Collins St (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Collins St?
What makes it 62% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy free chocolate samples, mosaic “I-spy” games and the nearby Chinese Museum, but Collins St lacks playgrounds, heavy car traffic requires vigilance and most shops offer little hands-on fun.
Positives:
- Play Areas: Café Little Collins Street offers a child-friendly corner with safe toys and books.
- Shielded Walkways: Covered arcades protect from sun and rain, letting kids explore comfortably.
- Interactive Floors: Mosaic designs in the arcades make a fun scavenger hunt for children.
Challenges:
- Crowded at Peak Times: Collins Street can get busy around lunch and evenings; try early visits.
- Limited Seating: Arcades have few benches; bring a light stroller or travel chair for breaks.
What is Collins St?
- A historic east–west thoroughfare in central Melbourne, laid out in the 1800s and often regarded as Australia’s first street
- A showcase of elaborate Victorian–era architecture, featuring ornate façades, heritage arcades and landmark buildings
- The city’s premier commercial boulevard, lined with flagship luxury boutiques, financial institutions and prestigious offices
What is so special about Collins St for with kids?
- Safe play corner at Café Little Collins for young kids
- Interactive mosaic hunts in Block and Royal Arcades
- Free chocolate samples at Haigh’s delight children
- Family-friendly exhibits at the Chinese Museum
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Families can stroll the arcades, browse boutiques and enjoy kid-friendly stops at a relaxed pace.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Collins St
Café Little Collins Street:
Relax over coffee while kids play in the safe corner with books and games.
Tip: Arrive at opening to get a table near the play area.
Chinese Museum:
Interactive exhibits tracing Chinese-Australian history across five floors.
Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the line and bring headphones for audio guides.
Block Arcade & Haigh’s Chocolates:
Explore the Victorian arcade and sample free chocolates.
Tip: Look for the ornate mosaic floors and let kids choose their sample flavors.
Royal Arcade Mosaic Hunt:
Spot the octagonal tiles under the entrance clock.
Tip: Turn it into an I-spy game to keep kids engaged as you walk through.
When is the best time to visit Collins St (Melbourne, Australia)?
Use Block and Royal Arcades for shelter in rain or strong sun. In summer, carry water bottles. In winter, warm up with hot chocolate at Haigh’s.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Museum family pass | AUD 35 |
| Haigh’s chocolate samples and treats | AUD 10 |
| Snacks and coffee at Café Little Collins | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 65 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Collins St
- Start Early: Begin at opening time to enjoy quieter arcades and get good seating.
- Use Trams: Catch trams along Collins Street to avoid parking hassles with kids.
Map of Collins St
Address: Collins St, Melbourne VIC, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Collins St (Melbourne)?
About Collins St
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities