Melbourne Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Melbourne Museum?
What makes it 97% Kids-Friendly: Dinosaur Walk, Bugs Alive! and the free Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery give hands-on learning and play for under-12s, with toilets and food nearby all on one level.
Positives:
- Interactive exhibits: Hands-on zones and live demos keep both younger and older kids engaged.
- Pram and stroller access: Lifts and wide paths make it easy to move between floors with a pushchair.
Challenges:
- Children’s Gallery booking: Free sessions fill up fast; book at least a week in advance online.
- Limited seating: Cafés can get crowded at lunch; bring water bottles and light snacks for short breaks.
What is Melbourne Museum?
- A museum of natural history and cultural heritage located in Carlton Gardens, Melbourne
- Home to extensive scientific and cultural collections, including dinosaur fossils, a 20-metre blue whale skeleton and Indigenous cultural artefacts
- A striking contemporary structure of glass and steel that complements the neighbouring 19th-century Royal Exhibition Building
What is so special about Melbourne Museum for with kids?
- Interactive dinosaur displays delight all ages
- Indoor forest offers a living ecosystem walkthrough
- Bugs Alive! feeding demos spark curiosity
- Children’s Gallery provides safe play for younger kids
- Cafés and rest spots available for breaks
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives enough time to explore key exhibits and join a Children’s Gallery session without feeling rushed.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Melbourne Museum
Dinosaur Walk:
See full-size dinosaur skeletons and interactive dig pits at the museum entrance.
Tip: Arrive right when the museum opens to beat lines and use the free Dino Gang HQ printables to prep your kids.
Forest Gallery:
Walk through a three-story indoor forest with over 8,000 Australian plants and live wildlife displays.
Tip: Follow the ecosystem path signs and look up for native birds in the canopy.
Bugs Alive!:
Watch frogs, insects and spiders in glass terrariums with daily feeding demos.
Tip: Pick up the live-feed schedule at the info desk and time your visit for a feeding session.
Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery:
Hands-on 50-minute sessions for under-5s with a dinosaur dig, discovery garden and camouflage disco.
Tip: Book your free session online at least one week before to secure a spot; older kids can explore nearby exhibits.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Melbourne Museum
- Start with the Children’s Gallery: Begin there at opening to avoid peak occupancy and maximize playtime.
- Use the museum map: Grab a free map at the entrance and plan your route to minimize walking distances.
Reviews of Melbourne Museum
Dan P
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A must-visit spot in Melbourne! 🇦🇺🌏 We had such a great time at Melbourne Museum — definitely a must-visit if you’re in the city! The place is huge and there’s so much to see, especially if you enjoy natural history or just want to spend a few hours indoors doing something interesting. The dinosaur exhibits were super fascinating — so many skeletons, fossils, and detailed displays....
Madison Winfield
Had an absolutely amazing time at the LEGO Star Wars exhibition! The models were incredibly detailed and creative — some of them were massive and truly impressive to see in person. The whole space was interactive and fun for all ages. I especially enjoyed the hands-on activities. Whether you're a LEGO fan or just looking for something unique and fun to do, I highly recommend checking it out. A fan...
Chang Guan
Beautifully designed museum with a very rich amount of artifacts and stories to tell. It’s located in the Carlton Garden to the north of the Royal Exhibition Building. In addition to Australian and Victorian rich natural heritage, lots of artifacts are presented here to help visitors know the early history of Melbourne and how it becomes it is today. It’s family-friendly and definitely a good sp...
Jamie Foster
Well I went expecting lots of old stuff to the point of screaming, no I was wrong. The exhibits were fresh and a delight to explore, and not just for us old farts but young children as well. The Dinosaur 🦕 was so cool ( sorry I'm old ok ). Cultural experience was very interesting, but the bugs section with real insects to watch, until we noticed no glass on the spiders exhibit. Really quite mad...
Hoàng Phong Nguyễn
• Diverse Exhibits: The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including the stunning Forest Gallery, a living rainforest, and the Dinosaur Walk, which showcases life-size dinosaur skeletons. • Cultural Displays: Visitors can explore the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, highlighting Indigenous history and culture through interactive displays and artifacts. • Family-Friendly: The museum off...
When is the best time to visit Melbourne Museum (Melbourne, Australia)?
January school holidays feature the free “Ants by Polyglot Theatre” roaming show. Summer weekends get busy – try a weekday morning visit.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult general admission (x2) | AUD 30 |
| Children general admission (x2) | AUD 0 |
| Cafe snacks | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 50 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Melbourne Museum
Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
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About Melbourne Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 131102Explore Popular Things to Do
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