A KID’S GUIDE TO MELBOURNE
CIRCUSPotion, NICA (National Institute of Circus Art), 41/3 Green St, Prahran +61 3 9214 6975
Every parent’s worst nightmare is every kid’s fantasy. CircusPotion is a 5-class workshop where kids learn to hang from a trapeze, ride a unicycle, walk a tight wire and juggle. There is also a performance by third-year students at the end of the 5 days – something for them to aspire to. Should you be so impressed with your child’s new skills that you want to try it yourself, they do courses for adults too.
Ian Potter Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne +61 3 9252 2300
A true nature experience for kids living in inner city Melbourne. The children’s garden features a bamboo forest, streams, and a wetland area. They can choose to get lost in the labyrinth or visit the rainforest ruin garden. There is also a kitchen garden to show them how to harvest an array of vegetables. The garden is open from 10am Sunday – Wednesday.
Beach Bike Path
Soak up the sun and breath in the salt air with a ride from St Kilda to Brighton, Sandringham and beyond. The ride is mainly along a boardwalk, so it’s a flat easy ride, perfect for cyclists’ young and old.
Luna Park, St Kilda Beach +61 3 9525 5033
Though it’s more modest than the one in Sydney, Melbourne has a Luna Park all of their own. It’s a great day out for kids who can ride the restored rollercoaster that has looked over St Kilda beach for 100 years. Luna Park has all the old favourites such as the carousel and dodgem cars too.
Melbourne Planetarium and Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood +61 13 11 02
Designed with active kids in mind. A visit to the Nitty Gritty Super City will allow them to use this mini metropolis by building bridges and operating pullies. The Sportsworks exhibit is a particular favourite with kids – they can test their skills against an extreme snowboarder or race Cathy Freeman, all whilst learning about the human body.
Werribee Open Range Zoo, K Road, Werribee South +61 1300 966 784
Though it’s 40 minutes out of the Melbourne CBD, this is something all kids (even adults!) should do once in their lifetime. Unless they’ve been to Africa, the open vehicle adventure is as close as they will get to seeing these animals in their natural habitat. Try the Slumber Safari Tour with animal encounters, an African BBQ feast and campfire activities. Or for those with a favourite animal, Wild Encounters offers experiences like feeding lions and giraffes, or getting up close with Rhinos.
Collingwood Children’s Farm, 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford +61 3 9417 5806
An opportunity for kids to learn all they can about farm animals. There are calves, lambs, pigs and chickens that can keep the kids entertained for hours. Family Day is the first Sunday of each month and there is also a Farmer’s Market on the 2nd Saturday of each month, which ought to satisfy the parents too.
Puffing Billy Steam Train, 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave +61 3 9757 0700
There’s no DVD player behind the headrests but a ride on Australia’s oldest steam train does make for an exciting history lesson. The train travels 24 kilometres through picturesque forests and fern gullies from Belgrave to Emerald Lake and Gembrook. Sit in the open sided carriages for the full experience. Belgrave is located 1 hour out of Melbourne CBD.
Crime and Justice Experience, Old Melbourne Gaol, 377 Russell Street, Melbourne +61 3 8663 7228
Take the Hangman’s Night Tour to subtlety remind the kids to behave themselves. The night tour is a mix of theatre of historical facts about prison life and forbidden secrets. This is also where Ned Kelly was hanged and acts as a great source of information about historical Australian events such as the gold rush. Note, that this activity is more suited to teens than youngsters.
Melbourne Aquarium, Corner of King and Flinders Street, Melbourne +61 3 9620 0999
The newest aquarium in Australia is the next best thing to the real ocean or dare we say, even better! The Great Barrier Reef exhibit boasts an array of species and eye catching coral colours, whilst kids can get hands-on in the touch pools. The real crown in this aquarium though is the 360 degree oceanarium that contains species of sharks and stingrays; plan your visit around one of the twice daily feedings.
Fitzroy Gardens, Fitzroy
Located in East Melbourne, this is one major attraction with many attractions within it. Visit Tudor’s Village for a look at model homes replicated on those built in the Tudor period in England. Other great attractions for kids include the fairies tree and dragon slide at the playground. Be sure to get a map so you don’t miss anything!
By Carla Seeto
