Things To Do On ANZAC Day With Kids in Melbourne 2021

ANZAC Day is a significant one on Australia's calendar, as we come together to remember the sacrifice and bravery of our soldiers. On this day in 1915, ANZAC troops were committed to their first major action of the war, which marked the beginning of the ANZAC legend and the day we commemorate every year.

The main ways to show our respect is through the Dawn Service, which harks back to the military practice of 'standing to' at dawn, and the ANZAC Day March in cities and towns across the country. 

Here are a few things to do with kids in Melbourne to commemorate ANZAC Day on 25 April 2021.

Shrine Of Remembrance

Founded in 1934 as the National War Memorial of Victoria, the Shrine Of Remembrance will be open from 7am on Anzac Day for you to explore it's collections and galleries including the Books of Remembrance, Victoria Cross, Gallery of Medals and more.

The Dawn Service

The Shrine will be hosting the state's ANZAC Day Dawn Service this year from 5.40am. With the rising of the sun, the community will commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian men and women. Due to health guidelines, a very limited capacity of 1,400 places will be available to attend the Dawn Service. Ticket bookings open at 11am Thursday 15 April at Shrine Of Remembrance. Bookings essential. Tickets are free and are limited to 2 people per booking, and bookings are essential.

The Anzac Day March

This year, Victorian veterans will be back marching to the Shrine of Remembrance along St Kilda Road in the Melbourne Anzac Day March. Thousands of veterans, their descendants and current serving personnel will participate in the march starting at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

Melbourne Commemoration Ceremony 

The ANZAC Day Melbourne Commemoration Ceremony will also take place at the Shrine of Remembrance following the Melbourne CBD March. This will close out the morning of reflection and includes the Official Wreath Laying Service to honour those ANZAC men and woman who have served and have paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

All events will be live-streamed on the Shrine Of Remberence website and social channels.

Find out more at Shrine Of Remembrance.

RSL Commemorations

After originally cancelling events across the state in the wake of COVID-19, hundreds of local RSL clubs have been given the go-ahead to hold commemorative Anzac Day services with Melbournians encouraged to stay local.

Find out about the local ANZAC Day activities taking place at RSL Sub-Branches across Victoria.

The Melbourne Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance, the ANZAC Day CBD march and the Commemoration Ceremony, including the laying of the Official Wreath, will also be livestreamed on the RSL Victoria Facebook page.

The RSL Annual ANZAC Day Church Service will taken place a week prior to the big day. Head to St Paul’s Cathedral for Evensong on Sunday 18 Aprilfrom 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Find out more at RSL Victorian Branch.

Anzac Day At Home

Light Up The Dawn

Last year, as we commemorated Anzac Day At Home With Kids in the wake of a pandemic, RSL Clubs across the nation come together to create a collective dawn service that all Australians can be a part of.  This year, Victorians are encouraged to Light Up The Dawn in their driveways or living rooms to remember those who gave their all. You can light a candle, stream the Last Post on YouTube and round up the neighbours to share a minute's silence and feel the community spirit.

You can also donate to the ANZAC Appeal and purchase supporter packs from the Military Shop.

Anzac Day Cooking

ANZAC Biscuits are a delicious tradition to uphold on ANZAC Day and a treat for the kids - with a side serve of history. We're revealing Five of our Favourite ANZAC Biscuit Recipes for some family baking fun that honours our ANZACs. 

Anzac Day Craft

Pay tribute to our wartime heroes while teaching little ones about the ANZAC spirit with these 10 ANZAC Day Craft And Food Ideas To Commemorate The Day.

 

Lest we forget.

Fun Melbourne Activities

Heide Museum Of Modern Art
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Collingwood Children's Farm

 

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