Your first day in Melbourne with kids
This is a first day in Melbourne for families, mixing a market, two museums, a garden and an aquarium. Every stop is within 1.8 km of the city centre. The National Gallery of Victoria is free, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are free to enter, and Melbourne Museum is free for children up to 16. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is the main ticketed stop.
Start early at Queen Victoria Market, which is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so the full plan works Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Five stops is a lot, so drop one if the kids flag. Pack a hat for the gardens and a stroller if you have a little one; the museum listing says it is stroller-friendly.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Queen Victoria Market
- Late morning: Melbourne Museum
- Lunch: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
- Afternoon: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- Late afternoon: National Gallery of Victoria
Morning
Start at Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne · Markets & Family Outings · Ages 0-17 · 4.5 stars (61047 reviews)
Melbourne's historic 1878 market has fresh produce sheds, a food hall, open-air stalls and free family events. It is 0.9 km from the centre. Go in the morning, when it is open and before the kids tire, and let them watch the stalls while you shop.
Tip: Open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 6am to 3pm, Saturday 6am to 4pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.
Late morning
Melbourne Museum in Carlton
Melbourne Museum, Carlton · Museums & Science Centres · Ages 2-17 · From $12 · 4.6 stars (18921 reviews)
A museum in Carlton with interactive exhibits on natural history, Indigenous cultures and science, plus a Children's Gallery. The listing says it suits ages 2 to 17. It is stroller-friendly, with lockers available, and weekdays are quieter. Children up to 16 go in free.
Tip: Child entry (up to 16) is free and adults are $18; weekdays are quieter.
Lunch
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, South Yarra · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.8 stars (19703 reviews)
Free, 38-hectare botanic gardens on Birdwood Avenue, 1.8 km from the centre, with nature trails, a Children's Garden and a $12 kids' minibus tour. It is a good place to eat lunch outdoors and let the kids run. The Children's Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday.
Tip: The Children's Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday; the kids' minibus tour is $12.
Afternoon
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne · Zoos, Wildlife & Aquariums · Ages 2-17 · From $0 · 4.2 stars (18753 reviews)
A city aquarium on Flinders Street with penguins, sharks and a crocodile. It is indoors, so it works in any weather. Child tickets (2-15) start from $25 online on weekdays, and under-2s are free. It closes at 4pm on weekdays, so arrive early in the afternoon.
Tip: Open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 9:30am to 5pm on weekends; book online for the lower weekday price.
Late afternoon
End at the National Gallery
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · Museum · Ages 3-17 · Free · 4.7 stars (25095 reviews)
The state art gallery has free general entry at St Kilda Road and Federation Square, with NGV Kids exhibitions and activities. It is open until 5pm daily, 1.1 km from the centre, so it suits a final hour indoors while the kids wind down.
Tip: Open daily 10am to 5pm; check the listing for what NGV Kids has on.
Where to eat
Pelicans Landing, Williamstown. Pelicans Landing, a waterfront seafood restaurant in Williamstown, 7.4 km from the centre, has kids eat free Monday to Thursday from 5:30pm to 7pm. Kids meals (under 12) are $18 and include an ice cream.
Kids Eat Free deals change. See every current deal in Melbourne.
Before you go
- Queen Victoria Market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so this plan works Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Melbourne Museum is free for children up to 16; adults are $18.
- The Children's Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens is open Wednesday to Sunday.
- SEA LIFE closes at 4pm on weekdays; online weekday child tickets start at $25.
- The National Gallery of Victoria is open daily 10am to 5pm and free to enter.
Questions parents ask
What can you do in Melbourne with kids in one day?
This plan runs from Queen Victoria Market to Melbourne Museum in Carlton, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and the National Gallery of Victoria. All five are within 1.8 km of the city centre. Choose three or four if you want a slower day.
What is free for kids in Melbourne?
General entry to the National Gallery of Victoria is free, and so is the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Melbourne Museum is free for children up to 16, though adults pay $18. Queen Victoria Market runs free family events. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is ticketed, but under-2s are free.
Which days is Queen Victoria Market open?
Queen Victoria Market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday hours are 6am to 3pm, Saturday is 6am to 4pm, and Sunday is 9am to 4pm. Check the listing for current hours.
More days in Melbourne with kids
- A rainy day in Melbourne with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A beach day in Melbourne with kids - Patrolled beaches, calm water and what is near the sand.
- A free day out in Melbourne with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- Melbourne with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Melbourne with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Melbourne with kids: all guides