Melbourne Zoo (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Melbourne Zoo?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 get keeper kids play rooms, Growing Wild climbing zones, interactive talks, stroller hire, and safe toilets, making the zoo an educational full-day playground.
Positives:
- Family-friendly zones: The zoo has multiple play areas, story sessions and stroller-accessible paths.
- Educational talks: Keeper talks explain animal behavior in a way that engages children aged 3–12.
- Convenient amenities: Baby rooms, picnic spots and cafés are spread evenly around the park.
Challenges:
- Long walks: The 55-acre layout can tire young children; plan rest stops at cafés.
- Peak crowds: Midday popular exhibits get busy; visit these first or around feeding times.
- Weather exposure: Most paths and exhibits are outdoors; check forecast and pack accordingly.
What is Melbourne Zoo?
- A zoological park in Melbourne that opened in 1862 as Australia's oldest zoo
- Spanning 55 acres of landscaped grounds and thematic precincts housing over 320 animal species from diverse climates
- Featuring heritage architecture such as the historic Elephant House alongside specialized habitats like the Butterfly House and Great Flight Aviary
What is so special about Melbourne Zoo for with kids?
- Explore exotic elephants, butterflies, meerkats and more in themed zones
- Hands-on family play areas make learning about wildlife fun
- Daily keeper talks and feeding shows engage both adults and kids
- Wide paths and stroller hire ensure easy movement with young children
- Seasonal newborn animal viewings add special moments each spring
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 3-5 hour visit lets your family explore all major exhibits without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Melbourne Zoo
Trail of the Elephants:
Walk alongside Asian elephants in a lush habitat and see them bathe at the watering hole.
Tip: Check the daily feeding schedule at the entrance kiosk and arrive 10 minutes early for a clear view.
Butterfly House:
Stroll through a glasshouse filled with native butterflies and flowering plants.
Tip: Visit mid-morning when butterflies are most active resting on flowers.
Keeper Kids Play Zone:
Join storytime and nature play sessions for children next to the Meerkat Café.
Tip: Arrive 5 minutes before the 9:30 am storytime for a good seat and head to Nature Play at 10:30 am.
Growing Wild Play Area:
Climb through tunnels, dig in sand play with giant tortoises and explore hands-on animal totems.
Tip: Pack a change of clothes—sand play can get messy!
Family Keeper Talks:
Attend short talks on tigers, penguins and gorillas designed for families.
Tip: Pick up the daily talk schedule at the main map board and line up 5 minutes before start.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Melbourne Zoo
- Arrive at opening: Beat the crowds by entering at 9 am to hit popular exhibits first.
- Follow a marked route: Use the zoo map to link exhibits by theme and catch keeper talks without backtracking.
- Picnic at Lions Picnic Area: Bring your own lunch to save time and enjoy shaded tables near the gorilla habitat.
Reviews of Melbourne Zoo
Joey Chan
Only recommended if you want to feel like you are in an enclosure yourself; everyone loud and animal-like around you. We were all excited to visit the zoo as we haven’t gone in a while, but unfortunately we were all disappointed with our visit. There was no information about where the keeper talks were held and this resulted in us missing 3 out of 3 of these events. Barely saw any zoo keepers but ...
SK
First time at Melbourne Zoo. Must say, its very well maintained. Few things like a "Melbourne Zoo" symbol, picnic area for kids inside the Zoo and other little things has made it popular among kids and loved it. There are different areas like for reptiles, lion and for leimurs. Very impressive how leimurs have huge area to move around and they have been provided with food. Plenty of parking outsi...
Prabuddha Khanal
The place is awesome if you want to see all sorts of animals. The price seems a but expensive at first but there are lots of things to look at. We had reached there around 10 minutes before the zoo even opened so had to wait for a bit. Upon going inside we didn’t know where to go first as there were multiple places with different animals to see. There are maps in places in case you get lost and th...
Richard C
Visited the zoo during winter. The cooler weather made walking around more comfortable, with fewer crowds and a calmer atmosphere. Some animals were less active or stayed indoors due to the temperature, but most enclosures still had good visibility and information displays. Tried the Lemur Experience—brief but informative. You get up close to the lemurs in their enclosure while the keeper explain...
Max
A really wonderful place to visit! Every time I see something different, the animals all seem very well cared for, and the conservation efforts of the zoo are also really impressive! I love seeing the little Coroboree froglets in the frog hut and knowing how much work is being put into trying to secure their survival.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne Zoo (Melbourne, Australia)?
Summer in Melbourne can be hot. Bring hats, sunscreen and refillable water bottles. In winter, wear a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes for muddy paths. Spring often features newborn animals—check notice boards for baby viewing times.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult general admission tickets | AUD 104 |
| 2 Child (3-12) general admission tickets | AUD 56 |
| Lunch and snacks for family | AUD 40 |
| Single stroller hire | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 220 |
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 Zoo
Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
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Looking for other Things to Do besides Melbourne Zoo (Melbourne)?
About Melbourne Zoo
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 1300 966 784Explore Popular Things to Do
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