Fun Things To Do During Melbourne Winter with Kids

Melbourne is famous for its gloomy, cold and rainy days but there’s still plenty of winter  activities to do in Melbourne  with the kids. Here are some of our favourite ideas!

 

Market in Your Diary 

Head down to Queen Vic Market on a Wednesday night for the Winter Night Market; think roaring fires, entertainment and artisan sellers. Make sure you’re hungry for hearty soups served in bread bowls, authentic international snacks and for the brave – spaghetti gelato! It’s gelato shaped like a classic spag bol, and it’s terrifically tasty. Top it all off with freshly made hot chocolates for the whole family. 

 

Escape to the Tropics

Warm water and brightly-coloured fish? You could be on a remote tropical island – or – you could be at SEA LIFE Melbourne! Feel a million miles away as you gaze at the captivating displays. The kids will adore meeting the clownfish, more commonly known as Nemo, and seeing the turtles and penguins. Discover the Bay of Rays and the Coral Atoll full of brilliant colour. Best of all, the aquarium is indoors, so there’s no added brrrrr! For added value, grab a Melbourne Big Ticket, and visit LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne for double the fun.

 

More than Meets the Eye

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne is a hive of activity, as excited children (and parents) let their imaginations run free. All sorts of creations come to life at the centre; from the smallest beginner project to the most intricate and detailed builds. In the Creative Workshops, kids can ask a Master Model Builder for tips and tricks and get inspired for their next build. There’s also a 4D cinema, 2 rides and much more! So forget being outdoors in the wind and rain – spend the day playing. Hooray for LEGO®!

 

Winter Wonderlights

'Australia’s Best Christmas in July’ happens at Sovereign Hill near Ballarat, around 1.5 hours from Melbourne, and it’s well worth the journey! From 4-27 July, Sovereign Hill lights up with stunning colours and lots of frosty fun. What mischief will Sir Ginger, the jolly gingerbread man, get into this year? Wander the European street market and laneways festooned with fairy lights, and dance in the snow (it’s not real, so you won’t freeze your feet off!) There are pantomime plays and other child-friendly activities everyone can enjoy!

 

Cracker of a Night

One of Melbourne’s most-loved winter traditions, the Docklands Firelight Festival, is expected to return in 2025 — and it’s always a highlight of the season. Held over the final weekend of June, this fiery celebration brings Docklands to life with fire drums, flame jets, live music, street performers, and fireworks.

While the full program for 2025 is yet to be announced, previous years have featured everything from Bollywood dancing to street food that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of event where you can rug up in your coziest winter layers and soak up the glowing, buzzing atmosphere — no tickets needed.

👉 Keep an eye on Firelight Festival’s official site for 2025 details.

 

Stop and Smell the Camellias

Camellias came to Australia with settlers in the 1800s, and nowhere are they more beautiful than in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Red, pink, white, showy or fragrant – see them all bursting with blooms in the dedicated camellia garden. Choose a crisp, bright winter’s day for a family stroll through the gardens. 

Note: the children’s garden closes for 8 weeks over winter, but the camellias and other displays are well worth a visit.