50+ things to do around Melbourne CBD with kids and toddlers

Melbourne CBD is buzzing throughout the year and the best part is how easy it is to explore on foot or by tram. And the best part… From November 30 to February 1 all public transport is free across VIC for everyone every weekend which means you can see so much of the city (or even state!) without spending anything on travel.

I love days in the CBD where you glide between museums, gardens, galleries and river walks, so here is my list with top things to do. A lot of them are budget-friendly or even free as well!

1. State Library
   A peaceful space inside a historic and iconic building with a huge Children’s Quarter incl. free activities, storytime and quiet corners.
   
   
2. Melbourne Museum
   Free for kids under 16 and $15 for adults. Visit the Children’s Gallery (incl. in your ticket), catch a film on the huge IMAX screen or see the Lego Star Wars exhibition (at an extra cost)
   
   
3. City Circle Tram
   A free heritage style loop that takes you past major attractions. Perfect for first timers.
   
   
4. Fox Car Collection
   A dream for car lovers with rare vehicles and classic designs. Check open days before visiting.
   
   
5. ACMI
   The museum of screen culture at Fed Square. Packed with interactive exhibits and free general entry.
   
   
6. NGV
   A must visit for art lovers with free entry and rotating exhibitions. Often includes kids spaces.
   
   
7. Arts Centre
   A hub of creativity with workshops, outdoor installations and theatre shows.
   
   
8. Royal Botanic Gardens and Children’s Garden
   Nature play, splash areas and winding paths. One of the best places for a slow afternoon. Punt the lake, tour the gardens or enjoy a coffee at The Terrace.
   
   
9. ArtPlay at Birrarung Marr
   Creative workshops and installations made for children from babies to early teens.
   
   
10. SEA LIFE Aquarium
    Penguins, sharks, rays and hands on marine fun right by the river. Book tickets here.
    
    
11. Melbourne Zoo
    A classic city day out! Free entry for kids on weekends and school holidays.
    
    
12. Shrine of Remembrance
    Climb to the balcony for sweeping city views and a calm moment above the gardens.
    
    
13. Koorie Heritage Trust
    A meaningful stop at Fed Square with a deep connection to First Nations culture.
    
    
14. Queen Victoria Market and NAARM Library
    Explore the market then head to the nearby library for free story time and crafts.
    
    
15. Eastern Hill Fire Station
    Every Friday at 10.30am they run a free fire safety demo and station tour.
    
    
16. Old Melbourne Gaol
    A fascinating step into the past. Best for older kids who love history and mystery.
    
    
17. Lantern Ghost Tours
    An award winning ghost tour experience that takes you through Melbourne’s most atmospheric streets and historic sites.
    
    
18. Melbourne Central Clock Show
    Watch the marionette clock each hour then visit the Lego store for some (free!) play.
    
    
19. Hijinx Hotel and Archie Brothers
    A colourful choice for teens and anyone who loves arcade style adventures.
    
    
20. Monopoly Dreams
    Interactive games, themed rooms and fun photo moments.
    
    
21. MCG and Australian Sports Museum
    Take a behind the scenes tour and explore interactive sports exhibits.
    
    
22. St Kilda Pier and Penguins
    Wander the St Kilda Pier at sunset for a chance to spot wild penguins returning to their nests. The official platform is fully booked (opens 6 months in advance), but you might still catch a glimpse or book a boat tour.
    
    
23. Laneway and Arcade Walks
    Download a free audio guide and walk through the city’s hidden laneways and arcades.
    
    
24. Melbourne River Cruises
    See the city from the water with calm, scenic views.
    
    
25. Skyline Melbourne
    A beautiful ride on a big ferris wheel with panoramic city and river views.
    
    
26. Polly Woodside
    Explore a restored tall ship and learn about life at sea through hands on exhibits and guided storytelling.
    
    
27. Melbourne Skydeck
    The tallest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere with interactive displays and dare to try the Edge – a glass cube that slides out of the building!
    
    
28. Historic Theatres
    Check what is showing across the Princess Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, 
    Regent Theatre and more.
    
    
29. Chinese Museum
    A colourful, educational stop with hands on displays and vibrant costumes, including lots of Lunar Lion and Dragon custumes.
    
    
30. SENSAS Melbourne
    A sensory challenge maze filled with puzzles, games and clever tasks. Made for anyone who loves immersive experiences with lots of laughs in between.
    
    
31. The Quiz Room
    Step into a game show style challenge where you compete through fast paced trivia rounds under real studio lights.
    
    
32. BlocHaus Bouldering Port Melbourne
    A great pick for climbers of all levels with colour coded routes and a relaxed atmosphere.
    
    
33. Metartworld Melbourne
    Home to the world’s largest indoor scrap metal art gallery. The Starry Sky Exhibition, 9D Cinema and VR zone add to the experience.
    
    
34. IMAGINATOR
    A walk through digital experience filled with light filled rooms, illusions and playful installations.
    
    
35. Collingwood Children’s Farm
    A calm escape just outside the city where you can meet animals, explore the paddocks and enjoy a slower pace.
    
    
36. Harry Potter The Exhibition
    A must for fans with costumes, sets, behind the scenes stories and interactive moments. Every room feels nostalgic and the photo spots are a highlight. Book tickets here.
    
    
37. Saboteurs
    An immersive, interactive space-themed game at The District Docklands. Perfect for groups up to 15 people. Book tickets here.
    
    
38. 123Boom!
    A fun and energetic play experience built around movement, sound and creative learning. Perfect for active kids who love hands on games and big energy activities.
    
    
39. Luna Park
    Ride the classic Scenic Railway, wander the colourful midway and enjoy easy seaside fun only a short tram ride from the CBD.
    
    
40. Immigration Museum
    Discover real stories, personal artefacts and powerful exhibits that share Australia’s diverse migration history.
    
    
41. Albert Park
    Walk the lake loop, watch the rowers and enjoy wide open space just a quick tram ride from the CBD. Home to the AusGP (March 5-8 2026)
    
    
42. Melbourne Park Stadiums
    Check what is on across Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena, with summer bringing tennis, cricket, concerts and major sport events.
    
    
43. Science Gallery Melbourne
    A free to enter gallery with bold, science driven exhibits, although it closes during the summer school holidays so check dates before visiting.
44.  Cookie Monster Cafe at Melbourne Central (LG)
    Grab a delicious cookie or snack and merch from this quirky cafe!
    

     Plus some seasonal extras:
    

45. Myer Christmas Windows
    A Melbourne December classic. Each year the windows come to life with a new story and detailed displays, this year it’s LEGO® themed. It is worth visiting early in the morning or later in the evening for a calmer experience.
    
    
46. Crown Christmas River Show
    A stunning water and light show along the Yarra during the Christmas season. The soundtrack and visuals feel festive and it is a great way to end a warm summer night in the city.
    
    
47. Crown Carousel & Santa Photos
    Book the $5 tickets for the carousel ahead of times as it’s bookings only, but you can queue up to jump on Santa’s lap for free and snap a pic!
    
    
48. ALWAYS LIVE Melbourne Vibes
    This summer series brings live music into laneways, squares and hidden corners of the CBD. Free pop up performances appear throughout the season which makes the city feel energetic and fun.
    
    
49. Pixar Putt & North Pole 
    A pop up mini golf course themed around Pixar classics. Opens 11 December to 18 January. Or visit the North Pole Christmas Wonderland from 11 Dec – 23 Dec for free.
    
    
50. F1 Exhibition at MCEC
    A world first experience for motorsport fans with legendary cars and simulators.
    
    
51. A Fed Square Christmas Market
    Held inside The Atrium at Fed Square on 13 Dec from 10 to 4. A relaxed festive market with local makers, gifts, food stalls and a cosy Christmas atmosphere. Entry is free and it is an easy stop after exploring the CBD.
    
    
52. The Corner Market at Polly Woodside Park
    A riverside event on 20 Dec from 10 to 5. Expect handmade goods, food stalls, live music and a calm waterfront setting. A great spot to wander or pick up last minute gifts. Entry is free.
    
    
53. The Corner Market Street Feast
    Running across multiple summer dates at Polly Woodside Park. Visit from 26 to 28 Dec, 3 Jan or 24 Jan from 10 to 6. Think street food, drinks, music and an easy outdoor vibe by the water. Entry is free.
    
    
54. The Great Gummy Bear Escape
    On until Jan 6 at the District Docklands. Spread across four immersive scenes, it blends vibrant design, festive lighting and custom scents into a playful walk-through journey, accessible day and night.

Why this is the best time to explore Melbourne

The free weekend public transport period is such a win for visitors and locals. You can move around the whole city with complete freedom, jump between suburbs and return to the CBD as often as you like. Everything on this list is walkable or reachable within minutes on the free tram zone.

Final thoughts

Melbourne CBD is packed with colour, culture and things to explore across all seasons. I will be sharing more highlights and new openings across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.