Finding enough activities to fulfil the days while your kids are on holidays can be stressful. Thankfully, there is plenty to see and do in and around Melbourne that will entertain the little people and be fun for the adults too.
Here’s our top 5 places close to Melbourne you should visit when the kids are on holidays.
1. Melbourne Museum’s Children’s Gallery
Close to the city centre, the Melbourne Museum’s Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery is the ideal place to take your kids during the holidays. Not only will your children learn through creative play and discovery, it’s suitable for kids of all ages.
The adults are well catered for too with plenty of seating, picnic areas and a café that serves great coffee. For when the kids are tired of playing, there’s an IMAX theatre and regular exhibits to explore. Once you’ve finished at the gallery, jump on a tram and head into the CBD for a bite to eat.
2. Melbourne Aquarium
Positioned right on the banks of the Yarra River, the Melbourne Aquarium is the one of the best activities for kids in the heart of the CBD. There’s plenty to see here for the kids to get excited about including penguins, sharks, stingrays, crocs and a variety of colourful fish.
For school aged children, there’s a Sea Life school holiday program which allows the kids to get up close and personal with the animals of the aquarium including preparing food and feeding. Make sure you check the packages available as you may find a deal providing admission into another Melbourne event or attraction.
3. Scienceworks
Head over the West Gate Bridge and be immersed in all the wonders of Scienceworks. Throughout the museum kids will discover through play-based activities, interactive games and film. Your kids will feel like young Einsteins as they learn about the city, mechanics, robots, climate change, the solar system and much, much more.
For those parents with autistic children, you’ll be pleased to know they’re well catered for at Scienceworks. Check the website out for information on the activities, lighting and times when the museum tends to be less hectic with visitors.
4. Enchanted Adventure Garden
Take a drive out of the city towards the Mornington Peninsula where you and the kids can breathe in the fresh air and explore the coastal region. There’s plenty to do down on the peninsula, but one of the most popular activities for little people is the Enchanted Adventure Garden.
Discover the incredible gardens and get lost amongst the mazes including an indoor 3D spooky maze. Try your hand at the bush obstacle course or enjoy the rush of travelling down one of the six tube slides. You can easily spend 2-3 hours burning energy at the Enchanted Adventure Gardens and you can be guaranteed your kids will be spent afterwards!
5. Adventure Park
Cruise down to the Bellarine Peninsula to enjoy a day of thrilling rides and entertainment at Geelong’s Adventure Park, one of the best water parks in the Melbourne area. Here, you’ll find Victoria’s biggest and longest waterslide, aqua racer six lane slides and a pirate water play area, plus much more.
If you prefer to remain dry, there’s plenty to do including go-karting, mini-golf, a Ferris wheel and the new crazy coaster. There’s ample space to roll out a blanket for a picnic and several food outlets to refuel throughout the day. If theme parks aren’t for you, leave your kids at Adventure Park (with a responsible adult of course, like the fun uncle) and treat yourself to a relaxing massage at one of the nearby day spas!