1 Day in Melbourne with the Kids
If you’ve only got one day in Melbourne with the kids and want to make it count, good news: Melbourne CBD is one of the easiest cities in the world to explore, and public transport is free within the city. Here’s how we like to spend a jam-packed (but not exhausting) family day in the city, perfect for kids aged 5 to 11, with everything an easy walk or tram ride from Brady Hotels.
Morning: Fuel Up and Go
8:00am: Breakfast Before the Chaos
Don’t skip this bit. Grab breakfast somewhere around Hardware Lane, a bacon and egg roll or a stack of pancakes will do the trick.
9:00am: Sharks Before the Crowds
Head to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium early while it’s still quiet. Sharks, penguins and rays never miss with kids, and it’s a brilliant indoor start if the weather isn’t playing nice.
11:00am: Get Lost in the Laneways
Time to wander. Melbourne’s laneways are full of street art, hidden cafés and just enough mystery to keep an 11 year old interested. Hosier Lane is the big one for the art, while Degraves Street and the old arcades are great for poking around. It’s free, it’s a great photo opportunity, and it gets little legs moving before lunch.
Midday: Lunch and a Quick Shop
12:30pm: Lunch at Melbourne Central
Something for everyone here, quick and easy or sit-down if you’ve got the time. While you’re there, swing past the Lego Shop and the heritage Shot Tower, and try to catch the hourly clock show too. My kids love it.
Afternoon: Views, Trams and Sugar
2:00pm: Up You Go
Melbourne Skydeck takes you almost 300 metres up for some seriously good views. It’s a great way to slow the pace a little, spot landmarks, and let everyone catch their breath.
3:00pm: Art Next Door
Right next door to Skydeck is the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, free general admission, and there’s always an exhibition that my kids are excited to explore.
4:00pm: Hop on the Free Tram
The City Circle Tram is free, it loops the city, and honestly it’s a nice excuse to sit down for a bit. My kids are fascinated by how old the tram is, whether it’s going to make it up the hill, and we always like to listen to what it’s announcing. It’s a great way to hear some of the city’s history and landmarks.
4:45pm: Treat Time
You’ve earned it. Hot jam doughnuts, gelato, bubble tea, whatever takes your fancy. Melbourne does dessert very well, and there’s no shortage of options nearby.
Evening: Wind It Down
6:00pm: Dinner at Fed Square
Easy, relaxed, and there’s often something going on if the kids still have a bit of energy left to burn. We like to head to Transport Bar and watch the big sports screens. Good pub food, and they have a kids’ menu.
Brady Recommends
Staying at Brady Hotels means almost everything on this list is a short walk away, with the free trams picking up the slack for the rest. It’s the easiest way to fit a huge day into Melbourne without burning everyone out getting between places.
Book your stay at Brady Hotels and get planning your family’s perfect Melbourne day.
Peta, Director of Sales & Marketing
Kids 7 & 1