family experiences in melbourne's north
So much to do, so many places to go! From indoor and outdoor, museums and railways - some places it is worth bringing the whole family along! Everything is covered here in Mamma Knows North's family experiences - take your time and have a browse through some of these fab options - you'll find heaps of inspiration plus a handy map, making it easier to uncover something new for you and the crew to enjoy.
You can search here for family experiences in Melbourne's North by your suburb or playground here or browse away
The Melbourne Museum is a place you'll find yourself visiting again and again and again…
Dino’s at the Zoo is BACK from the Jurassic times and ready to rule the earth once more at Kyabram Fauna Park. Are you ready to explore?
Experience Rainbow Buddies, an exhilarating 'in real life' space mission game for kids! Navigate the space station, rescue Rainbow Buddies, and evade lasers. Enjoy some in real-life fun with your friends.
It’s the perfect blend of technology and adventure!
All aboard, the Titanic at Melbourne museum until the 14th April. Bookings essential.
Dinos Alive is an immersive experience that has opened up in Brunswick. On until the 29th of February this prehistoric experience is perfect the dino fans.
Before having kids, Mamma had no idea that there was a zoo in Mansfield, but over the past 5 years, we have been TWICE!
If you are searching for a fun and wholesome outdoor pastime, golf could be the perfect fit for you! Check out Bundoora Park Public Golf Club in Bundoora, this place is fun for the whole family.
Take a step back in time these school holiday and explore Australia's most notorious prison, Pentridge Prison in Coburg. The Pentridge Prison tour is a fantastic opportunity for families to delve into the prison's interesting and local history.
Mamma is yet to meet a kid that doesn't love the farm. The mud, the noises, the smells and the animals
Go wild at Nature Play in Melbourne Zoo! This beautiful natural space, hidden amongst the Australian animal enclosures, invites children of all ages to connect with nature through play.
Lake Tyrrell is a spectacular environment and perfect stop on a road trip up the Calder Highway in the heart of the Mallee region. Mamma has learnt Tyrrell is derived from a local Aboriginal word ‘Direl’ meaning SKY or SPACE. This is the largest inland salt lake in Australia and is an international attraction - that infamous vast Australian landscape is so awesomely on display here, where the sky becomes the Earth and the Earth becomes the sky.
If you have kids with curious minds who love amazing facts, Gandel Gondwana Garden is another stop to make on your Melbourne Museum visit. Meander through the living gallery and discover the flora and fauna - and megafauna - of this continent from millions of years ago to today.
A taste of country life is only ten minutes from the urban sprawl, at Collingwood Children’s Farm. You can pat the ponies, spy on some sheep, chase some chooks and of course, get up close with a herd of goats. It doesn’t stop there! Some days there is cow milking and brushing, craft activities in the barn, guinea-pig cuddles and on some selected weekends, tractor rides AND pony rides.
Visitors to the Kyabram Fauna Park can expect to see a range of Australian animals, including echidnas, Tasmanian devils, koalas, dingoes, wombats, cockatoos, emus, and more. There is also a new reptile enclosure and a cafe with views over the meerkat enclosure, a signature move of Zoos Victoria. We love it!
Every road trip needs great towns to visit along the way and Benalla has everything including this amazing SPLASH PARK! This FREE water play is wonderful during the hot summer days in Victoria’s High Country and lots of fun for the family on a road trip in the North East.
The most imposing building of the entire town of Beechworth is the historically significant and well preserved Old Beechworth Gaol. There are lots of tales that these walls could tell and your expert guide will share many of the good, bad, but mostly ugly as you make your way through iron bars into the exercise yard, the empty hallways and the tiny prisoner cells.
This is luxury accommodation with the most exquisite gardens and grounds that we have ever seen. Host Genevieve has designed the most amazing oasis on her property and staying here is so relaxing.
Every summer holiday destination needs a lake that can help bring the temperature down and Beechworth has Lake Sambell. This used to be the site of a gold mine (along with most places in the area!) and now is a family friendly lake that you’ll all enjoy.
Mamma definitely learnt HEAPS on the Echoes of History Guided Walking Tour of Beechworth. This 45 minute walk around town is a great way to see the historical sights and learn some things about the European history of the area spanning back 170 years.
The Burke Museum is a treasure trove of Beechworth history, assembled all in one place. It covers natural history, the street scape of the past and the icons of the area.
It’s not just the beautiful people and interesting past that makes Beechworth an awesome spot to visit. The natural wonders are stunning and you just have to check out Woolshed Falls in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park
We love little treasures in little towns and we were amazed to see that there still is a working telegraph station in Beechworth. Located in one of the original gold rush era buildings, this telegraph station used to be the hub of the latest in communication technology - morse code.
Oasis Berries are famous for their blueberry harvests, but they have another treat in store, a family of dinosaurs making themselves at home on the farm. Tucked in amongst the ferns just like in Jurassic Park, your kids will uncover half a dozen giant friends
A summer getaway with views for days, cool breezes and incredible scenery … it has to be at the top of Mt Buller. Green season in Victoria’s High Country is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway! Bike riding, hiking, sight seeing and MORE.
Slip on a rashie and hat and head to the funnest summer adventure destination in Melbourne - Funfields! Waterslides, theme park, splash park and more - this is a FANTASTIC family friendly day out, suited to all ages.
Now Mamma has a secret – if you have a train fanatic or even if you just like a new adventure then Bulla Hill Miniature Railway is a fantastic way to hang out on a Sunday!
NEW! NEW! NEW! A re-imagined vintage bowling alley in the heart of Preston!
Edendale Farm is a champion of sustainability and education.
Omaru Alpaca Farm is open to the public on first and fourth Sundays for Farm Open Days where you can get up close with sweet and cuddly alpacas.
Ah chugga-chugga! Tooooot! Miniature railways at its finest at the Diamond Valley Railway.
With loads of interactive exhibits to explore, you won’t know what to try first at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre.
Essendon Traffic School is a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning.
How about a road trip to Australia’s largest cactus garden? This Mexican themed, 12 acre garden is super unique and very cool!
What could be more delicious and nostalgic than a candy apple?! Well Mamma can tell you first hand, not much!
This kid friendly winery is the perfect spot to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family!
Hiring a boat from Go Adventure is the perfect way to experience the beautiful Lake Nagambie from the inside!
Wow! We have never seen a FREE museum and historical display that has so much to see and do and LEARN. The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is fantastic.
The Victorian Goldfields Railway is such a great family outing, to experience the joy of riding in an old steam train, getting a glimpse of life in another time.
Here’s a dance party where the whole fam can let off some steam while having a fun, bonding dance session together away from screens and distractions - you will love it!
Looking for a magical afternoon? Cleveland Winery is such a picturesque spot, where the hours seem to just slip away.
This place is picturesque, peaceful and absolutely guarantees you a fresh fish catch!
How incredibly lucky we are to have a piece of our city's history available for all to visit. The grounds of the Abbotsford Convent are almost from another world and certainly not of this time. The space is open to the public to explore, to grab a bite to eat from one of the three eateries or to join in on a class in one of the many art spaces.
If a drive in adventure is good enough for Joanie and Chachi then it's good enough for Mamma!
Mamma and the fam love a good garden exploration and this one certainly does not disappoint!
Wow, is all Mamma can say, just WOW. This 'Australian first' new interactive art gallery.
Lake Tyrrell is a spectacular environment and perfect stop on a road trip up the Calder Highway in the heart of the Mallee region. Mamma has learnt Tyrrell is derived from a local Aboriginal word ‘Direl’ meaning SKY or SPACE. This is the largest inland salt lake in Australia and is an international attraction - that infamous vast Australian landscape is so awesomely on display here, where the sky becomes the Earth and the Earth becomes the sky.
If you have kids with curious minds who love amazing facts, Gandel Gondwana Garden is another stop to make on your Melbourne Museum visit. Meander through the living gallery and discover the flora and fauna - and megafauna - of this continent from millions of years ago to today.
A taste of country life is only ten minutes from the urban sprawl, at Collingwood Children’s Farm. You can pat the ponies, spy on some sheep, chase some chooks and of course, get up close with a herd of goats. It doesn’t stop there! Some days there is cow milking and brushing, craft activities in the barn, guinea-pig cuddles and on some selected weekends, tractor rides AND pony rides.
Mamma has always been fascinated by jellyfish and now Sealife Aquarium has an exhibit dedicated to these colourful, mysterious creatures!
There's so much to discover at the Melbourne Zoo, and this fantastic indoor (with brand new outdoor!) play space is easily overlooked with its unassuming entrance.
Whether it's your first time coming here or your millionth time, you'll never get bored of this amazing zoo.
Welcome to the kid’s zone at Melbourne Museum