Ten Amazing Things Your Family Should Do This Weekend in Melbourne – Your Ultimate Family Adventure Guide!
Melbourne’s weekends are made for family adventures, from world-class wildlife encounters to interactive museums and spectacular playgrounds. Whether you’re looking to entertain toddlers, challenge teenagers, or create memories that span generations, this weekend offers incredible opportunities for family bonding and fun! Here’s your definitive guide to the best family activities happening August 2-3, 2025. 🐨
From free zoo entry for kids to hands-on science experiences and award-winning adventure playgrounds, this weekend promises something special for every family member. Let’s explore the top ten must-do activities that will make your weekend absolutely unforgettable!
🦁 1. Melbourne Zoo Adventure – Kids Visit Free on Weekends!
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days) | Venue: Elliott Avenue, Parkville | Tickets: Kids free on weekends and school holidays
The Experience: Get up close with over 250 species as you explore rainforests, bushland and underwater worlds. Don’t miss the zookeeper talks and feeding times throughout the day! The Asian elephant family, lions of the Savannah, and the incredible Great Flight Aviary offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Why It’s Perfect This Weekend: With kids visiting absolutely free on weekends, this represents incredible value for families. The zoo’s layout makes it perfect for pram navigation, and there are plenty of rest areas and cafes for family breaks throughout your visit.
Perfect for: All ages, animal lovers, educational experiences
Cost: Adults from $38, kids free on weekends
Duration: 3-6 hours depending on interest
Best features: Free kids entry, zookeeper talks, diverse habitats
Family tip: Arrive early for the best animal activity and smaller crowds
🌊 2. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium – Underwater Wonder World!
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Venue: King Street, Melbourne | Tickets: From $38 adults, kids discounted
The Experience: Journey through four enchanting underwater worlds and discover thousands of aquatic animals. The highlight is walking through the incredible oceanarium tunnel while sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish swim overhead and around you – it’s like being inside a real-life aquarium!
New for 2025: The exclusive behind-the-scenes jellyfish experience lets kids become SEA LIFE scientists and learn about these mysterious creatures. Plus, the new breakfast sessions offer early entry before the crowds arrive – perfect for families wanting a quieter experience.
Perfect for: Marine life enthusiasts, educational experiences, memorable photos
Cost: Adults from $38, children discounted rates
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best features: Oceanarium tunnel, jellyfish lab, interactive displays
Experience tip: Book the breakfast session for early access and smaller crowds
🏮 3. Royal Park Nature Play Playground – Australia’s Best Playground!
Time: Dawn to dusk | Venue: Royal Park, Parkville | Tickets: Free
The Experience: This sprawling adventure playground was named Australia’s best and it’s easy to see why! Built on the former Children’s Hospital site, it features rocky terraces, giant climbing structures, flying foxes, slides, and extensive sandy play areas that will challenge and delight kids of all ages.
Why It’s Award-Winning: The playground spans multiple levels and includes both nature-based and traditional play elements. There are separate areas designed for different age groups, ensuring toddlers and teenagers can all find age-appropriate challenges and excitement.
Perfect for: All ages, adventure seekers, free family fun
Cost: Completely free
Duration: 1-4 hours depending on enthusiasm
Best features: Award-winning design, age-appropriate zones, picnic facilities
Playground tip: Bring a picnic and make it a full morning or afternoon adventure
🧡 4. Scienceworks Discovery Centre – Hands-On Learning Fun!
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Venue: Spotswood | Tickets: Various pricing for exhibitions
The Experience: Light the spark of curiosity and explore science like never before! Interactive exhibits cover everything from space exploration to the human body, with hands-on experiments that make learning irresistibly fun. The planetarium shows are particularly magical for young stargazers.
Special Weekend Programs: This weekend features special activities for little ones to learn about “Caring for Country,” combining Indigenous knowledge with modern science. These programs help children understand their relationship with the natural environment through engaging, interactive experiences.
Perfect for: Curious minds, STEM learning, interactive experiences
Cost: General admission plus exhibition costs
Duration: 2-4 hours
Best features: Interactive exhibits, planetarium, special programs
Learning tip: Check the planetarium schedule and book shows in advance
🎨 5. NGV Plans for The Planet: Olaf Breuning for Kids – Art Meets Environment!
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Venue: National Gallery of Victoria | Tickets: Free entry
The Experience: This exclusive NGV exhibition created by Swiss contemporary artist Olaf Breuning invites children and families to explore the natural environment through interactive art installations. Kids can touch, play with, and become part of the artwork while learning about their relationship with the planet.
Why It’s Special: Unlike traditional “look but don’t touch” galleries, this exhibition is designed specifically for children’s interaction. The colorful, playful installations make environmental awareness accessible and fun, perfect for sparking important conversations about caring for our planet.
Perfect for: Art lovers, environmental education, creative play
Cost: Free entry
Duration: 1-2 hours
Best features: Interactive art, environmental themes, free admission
Art tip: Combine with viewing the French Impressionism exhibition for a full cultural day
🍳 6. Family Dining at Grazeland – 50 Pop-Up Restaurants in One Place!
Time: Various hours | Venue: West Melbourne | Tickets: Free entry for kids under 12
The Experience: This extensive culinary precinct offers something for even the pickiest eater! With 50 pop-up restaurants, you’ll find everything from wood-fired pizzas and Asian dumplings to gourmet burgers and artisan ice cream. The kids can run around safely in the open spaces while parents enjoy quality food.
Weekend Magic: Weekends at Grazeland feature special cultural events and activities. During our research, they were hosting multicultural week with dragon dances and Bollywood workshops – perfect entertainment to keep the kids engaged between meals!
Perfect for: Picky eaters, cultural experiences, family dining
Cost: Free entry for kids under 12, food $8-25 per dish
Duration: 1-3 hours
Best features: Diverse food options, cultural events, safe play areas
Dining tip: Perfect for families with different taste preferences
🏠 7. Melbourne Museum Discovery – From Dinosaurs to Culture!
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Venue: Carlton | Tickets: Adults $15, children discounted
The Experience: Touch and feel your way through local history, give Phar Lap a nod, explore a rainforest recreation, and discover Indigenous heritage in interactive exhibits. The dinosaur gallery is always a hit with young paleontologists, while the growth and development exhibits fascinate kids of all ages.
Special Weekend Features: Every Wednesday is Dino Day (perfect for this week!), and the first Saturday of each month offers low sensory sessions for visitors with sensory sensitivities. The museum also hosts special cultural exhibitions that change regularly, ensuring return visits offer new discoveries.
Perfect for: History buffs, dinosaur fans, cultural education
Cost: Adults $15, children discounted
Duration: 2-4 hours
Best features: Dinosaur gallery, interactive exhibits, Phar Lap display
Museum tip: Don’t miss the Children’s Gallery designed specifically for under-5s
🍡 8. Family-Friendly Restaurant: 400 Gradi – Award-Winning Pizza Paradise!
Time: Lunch and dinner service | Multiple Locations | Cuisine: Authentic Italian
The Experience: What kid (or adult) doesn’t love pizza? 400 Gradi serves some of Melbourne’s best wood-fired pizzas, including their award-winning Margherita. The family-friendly atmosphere and kids’ menu make it perfect for family dining, with options that will please everyone from adventurous foodies to the most selective young eaters.
Why Kids Love It: The open kitchen concept lets kids watch the pizza makers in action, turning dinner into entertainment. The simple menu options like Margherita, cheese, and pepperoni ensure even the pickiest eaters find something they’ll enjoy, while adults can explore more adventurous flavor combinations.
Perfect for: Pizza lovers, family dining, watching food preparation
Cost: Kids meals $12-15, adult pizzas $18-28
Duration: 1-2 hours
Best features: Wood-fired pizzas, open kitchen, family atmosphere
Family tip: Kids love watching the pizza chefs toss the dough
🎫 9. LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition – A Galaxy Far, Far Away!
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Venue: Melbourne Museum | Tickets: Separate ticketing required
The Experience: Step into a world of epic battles, spaceships and landscapes from a galaxy far, far away! This groundbreaking collaboration between LEGO and Star Wars features incredible builds, interactive experiences, and behind-the-scenes insights into both franchises that have captured imaginations for generations.
Why It’s Special: This is a galaxy-first event combining two of the most beloved brands in entertainment. Kids can build their own LEGO creations while surrounded by massive Star Wars scenes, and the exhibition caters to both LEGO enthusiasts and Star Wars fans of all ages.
Perfect for: LEGO fans, Star Wars enthusiasts, interactive building
Cost: Separate exhibition pricing
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best features: Interactive building, massive displays, franchise crossover
Star Wars tip: Allow extra time for kids to complete building activities
🚂 10. Weekend Markets & South Bank Promenade – Riverside Family Fun!
Time: Saturday & Sunday markets | Venue: Southbank & Federation Square | Tickets: Free to explore
The Experience: The Sunday Market has moved to Southgate after decades at Arts Centre, offering artisan goods, street food, and family entertainment along the beautiful Yarra River. Kids can watch street performers while parents browse handmade crafts, and the promenade offers perfect spots for family photos with the city skyline backdrop.
Weekend Atmosphere: The Southbank promenade buzzes with activity – from outdoor dining and buskers to cyclists and joggers. It’s a perfect place for families to soak up Melbourne’s outdoor culture, grab coffee or ice cream, and let kids burn energy while staying safe in pedestrian-only areas.
Perfect for: Market lovers, street performers, riverside walks
Cost: Free to explore, purchases vary
Duration: 1-3 hours
Best features: River views, street entertainment, local artisans
Weekend tip: Perfect for combining with other city activities
Perfect Weekend Combinations for Families
Saturday Wildlife & Adventure: Start at Melbourne Zoo (morning), picnic lunch at Royal Park Playground, then explore the NGV Kids exhibition (afternoon). End with dinner at 400 Gradi.
Sunday Science & Culture: Begin at Scienceworks (morning), family lunch at Grazeland, then discover Melbourne Museum and LEGO Star Wars exhibition (afternoon).
Active Family Weekend: Royal Park Playground adventure (Saturday morning), SEA LIFE Aquarium (Saturday afternoon), Sunday markets and Southbank promenade exploration (Sunday).
This Weekend’s Family Planning Tips
Transportation: Melbourne Zoo and Royal Park are easily accessible via tram or train to Royal Park Station. Most city attractions are within the Free Tram Zone, making public transport cost-effective for families.
Weather: August is still winter, so dress warmly for outdoor activities. Many venues offer indoor alternatives, and most have excellent heating and family facilities.
Budget: Take advantage of free activities like Royal Park Playground and NGV Kids exhibition. Zoo entry is free for kids on weekends, making it exceptional value. Plan for $20-40 per child for paid attractions.
Making the Most of Family Weekend Adventures
Photo Opportunities: Royal Park Playground offers fantastic action shots, while SEA LIFE’s underwater tunnels create magical family photos. The Southbank promenade provides perfect city backdrop pictures.
Educational Value: This weekend combines wildlife education, environmental awareness, cultural experiences, and scientific discovery – learning disguised as incredible fun!
Memory Making: From watching zoo animals up close to building LEGO Star Wars creations, these experiences create lasting family memories and stories you’ll share for years to come.
Perfect Family Weekend Success in Melbourne!
Melbourne’s family-friendly attractions prove that weekends can be both fun and enriching for every family member. From free playground adventures to world-class wildlife encounters, this weekend offers experiences that will delight toddlers, engage teenagers, and create precious family bonding time.
Don’t let this weekend slip by – choose your family adventure and create magical memories that will last a lifetime!
All information current as of August 2025. Check individual venues for any updates to hours, pricing, or special programs. Many attractions offer online booking discounts and family packages.
