How Can Kids Enjoy the Amazing City of Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia's second largest city offers plenty of things to see and do that will appeal to children of all ages. Among the things that will capture the attention of kids are sporting events, museums, zoos, city attractions, expansive open spaces, beaches and a range of fun activities.

Step 1: Planning the Trip

Get the children caught up in planning the visit. Decide on what to see and do, the best way to get to attractions and where to stay and make an itinerary with family cooperation. Determine the most cost effective way to get in. Visit the website of the Visitor Centre for information on just about everything. Booking kid friendly accommodation, tours, tickets for events, information on public transport among other things can be obtained or dealt with here. Try other excellent websites that offer useful tips on family friendly things to see and do.

Step 2: About the Weather

Located between the very hot inland areas and cool southern ocean makes Melbourne's weather somewhat unpredictable. The weather tends to fluctuate from one extreme to another during spring and summer. Therefore, ensure that the family is prepared for any eventuality. As a city with a temperate climate most of the time Melbourne has warm hot summers, mild spring and autumns and cool winters.

Step 3: Travelling There

If travelling from overseas the best way to get in to the city is to fly into its international airport. Visitors can take taxis and shuttle buses from the airport to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station or other destinations. Cars can also be rented from the airport. Visitors can also get into Melbourne by interstate trains, long distance buses and drive in from nearby cities.

Step 4: Getting Around

Trams that are a popular mode of transport in the city centre is something that kids are bound to enjoy. If staying for several days, get reusable smart cards that can be topped up at the public transport website. A combination of bus, tram and train is the best means to travel in the city and the suburbs. The free City Circle Tram runs on a circular route passing city attractions and shopping destinations. The free Melbourne city Tourist Shuttle service covers 13 stops. Taxis are plentiful and are an excellent alternative for short journeys.

Step 5: Accommodation

Melbourne has all types of accommodation to suit any budget in the city centre, the suburbs and near attractions among which are many family friendly options. Book accommodation in advance especially if sporting events are going to coincide with your holiday. Consider the location, accommodation options, facilities and amenities offered by Citadenes on Bourke Melbourne, among the best Melbourne serviced accommodation when selecting family friendly accommodation.

Step 6: Things to See and Do

No kid is going to be bored in Melbourne if the holiday is planned with their interests in mind.

The city's theme parks are among the many attractions that kids will love. The 100 year old Luna Park is one of Melbourne's earliest entertainment venues. It still features some attractions from 1912 when it was opened. However there are many new rides and other features added to cater to changing tastes. Wonderland Fun Park in the Docklands offers carnival rides, carousels, bungee jumping, circus acts and other exciting activities for the whole family.

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in the corner of Flinders and Flint Streets offers a variety of stunning exhibits, interactive animal encounters, animal feeding and diving with sharks to capture the imagination of adults and children alike.

Melbourne Museum helps explore the natural environment as well as culture and history of the city and the country. Among the eye catching exhibits is a complete skeleton of a blue whale, a living rainforest, an IMAX theatre and a stuffed famous racehorse. The museum also houses the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and a special gallery for children.

Melbourne Zoo in Parkville is home to 250 species from around the world. Animals are showcased in enclosures resembling their natural habitats. With a children's play area, a picnic area and friendly animal encounters this is an ideal place to spend a day out with the family. The Koala Conservation Centre is another attraction where they can learn everything about these cuddly animals.

The National Sports Museum at the Melbourne cricket grounds houses the largest collection of sporting memorabilia and artifacts in the country. It boasts interactive exhibits such as Game On which enables visitors to kick a football goal, shoot arrows at targets among other activities. 3D holograms are used to recreate big moments in careers of the country's sporting heroes. The museum displays cover all popular sports in the country. Tours of the Melbourne cricket ground is the tour highlight.

Make timely visits with kids to coincide with the city's sporting events such as Formula One Races, The Motor GP, cricket matches, Australian Rules football and the Australian Open tennis matches.

Eureka Skydeck 88, the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere, is a glass box that slides out of the 88th floor to provide panoramic views of Melbourne from the top, bottom and sides. Go there in the night. The view at this time can only be described as fantastic.

The gardens around the city are a leisure visitor's dream. Many gardens including the Botanic Gardens offer huge collections of plants and beautifully landscaped areas that are well suited to taking a break with children.

Summer is the season to spend time at the city's calm beaches. They offer family friendly swimming spots, water sports and beachside entertainment and dining. Many beaches are patrolled by surf life savers.

Step 7: Food and Beverage

There is quite a bit of a choice of where to eat with kids. Try the internet for choice and directions. Expert tips for eating out with kids include perusing menus online to select appropriate restaurants that have appetizing food for kids and those that offer play areas and paper and crayons to keep them occupied.