City of Melbourne has kids’ activities covered:

Still looking for things to do with the kids at the tail end of the school holidays? Well, the City of Melbourne has you covered.

There’s so much to do in the city of Melbourne, you’ll be wondering where to start. In fact, there are 462 reasons to visit the city this summer, and counting...

From art and play to educational programs, fun and music, kids will be singing in their seats with all the free activities taking place in the City of Melbourne.  Take the kids to a show at ArtPlay, or on a fairies and dragons adventure at the Fitzroy Gardens.  More adventurous kids can walk the plank at Polly Woodside or check out the Sharks of Shipwreck Cove at the Melbourne Aquarium. 

From ice-skating to ice creams, family food events to fairies in the park, the city is filled with fun in the sun (and even in the rain). Here is a selection to get you started:

WATCHING COLOURFUL FISH

Home to thousands of aquatic animals, the must-see Melbourne Aquarium is an entertaining and educational experience with four exciting worlds to discover and enjoy. With daily animal feeds and diver presentations adding to the adventure, the must-see Melbourne Aquarium is an aquatic wonderland with exciting worlds to discover and enjoy.

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30am to 6pm

Location: Melbourne Aquarium, King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Cost: Adults $34.90. Child (3 to 15 years, children under 3 free) $21.50. Concession $23.90. Family (2 adults and up to 2 children) $92. Single family (1 adult and up to 2 children) $65. Additional children $16 per child.

CARIBBEAN PIRATES ON THE POLLY WOODSIDE

A swashbuckling adventure comes to life on the Polly Woodside this summer! Presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company on the decks of the Polly Woodside, this exciting theatre production features songs and plenty of pirate action.
Event date: Tuesday 10 January to Saturday 28 January

Time: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 11am and 6pm to 7pm

Location: Polly Woodside, 21 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006

Cost: $25. Groups of four $90

FAIRIES AND DRAGONS GARDEN PARTY

Take a stroll around a beautiful garden and explore the secrets of fairies and dragons. Make a wish in a special wishing well and take home a booklet full of interesting facts about these magical friends.

Event date: Monday 2 January to Tuesday 31 January Time: Daily, 9am to 4:30pm

Location: Cook’s Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

Cost: General $7.50. Child $2.50

SHARKS OF SHIPWRECK COVE

The Melbourne Aquarium’s 'Sharks of Shipwreck Cove' features a full-scale replica of a shipwreck and showcases over 20 iconic Australian sharks never before seen in Melbourne. With daily shark feeding frenzies and heaps of exciting pirate-themed activities, there’s fun for the whole family.

Event date: Monday 26 December to Tuesday 31 January Time: Daily, 9:30am to 5pm

Location: Melbourne Aquarium, King Street, Melbourne

Cost: Visit www.melbourneaquarium.com.au for details

TUNES IN THE TREES

Sing some songs, shake out some rhythms and come and enjoy music inspired by plants and animals of the garden. Created especially for younger children, this program provides fun with song and movement in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden. Suitable for children aged three to four years; adult participation is required.

Event date: Thursday 16 February and Thursday 23 February

Time: 10am to 10:45am and 11am to 11:45am

Location: Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne (Meet at the Visitor Centre at Observatory Gate, directly opposite the Shrine of Remembrance

Cost: $10 per child

MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL: FAMILY FOODIE WEEKEND

Join the Family Foodie Weekend at ArtPlay for two days of educational demonstrations and hands-on cultural food workshops. Treat your little foodies to one of our Hands-On Kids Classes presented by KitchenAid. Kids will learn to cook yummy traditional family recipes from local chefs including Gary Mehigan. 

Event date: Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 March Time: 10am to 4pm

Location: ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr, Melbourne

Cost: Free entry. $35 per child for Hands-On Kids Classes presented by KitchenAid.

RIVERSLIDE SKATE PARK

Riverslide has 1800m² of skating surfaces and is the biggest skate park in the inner city. The park was designed in consultation with skaters, and has a street-skating focus so you can test your skills on ramps and fun-boxes. This free skate park is a popular hang-out for skaters of all ages and abilities.

Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 6pm Location: Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne.  Cost: Free

MEDIBANK ICEHOUSE

Medibank Icehouse is Australia's latest world-class ice sports and entertainment venue and the only dual ice rink in Australia. Medibank Icehouse has something cool for everyone, whether you're an ice skating enthusiast or lacing up your skates for the first time.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6am to late Location: 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands. 

Cost: Visit www.icehouse.com.au for information

For more reasons to visit the city of Melbourne these school holidays, go to www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/summer

If you are not in Melbourne check out our Activities and Things to do page for what's on in other locations