'If you're stuck on what to do with kids in Melbourne, this list is for you.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Visit Melbourne

Family holidays can be a tricky business. These tiny pockets of time and money come with sky-high expectations, and when they go well, the magic!

But when they fall off track? They become family folklore for generations. If I sound passionate, it's because I've earned it. I've spent countless hours (and dollars) being both disappointed and disappointing on much-anticipated family trips. Weird flex, I know, but I'm positive I'm not the only one who's felt that "fun for the whole family" is another aspirational lie we've been sold. 

Now that I'm 11 summers deep into parenting, I've learned a thing or two about family trips — and Melbourne's still our undefeated champ.

If all the best bits of culture, sport, history and nature got together and had a (stay with me) city baby, then gifted a world-class public transport system for its first birthday, it'd be Melbourne.

And as Queenslanders, we're clocking a good few travel hours to get there, so you can trust this comes from experience, not bias. This summer, we're taking the tweens on tour down south, armed with hot tips from family and friends who live there.

If you're a Type C soul like me who just wants to be told what to do, keep your eyes on the screen. Give me five minutes and I'll have you sorted with the best places to see, play and eat for your fam's trip to Victoria's glorious capital city. 

1. Caffeinate and eat 

You know that saying about 'putting on your own oxygen mask first' as a parent? For me on holidays, that means coffee and food. And parents, we're in MELBOURNE! Coffee and food is its thing. As such, it's hard to go wrong. But to save you from the scroll hole of overwhelm, you need to know about Humble Rays. It's got a cult following, two locations (Carlton and Swanston St) and is bright, quirky and welcomes kids (what sometimes feels a rare and beautiful thing when you're travelling).

The menu's pure joy: Milo hotcakes, loaded waffles, and eggs that even the fussiest eater will demolish. The staff don't flinch at noise or spills, and the milkshakes truly are worth the hype.

2. LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum (and IMAX next door)

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This one's top of our list. Mostly for my nine-year-old son and 40-year-old husband, who are convinced this particular exhibition was created especially for them, such is their shared love and devotion to both those iconic bricks and Star Wars. It's located in Carlton, walking distance from Humble Rays (not a coincidence). 

My local intel informs me that you don't have to be a Star Wars and/or LEGO^® fiend to love this amazing exhibition. It's a unanimous must! LEGO^® Star Wars: The Exhibition is packed with massive, movie-accurate builds. Translation = Star Wars scenes made entirely from bricks, built by Australia's own Brickman team. And best to hit up when the energy is high at the start of your trip.  

And even though I've personally never managed to complete an entire LEGO^® build or remain conscious for an entire Star Wars movie, I must admit, even I'm excited to check this out. There are 6 hands-on stations including one where you can help build massive landscapes and see them digitally come to life and another where you can build custom lightsabres out of LEGO^® bricks. And being inside the actual Melbourne Museum, means glorious air-conditioning, clean bathrooms and an actual café that serves that sweet, sweet Melbourne brew. 

Oh, and literally JUST next door is IMAX Melbourne, home to the (drum roll please) largest cinema screen in the Southern Hemisphere. The plan is to do the exhibition first, then head straight in for a 3D movie. Locals tell me it's the kind of experience that makes adults say "wow" out loud and like, mean it… and kids go completely silent and still for a full 90 minutes. The perfect activity for any exhausted and overstimulated family. Tickets for both can be booked at the same time so lock them down together. 

3. Carlton Gardens

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Okay, so literally just out the back doors of Melbourne Museum is UNESCO World Heritage listed Carlton Gardens. After hours inside everyone will welcome a much-needed family frolic on the lush lawns. 

Locals suggest hitting up the funky and unique play space, inspired by 19^th century mazes so awesome for little and big kids; seeing how many ring tail possums you can spot in the Moreton Bay figs (where First Nations people would meet) and admiring the stunning Victorian-era Hochgurtel Fountain… which brings me to my next Melbourne must-see…

4. The Royal Exhibition Building

Image: Visit Victoria.

See that ginormous castle looking building behind the fountain? Yeah, that's The Royal Exhibition Building and she's a bit of a big deal. We skipped her when we had toddlers but now returning to Melbourne, we're there. It's one of the oldest exhibition pavilions in the world and the first building in Australia to score UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Basically, she's Melbourne royalty. Built in 1880, she's hosted everything from world fairs to the opening of Australia's first Parliament — and still throws a pretty great market or art show on weekends.

It's definitely worth the wander and a bit of "accidental learning" led by my history teaching husband. It's often home to lots of events, markets and tours (best to check that out prior to see what's on), but still a great photo opportunity if no events are running the day you visit. My art-loving tweens are super excited to see the ceiling art and (I quote) "act like we're all fancy and stuff". 

Anyway, I feel like it's the kind of place that makes you feel small, in the best way. 

5. Little Italy

Next stop: Lygon Street, Melbourne's own Little Italy. I've been to this iconic street twice, once before kids and once with and honestly, all these years later, I can still smell and taste both memories… in only good ways, of course.  

The air smells like garlic and espresso, and the street is filled with the friendliest and funniest Italian men and women whose job it is to get you to choose their authentic Italian restaurant over all the others. It's just so fun and I cannot wait. 

Again, you can't go wrong here but this trip I'm thinking we'll hit up Johnny Vince & Sam's Ristorante this time. 

Image: Instagram/@johnnyvinceandsamsristorante.

Locals tell me it's the kind of old-school Italian joint where the waiters have stories and the servings could feed a small army. Kids can twirl and slurp their spaghetti without judgement while the grown ups enjoy a red or two. 

Then it's dessert at Brunetti Classico, where the cake displays are (almost) too pretty to eat. There's gelato, cannoli, macarons and not one wrong choice. It's busy, loud and the exciting type of chaotic. Not unlike your life and mine really. But with world class cake. I can't wait. 

6. Melbourne Zoo 

Melbourne Zoo is world-class! There's something surreal about watching these glorious creatures go about their lives with a backdrop of a city in the distance. Our two babes loved it at two and four, and are pumped to go back. 

7. The latest Melbourne musicals 

Another core memory ready to unlock. Anastasia has been made into a musical (!!!) based on the movie we all fondly remember, and it'll be worth singing along to at the Regent Theatre from December 20. But if Andrew Lloyd Webber has your heart instead, CATS is playing at Hamer Hall in Southbank to celebrate the musical's 40th Australian anniversary (how WILD is that).

So that's the plan — a little culture, a lot of carbs, and enough magic to make everyone happy. 

Do Melbourne a little differently and start planning your trip.

Feature image: Instagram @LEGOStarWarsTheExhibition/Supplied.

If you're looking for a family holiday that keeps the whole family entertained, head to Melbourne for a trip that is every bit different. Start planning your trip at visitmelbourne.com