Best Things To Do When it’s Hot in Melbourne

Four seasons in one day? Sure. But when one of them is summer, Melbourne can get very HOT.
To help you beat the heat – or make the most of it, if that’s your style – we’ve got some great suggestions for some of the best things to do on hot days in Melbourne.

Hit The Beach

We’ve got plenty of them to choose from and some are more kid-friendly than others. If you’re looking for a spot in the inner-Bayside region, Elwood is a lovely location, with only a handy stroll to shops if you need to stock up on supplies. But be aware that Melbourne’s busy city-style means that, sometimes, our beaches aren’t the cleanest. Hampton is a lovely spot that is clean and family-friendly and if you’re over in the west, Altona beach is another great choice, with a nearby playground and a friendly fish and chip shop all within easy reach.

For more information on Melbourne's best beaches for kids, read our top picks.

Go To A Movie

Cinemas make great places to beat the heat. In fact, usually, you’ll need a jumper to beat the air-conditioning that is invariably pumped up way too high.
If you like a small, cosy movie experience and some atmosphere, choose a local independent, like the Cameo in Belgrave, the Classic in Elsternwick, the Nova in Carlton, or even The Astor in St Kilda. Your friendly neighbourhood shopping centre will no doubt be home to a Village or Hoyts cinemas experience – on a hot day, it really doesn’t matter, as long as it’s cooler than outside!

What You Need To Know

Pack your own snacks to save some serious money (although a classic choc-top at the movies is hard to beat – especially when it’s hot).

Go Ice-Skating

What could be cooler on a stinking hot day than ice skating? Not to mention it's oodles of fun! The O'Brien Icehouse is a great spot to escape the heat and hit the ice rink with the kids. If your kids are beginner skaters, there is special equipment the centre can give you to help them balance as they glide around in the lovely respite from the heat. Staff also skate around regularly to keep an eye on inexperienced skaters and help out where needed.

What You Need To Know

Phone: 1300 756 699
Address: 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
Prices: www.obriengrouparena.com.au/tickets-pricing
More information: visit the website: www.obriengrouparena.com.au

Visit An Art Gallery

If you’ve already taken the kids to the main NGV on St Kilda Road, try visiting the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia in Federation Square. There is a definite cool and calm feeling to this gallery and when it’s hot outside, the kids will appreciate it too.
If your kids are very little, focus on colour and shapes and talk to them about what they like and what they don’t, art is all about self-expression after all!

What You Need To Know

It’s the world’s first major gallery dedicated to Australian art – something that is worth educating your kids about.
School holiday programs demystify the artistic process by adding some child-friendly fun.
Phone: 8620 2222
Address: Federation Square, Melbourne
Prices: General entry is free
Opening hours: Daily 10 am-5 pm (closed Good Friday)
More information: visit the website – www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Hit The Pool

Haven’t got one in your own backyard? You can always become friends with someone in your street who has… If that seems too difficult, most suburbs have great council-run swimming pools not too far away and whether they are inside or outside, once you’re in the water, you will have some cool relief. Make sure you get there early to grab some shade, if you can…(and don’t forget the sunscreen).

What You Need To Know

Membership to local pools can save you some money. Make sure the kids bring thongs to wear into change-rooms and toilets.
Some suggestions?
Try these:
MSAC – www.melbournesportshub.com.au/msac
GESAC – www.gesac.com.au
PARC – www.parcfrankston.com.au
NARC – www.northcote.ymca.org.au
Aquarena – www.aquarena.ymca.org.au

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