That’s right! No admission fees for any of these places! Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, rain or shine, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
ACMI
Our family’s favourite spot is the ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image): It’s filled with audiovisual wonders, and both kids and adults find it fascinating (especially the gaming area). This location is particularly convenient, as several must-visit Melbourne spots are within a 3-minute walk: Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, the Cathedral, and the graffiti-filled Hosier Lane. ACMI doesn’t have a dedicated parents’ room, but the restrooms have changing tables.
NGV (National Gallery of Victoria)
Take a 10-minute walk from Flinders Street Station with your children. Along the way, you’ll see the Yarra River, and if the weather is nice, you won’t be able to resist taking a photo (see picture six). Inside NGV, there’s usually a section on the right side, behind the cloakroom, dedicated to children’s exhibitions and activities. Otherwise, the free exhibition areas on other floors also offer an artistic experience for kids. Don’t forget to bring an extra set of clothes if your child loves playing with water—the waterfall glass at the entrance and the colourful ceiling (pictures four and five) will entertain kids for hours. NGV has a parent’s room.
Next to ACMI, you’ll find NGV’s Ian Potter Gallery, which also offers free exhibitions. However, this is a place to visit when you’ve exhausted all other options.
Shrine of Remembrance
From NGV, continue walking for about 15 minutes along St Kilda Rd. This is a great spot for kids to run and climb stairs. For tourists, the view from here looking back at the city (picture eight) is special. However, unless you have a car parked nearby, it’s not recommended to walk here with kids, as it’s quite a distance from the city centre. Just like the nearby Royal Botanic Garden, it’s better to skip if you’re walking with children from the city centre.
Fitzroy Gardens
This park is perfect for absorbing some fresh air in the city centre. Kids can run around and enjoy the greenery. When the weather is nice, this park is a gem.
State Library
Located next to QV, it’s very close to shopping. The library’s exterior is already a great photo spot, and inside, it’s a must-visit place to immerse yourself in the world of books. Take the elevator and explore each floor. There’s a small exhibition on the upper levels. As soon as you enter the main entrance, you’ll find a children’s area on the right with various picture books and small toys. The restroom here also has changing tables.
These are the free CBD attractions that our family loves to visit. You can also intersperse some shopping and dining, and you’ll have a deep experience of Melbourne’s CBD!
