Six of the Best Kid-Friendly Markets in Melbourne

By:Stacey Roberts, ellaslist

Markets: they’re something that Melbourne does exceptionally well. Not only do we get fruit, veg, artisan foods, specialty items, bric-a-brac, handmade, vintage and secondhand items, but we also get outdoorsy fun, live music, and on occasion, tons of fun for kids.

These are six of the best family-friendly markets Melbourne has on offer.

Six of the Best Kid-Friendly Markets in Melbourne | Queen Victoria Market

1. Queen Victoria Market

In amongst all the seasonal activities (Easter egg hunts, Santa at Christmas, etc) the fun at Queen Vic market for littles is year-round. There are workshops and festivities held regularly, from Family Footy Zone activities, to artist-led workshops, to fun kids days out.The Market often runs extensive school holiday programs – you can keep up with what’s coming up over on their What’s On website section or sign up to their mailing list to get a heads up.

Family-friendly entertainment and stalls for kids’ items are plenty – there’s always something to see, do, eat, drink, or buy at the Queen Vic Market for kids. But don’t dare try and leave without a hot jam donut or 12!

Six of the Best Kid-Friendly Markets in Melbourne | Prahran Market

2. Prahran Market

Prahran Market is like kid wonderland. So much is available for them: free face painting, animal farms, free kids’ dance classes, and live music. Not to mention Fritz Gelato, Cioccolato Lombardo, Noisette, The Sweet and Nut Shop and Abla’s Patisserie for all the ice cream and danishes in the world to keep any kid happy.

Six of the Best Kid-Friendly Markets in Melbourne | South Melbourne Market

 

3. South Melbourne Market

Oh nothing much to see here, just a face-painting, bubble-blowing singing fairy who tells stories and play games (free), cooking classes for kids 5-8 years old ($20pp), demi chefs cooking classes for kids 9-12 ($20), teen chefs 13+ ($20pp), craft workshops, seasonal festivities, kids clothing and toys, school holiday programs, and DIM SIMS.

Credit: Dandenong Market Facebook

4. Dandenong Market

A real global market this one, there are food and cultural festivals galore, all throughout the year. Totally family-friendly: try the face painting, kids craft workshops, swing by Azam Afzali’s Toys, check out the selection at Joe’s Fish, and grab a handful of sugary goodies at Yvonne’s Chocolate Passion.

Six of the Best Kid-Friendly Markets in Melbourne | Collingwood Childrens Farmers Market

5. Collingwood Children’s Farm Farmer’s Market

On the second Saturday of every month, from 8am to 1pm, you can browse the 70-odd stalls set up in the paddock of every kid’s favourite inner-city farm. While you’re doing the fruit and veg run (with a few extra jams, cheeses, preserves and flowers), the kids can see and pat cows, donkeys, chickens, geese, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, and the chilled-out farm cats that stroll around like they own the place.

With pony rides, hay rides, tractor rides, cow milking, and animal feeding times, it’s hard to find a cooler market with more things to do for kids.

Six of the Best Kid-Friendly Markets in Melbourne | The Fitzroy Market Credit: The Fitzroy Market Facebook

 

6. The Fitzroy Market

This market gets my vote for “coolest quirky, unique, vintage stuff at a market I’m taking my kids to”, but it’s super family-friendly as well, with a kids craft area, live music and real good vibes.

Where’s your favourite place to browse stalls with a coffee while the kids run around?

 

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