From mini golf to museums, there are so many fun things to do in Melbourne during the summer holidays.
Whether you’re hoping to entertain the kids, or planning the perfect date night, this list of the top activities for an amazing Melbourne summer will keep you entertained for weeks to come.
Luna Park
At Luna Park, you’ll find fun for the whole family. Visit mini rides designed for toddlers, or jump aboard rollercoasters and swings that will send your heart racing. Of course, the park is also home to all the classic carnival side-show games, perfect for testing your skills.
During the school holidays, Luna Park is open late for after-dark fun. Enjoy slushies and churros, and make sure to check out the summer mini golf course. Things tend to book out quickly, so we suggest grabbing tickets online.
Albert Park
Just 3km outside the CBD, Albert Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon with friends. The lake in the heart of the park is great for watching sailboats race past, while a variety of walking and running tracks offer up the chance to get your blood pumping.
At the barbeque and picnic facilities, you can enjoy a delicious family meal while taking in the scenery. Or, check out the on-site sporting facilities including a golf driving range, gym and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. With so much to explore, it’s easy to spend a whole day here.
Melbourne Zoo
Meet the world’s most iconic animals, as well as some local wonders, right in the heart of Melbourne. Every day, friendly keepers host free animal talks to teach you more about the beautiful creatures that call the zoo home.
Or, if you’re looking to get up close to your favourite animal, there are plenty of meet-and-greet experiences on offer at Melbourne Zoo too. On the koala experience, you’ll join a keeper as you collect eucalypts for Australia’s favourite sleepy animal, before entering the koala exhibit to meet these furry creatures and ask any burning questions. Other experiences include encounters with tigers, kangaroos, meerkats, seals and more.
Of course, simply spending a day wandering the vast zoo grounds is guaranteed to put a smile on your face too.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens are open every day of the year, boasting more than 38 hectares of beautiful green space and over 8,500 species of plants from around the world. This picturesque oasis is split into a variety of different regions, allowing visitors to wander among plants from Africa, China, North America and more. There is also a designated picnic area and children’s play area, perfect for those visiting with the family.
During the holidays, the Botanic Gardens will be hosting a moonlight cinema, playing all the hottest hits under the light of the stars. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your favourite movie snacks while you watch blockbuster flicks in an unbeatable location.
Kayak Melbourne
For those who love staying active, Kayak Melbourne hosts a variety of kayak tours around the city. On the Moonlight Tour, you will be guided down the Yarra River as you take in night sky views. Explore the beauty of Victoria Harbour, make new friends, and even enjoy a fish and chips dinner from your boat.
If you’re looking to learn more about Melbourne, the City Sights Tour is a great way to see all the most iconic landmarks of the city. As you paddle down the river, you will pass Flinders Station, Princes Bridge, Yarra Edge Marina and more.
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) displays a vast collection of more than 70,000 works of European, Asian, Australian and American art. It features both permanent and thought-provoking temporary exhibitions, as well as free daily talks all about the impressive pieces on display.
During the summer holidays, the Kids’ Summer Festival includes weeks of free workshops, interactive exhibitions and storytime sessions designed for a fun day out. Older visitors will love the Friday Nights after-hours show, which offers access to the largest exhibition of Yayoi Kusama’s work ever shown in Australia, as well as live music to keep the vibes going.
ACMI
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is a film-lover’s dream. Wander rooms that tell the story of the film industry, give insight into the creative process, and even showcase some famous cinematic props. The main exhibition is always free, and packed full of interactive experiences you don’t want to miss.
The centre also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions. Until April, you can immerse yourself in dystopias and utopias as part of The Future & Other Fictions. Featuring more than 180 works, including costumes from Black Panther, Blade Runner and more, you will find yourself imagining future worlds all summer long.
Holey Moley
For a great place to escape any summer rain, check out Holey Moley Golf Club. This indoor putt-putt course re-imagines the mini golf experience with fluorescent lights, themed holes and a full-service bar serving delicious cocktails. Of course, there are always fun challenges to discover, and the whole venue is designed to provide that 80s and 90s nostalgia. With pumping music to get you moving, it’s a great night out for all.
Loving this story on things to do in Melbourne during the summer holidays? Check out the best family-friendly activities in and around the city.
