10 of the Best Kids❜ Museums in Melbourne

The days are long and the years are short, as they say, and when those really long days hit, Melburnians are oh so lucky to have loads of the best kids' museums in Melbourne up their sleeve for a much-needed outing. 

From historic relics to insane science exhibits, contemporary art, creepy gaols, and everything inbetween, Melbourne's selection of kids' museums is pretty epic - so what are you waiting for?!

10 of the Best Kids' Museums in Melbourne

1. Melbourne Museum

Who could go past the Melbourne Museum?

There is so much to see and do for kids and grownups of all ages! Of course, the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery is epic and would be enough for an entire day’s outing just in there. Expect huge climbable play structures for the older kids, a 'camouflage' dancefloor, cubby houses, hidey-hole, and educational bits and pieces stuffed into every kid-pleasing inch. The baby and younger kids section is equally as cool, just a bit brighter and smaller—an absolute wonderland. The IMAX is also well worth a visit. 

The main part of the museum is also incredibly interactive, with history, science, and culture focuses that bring an ever-changing roster of exhibitions and events to the museum.

Check out their what's on calendar before you get there so you can make sure you leave enough time to fit everything in! 

Location: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton

2. Heide Museum of Modern Art

Heide Museum of Modern Art is one of the best kids' museums in Melbourne, and well worth a visit for every age and stage of life. 

There is so much to see and do across the fifteen acres of incredible gardens, including three exhibition spaces, two historic kitchen gardens, a sculpture park and also the home of a very popular branch of Vue du Monde, Cafe Heide, which is kid-friendly to boot.

Bring a picnic and run around the farmland gardens, peek at the art and sculptures, or sign up for one of the kids and family or school holiday programs—Heide really is an amazing option for families in Melbourne.

Location: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen 

3. Scienceworks

Scienceworks offers two levels of every kind of fun imaginable, making it hands down one of the best kids' museums in Melbourne. We're talking wall-building, cafe role-play, nature exhibits, music-making, human living exhibits, bike rides, telling the time, reading the weather, and a whole lot more!

Scienceworks also offers the chance to see what Melbourne might look like in the future, while Sportsworks will have you pitting your strength against your fellow visitors with feats to put your body to the test. There's also the Lightning Room, Pumping Station, outdoor playground, cafe, and Planetarium, which hosts programs about journeys through the solar system. Put simply, it's a Melbourne institution—and you have to go!

Location: 2 Booker St, Spotswood 

4. Old Melbourne Gaol

One perhaps for the older kids (the Gaol itself recommends children from Year 5 and up), but definitely a museum worth checking out nonetheless. You can partake in a candlelit tour run at night, or a brighter daylight tour at Old Melbourne Gaol. Note: the Watch House is closed until December 2023.

Housed in one of the oldest still-standing buildings in Melbourne, the museum is excellent if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary for ages 10 and up. Lots of equipment and information about hangings, though, so bear that in mind if you’ve got a sensitive bunch!

Location: 377 Russell Street, Melbourne 

5. Immigration Museum

For a glimpse into another world, the Immigration Museum is spectacular.

The attention to detail in sharing the stories of people who have come far from their homes is incredible, and really moving. You can even research your own family migration history! It’s a wonderful insight into what helps shape identity, what it means to be a global citizen, and how different ethnicities come together across lands.

The exhibits at the Immigration Museum are interactive, and they also often run workshops. 

Location: 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne

6. Melbourne Tram Museum

This is definitely one for kids who love transport vehicles!

At the Melbourne Tram Museum in Hawthorn you can take a gander at 21 fully restored trams that kids will delight in being allowed to climb into! It’s super fun to enter a different era in history with every tram, and the youngsters have a ball pretending to be different people in different times. The driver’s seat with all its associated levers and wheels is the best fun a kid can have in a stationary vehicle!

The Melbourne Tram Museum is open every second and fourth Saturday of the month and select Wednesdays. And for a gold coin donation, you’ve got your (wallet-friendly) Saturday sorted!

Location: 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn

7. MoPA

With branches in both Melbourne and Geelong, the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) offers an exciting day out for kids of all ages in the Melbourne area and beyond.

This dedicated kids' museum in Melbourne is committed to providing educational and entertaining experiences that captivate and immerse kids in a world of fun. It features a soft play zone, a creative art car, and many other engaging attractions, making it an ideal indoor destination for kids. 

Locations:
MoPA Geelong: 51 McKillop Street, Geelong
MoPA Melbourne: 247 Bay Road, Sandringham

8. ACMI

Another top pick for the best kids' museums in Melbourne, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is an awesome museum with loads going on.

Their ongoing exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image, is not only fascinating but also family-friendly. It delves into the captivating history of film, TV, video games, and art. Additionally, ACMI regularly features other exhibitions, workshops, and activities that are designed with families in mind, especially during the school holidays. 

Location: Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne

9. Victoria Police Museum

The Victoria Police Museum is your gateway to the fascinating history of the state. Through an extraordinary collection of objects, displays, and documents, including Australia's largest collection of Kelly Gang armor, the museum brings Victoria's social and cultural history to life.

Learn about the establishment of Victoria Police and its evolution in response to modern policing and technology. Explore the dynamic changes that shaped the 20th century, learn about the crucial role of police during times of world conflict, and get a firsthand look at the equipment they've used throughout the years.

There's also a family-friendly exhibition on police animals, where there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy. It's definitely a great choice for kids' museums in Melbourne!

Location: 313 Spencer St, Docklands

10. Hellenic Museum

 

The Hellenic Museum unites various artistic disciplines and diverse perspectives to offer a well-rounded exploration of Greek culture and its ongoing impact on modern society.

Discover a world of excitement within the Argonauts Kids Club! Engage in creative activities like crafting your own battle helmet, conducting fascinating experiments at home or school, and embarking on captivating journeys into ancient history at this engaging museum. 

Location:  280 William Street, Melbourne

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