Melbourne Holidays - 5 Things to Do with Children

Here are some great ideas of what to do with your children on your Melbourne holidays that don’t cost the earth.

Melbourne’s weather is great most of the time and lends itself for outdoor activities, picnics and bike rides - but there are also rainy day things to do that are affordable and fun.

1. The Children’s Garden
   
   The Children’s Garden is part of the Royal Botanical Garden. It is a great place to discover the world of plants, particularly for younger children. There is a garden section where they can dig and create. There are labyrinths to hide in and many different types of landscapes to explore. Prepare for a day out as children don’t want to leave that magical place. The easiest way to get there is from Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra.


2. The Beach
   
   Melbourne is located on Port Phillip Bay with many beaches, particularly along the eastern side. The city beaches tend to be backpacker’s paradise, but even 15 minutes out from the city you get more pristine beaches for your Melbourne holidays.
   
   There are no dangerous waves because it’s in the bay, which makes it safe for children, a great place from swimming, kites and water play.


3. A Bike Ride
   
   The best way to see Melbourne is by bike. You can get virtually anywhere with it. With children there are great rides along the Yarra and Merri Creek, which branches off the Yarra in Clifton Hill. Along the Maribyrnong river in the Northwest of the city is another great ride, and also along the eastern bay as far as you can make it.
   
   You can take bikes on trains in Melbourne, so you can plan out your trip one way and return via train.


4. Community Environment Park – Ceres
   
   Ceres is a community environment project that is located on the Merri Creek in Brunswick. It is a great place to hang out. Children love exploring the wind pump and generators, the gardens, pond and chucks.
   
   There is also a nursery, a bicycle recycle shed, an adventure playground and a café with homemade delights. A visit to Ceres makes a pleasant afternoon for the whole family if you want to have a break from the gadgets of modern life and relax in a sustaining environment.


5. Scienceworks Museum
   
   This is not free but good value for money and if we ever get stuck for something it always does the job. It is located in Spotswood on the other side of the Westgate Bridge. The most pleasant way to get there is with a Yarra Ferry that stops there on the way to Williamstown.
   
   Children just love the many hands-on activities and explorations, where they learn through play about the planet, light, mechanics…

Melbourne is a liveable city – has been voted one of the most liveable cities in the world many years in a row. What makes it so is that there is room for life, relaxation and exploration. It is a city for the people with many things to do on your Melbourne holidays.

Warm regards

Brigitte Seum