What to do in Melbourne with a 2.5 year old?

[AAsa]

hi,

My husband will be working in Melbourne and me and son will have two days for ourself to have look around.

Any good tips for us that could keep a very active 2.5 year old entertained in Melbourne? I looked at the map (we will live close to the water and the pedestrian zone) and there seems to be quite a few parks which has playgrounds.

the zoo is quite far away if I understood it right?

I hope the temperature will be slightly cooler then here... :-)

[melbourne]

Well the zoo is closer to the city than the zoo here in Singapore!  It is only the next suburb north of the city and if you are staying in the city you could get a tram up there in less than 20 minutes or a taxi would have you there in 10mins.  It is flat and easy to get around the zoo.  

The aquarium/underwater world attraction down at the river is good for kids.  

Catch a tram out to beach at Sth Melbourne/Middle Park/St Kilda for a run around in the sand and playgrounds without the stinking heat of here.  Note Melbourne is on a bay so does not have classic Australian surf beaches unless you drive out of town -  bay beaches are like here with no surf/waves.

If you don't mind going out of the city there is an inner city Childrens Farm at Collingwood if your child is not used to farm animals they might find this interesting.  You can walk around and feed the animals - it is a working farm on the river between Collingwood & Kew and very laid back/relaxed despite being only a few kms from the city.

Sure the tourist bureau would be able to load you up with plenty of other stuff for kids as well.  Musuems etc are oten having special exhibits for kids and so forth.

Have fun!

[paa]

The Zoo - a must see!  Botanical gardens, fitzroy gardens - the fairy tree.  Aquarium etc.  Heaps of things.  Great cafes - very child friendly.  Also see is they have any kid friendly stage productions - Melbourne is great at this kind of thing.  Art Gallery - has a special children's area.

[Joseph27]

I am living in Melbourne again - the Zoo sucks totally and if you are lucky on a given day you can see an elephant 30meters away.  It really is 3rd rate.

If you have 2 days - I suggest aquarium which is good - botanical gardens are nice -  if you can get a chance - go to heasville sanctorary - (that is quite good).  

Must say that moving back hasnt been as bad as I thought.  Lots of do - and never get sick of good quality wines at cheap prices

[greyfieldmouse]

If you're near East Kew go to Hays Paddock which is a great adventure playground for children. see http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s879249.htm  for a review and location of this amazing place.

[arbury]

The museum is great - especially if it is too hot or rainy. The Children's Garden at the Botanical Garden is lovely. Children can run around and wade through streams. Nice cafe nearby. Try a free tram ride around the city, children always love that. Go to the beach at Brighton and see the beach huts.  Healesville is a bit of a trek but could be combined with some wine tasting in the Yarra Valley.

[AAsa]

Hi!

Thanks a lot!! I now wish I have more days to spend in Melbourne! At least, we will be busy for sure!!

[fastforward to winter]

what about in the winter? what wld you recommend 2 toddlers do in mid july in melb.

[melbourne]

in winter do all the same as above just wearing coats, scarves, hats and possibley gloves!  Lovely sunny winter day is a gorgeous time to be out at the park or zoo.  
If raining (but rains less in winter) then aqaurium or loads of indoor playgrounds - should be able to find in the phone book or from hotel concierge  but I tries some in Richmond, Hawthorn and Camberwell that were all good fun and sure they would be in other areas too.

[My two year old LOVED]

The aquarium, the childrens water garden at the Botanical Gardens, and the children's exhibits at the Museum - quite enough for 2 days.