Melbourne Magic! 6 Must-Do Family Adventures in the City as Christmas Kicks Off

The air is buzzing! Melbourne in late November is that sweet spot where the weather warms up, the school year winds down, and the city starts shimmering with Christmas magic. 

You’re doing great, and we’re here to help you skip the queues and find the best, most enriching, and memorable adventures for your kids (ages 0–15) before the holiday chaos begins.

Here’s a little-known secret: November is the perfect time to grab tickets and experience the city's big events before the peak summer crowds hit. From hands-on gaming history to ancient Viking treasures, this guide to Melbourne family fun is curated just for time-poor, quality-seeking AU parents like you.

What is the best time to see the Myer Christmas Windows? Right now! Experience the start of the Christmas magic with the highly anticipated annual window displays. This year, Myer celebrates its 70th anniversary with a spectacular collaboration with the LEGO Group, transforming the Bourke Street displays into a playful, brick-based Christmas tale. It’s an Australian tradition that captures the imagination of every generation.

Why You’ll Love It: It's a completely Free Activity and a core Melbourne tradition that lights up your kids' faces. Inside, you can continue the fun at the interactive LEGO Christmas Playland in The Basement at Myer.

• Street Address: 314-336 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Dates: Ongoing (Until Jan 11, 2026)
• Ticket Information: Free Activity (Window Viewing)
• Family Tips: Go during the week or first thing in the morning on weekends to avoid the longest queues. Check the Myer website for Sensory Santa sessions if you have special accessibility needs.

Do my kids need to be gamers to enjoy ACMI's Game Worlds? Absolutely not! This playable exhibition features over 30 video games spanning from the 1970s to today, showcasing how gaming has shaped culture. Your primary school kids will love playing classics like Minecraft or The Sims, and teens will enjoy the history and more complex titles.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a fantastic Indoor Day idea. It's interactive, educational, and allows you to share games from your own childhood (hello, Neopets!) with your kids.

• Street Address: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Dates:Ongoing (Until Feb 7, 2026)
• Ticket Information: Tickets Required. Family Pass options are available. Child admission may be free or discounted.
• Family Tips: Book tickets Pre Booking online is highly recommended, especially for weekend and school holiday sessions. The Fed Square location means Public Transport Nearby is easy.

For your curious older kids (Ages 10+), this exhibition is a once-in-a-century history lesson. See one of the most significant European Viking-age discoveries—over 100 objects of silver, gold, and textiles, carefully buried around AD 900. It's a genuinely fascinating look at Viking culture, trade, and art.

Why You’ll Love It: It's an enriching cultural experience that appeals to a tween's love of ancient, mysterious history. It helps bridge the gap between fantasy and real-world learning.

• Street Address: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053

• Dates: Ongoing (Until January 26, 2026)

• Ticket Information: Tickets Required. Free entry for children under a certain age (check the official website for details).

• Family Tips (Budget-Friendly!): Children aged 15 and under are typically free with an accompanying adult ticket. To ensure a calmer viewing experience, it is recommended to target the morning for your visit.

Looking for a unique Sunday Melbourne family fun day trip? Head just over an hour from the Melbourne CBD to the Bellarine Peninsula for a scenic train ride. The Swan Bay Express offers a lovely, gentle journey along Swan Bay, perfect for all ages. It's a Half Day adventure that lets the kids experience a historic mode of transport.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a wonderful change of pace and an Over 1 Hour Day Trip that feels like a mini-holiday. It appeals to kids Age 3 who love trains and provides great views for the parents.

• Street Address: Queenscliff Railway Station, 22 Symonds St, Queenscliff VIC 3225

• Dates: Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 (Selected dates only, check website)

• Ticket Information: Tickets Required. Check website for Family Pass pricing.

• Family Tips: Pack snacks! It's an Over 1 Hour drive, so plan your Half Day trip with a stop at a local cafe or picnic spot on the Bellarine Peninsula.

What are some Free Activities this weekend? Held at Fed Square, this vibrant festival is a fantastic, inclusive experience for all ages. Running until Sunday, November 23, it features non-stop live music, cultural performances, fashion parades, and incredible African street food stalls.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a sensory feast—a vibrant, Free Activity that exposes your kids to diverse music, dance, and food from over 40 African nations. It’s perfect for a spontaneous Weekend Planner activity.

• Street Address: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000

• Dates: Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd November 2025

• Ticket Information: Free Activity (Entry). Food and drinks cost extra.

• Family Tips: This is a great place to introduce older kids (Ages 10+) to new cuisines. It can get busy, so supervise toddlers closely.
  
  

Why is Polly Woodside a great family outing? Step aboard the historic tall ship Polly Woodside! This activity runs monthly, and the November date makes it a perfect Weekend Planner entry. Kids can dress up as pirates, explore the ship's decks, and participate in pirate-themed games and activities. It’s hands-on, active, and a fun way to learn maritime history.

Why You’ll Love It: It encourages Sports and Active Play and imaginative fun. It’s a truly unique, immersive experience right in the Melbourne CBD waterfront precinct.

• Street Address: 21 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006

• Dates: Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 (Check for monthly dates)

• Ticket Information: Tickets Required. Check the website for current Family Pass pricing.

• Family Tips: The deck surfaces can be uneven; watch toddlers carefully. Combine this with a visit to a nearby Kid Friendly Cafes on Southbank for lunch.