Top Indoor Activities for Kids Aged 5 to 9 in Melbourne

Engaging, Fun, and Educational Options for Rainy Days and Beyond

Key Takeaways

Diverse Options: Melbourne offers a wide range of indoor activities catering to various interests, from interactive museums to active play centers.
Educational and Fun: Many activities blend education with entertainment, ensuring children learn while having fun.
Accessibility: These activities are spread across Melbourne, making it easy for families to find convenient options.

Museums and Galleries

1. Melbourne Museum & IMAX Theatre

Located in Carlton, the Melbourne Museum offers engaging exhibits tailored for children. The Children's Gallery is specifically designed for younger visitors, featuring interactive displays and playful learning environments. After exploring the exhibits, families can enjoy a movie experience at the IMAX Theatre, one of the largest screens in the world.

Website: Melbourne Museum

2. ArtVo

Situated in Docklands, ArtVo is an innovative 3D art gallery where kids can become part of the artwork. With over 80 interactive installations, children can pose and play within the art pieces, making it a perfect blend of creativity and fun.

Website: ArtVo

3. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Located in the CBD, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium offers a mesmerizing journey under the sea. Children can explore four themed worlds, encountering a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish.

Website: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

4. Australian Sports Museum

Situated at the MCG, the Australian Sports Museum provides an interactive way for children to learn about Australia's rich sports history. Exhibits include hands-on activities, memorabilia, and interactive displays that engage young sports enthusiasts.

Website: Australian Sports Museum

Libraries and Creative Spaces

1. State Library Victoria's Children's Quarter

The Children's Quarter at State Library Victoria is a haven for young readers and creators. It features a vast collection of books, games, toys, and creative activities that inspire imagination and learning in a free and welcoming environment.

Website: State Library Victoria

2. Library at the Dock

Located in Docklands, the Library at the Dock is a vibrant community hub with excellent children's areas. It offers quiet entertainment, creative spaces, and a variety of programs that encourage reading and artistic expression among kids.

Website: Library at the Dock

Active Indoor Play

1. SuperPark Highpoint

SuperPark Highpoint is an all-in-one indoor activity park that features trampolines, obstacle courses, climbing walls, and interactive games. It's designed to cater to kids and families looking for an energetic and fun-filled experience.

Website: SuperPark Australia

2. Bounce Inc.

Bounce Inc. offers a safe and exciting environment with trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle courses. It's an ideal place for kids to burn off excess energy while having a blast.

Website: Bounce Inc.

3. Indoor Rock Climbing

Venues like Hardrock Climbing and Urban Climb provide kid-friendly climbing walls and led climbing sessions. These facilities offer a great way for children to develop physical strength and problem-solving skills in a controlled environment.

Websites: Hardrock Climbing, Urban Climb

4. Indoor Trampoline Parks

Trampoline parks like Flip Out and Gravity Zone offer extensive trampoline areas, dodgeball courts, and foam pits. These centers are perfect for active kids looking to jump and play safely indoors.

Websites: Flip Out, Gravity Zone

Aquatic Experiences

1. Indoor Swimming Pools

Melbourne Sports Centres offer indoor swimming pools with various amenities, including splash play areas and water slides. These facilities are perfect for young swimmers and families looking to enjoy water-based activities regardless of the weather.

Website: Melbourne Sports Centres

2. O’Brien Icehouse

Located in Docklands, O’Brien Icehouse provides a unique indoor ice-skating experience. It caters to children and families, offering skating lessons and open skate sessions in a friendly environment.

Website: O’Brien Icehouse

Play Centres

1. Lollipops Playland

Located in Bundoora, Lollipops Playland offers a safe and engaging environment with themed play areas, interactive games, and creative spaces that encourage imaginative play and social interaction among children.

Website: Lollipops Playland

2. Run a Muck

Run a Muck provides a fun-filled space with various play zones, including obstacle courses and interactive games designed to challenge and entertain kids.

Website: Run a Muck

3. Space Jump at Springvale Indoor Sports

Space Jump offers inflatable play structures, climbing areas, and interactive games, making it a favorite spot for active children.

Website: Space Jump

Educational Activities

1. Scienceworks

Scienceworks in Spotswood is a hands-on science and technology museum that features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and special programs designed for younger audiences. It's an excellent destination for curious minds to explore and learn.

Website: Scienceworks

2. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Melbourne's LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is tailored for children aged 3-10, offering building activities, themed rides, and interactive exhibits that stimulate creativity and engineering skills.

Website: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

3. Old Melbourne Gaol

Located in Melbourne CBD, Old Melbourne Gaol offers historical tours where children can participate in interactive scenarios like "arrests" and "lock-ups." This engaging experience helps kids learn about life in the 19th century.

Website: Old Melbourne Gaol

4. Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)

ACMI at Federation Square features family-friendly, interactive displays on gaming, digital media, and film. It's a dynamic space where children can engage with the latest in moving image technology.

Website: ACMI

Indoor Cinemas and Theatre

1. IMAX Theatre at Melbourne Museum

As part of the Melbourne Museum experience, the IMAX Theatre offers an unparalleled movie-watching experience with some of the world's largest screens. It's perfect for families looking to combine education with entertainment.

2. Family-Friendly Theatre Productions

Melbourne Theatre Company and other local venues regularly host live puppet shows, dramas, and performances designed specifically for young audiences, providing a magical theatrical experience.

Cafe Play Zones

1. The Deck Café

The Deck Café is a popular spot that combines delicious coffee for parents with safe play zones for kids. It's an ideal place for families to relax while children enjoy supervised play activities.

Website: The Deck Café

Special Events and Workshops

1. Science Experiences and Workshops

Various venues in Melbourne offer specialized workshops and science experiences tailored for children, including hands-on experiments, robotics sessions, and interactive learning modules that foster curiosity and innovation.

2. Interactive Exhibits at ACMI

ACMI frequently hosts special events and exhibitions that are family-friendly, providing unique opportunities for children to engage with the latest in digital media and moving images.

Active Entertainment

1. Strike Bowling

Strike Bowling offers a family-friendly atmosphere with ten-pin bowling lanes, arcade games, and a fun environment suitable for children and parents alike.

Website: Strike Bowling

2. Indoor Go-Karting

Age-appropriate indoor go-karting tracks provide an exhilarating experience for kids, teaching them discipline and improving hand-eye coordination in a safe setting.

Website: Indoor Karting

Recap and Conclusion

Melbourne is a vibrant city brimming with diverse indoor activities tailored for children aged 5 to 9. Whether your child is a budding scientist, an active adventurer, or a creative artist, there's something to engage and excite them. From interactive museums and dynamic play centers to educational workshops and creative libraries, Melbourne ensures that families have access to safe, fun, and enriching indoor environments year-round. These activities not only provide entertainment but also foster learning and development, making Melbourne an ideal destination for family outings regardless of the weather.