open daily 10am-5pm
Watch St Kilda’s Little Penguins
The St Kilda Breakwater is home to a colony of approximately 1200 Little Penguins, and they are seriously cute! Just before dusk, you can watch the penguins swimming in at the end of the day and climbing the breakwater to pop back into their nests. There are also volunteers available to answer any questions curious young minds might have. To see them, head to St Kilda Pier and at the breakwater, walk along the gravel and then down the wooden stairs. Remember to bring a jumper as it gets chilly by the water once the sun goes down.
Where:
St Kilda Breakwater
When:
Just before dusk
ArtVo
ArtVo is an immersive art gallery called a ‘trick-art’ gallery and is the first of its kind in Australia. It is perfect for kids, because unlike traditional art galleries, visitors are actively encouraged to interact with the artworks, and are welcome to explore them through touch. Part of the concept is that people are able to become part of the artwork, and take fun photographs and videos of themselves in the elaborate scenes. ArtVo is home to 11 different themed zones which house interactive 3D artworks painted directly onto the floors and walls of the room. You’ll come home with hilarious photos of your children you’ll treasure for a lifetime and wonderful memories of fun. For children under four, entry is free!
Where:
ArtVo – 26 Star Cres, Level 1, The District, Docklands
When:
Open daily 10am-6pm
Happy Feet Fitness at the State Library Victoria
In the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter at the State Library Victoria, there are fun fitness-themed playdate sessions held every Wednesday morning. These free interactive classes are run by the bubbly Happy Feet Fitness instructors and are suitable for children aged 3-5 years. Come along for some active fun, designed to encourage kid’s social interaction, participation and growth.
Where:
State Library Victoria – 328 Swanston St, Melbourne
When:
Wednesdays, from the 19th of January – 2nd of March 2022
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of fun summer activities for kids in Melbourne! Rain or shine, there should be something here to suit your family and we’d love to hear about your experience if you do check them out!
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