Exploring Melbourne - Australia
The great thing about moving to a new city is that there is so much to explore and do in and around your new town. Check out these kid-friendly places we have been going to:
Moonlit sanctuary
An hour drive away from the city on the top of the Mornington Peninsula, this is a great place for the little ones to get up-close and personal with some of Australia's favourite inhabitants. Kangaroos, koala's, Tasmanian devils, cockatoo and dingo's can all been seen here. For an additional fee there is also the opportunity for an encounter with some of the animals.
Moonlit sanctuary website >>
An hour drive away from the city on the top of the Mornington Peninsula, this is a great place for the little ones to get up-close and personal with some of Australia's favourite inhabitants. Kangaroos, koala's, Tasmanian devils, cockatoo and dingo's can all been seen here. For an additional fee there is also the opportunity for an encounter with some of the animals.
Moonlit sanctuary website >>
Altona Miniature Railway
Every 3rd Sunday of the month, the Altona Miniature Railway club opens it doors to the public and one can have a ride in a steam- or diesel train on the 1.2km track. The trains run between 11.00am and 4.00pm and costs are $2.50 per ride. They have picnic tables, so plan for an afternoon out with the whole family.
Altona Miniature Railway website >>
Every 3rd Sunday of the month, the Altona Miniature Railway club opens it doors to the public and one can have a ride in a steam- or diesel train on the 1.2km track. The trains run between 11.00am and 4.00pm and costs are $2.50 per ride. They have picnic tables, so plan for an afternoon out with the whole family.
Altona Miniature Railway website >>
Queen Victoria Market
A great place to explore for both locals and tourists. You can go here for your weekly shopping, pick up a souvenir, just have a browse or meet some friends for lunch.
The clothing and souvenirs area is huge! And you have a great variety of fresh and locals meats, fish, fruits and veggies. Don't forget to check out the Deli section, they have the best cheeses and dips out there.
The market is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to Sunday.
Queen Victoria Market website >>
A great place to explore for both locals and tourists. You can go here for your weekly shopping, pick up a souvenir, just have a browse or meet some friends for lunch.
The clothing and souvenirs area is huge! And you have a great variety of fresh and locals meats, fish, fruits and veggies. Don't forget to check out the Deli section, they have the best cheeses and dips out there.
The market is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to Sunday.
Queen Victoria Market website >>
Woodlands Historic Park
This park is only a 30 minute drive away from Melbourne CBD. It is a nice place to go for a walk or bike ride and try to do some kangaroo spotting. There is also plenty of other wildlife to be seen including a kookaburras.
At the entrance of the park there are plenty of benches, so bring your lunch and have picnic.
Woodlands Historic Parks website >>
This park is only a 30 minute drive away from Melbourne CBD. It is a nice place to go for a walk or bike ride and try to do some kangaroo spotting. There is also plenty of other wildlife to be seen including a kookaburras.
At the entrance of the park there are plenty of benches, so bring your lunch and have picnic.
Woodlands Historic Parks website >>
Scienceworks
A museum for small and big kids that would like to learn a bit more about science. They run different themed interactive exhibitions that tailor different age groups.
The Nitty Gritty Super City is a permanent exhibition that is specifically designed for children aged, 3 to 8 years old. Here the kids can explore what it is to work at an construction site, run a cafe or make some music.
Scienceworks website >>
A museum for small and big kids that would like to learn a bit more about science. They run different themed interactive exhibitions that tailor different age groups.
The Nitty Gritty Super City is a permanent exhibition that is specifically designed for children aged, 3 to 8 years old. Here the kids can explore what it is to work at an construction site, run a cafe or make some music.
Scienceworks website >>
Woodend Children's Festival
On the 27th of July 2014 we went on a little road trip to the Macedon Ranges and checked out the Woodend Children's Festival in Woodend. Lot's of craft activities, workshops and entertainment for the little ones to enjoy. For us the highlight was the performance of Craig Smith, award-winning children’s author and musician of The Wonky Donkey book and song. Not sure who laughed the hardest, the kids or mum :-)
Keep and eye out for next year's date on the festival's website so you don't miss this.
Woodend Children's Festival website >>
On the 27th of July 2014 we went on a little road trip to the Macedon Ranges and checked out the Woodend Children's Festival in Woodend. Lot's of craft activities, workshops and entertainment for the little ones to enjoy. For us the highlight was the performance of Craig Smith, award-winning children’s author and musician of The Wonky Donkey book and song. Not sure who laughed the hardest, the kids or mum :-)
Keep and eye out for next year's date on the festival's website so you don't miss this.
Woodend Children's Festival website >>
Collingwood Children's Farm
A vary spacious and green children's farm in the midst of the city. Plenty of cows, sheep, horses, Guinea pigs, ducks, pigs and goats to see and pet.
They organise activities like miking the cow, Guinea pigs cuddles and a Farmers market every 2nd Saturday of the month. There is also a great little cafe to get your daily shot of caffeine or a nice lunch.
Collingwood Children's farm website >>
A vary spacious and green children's farm in the midst of the city. Plenty of cows, sheep, horses, Guinea pigs, ducks, pigs and goats to see and pet.
They organise activities like miking the cow, Guinea pigs cuddles and a Farmers market every 2nd Saturday of the month. There is also a great little cafe to get your daily shot of caffeine or a nice lunch.
Collingwood Children's farm website >>
Dizzy's Castle Indoor Play Centre
A very affordable, large indoor playground for kids all ages located in Maribyrnong. There is a separate section for the smaller kids with a ball pit, small slide and bouncing castle. On the other side there is a big climbing structure with lots of slides, a few trampolines and even a small basketball field. The special themed rooms are perfect for a kids party or play group activity.
Dizzy's Castle Indoor Play Centre website >>
A very affordable, large indoor playground for kids all ages located in Maribyrnong. There is a separate section for the smaller kids with a ball pit, small slide and bouncing castle. On the other side there is a big climbing structure with lots of slides, a few trampolines and even a small basketball field. The special themed rooms are perfect for a kids party or play group activity.
Dizzy's Castle Indoor Play Centre website >>