Melbourne is a very diverse destination with plenty of things to see and do both during the day and at night. The day time can be spent exploring many of the local cafes, enjoying beautiful food, catching a sports event or theatre show and plenty of parks dotted around to take the family. However what happens when the sun goes down – what are the best things to do in Melbourne at night with kids? What can you do with the family at night in Melbourne?
We all have busy lives these days. Trying to balance work and lifestyle can be tricky. The working world no longer stops at 5pm. We need to get smart about how and when we spend time together. With businesses being available for more unusual and unsociable hours, families are often struggling to find a balance.
What does this mean? What can you do in Melbourne at night? Some of the best things to do in Melbourne at night with kids are listed below – we know in some cases trying to find time with the family means thinking outside the box. Why not try nocturnal activities? This list of things to do in Melbourne at night is especially good for the school holidays! There is PLENTY of fun to be had later in the day. Why not find time with your kids to enjoy the activities that Melbourne can offer when the sun goes down.
RELATED: We love this list of ideas of indoor activities in Melbourne too!
If you find yourself in Melbourne visiting places, the public transport is a great way to get around the city and explore. A tram ride in itself is good fun, but there are also trains and buses that run around the area making life easier if you want to ditch that car! As the online world becomes ever popular, families are having to become smarter about the time in which they spend together.
Looking for family things to do in Melbourne at night? Look no further – we have organised an adventure list for you of things to do at night in the Melbourne area. We have broken our list into ages groups, but of course this is not a hard and fast rule. I know teens who would love to see penguins and toddlers who would be bang up for some of the ideas on the teens list…
Grab the family. Gear up for some fun in the dark. No matter the age and no matter the preferred activity – there is sure to be something on this list that will be worth a go!! Melbourne things to do at night……….. GO!
10 Best things to do in Melbourne at night with toddlers
If you want to entertain toddlers with activities at night in Melbourne, then these are the ideas we recommend:
1. Phillip Island Penguin Parade
One of the top things to do at night in Melbourne is a visit to this fab place. This is a beautiful site and the kids will absolutely love it. Every evening the penguins put on a ‘parade’ and dash across the sand as the sun is going down. The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is just 90 minutes from Melbourne city centre and a spectacular way to finish your day.
You may even like to spend the full day on Phillip Island and do a Phillip Island Nature Tour.
2. Aura Show, Sovereign Hill
A story about Australia’s Gold Rush filled with 3D projection technology, this high tech multi-sensory show will keep your youngest members (and the older ones too) entertained. This show is very very popular and you will need to book ahead (there are now two shows per day to keep up with demand). Get in quick!
Address: 39 Magpie Street, Ballarat
Get in quick and book your tickets now!
3. Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Open until 6pm this is a fabulous way to enjoy the early evening with your toddler. With the massive Mermaid Garden Oceanarium which is home to plenty of underwater creatures including nurse sharks and sting rays. You will also find Saltwater Crocs and quirky penguins.
Address: King Street, Melbourne
For more Sea Life info, please visit here
4. Airoworld Trampoline Park
Not just toddler related but one for kids of all ages to enjoy. Not just a trampolining activity, but there are also over inflated structures and bouncy slides to slide down, so are perfect for the younger age group! Open til late on Fridays.
Address: 61-69 Dohertys Road, Altona North Victoria
For more trampolining info, please click here
5. State Library Victoria
The library is a great place to hang out. With something for everyone, and a free activity, why not check out the website to see what kid-friendly events are going on. There are always activities such as story time and play dates where arts and crafts are provided, but dates and times change, so check out what is on when you visit! You will need to check the website for times and activities, opens until 6pm so early evenings are sorted here!
Address: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Check out the library activities here
6. Aquapulse swimming pool
A fun activity – a little swimming and jumping into the water. This indoor pool provides great shelter and helps enhance those swimming skills while having fun! Water babies will LOVE this!
Address: 80-82 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing
For more information please check their website
7. Ninja Parc
With hit TV shows telling you how this is done, these parks are becoming ever popular with kids of all ages. If you have a kid that loves to climb, jump and clamber over obstacle courses, this is definitely one for them. They even have after school programmes available if they are really keen to improve!!
Address: 13-17 Burton Court, Bayswater
Please check the website for more detail
8. Local taverns for dinner
Night activities around Melbourne can mean a visit to one of the many taverns that now cater for the younger members of the family. A lot have little play areas designed for toddlers and older children so they can have fun and let off a little steam. Menus will also cater to younger kids with their very own children’s options. Often there is a combination which includes drinks and dessert. Designated rooms or play areas are a great way to combine your family meal with a bit of fun and they are literally everywhere. Look up your local tavern, wherever you may be, and see what fun activities are available for your youngsters!
Find some family friendly restaurants in Melbourne here.
9. Ice cream
While on your travels, why not stop into one of the many ice cream parlours/shops in Melbourne. Pidapipo is a hugely popular gelato shop with many flavours to choose from and enjoy. Enjoy a sugary treat. Your toddler will absolutely love trying out some of these.
Address: 299 Lygon Road, Carlton, Vic
Check out their website with all their locations here!
10. Picnic in the park
A popular thing to do in Melbourne at night is a visit to one of the many many parks situated in and around Melbourne inner city and the suburbs – you are literally spoilt for choice! This is a wonderful idea and one of the many free things to do in Melbourne at night. The Royal Botanic Gardens are beautiful (open til 5pm), and some are open a lot later.
Outdoor activities don’t come much better than a little park time. Why not grab the picnic basket or grab a few items on your way to the park and enjoy watching the sun go down, playing in the park, throwing a ball around – the options are endless. A great way to enjoy the evening in one of the best places to see the sunset in Melbourne.
10 Best things to do in Melbourne at night with young kids 5-12
If your kids are a little bit older and can stay up later than your little toddlers, then we have found that these Melbourne kids activities are perfect for night time!
11. Melbourne Skydeck
Open five days a week (excluding Monday and Tuesday), the Melbourne Skydeck is a great vantage point to take in of an evening. See Melbourne by night with this birdseye view across the city which takes in many great Melbourne icons such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Some of the best views of Melbourne at night are here! The city all lit up at night time will surely create a memorable evening for the family.
Address: Melbourne Skydeck 88 – 88 Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006
Why not grab your tickets here!
12. Miniature Glow Golf, Melbourne Docklands
Evening activities for families don’t come much better than this! If you and your family are looking for things to do on a Saturday night, look no further. Glowing golf balls, weird noises trying to put your off your game, great atmosphere and even greater fun. This is a fun way to spend the evening with the kids. Note at this point, the venue is open at weekends but this will increase over time.
Address: 35 Star Crescent, Docklands
Find out more from their website by clicking here
13. Bounce
From trampolines, to basketball to obstacle courses, this place has everything a bouncy child could need! Why not let them loose and enjoy the bouncy fun that this place has to offer!.
Bounce now has 5 locations in Melbourne – so you are bound to find one nearby:
- Blackburn
- Essendon Fields
- Glen Iris
- Heidelberg
- Keysborough
Please check their website for locations and times
14. Rampfest Indoor Skate Park
Fun things to do in Melbourne …. A little skateboarding fun! If your child/ren is into activities involving wheels, or you are just looking for some indoor activities to try then this would be right up their street! BMX, roller skates and skateboarding are all covered here – grab your wheels and get moving!
Address: 47-85 Hillary St, Braybrook
More info can be located at their website by clicking here
15. O’Brien Icehouse
Why not get rugged up and enjoy learning a new skill with fun on the ice! The staff are friendly and helpful, equipment is available to hire including free helmets.
Address: 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
16. Clip ‘n Climb
There are a few similar venues in and around Victoria, so if you have a family of adrenaline junkies who love to climb or experience something new (and undercover), this is for you! From climbing walls, to obstacle courses, leap of faith and other attractions, this will keep your family entertained for many many hours! Open every day (most days until at least 7pm)
Address: 39-51 Intrepid Street, Berwick
17. Bowling
Fun night activities will always include a great bowling session! There are a number of various bowling activities in and around Melbourne, we have selected this one as it has a number of other activities to try including an Escape room AND karaoke. So once the competitive bowling is out of the way, you can sing your heart out and escape.
Address: Shop 305, Level 3, 211 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne
See what packages are on offer via their website here
18. Cinema
Family things to do in Melbourne at night are such a great way to enjoy your family – a good movie and a cuddle up is a top idea! There are any number of cinemas in and around the Melbourne area and these are great, particularly in school holidays when there are always a number of film options for children. Grab the popcorn and get the group together a movie extravaganza!
For up and coming movies, click here
19. The Big Bash, T20
This is a fabulous night out for the entire family, even if you are not a huge sports fan. With the season during the summer, this interactive sporting event is sure to be great fun for all. Fireworks, music, dance groups, interactive audience participation – your kids will have a great time!
Check out the T20 Big Bash website for information on games and dates
20. Caribbean Rollerama – roller skating
Situated 29km east of Melbourne CBD, this great place offers something for everybody. With skate nights available til late, skate lessons, equipment to hire and much much more (including retro nights!), this is a fabulous way to spend an evening with the kids.
Address: 1298 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby
Have fun – check out their website
10 Best things to do in Melbourne at night with teenagers
Teenagers! They are pretty tricky to keep entertained at the best of times, but we have found some awesome ideas that will definitely keep them happy these school holidays. (We have a huge article dedicated to things to do on the Melbourne with teenagers if these ideas don’t work!)
21. Escape Hunt Melbourne
When checking out places to visit in Melbourne at night, why not give this a go! If you and your family enjoy a bit of detective work and perhaps envisage yourself as a CSI, then this is definitely one to try. You have 60 minutes to solve the mystery and get out. There are a number of escape rooms to choose from, not just the ‘law and order’ room, you could even solve the mystery of the missing jewels.
Address: 190 Queen Street, Melbourne
22. Maniax
Well a little axe-throwing activities will certain notch up the adrenaline for your teenager! This is a great way to get your teenager out of the online world and into a very different environment! Yes, it sounds dangerous, and a little unusual, but that is the attraction. The staff and venue ensure the activities are safe for all, so why not give this a go! Most nights have a ‘last throw’ timeframe (usually at 8 pm).
Address: 19-21 Russell Street, Abbotsford
Check out their website for more information
23. The Magic Show at The Marriott Hotel
Looking for things to do on a Friday night? This wonderful (and unbelievable) experience will leave you wondering what just happened. This weekly Friday night event held within the fabulous Marriott Hotel, will wonder and amaze you. Suitable for family members over 10 years old!
Address: The Marriott Hotel, Corner of Lonsdale & Exhibition St, Melbourne
24. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Good old-fashioned arcade games, high tech reality games, bumper cars, thrill rides and old favourites such as NBA Hoops and Mario Kart race car driving game – what is not to love!! You and your kids will thoroughly enjoy this night time activity.
Address: 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands
25. Old Melbourne Gaol
When looking for things to do in Melbourne this weekend – this is definitely not for the faint-hearted, but a very very cool place – definitely one for the older members of the family (not suitable for younger children). This eerie place built in the mid 1800s was home to many dangerous criminals of its time including Ned Kelly. You can actually enter the cells (and even be arrested by the tour guide). Open until 6pm with last entry at 4.15, this is really one for those who want to get started with an early evening activity!
Address: 377 Russell Street, Melbourne
Check out tickets and packages
26. Go Karting
An ideal activity for teenagers (13 and over). Get your group together and enjoy the track with speeds of up to 60 kpm, hairpins bends, switch tracks and sunken corners, your teenagers are going to have great fun!
Address: 50 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne
27. Flight Experience
We LOVED doing this experience. Master 16 took to the skies (almost!) with this ultimate flight experience. This is as close as it gets to operating a full-size passenger airliner. He got to step inside Australia’s state-of-the-art flight simulator experience and we got to be his passengers! He took off and landed at airports of his choice (he chose Melbourne, Paris, London and Brisbane) in a 1 hour long experience. He pilot who trained him was wonderful and I can hand on heart highly recommend this activity if you have a teen who is interested in flying! Your teen will get the ultimate Boeing 737 experience as a pilot and is a great rainy day activity for teenagers.
Address Shop 9, Level 2 QV Square, Cnr Swanston & Lonsdale St, Melbourne
See the different packages and options available here
28. iFLY
Following on from being a pilot, why not now experience the sky-diving experience (but without the need of a plane!). This unique experience will give you the opportunity to sample what it feels like to sky-dive. Great for all ages (apparently from 3-103!), the whole family can give this one a go! Available most nights so plenty of opportunity including when looking for things to do in Melbourne on a Sunday night.
Address: 2 Burns Street, Essendon Fields
29. Escape Rooms
Escape Rooms are becoming ever popular – there are a number to choose from around Melbourne. Here is one located in South Melbourne that has a number of rooms to try and 70 minutes in which to escape using a number of clues. There is also an online version should you wish to give that a go. Great fun for small groups of people wishing to ‘escape’!
Address: 12-18 Yarra Street, South Melbourne
Visit their website today for more info
30. Take in a theatre show
If visiting, one of the best things for visitors to do in Melbourne at night is to catch a show. There are many great shows and musicals around at the moment and any number of theatres in which to enjoy them. Melbourne is very lucky to play host to some big travelling shows and they are ever changing. The theatres include the State Theatre, Southbank Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre, so why not check them out and see what you can enjoy on your evening.
Best things to do in Melbourne at night with kids
We hope this helps with a few ideas as a good place to start your night time adventure with your family. Plenty of things to do at night in the city but we would love to hear from you as to how these worked out or any fabulous ideas to share with others trying out those after dark get togethers!!
Even more VIC school holiday ideas:
If you are heading off on a Victorian road trip these school holidays check out our other articles:
- Bendigo school holiday activities
- Geelong school holiday activities
- Ballarat school holiday activities
- Warrnambool school holiday activities
And if you are heading to our nations capital, we have listed he best school holiday activities in Canberra too!
