Family Fun in Melbourne: 10 Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day

Sherol S - profile photo
By - Published
Family Fun in Melbourne: 10 Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day

Melbourne is a beautiful city known for its stunning architecture, cultural diversity, and world-class dining scene. However, when the weather turns sour, it can be challenging to find activities that are enjoyable for both adults and children. Fortunately, Melbourne has a range of indoor attractions that are perfect for rainy days. Here are 10 places you can visit in Melbourne with kids on a rainy day:

Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is a popular destination for families, especially on rainy days. Located in Carlton Gardens, this museum is a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits that are sure to engage kids of all ages. From the dinosaur fossils to the indoor rainforest, there's something for everyone at the Melbourne Museum. One of the most popular attractions for children is the Children's Gallery, where they can learn about science, history, and culture through interactive displays and hands-on activities.


Scienceworks

Scienceworks is an excellent destination for kids who love science and technology. Located in Spotswood, this museum is full of interactive displays that explore the wonders of the universe and the natural world. Children can explore the planetarium, which features a range of shows that are both entertaining and educational. The interactive exhibits allow kids to learn about the physics of movement, electricity, and more. Scienceworks is a great way to spark an interest in science in kids of all ages.


SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

The SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is an indoor wonderland that provides an up-close look at Australia's marine life. With over 10,000 animals, including sharks, stingrays, and penguins, this aquarium is an excellent destination for children who love sea creatures. One of the highlights of the aquarium is the Oceanarium, a large tank that allows visitors to walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other fish.


ArtVo

ArtVo is an interactive art gallery where kids can become part of the artwork. Located in Docklands, this gallery features a range of 3D illusions that are sure to capture the imagination of children. With themed rooms that explore different worlds, children can have fun taking photos and becoming part of the art. ArtVo is a great way to spark creativity and imagination in children.


State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is a fascinating destination that provides a window into the history of Victoria. Located in the heart of Melbourne, this library features a range of exhibits that explore the state's past, including its Indigenous history, gold rush era, and more. The library's stunning architecture is a highlight for adults, while the children's section provides a range of books and activities that are sure to engage young readers.

Escape Rooms Melbourne

Escape Rooms Melbourne is an exciting activity for older children who love puzzles and problem-solving. Located in Flemington, this attraction features a range of themed rooms that challenge visitors to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out. Each room has a different theme, such as a haunted house, a bank heist, or a spaceship, providing a range of experiences for kids to enjoy. Escape Rooms Melbourne is a great way to test problem-solving skills and have fun with friends and family.

National Gallery of Victoria

NGV, short for the National Gallery of Victoria, is a world-renowned art museum located in the heart of Melbourne. With a vast collection of over 70,000 works of art spanning thousands of years, the NGV is a must-visit destination for art lovers of all ages. From contemporary installations to classic masterpieces, the gallery offers a diverse range of exhibitions that cater to all tastes and interests. The NGV also features a range of interactive exhibits and programs for children, providing an opportunity to learn about art and engage with creativity. With its beautiful architecture, stunning exhibitions, and engaging programs, the NGV is an art lover's paradise that promises a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Bounce Inc

Bounce Inc is a trampoline park with locations across Melbourne, providing an excellent way to burn off some energy on a rainy day. With wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and foam pits, Bounce Inc is a great destination for kids of all ages. The park also offers a range of activities, including trampoline basketball and a Ninja Warrior course, providing a range of challenges for kids to enjoy.


IMAX Melbourne

IMAX Melbourne is a one-of-a-kind cinema experience that provides a larger-than-life view of the world. With its massive screen and state-of-the-art technology, IMAX Melbourne immerses viewers in an unparalleled visual and auditory adventure. From educational documentaries to blockbuster movies, IMAX Melbourne offers a diverse range of films that cater to all ages and interests. With its powerful sound system and crystal-clear picture quality, the cinema provides an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave you in awe. Whether you're a film enthusiast or just looking for an exciting and unique movie experience, IMAX Melbourne is a must-visit destination.


Australian Sports Museum

Australian Sports Museum located at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is a great destination for sports-loving kids. The museum provides an interactive and immersive experience, showcasing Australia's rich sporting history. With exhibits exploring cricket, Australian Rules Football, and the Olympics, children can learn about the country's sporting heroes while having fun.

Melbourne has plenty of indoor attractions that are perfect for a rainy day. Whether your children love science, animals, art, or sports, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. So, next time the weather turns sour, consider visiting one of these 10 destinations and make some memories with your family.

Suggested articles

Main Yarra Trail Melbourne — Cycling and Walking Guide

Main Yarra Trail Melbourne — Cycling and Walking Guide

3 days ago

The Main Yarra Trail is one of Melbourne's most rewarding shared paths — and one of the most overlooked by anyone who didn't grow up near it.


This guide covers the full route from end to end — where to start, what the surface is like, which landmarks to look for, how to get there by train, and which other Melbourne trails connect to it. Whether you're planning your first ride along the Yarra or coming back after years away, here's what you need to know before you go.

Regional Australians Walk 75 Minutes More in Walkable Towns

Regional Australians Walk 75 Minutes More in Walkable Towns

4 days ago

New research from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research has found that people in highly walkable regional towns walk 75 minutes more each week than those in areas with poor walkability — nearly double the difference seen in cities.



With regional Australians facing higher rates of chronic disease and fewer than one in four adults meeting physical activity guidelines, the findings make a strong case for investing in connected footpaths and safer walking routes outside metro areas.

Exercise Halves Premature Death Risk for Midlife Women

Exercise Halves Premature Death Risk for Midlife Women

2 weeks ago

A major Australian study tracking more than 11,000 women over 15 years has found that those who consistently met physical activity guidelines through their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s halved their risk of dying prematurely. The research was one of the largest studies of its kind globally. Here's what the study found, what the experts say, and how to start.

Get Active for Less: The Changes Proposed to Make Fitness More Affordable in Australia

Get Active for Less: The Changes Proposed to Make Fitness More Affordable in Australia

1 month ago

With the cost of living biting hard, getting active can feel like the last thing you can afford. But a bold new proposal from Australia's peak fitness body could be about to change that — with $500 family vouchers for gyms and studios, tax-free gym perks through your employer, and even the ability to get a referral to a personal trainer from your GP. Here's what's on the table in the 2026 Federal Budget — and why it matters for every Australian trying to get moving.

Can an E-Bike Be the Key to Your Fitness Journey?

Can an E-Bike Be the Key to Your Fitness Journey?

1 month ago

If you’ve ever felt that traditional cycling was too demanding or that injuries were holding you back from staying active, you aren’t alone. A recent qualitative study on the NZ HIKO e-bike programme highlights how electric bikes are acting as a powerful "circuit breaker" for inactivity. By reducing the physical strain on joints and making hills manageable, e-bikes are helping people manage chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and arthritis while providing a significant boost to mental wellbeing. Discover how this "power-assisted" movement is making fitness more inclusive, social, and achievable for Australians of all fitness levels.

Looking to get active?

Here is a few options to explore: