Best Indoor Activities for Kids in Melbourne

A comprehensive guide to keeping your children entertained year-round

Key Takeaways

Diverse Options: Melbourne offers a wide range of indoor activities catering to various interests, ensuring every child finds something enjoyable.
Educational and Fun: Many indoor activities combine learning with entertainment, providing enriching experiences for children.
Suitable for All Ages: From toddlers to teenagers, there are indoor venues and activities tailored to different age groups.

1. Libraries and Museums

State Library Victoria

The State Library Victoria is a treasure trove for young minds. The Children’s Quarter is specifically designed to engage children with a vast collection of books, interactive games, and creative activities. It’s an ideal place for toddlers and school-aged children to explore literature, participate in storytelling sessions, and engage in arts and crafts.

Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum offers a plethora of exhibits that cater to children’s curiosity. The Children’s Gallery is packed with hands-on activities that make learning fun. From exploring the fascinating Triceratops display to interactive science exhibits, the museum provides an educational yet entertaining environment for kids.

Scienceworks and the Melbourne Planetarium

Scienceworks in Spotswood is a highly interactive museum that brings science to life through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. The Melbourne Planetarium, located on-site, offers immersive astronomical experiences that captivate children’s imaginations, allowing them to explore the wonders of the universe.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The National Gallery of Victoria features interactive kids' galleries and special exhibitions that encourage children to explore and create art. Interactive workshops and guided tours are available to make the art experience both educational and enjoyable for young visitors.

2. Creative and Interactive Play

Dreamskape

Dreamskape is Australia's first augmented reality playground, offering over 100 AR-based games and experiences without the need for AR headsets. This innovative playground provides a unique blend of technology and play, perfect for kids who love exploring new and exciting ways to interact with their environment.

ArtPlay (Birrarung Marr)

ArtPlay is a creative arts space where children can participate in various workshops focused on arts, crafts, and performances. Regular events and classes are designed to foster creativity and allow kids to express themselves through different artistic mediums.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (Chadstone)

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Chadstone is a paradise for LEGO enthusiasts. It features themed play zones, creative workshops, and even a 4D cinema. Children can build and create in dedicated areas, participate in interactive LEGO experiences, and enjoy family-friendly shows.

3. Playcentres and Trampoline Parks

Lollipops Playland & Café (Knox and Bundoora)

Lollipops Playland & Café offers a safe and engaging environment for toddlers and younger children. With climbing structures, slides, and a Build-a-Bear workshop, it provides ample opportunities for children to burn off energy while parents can relax with a cup of coffee.

Bounce Inc. (Glen Iris and Essendon)

Bounce Inc. is a massive indoor trampoline park where kids and adults can jump, flip, and play freestyle games. It’s perfect for energetic children who enjoy physical activities and provides a fun way to stay active indoors.

Chipmunks Playland & Café (Multiple Locations)

Chipmunks Playland & Café features climbing structures, slides, and soft play areas aimed at younger children. With multiple locations across Melbourne, it’s a convenient option for families seeking a playful indoor environment.

SuperPark Highpoint

SuperPark Highpoint offers a variety of activities including SuperJump, SuperMove, and SuperWhiz. It’s an active entertainment center that combines sports, adventure, and interactive games, suitable for older kids and teenagers looking for more dynamic indoor activities.

4. Historical and Educational Sites

Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol provides a fascinating glimpse into Melbourne's colonial history. Interactive tours allow school-aged children to learn about the past by experiencing what it was like to be "arrested" and "locked up" in the historic watchhouse. This immersive experience makes history tangible and engaging for young visitors.

Immigration Museum

The Immigration Museum explores Australia's immigration history through engaging exhibits. Children can learn about different cultures and the stories of immigrants, fostering an understanding of diversity and heritage in an interactive setting.

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Located within the Melbourne Museum, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers insights into Indigenous culture through storytelling, interactive displays, and cultural workshops. It's an excellent place for children to learn about Australia's First Nations heritage.

5. Sports and Adventure

Indoor Climbing Centers

Melbourne boasts several indoor rock climbing facilities such as Hardrock and Urban Climb Blackburn. These centers provide safe climbing environments for kids, promoting physical fitness, coordination, and confidence-building through structured climbing activities.

Trampoline Parks

In addition to Bounce Inc., other trampoline parks like Latitude Melbourne offer extensive trampoline areas and ninja courses. These venues are ideal for kids who enjoy high-energy activities and are looking for a fun way to stay active indoors.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving (Essendon Fields)

iFLY Indoor Skydiving provides a unique experience of simulated skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel. Suitable for thrill-seeking kids aged 3 and above, it offers a safe and exhilarating adventure that is both memorable and exciting.

O’Brien Icehouse (Docklands)

The O’Brien Icehouse is Melbourne’s premier indoor ice skating rink. It caters to kids and beginners with skate aids and lessons, making it a great option for children interested in trying out ice skating in a controlled environment.

6. Aquatic & Nature Activities

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium offers underwater adventures where children can explore marine life through interactive exhibits and immersive experiences. It's a captivating place for kids to learn about aquatic ecosystems and the importance of marine conservation.

Indoor Aquatic Centers

Various indoor aquatic centers such as Glen Eira Aquatic Centre, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, and Aquapulse provide swimming pools, water slides, and aquatic play areas. These centers are perfect for children who enjoy water-based activities, offering both recreational swimming and structured lessons.

7. Unique Indoor Experiences

Escape Rooms

Melbourne offers family-friendly escape rooms where children can solve puzzles and mysteries as a team. These interactive experiences promote critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging setting.

Karaoke Venues

Family-friendly karaoke venues provide a platform for kids to showcase their singing talents. These venues often have kid-sized seating and a wide selection of child-appropriate songs, making it a fun activity for music-loving children.

Paint and Sip Sessions

Paint and Sip Sessions offer creative painting activities where kids can express their artistic side while parents enjoy a relaxing drink. These sessions are designed to be interactive and enjoyable for both children and adults, fostering creativity and bonding.

DreamCity (Docklands)

DreamCity is an educational experience where children can role-play various professions such as pilots, doctors, and engineers. This interactive environment allows kids to explore different careers in a fun and safe setting, encouraging imaginative play and future aspirations.

8. Cinemas and Live Performances

Hoyts Junior Cinemas

Hoyts Junior Cinemas cater specifically to children with family-friendly movies, child-sized seating, and relaxed viewing sessions. These cinemas provide a comfortable and enjoyable movie-watching experience tailored to young audiences.

Melbourne Recital Centre and Arts Centre Melbourne

Melbourne Recital Centre and Arts Centre Melbourne frequently host family-friendly and interactive musical or theatrical performances. These venues offer engaging shows that are suitable for children, providing both entertainment and cultural enrichment.

9. Affordable and Accessible Options

Bowling Alleys

Many bowling alleys in Melbourne offer family-friendly pricing and facilities. Activities like bowling provide a fun and social environment for kids and parents to enjoy together without breaking the bank.

Mini Golf

Indoor mini-golf venues such as What the Putt and Holey Moley offer themed mini-golf experiences that are both entertaining and affordable. These venues often incorporate creative designs and interactive elements to enhance the mini-golfing experience for children.

Local Libraries

In addition to the State Library Victoria, many local libraries across Melbourne host storytime sessions, craft activities, and quiet play areas. These libraries provide free or low-cost options for families seeking indoor activities that promote reading and creativity.

10. Additional Fun Venues

Glow Golf

Glow Golf offers mini-golf with glowing, themed courses that create a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. This activity is perfect for kids who enjoy a visually stimulating and playful environment.

Hardrock Climbing

Hardrock Climbing provides indoor rock climbing facilities that are safe and accessible for children. Climbing enhances physical strength, coordination, and problem-solving skills as kids navigate various climbing routes.

Urban Climb Blackburn

Urban Climb Blackburn is another excellent indoor climbing center that offers modern climbing and bouldering facilities. It caters to different skill levels, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced young climbers.

Conclusion

Melbourne is a city that truly understands the needs of families, offering a myriad of indoor activities that cater to children of all ages and interests. Whether you're seeking educational experiences, creative outlets, physical activities, or simply a fun place to play, Melbourne's indoor venues provide endless opportunities for children to learn, grow, and have fun regardless of the weather.