When the rain starts to fall in Melbourne, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Our vibrant city is packed with fantastic indoor activities for kids and families, offering plenty of ways to stay entertained.
From creative museums to thrilling games and of course a little shopping (well, more than a little!), Melbourne has something for everyone on those dreary days.
Here, we've compiled a go-to list of the best indoor activities for kids in Melbourne that will keep the whole family smiling, rain or shine.
Does it Rain Heavily in Melbourne?
Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather, where it can shift from sunny skies to heavy showers in a heartbeat. But don’t let that dampen your spirits!
According to Visit Victoria, the average rainfall for Melbourne is around 649mm annually. October is generally the wettest month of the year, with weather being at its least predictable and approximately 10 full days of rainfall on average.
However, October can also be a great time to visit—it's between peak tourist times (generally September school holidays and later in the year around Christmas) and it won't get too hot during spring. Plus, the city is well-prepared with a variety of indoor activities for families in Melbourne that make even the rainiest days a joy.
The Best Melbourne Indoor Activities for Kids
Explore the Delights of Legoland
Credit: Legoland Discovery Centre
A world of colourful bricks and imagination awaits at Legoland Discovery Centre. Located in Chadstone Shopping Centre, this indoor haven is a must-visit for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
Kids can explore themed zones, get hands-on with creative building stations, and even enjoy rides. It’s the ultimate indoor activity for toddlers in Melbourne, with a DUPLO farm designed just for the little ones.
Get Creative at Melbourne's Kid-Friendly Museums and Galleries
Melbourne is brimming with indoor activities for families in Melbourne, particularly when it comes to its world-class and kid-friendly museums and galleries:
- ArtVo at The District Docklands is a magical trick-art gallery where kids (and adults!) can step into the artwork and capture unforgettable optical illusion photos.
- The Melbourne Museum is perfect for toddlers, kids, and teens—the whole family will enjoy its immersive and awe-inspiring indoor exhibits and galleries, particularly the prehistoric displays.
- Over at Scienceworks, budding scientists will delight in hands-on exhibits, immersive displays, and live demonstrations that bring science to life.
- ACMI is Melbourne’s home of film, TV, and digital media, offering interactive experiences for kids who love anything on screen.
- The Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) is a haven for young creatives, encouraging kids to explore their imagination through play-based activities.
- For sports lovers, the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG offers interactive displays on Australia’s rich sporting history and fun activities like testing your own sporting skills!
See the City from the Melbourne Skydeck
Rain or shine, the Melbourne Skydeck at the Eureka Tower offers jaw-dropping views of the city. On a rainy day, kids will love the thrill of looking out over Melbourne’s skyline from the enclosed deck, 88 floors above the ground.
Depending on how heavy the rain is, your view of the city might not be quite as good as it would be on a clear day—but don't let that put you off a visit. The Skydeck’s interactive displays and virtual reality experiences make it a top choice for indoor activities for families in Melbourne no matter the weather. There’s the immersive Voyager® Theatre with 6D pod chairs, the VR Plank Experience, and the Edge digital photo experience, to name a few.
Spark Imagination at the Children’s Quarter at the State Library
Credit: State Library of Victoria
For a more relaxed yet enriching experience, head to the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter at the State Library of Victoria.
This beautifully designed multi-floor space is perfect for young bookworms and toddlers, featuring cosy reading nooks, creative play areas, and plenty of books to explore. It’s an ideal spot for quiet yet enthralling indoor fun and learning on a rainy day in Melbourne.
Entry to the library and the Children’s Quarter is free, though you might encounter some paid programs or ticketed special events.
Play and Win at Archie Brothers at The District Docklands
If you’re after more lively entertainment, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq at The District Docklands is a one-stop destination for arcade games, bowling, and virtual reality experiences.
Packed with retro fun, this arcade wonderland is perfect for kids, tweens, teens, and adults alike, making it one of the best indoor games in Melbourne to enjoy as a family. There are bumper cars, tenpin bowling, laser tag, and all the best classic arcade games on site.
You'll also find plenty of family-friendly cafés and restaurants at The District Docklands when the kids need a break (or rather, when the adults need a breather!).
Witness the Big Screens at Melbourne's Best Cinemas
When it comes to indoor entertainment, nothing beats catching a movie at one of Melbourne’s top cinemas. Take your pick from:
- HOYTS at The District Docklands and HOYTS Melbourne Central for blockbuster hits and plush seating.
- The Astor Theatre in St Kilda for a unique retro movie-going experience.
- IMAX in Carlton offers the world’s biggest and most thrilling screen, perfect for larger-than-life cinema experiences that will feel like a huge treat for little ones.
- Kino Cinema on Collins Street delivers a quintessentially Melbourne art-house experience, perfect for a more relaxed movie outing.
Shopping Spree for Tweens and Teens
Melbourne’s shopping scene is a treasure trove for tweens and teens (and adults, of course). Rainy days are the perfect excuse to explore the city’s retail hotspots like:
- The impressive flagship Myer Centre Melbourne, which transforms into a trussed-up Christmas box of festivities in November and December.
- Melbourne Central, home to hundreds of stores and the iconic Melbourne Clock Tower.
- Emporium Melbourne, a luxury shopping experience that fashion-forward teens will fall in love with.
- The stunning (and sprawling) H&M in the CBD, located in the heritage-listed GPO building.
- The Block Arcade, where older kids will marvel at the unique heritage architecture, luxe boutiques, and delicious flagship Haigh’s chocolate shop!
These above locations are all conveniently located in the CBD, but if you’re in the mood for a serious all-day, one-stop-shopping spree, then Chadstone is your shining jewel. The Fashion Capital houses more than 500 stores and indoor attractions like Legoland and HOYTS, making it an easy all-day activity for those rainy Melbourne days.
Getting Around Melbourne on Rainy Days
When the rain sets in, public transport is your best friend. Melbourne’s extensive tram network is a convenient and dry way to hop between indoor attractions. Pack raincoats, umbrellas, and plenty of snacks to keep the little ones happy between stops.
If you're staying at Dorsett Melbourne, you're just steps away from the Lonsdale St/Spencer St tram stop. This route runs through key Melbourne CBD stops like Parliament Station, Spring Street & Bourke Street, Bourke Street Mall, Southern Cross Station, and La Trobe Street & Spencer Street. It will also take you through the Docklands all the way to the waterfront.
Embrace the Rain with a Stay at Dorsett Melbourne
With so many indoor activities for kids in Melbourne, rainy days are never dull. And when you stay at Dorsett Melbourne, you’re perfectly positioned to experience them all.
After a fun-filled day, return to the hotel for even more family-friendly fun. Let the little ones splash in the indoor pool, enjoy games at The Arcade, or unwind with delicious room service.
Book your family-friendly stay at Dorsett Melbourne today, and make every moment in this vibrant city unforgettable!
Further reading: 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Melbourne
