Fun Things to Do in Melbourne for Families

Fun Things to Do in Melbourne for Families

If you and the whole family want to discover something new and fun, then we have some fantastic things for you to do in Melbourne. Whether summer or winter, this city is full of adventure and sights to see. For little kids and teens alike, this city in the heart of Victoria has plenty of attractions, things that the adults can enjoy as well. The most fun things to do in Melbourne for families include:

Fun Family Activities for Families During School Holidays

Here are the top ten Melbourne activities that are fun for the whole family.

Tours

Here are some of the best family friendly tours to go on in and around Melbourne.

Melbourne City Helicopter Ride

The Melbourne City Helicopter Ride is a 20 minute scenic flight over the city’s most famous landmarks, a fun activity for the whole family.

Departing from Essendon Airport, just 20 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, you’ll get to see the Yarra River, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from above.

It’s a great way to see the city from above and a memorable family activity during the school holidays.

As the helicopter takes off, you’ll see the Melbourne Star Ferris Wheel and Port Phillip Bay. The flight path then takes you over the CBD where you’ll see Eureka Tower, Luna Park and Albert Park Lake. The pilot will give you a guided tour of the sights below and share some interesting facts and history about the city.

It’s an experience of wonder, play and exploration, perfect for families looking to mix a bit of adventure with local ideas and experiences.

For those who love photography, there are plenty of opportunities to get some great shots of the Melbourne skyline and the world’s best views of the city. It’s the perfect place to make memories with friends and family.

12 Apostles & Great Ocean Road Helicopter Tour

The 12 Apostles & Great Ocean Road Helicopter Tour is an unforgettable journey over one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Departing from Melbourne, this 70 minute private helicopter ride takes you directly to the 12 Apostles, saving you hours of driving, leaving more time for fun and exploring.

The journey starts with amazing views of the Great Ocean Road, beaches, cliffs and landscapes and guided tour includes a detailed history of this famous coastline. 

You’ll see famous landmarks like Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and Bay of Islands before landing near the 12 Apostles for a two-hour stop. On the ground you can choose a short walk to Castle Rock lookout or a longer walk down the Gibson Steps to see the Apostles up close.

Fun-loving parents and kids will marvel at the natural beauty around them! The flight back includes another opportunity to see Australia’s iconic landscapes from above, this tour is a family experience to remember.

Whether during school holidays or as part of a weekend getaway, this tour combines fun, exploration and Australia’s amazing scenery.

Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

The Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour combines the thrill of a helicopter flight with a guided tour of one of Australia’s most famous wildlife parks.

Starting with a 25 minute private flight from Essendon Airport, families will see the Yarra River and the Yarra Valley from above before landing at Hubert Estate. From there a chauffeur will take the family to the Healesville Sanctuary for a two-hour VIP tour.

At the sanctuary, a park ranger will take you on a behind the scenes tour, introducing you to iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses.

This interactive tour allows close encounters, so it’s a great place for family fun and learning. The free-flight bird show is another highlight - Australian birds in an open-air amphitheater.

There is also an optional wine tasting and gourmet dining option for parents at Hubert Estate after the tour, so parents can enjoy fresh produce and fine food at a renowned local establishment.

This activity combines adventure, education and nature, making it perfect for school holidays.

Melbourne Zoo Behind-the-Scenes Tour

The Melbourne Zoo Behind-the-Scenes Tour is a guided tour designed for families to explore the zoo’s unique wildlife from a new perspective. This activity allows visitors to meet zookeepers and learn about the animals’ daily lives, habitats, and care.

The tour includes special access to enclosures and up-close encounters with animals like elephants, giraffes, and big cats.

Perfect for fun-loving parents and kids alike, this activity provides interactive learning experiences, making it ideal for school holidays. Families can enjoy kid-friendly dining options at the zoo’s cafes, which offer fresh produce and meals to suit all tastes.

This family activity is an excellent way to combine education and entertainment. With its focus on Australia’s and the world’s wildlife, the tour is filled with fun and offers a great day out for the whole family.

Melbourne City Limousine Tour

The Melbourne City Limousine Tour is a stylish way for families to explore the city. This private tour takes families to Melbourne’s CBD landmarks, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Museum, and Federation Square. The tour offers a guided experience with insights into the city’s history, architecture, and culture.

With stops at kid-friendly dining spots and scenic locations along the way, this activity is perfect for fun-loving parents seeking a relaxed yet informative family outing. The comfort of the limousine ensures that even young children enjoy the ride, making it a stress-free way to explore Melbourne.

This activity provides a blend of luxury and education, ensuring fun for the whole family. It’s a great option for school holidays or any time parents want to enjoy the city in comfort with their children.

Activities & Attractions

Here are some great activities and attractions in Melbourne for the whole family.

Kids Co-Pilot Helicopter Experience

The Kids Co-Pilot Helicopter Experience is designed for fun-loving parents looking for a kid-friendly adventure during the school holidays.

Taking off from Essendon Airport, this one-hour experience puts kids in the co-pilot seat for a private helicopter flight over Melbourne’s CBD and surrounding landmarks.

From the moment they arrive, kids are immersed in the world of aviation. They’ll learn how helicopters work, tour the hangar, and even help the pilot start the aircraft.

During the flight, they’ll see the Yarra River, Melbourne’s CBD, and the Royal Botanic Gardens from a unique perspective.

This activity is perfect for families wanting to create unforgettable memories. It’s filled with fun and learning, making it ideal for curious kids and parents alike. The in-flight video ensures the whole family can relive the experience, making it a perfect school holiday activity.

Whether it’s the thrill of flight or the joy of seeing the city from above, this guided tour is one of Melbourne’s best family activities. It’s a chance to combine fun, education, and adventure, ensuring that every family member leaves with a smile.

Each of these activities ensures Melbourne is filled with opportunities for family fun, exploration, and cherished memories. From free adventures in nature to unforgettable tours, Melbourne offers something for every family looking to make the most of their time together.

Jack Rabbit on the Bellarine Peninsula

The Jack Rabbit Winery Helicopter Flight combines a scenic flight with a gourmet dining experience for the whole family.

The 35-minute private flight from Melbourne to the Bellarine Peninsula includes breathtaking views of Melbourne’s CBD, the You Yangs, and Corio Bay. Families will land directly at the winery's helipad and take a short walk through the vineyard to the Jack Rabbit Restaurant.

Known for its award-winning wines and seasonal menu, the restaurant provides a kid-friendly dining option alongside fine-dining dishes like confit duck leg and dark chocolate mousse cake. While parents enjoy Jack Rabbit’s cool-climate wines, kids can explore the grounds, making it a balanced experience for fun-loving parents and their children.

This family activity is a great way to mix relaxation with adventure. The views, food, and wine create a memorable outing, perfect for school holidays or a weekend escape. It’s an experience filled with fun and exploration, offering something for every member of the family.

Eureka Skydeck’s VIP Edge Experience

The Eureka Skydeck’s VIP Edge Experience is an adventurous activity for families who want to see Melbourne from new heights.

Located in Melbourne’s CBD, the Skydeck offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. The Edge Experience, a glass cube that extends from the building, allows visitors to step out and look straight down for an adrenaline-pumping perspective.

This family-friendly attraction includes interactive exhibits about the city’s landmarks, making it both fun and educational. The Skydeck café provides kid-friendly dining options, ensuring families can enjoy a meal while taking in the views.

Whether it’s the thrill of the Edge or the beauty of Melbourne’s skyline, this activity is perfect for the whole family. It’s an ideal school holiday outing, filled with fun and excitement for kids and parents alike.

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park offers families a chance to experience Australia’s unique wildlife in a tranquil setting.

Located just outside Melbourne, this park is known for its evening lantern-lit tours, where families can see nocturnal animals like gliders, owls, and possums.

Daytime visits include feeding kangaroos and wallabies, as well as guided tours to learn about the park’s conservation efforts.

Fun-loving parents and kids will enjoy this hands-on experience, making it a great option for family activities during school holidays.

The park also features kid-friendly dining options with fresh produce, ensuring a complete day of fun and relaxation for the whole family. It’s a perfect place to explore nature and connect with Australia’s wildlife.

Melbourne Museum Private Dinosaur Walk

The Melbourne Museum Private Dinosaur Walk is an educational and interactive experience for families interested in history and science.

This guided tour takes families through the museum’s dinosaur exhibits, providing insights into the life and habitats of these ancient creatures.

Kids can engage in hands-on activities, such as fossil digging and exploring life-sized replicas. The museum’s café offers kid-friendly dining options, making it easy for families to spend the day learning and having fun.

This family activity is perfect for school holidays, combining education and entertainment. It’s an experience filled with fun and discovery, ensuring that the whole family leaves with new knowledge and lasting memories.

Other Sights and Activities in Melbourne

Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in Melbourne, such as the following:

  • Australian Sports Museum
  • Melbourne Gaol
  • Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery
  • Spring Street
  • Fed Square
  • Ice Skating
  • Marvel Stadium
  • Fitzroy Gardens
  • Mini Golf
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  • Luke K.

    "Our pilot Ed was a consummate professional, communication with the company was great and our day trip couldn’t have been better. We'll be back.”

  • Shell H.

    "Steve our pilot was extremely friendly, caring and chatty. Ensured safety and allowed time for pictures to be taken of my partner and I. It's a BIG YES FROM US!”

  • Liz R.

    "What a beautiful day we had. Thank you so much to Ed, our knowledgeable and kind pilot. You made this day one that we'll never forget. The day trip of a lifetime.”

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About The Author

Edward Taylor - Owner & Commercial Pilot at Rotor One

I'm a Helicopter Pilot based in Melbourne, Australia. I hold a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL-H) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and I'm the Owner and one of the Commercial Pilots at Rotor One. I have deep expertise in helicopter tours across Australia and have had the pleasure of flying helicopters in England, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the USA and Israel. I also love flying with my Golden Retriever, Leo.

✉️ Send Edward an Email

About Us

Rotor One - Melbourne Helicopter Rides 🚁

We're proud to be Melbourne's #1 rated helicopter company with an exclusive selection of helicopter rides, wine tours and charter destinations in Melbourne.

Experience Melbourne's iconic sights on a spectacular flight over Melbourne CBD, indulge in one of Yarra Valley's famed vineyards, or witness the breathtaking 12 Apostles from the sky.

Mark your anniversary with our Couples Only Experience, or surprise your children with our Kid's Co-Pilot Experience — the best birthday gift they'll ever receive.

We believe a helicopter ride is more than a flight — it's a breathtaking adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime.

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