The Best Low-Cost Things to do With Kids in Winter in Melbourne
Keeping the kids entertained year-round is not cheap - let's be honest! It feels like we spend even more money on family outings in winter, especially if you're trying to escape indoors. So where do you go when you’re on a budget and it’s freezing? Why, these fantastic, educational, interesting and entertaining places in Melbourne, of course! They’re warm, and if they’re not free, then they won’t break the bank.
Credit: Yarra Trams
City Circle Tram
You want to see the city, but that bone-chilling wind is just too much? Settle down in a window seat on the City Circle Tram and stay warm and dry as you do.
The City Circle route is serviced by heritage W class trams decorated in special maroon and green with yellow and gold trimmings, as well as MMTB’s standard traditional green liveried W Class trams. Information leaflets and maps are available on board, and you can plan the next leg of your journey before you ever have to step off. Fun sightseeing spots are the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House (you’re sure to spot a few weddings!) and the Princess Theatre.
Jump on any City Circle Tram service (route number 35), by boarding at any of the specially marked stops on the route. It takes about 48 minutes to complete the loop.
Price: FREE
Available: Every 12 minutes.
Credit: National Gallery of Victoria Facebook
National Gallery of Victoria
There’s usually always something going on here for kids, whether it be an exhibition or a program, and the large room out the back with the stained glass ceiling is a really lovely spot to hang about for a bit rather than going outside.
Price: FREE
Open: 10am–5pm daily
Credit: Queen Victoria Market Facebook
Queen Victoria Market
School Holiday programs, roving entertainment, stalls full of an amazing array of different items from fresh fruit and veg to shoes and hats, the food hall, the hot coffee and hot jam donuts… Queen Vic Market is an iconic way to spend a day when it’s just too cold to function outside.
Price: FREE
Open: Tuesday 6am – 2pm, Thursday 6am – 2pm, Friday 6am – 5pm, Saturday 6am – 3pm, Sunday 9am – 4pm.
Credit: ArtPlay Facebook
Artplay
Hop along to ArtPlay where professional artists hold more than 300 yearly workshops and events for kids from babies to 12-year-olds to explore their creativity and share unique artistic experiences with professional artists.
The events are diverse and are catered for each age group according to need. You do have to book for most workshops (and they require a fee) but there are plenty of free drop-in events available, which you can keep up to date with on their website.
Price: From $16 per child, per workshop
Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Other Events To Check Out With The Kids
The Coolest Science Centres For Kids
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!
Reviews
