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
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
We absolutely loved this exhibition. The quality is top level, with excellent attention to detail and lots to marvel at - those baby dinos will melt your heart and the big ones will leave you reeling.
See an art exhibition, join an art class or enjoy a fresh scone with jam and cream, all within the beautiful heritage architecture that is the Bundoora Homestead Art Centre.
Welcome to the kid’s zone at Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum is a place you'll find yourself visiting again and again and again…
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!
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.
Mamma never thought you could fall in love with a place - but Beechworth is it! Victoria’s High Country invited Mamma and here crew to visit the region this summer and this town - and its surrounding villages - have blown us away
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.
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
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!
Edendale Farm is a champion of sustainability and education.
Ah chugga-chugga! Tooooot! Miniature railways at its finest at the Diamond Valley Railway.
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!
Goanna Golf is suitable for all ages and is the perfect family adventure! This is the most picturesque and unique mini golf experience we have ever had and an incredible family day out!
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.
With loads of interactive exhibits to explore, you won’t know what to try first at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre.
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.
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.
Mamma and the fam love a good garden exploration and this one certainly does not disappoint!
Mamma says throw on your overalls and gumboots, start chewin' some hay and take a drive to Diggers Rest to visit Animal Land Children's Farm.
Wow, is all Mamma can say, just WOW. This 'Australian first' new interactive art gallery.
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.