A rainy day in Melbourne with kids
This is a wet-weather day in Melbourne with kids, using five indoor stops spread from Carlton to Docklands. All are within 2.3 km of the city centre. The National Gallery of Victoria has free general entry and Melbourne Museum is free for children up to 16. Entermission, Kingpin Crown and the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel all charge, so pick what suits your budget.
The order moves from Carlton through the CBD to Southbank and Docklands: museums first, then games, then the wheel. Melbourne Museum's listing suggests visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds. Take a jacket for the walks between stops, and check each listing for session times and prices, as they change.
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: Melbourne Museum
- Late morning: National Gallery of Victoria
- Afternoon: Entermission Melbourne
- Late afternoon: Kingpin Crown
- Evening: Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
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, and a Children's Gallery. It suits ages 2 to 17. The listing says it is stroller-friendly with lockers available. Children up to 16 are free, and adults are $18. Weekdays are quieter.
Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds; check the listing for opening hours.
Late morning
National Gallery of Victoria
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, open daily 10am to 5pm, with NGV Kids exhibitions and activities. It is 1.1 km from the centre. It is an easy free hour or two out of the rain for kids from age 3.
Tip: Free general entry; open daily 10am to 5pm.
Afternoon
VR games at Entermission
Entermission Melbourne, Melbourne · Escape Rooms · Ages 5-17 · From $30 · 4.9 stars (1220 reviews)
VR and in-person escape rooms on Bourke Street in the CBD for ages 7 and up. The shortest option is a 30-minute VR challenge room at $30 per person, and the VR escape room runs up to 60 minutes at $55. It is 0.5 km from the centre.
Tip: Open 10:30am to 7:30pm most days, and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Late afternoon
Bowling and arcade at Kingpin
Kingpin Crown, Southbank · Bowling & Arcade · Ages 5-17 · From $22 · 4.7 stars (4991 reviews)
A bowling, laser tag, VR and arcade venue at Crown in Southbank, 1.3 km from the centre. One activity starts at $22 per person on weekdays before 4pm and $26 at other times. Kids can try laser tag or bowling and you can stay dry all afternoon.
Tip: One activity from $22 per person (weekdays before 4pm); $26 on weekends or after 4pm.
Evening
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Docklands · Arcade & Entertainment · Ages 0-17 · From $29 · 4.4 stars (3831 reviews)
A 120-metre observation wheel in Docklands with 30-minute rides in enclosed, climate-controlled cabins, 2.3 km from the centre. It is a calm way to finish a wet day. Adult tickets start from $29 online; the child price is not listed here, so check the listing.
Tip: Open until 9:30pm most nights; check the listing for child prices.
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
- Melbourne Museum is free for children up to 16, and weekdays are quieter.
- The National Gallery of Victoria is free to enter and open daily 10am to 5pm.
- Entermission's VR and escape rooms are for ages 7 and up.
- Kingpin Crown is open 10am to 2am daily, so it works as a late stop.
- The Melbourne Star is open daily, from midday on Monday and Tuesday and from 10am Wednesday to Sunday.
Questions parents ask
What can you do in Melbourne with kids when it rains?
Try Melbourne Museum in Carlton and the National Gallery of Victoria in the morning, then VR games at Entermission, bowling and laser tag at Kingpin Crown, and a ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. All five are indoors, and all are within 2.3 km of the city centre.
Are there free indoor things for kids in Melbourne?
The National Gallery of Victoria has free general entry, with NGV Kids exhibitions and activities. Melbourne Museum is free for children up to 16, although adults pay $18. Both are open during the day. The other stops in this plan charge, so check the listings for current prices.
What can older kids do indoors in Melbourne?
Entermission on Bourke Street runs VR escape rooms for ages 7 and up, from $30 for a 30-minute VR challenge. Kingpin Crown in Southbank has bowling, laser tag, VR and arcade games from $22 per person. Check the listings for current prices and times.
More days in Melbourne with kids
- Your first day in Melbourne with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- 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