Melbourne weather is famous for being ‘four seasons in one day’ which means it always pays to have a backup plan for when the weather is too cold, windy or hot to be outdoors.
The Melbourne CBD and Southbank have a solid spread of indoor options, from paid active venues, free cultural experiences, escape rooms, cinemas, and everything in between.
This list covers the best indoor and wet-weather options in the CBD and Southbank for families with kids aged 0–12, from the obvious to the ones most families might walk past.
Read our full guide: Things to Do in Melbourne CBD with Kids
Active indoor play
1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq at QV Melbourne is the loudest, most energetic option in the CBD. We’re talking retro circus theming, arcade games, claw machines, VR rides, mini bowling. Best for kids aged 6 and up. Weekday mornings are quieter than afternoons, weekends and school holidays, so it’s worth timing your visit if you have younger or more noise-sensitive kids.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Level 2, QV Melbourne, 222 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Hijinx Hotel
Next door to Archie Brothers is Hijinx Hotel has ten themed challenge rooms with games testing teamwork, memory, and reflexes — your group accesses five rooms per booking, four minutes each. There’s a light-up floor that reacts to movement, a ball pit, colour-matching games, and enough variety to keep kids of different ages equally engaged. For both locations there’s a joint seating area with food and a bar. Best for kids aged 6 and up. Allow about an hour.
Hijinx Hotel, Level 3, QV Melbourne, 222 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is the go-to for a longer day out. See sharks, penguins, touch pools, jellyfish, a saltwater croc, and a 4D cinema. The layout is entirely covered and climate-controlled, making it one of the most reliable wet-weather options in the city. Best for kids aged 3 and up.
Book tickets online in advance through our link for the best price.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9923 5999
4. Strike Bowling Melbourne Central and QV
Strike Bowling has two CBD locations and between them covers almost every combination of bowling, escape rooms, laser tag, darts, and karaoke you could want from a single venue.
The Melbourne Central location on Level 3 of Melbourne Central has 10 bowling lanes, laser tag, augmented darts, and two escape rooms (Shutdown and Old Haunt) making it the more activity-diverse of the two. The QV location on Little Lonsdale Street has 12 bowling lanes, three escape rooms (Casino Heist, Red Manor, and Jailbreak), and a private karaoke room.
Both venues have food and a bar. Best for kids aged 6 and up. Under-18s are permitted until 8pm at both venues, so plan accordingly for an afternoon visit.
Strike Bowling — Melbourne Central, Shop 305, Level 3, Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 1300 787 453
Strike Bowling — QV, 245 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 1300 787 453
5. Kingpin Melbourne and Crown
Kingpin Melbourne opened January 2026 across 3,500 square metres — bowling, 90+ arcade games, darts, table tennis, shuffleboard, lawn bowls, batting cages, and karaoke, with a full bar and restaurant. The food and bar offering is substantial, which makes it a good option for a longer outing or a meal combined with activities. Paid per activity.
Kingpin Crown at the Crown Entertainment Complex is the Southbank counterpart. It has 12 bowling lanes, laser tag, 150+ arcade games, VR, and karaoke, with free entry to the arcade floor. Good for kids from about age 5 upwards. Note: easiest access is via Whiteman Street rather than through the casino. While the Kingpin areas are family-friendly during the day but the broader Crown complex is adult-oriented.
Kingpin Melbourne, Lower Ground Floor, Collins Arcade, 260 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, 03 4714 0364
Kingpin Crown, Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006, +61 13 2695
6. Holey Moley Golf Club
Holey Moley brings pop culture-themed mini golf to the CBD and Southbank, with references ranging from The Simpsons to Game of Thrones, plus a bar and food menu. Good for competitive families with older kids. Note: under-18s are only permitted before 5pm at both venues, seven days a week, and must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Book tickets in advance through our link.
Holey Moley Golf Club — Melbourne CBD, 590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 1300 727 833
Holey Moley Golf Club — Crown, Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006, +61 1300 727 833
7. Fortress Melbourne
Fortress Melbourne at Emporium Melbourne is the largest gaming venue in Australia, with 60 premium PCs, console booths, board games, and regular free events including trivia and bingo nights. Free entry, pay per session or game. Best for older kids and teens into gaming.
Fortress Melbourne, Level 2, Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9606 8800
8. B. Lucky & Sons
B. Lucky & Sons at Melbourne Central is an arcade bar behind a pawn shop facade, with classic and modern arcade games, claw machines, and ticket prize games in a neon-lit space. It’s primarily a bar, but a reasonable option for families with older kids or teens in the early afternoon before it gets busy.
B. Lucky & Sons, Level 1, Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
9. Melbourne City Baths
Melbourne City Baths is a heritage-listed aquatic centre on Swanston Street with the largest indoor pool in the CBD, a smaller teaching pool, water slides, spa, and sauna. Casual entry available without a membership. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Good accessibility including a pool hoist and aquatic wheelchair.
Melbourne City Baths, 420 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9658 9011
10. Hardrock Climbing
Hardrock Climbing as 44 top rope walls up to 16 metres high and four auto-belay walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over Swanston Street. Best for ages 8 and up at this location, though top rope climbing and belaying is really suited to 11 and over. Shoes and harnesses are available to hire. First-time visitors get a safety induction on arrival.
Hardrock Climbing, 4/8 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9631 5300
Escape Rooms in Melbourne CBD
Escape rooms are one of the better rainy day options for families with kids aged 10 and up and it’s a good way for adults and teens to work together solving a puzzle. Two dedicated escape room venues are in the CBD, and Strike has additional rooms in its Melbourne Central and QV venues.
11. Escape Hunt Melbourne
Escape Hunt Melbourne on Queen Street has four rooms all rated PG, running 60 minutes for groups of two to six. We’ve gone as a family, and hosted a teens birthday party. It’s good for kids aged 10 and up who enjoy problem-solving and a bit of pressure.
Book online in advance, especially for school holiday sessions.
Escape Hunt Melbourne, Ground Floor, 190 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9600 1086
12. TRAPT Bar & Escape Rooms
TRAPT is in the basement of a heritage building on Lonsdale Street and has themed rooms including Alchemy, Wonderland, and Welcome to the Circus, running 60 minutes. The venue recommends age 12 and up, making it a good option for families with teens. There’s a bar and lounge for arriving early or debriefing afterwards.
TRAPT Bar & Escape Rooms, The Basement, 377 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9077 7941
For the full guide to escape rooms across Melbourne for families and teens, see our Melbourne escape rooms roundup.
Free indoor cultural experiences
13. ACMI — The Story of the Moving Image
ACMI at Federation Square is the best free indoor option in the CBD for families. Kids can try the Foley sound studio, retro arcade games, animation stations, and The Lens device builds a personalised digital collection to explore at home. Best from age 6.
ACMI, Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 8663 2200
14. State Library Victoria — Children’s Quarter
The Children’s Quarter is a two-level space for kids with a storybook castle, reading nooks and free weekly Storytime sessions, making it one of the best free stops for families with under-5s. Older kids can explore the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall and Ned Kelly’s armour. Check the website for current Storytime times.
State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 8664 7000
15. Australian Music Vault
The Australian Music Vault inside Arts Centre Melbourne is a free permanent exhibition celebrating Australian music, with exhibits featuring AC/DC, Kylie Minogue, Missy Higgins, Baker Boy and more. The Amplifier is a 360-degree immersive experience, and the Mixtape card you collect on entry generates a personalised Spotify playlist when you leave. Best for ages 8 and up. Free, 10am–5pm daily. Sensory note: flashing lights and intermittent loud audio.
Australian Music Vault, Level 6, Arts Centre Melbourne Theatres Building, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank VIC 3004, +61 1300 182 183
16. NGV International
NGV International has free entry to the standing collection with a rotating Children’s Gallery and family activity sheets. The water wall at the entrance and the stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall are reliable hits with kids of all ages. Check the website for current family programming.
NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank VIC 3006, +61 3 8620 2222
17: NGV Australia
NGV Australia at Federation Square houses the national Australian art collection including a strong First Nations collection. It’s easy to combine with ACMI and Koorie Heritage Trust — all three are around Federation Square.
NGV Australia, Federation Square, Flinders Street and Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 8620 2222
18. Immigration Museum
The Immigration Museum in the restored Old Customs House is better than most families expect, with interactive exhibitions including Getting In, where kids step into the role of a decision-maker on who enters Australia. Children always get in free and adults who are Museums Victoria members are also free. Best for ages 8 and up.
Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9927 2700
19. Koorie Heritage Trust
The Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square has a free gallery with First Nations art, artefacts, and cultural objects. It’s calm, covered, and thoughtful and works for kids of most ages. Easy to combine with ACMI and NGV Australia.
Koorie Heritage Trust, Birrarung Building, Federation Square, Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 8662 6300
20. Victoria Police Museum
The free Victoria Police Museum has Australia’s largest collection of Kelly Gang armour, forensic exhibits, bomb disposal robots, and displays on Melbourne’s most notorious crimes. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only, 10am–2pm. Note: Some content covers serious crime — worth knowing before bringing younger children.
Victoria Police Museum, 313 Spencer Street, Docklands VIC 3008, +61 3 9247 5354
21. Old Treasury Building
The Old Treasury Building on Spring Street has restored basement gold vaults where kids can explore and earn a gold licence, plus permanent exhibitions on Melbourne’s gold rush history. Check the website for current opening days as the building has limited hours.
Old Treasury Building, Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9651 2233
22. Melbourne Central Shot Tower
Inside Melbourne Central, the Coops Shot Tower sits under a soaring glass cone and a small free museum on the first floor covers its history. From there you can climb roughly 300 stairs for views across the CBD. Access via Level 2 through the RM Williams store.
Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9922 1100
23. Melbourne Town Hall tours
Free guided tours of Melbourne Town Hall run Monday to Friday at 11am and 1pm — book at least 24 hours ahead by phone. You’ll visit the Grand Council Chamber, the Beatles’ Portico, and the Grand Organ with more than 10,000 pipes. Best for ages 8 and up.
Melbourne Town Hall, 90–130 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9658 9658
24. Parliament House tours
Free guided tours of Parliament House run on non-sitting days, Monday to Friday. No bookings are needed for groups under six. When Parliament is sitting, you can watch a live debate from the public gallery instead — for the right kid, this might be more interesting than the tour. Best for ages 8 and up. Security checkpoint on entry.
Parliament House, Spring Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002, +61 3 9651 8911
25. narrm ngarrgu Library
narrm ngarrgu Library near Queen Victoria Market has a whole floor for their children;s library, with books, a quiet room, and storytime during school term. A good option when kids are overstimulated and you need somewhere calm to land.
narrm ngarrgu Library, 141 Therry Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 1800 695 427
26. Artplay
Artplay at Birrarung Marr runs free drop-in events and exhibitions (plus paid workshops) for kids aged 0–12. The space only opens when events are on — check the program before visiting as it changes monthly.
Artplay, Birrarung Marr, behind Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9658 7880
Paid cultural museums
27. Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA)
AMPA inside Hamer Hall draws from the Australian Performing Arts Collection — 850,000 objects spanning circus, dance, music, opera, theatre, and ballet — and hosts major rotating exhibitions. The current exhibition ENCORE! opens June 2026, marking 50 years of the collection with 50 iconic objects including Nellie Melba’s opera cloak and Kylie Minogue’s gold hot pants. Best for families with tweens and teens who have an interest in music, fashion, performance, or pop culture.
AMPA, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank VIC 3004, +61 1300 182 183
28. Museum of Chinese Australian History
The Museum of Chinese Australian History in Chinatown covers five floors including the Dragon Gallery, home to Dai Loong — the longest processional dragon in the world — and the interactive Finding Gold experience covering Chinese Australian gold rush history. Good for primary school-aged kids and up.
Museum of Chinese Australian History 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9662 2888
29: Old Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol is fully indoor and atmospheric, with original cells across three levels, the gallows, Ned Kelly’s death mask, and an exhibition on the women and children of the gaol. Self-guided audio tour included. Note there is no air conditioning or heating, so dress for the weather. Not accessible for prams or wheelchairs. Best for ages 7 and up.
Book online ahead of your visit.
Old Melbourne Gaol, 377 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9656 9889
30: Hellenic Museum
The Hellenic Museum occupies the Former Royal Mint Building on William Street — a heritage-listed bluestone building directly opposite Flagstaff Station. Spanning 8,000 years of Greek art, history, and culture across multiple exhibitions, it’s Australia’s only museum of its kind. Best for older kids and teens who have an interest in ancient history, mythology, or contemporary Greek culture.
Hellenic Museum, 280 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9600 2900
Something different
31. Melbourne Skydeck
Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower earns its place on a rainy day list because the views don’t depend on the weather — cloud cover actually makes the city look dramatic from the 88th floor. The Edge, a glass cube that slides out from the building, is the drawcard for kids who want a thrill. The Voyager Theatre adds a VR experience for older children.
Book online for the best price.
Melbourne Skydeck, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, +61 3 9693 8888
32. Hama Film
Hama Film is a Japanese-style photo booth studio with two CBD locations. Kids pick a backdrop, add filters, stickers, and frames, and walk out with a printed photo strip in minutes. Kids aged 8 and up tend to love it — particularly tweens. Quick and cheap as a pitstop between bigger activities.
Hama Film, 601 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 and 272 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Cinemas in Melbourne CBD
33. HOYTS Melbourne Central
HOYTS Melbourne Central is the largest cinema complex in the CBD, with 12 screens on Level 3 of Melbourne Central. IMAX, Xtremescreen, LUX premium recliners, and D-BOX motion seats. HOYTS Jnr sessions run Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday mornings, with flat-price family tickets for kids’ movies and preschool content, good for children aged 3–6. Sensory-friendly screenings run periodically — check the HOYTS website for current dates.
HOYTS Melbourne Central, Level 3, Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 1300 369 877
34. Village Cinemas Crown
Village Cinemas Crown at Southbank’s Crown complex has seven traditional cinemas plus six Gold Class theatres. Standard family-friendly sessions are available; check the website for current session times and what’s showing.
Village Cinemas Crown, Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006, +61 1300 555 400
35. The Kino — Palace Cinemas
The Kino at Collins Place is Melbourne’s last remaining CBD arthouse cinema, with seven screens, a licensed bar and cafe, and a program mixing quality blockbusters with independent films, documentaries, and special events. It’s a good option for older kids and teens who want something beyond the mainstream.
The Kino, Lower Ground Floor, 45 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9650 2100
For sensory-friendly sessions, baby cinema screenings, and cinema options across Melbourne, see our full cinemas guide.
36. Live Theatre — and how to get cheap tickets
A rainy day in the CBD is a good prompt to grab tickets for a show. The Regent, the Athenaeum, the Comedy Theatre, and Arts Centre Melbourne are all within easy reach — and there are several ways to get in for less.
Halftix at 208 Little Collins Street sells same-day discount theatre tickets — up to half price, in-person or online, Monday to Saturday. Arts Centre Melbourne’s Tix at 12 drops discounted tickets every Tuesday from noon using code TIXAT12. Melbourne Theatre Company has Weekend Rush tickets at $39, released each Thursday for the weekend. TodayTix has digital lottery and Rush tickets for various shows across the city.
For the full guide see our cheap theatre tickets guide.
Halftix, 208 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Shopping centres worth knowing about on a rainy day
37. Melbourne Central
Melbourne Central is the most family-useful building in the CBD on a rainy day. It’s directly above Melbourne Central train station, houses Strike Bowling, the Shot Tower museum, HOYTS cinemas, B. Lucky & Sons, the LEGO Certified Store (the largest in the Southern Hemisphere), and numerous food courts. The Marionette Clock chimes on the hour with a miniature show. Good parent rooms throughout.
Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9922 1100
38. QV Melbourne
QV Melbourne on Lonsdale Street houses Archie Brothers and Hijinx Hotel with a food court on the lower ground floor. On a cold or wet day you can easily spend three or four hours between the arcade, challenge rooms, and a meal without going outside.
QV Melbourne, 292 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
39. Emporium Melbourne
Emporium Melbourne earns its place for three reasons: a Level 3 food court with 30+ options including the sushi train at Tetsujin, one of the best parent rooms in the CBD with private feeding rooms and a gated play area, and Fortress Melbourne in the basement. It connects via a pedestrian bridge to Myer and David Jones.
Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 8609 8221
40. Collins Arcade
Collins Arcade at 260 Collins Street reopened in late 2025 after a $50 million transformation. The main family reason to visit is Kingpin on the lower ground floor. The arcade also restores the pedestrian through-link between Collins and Little Collins Streets, which is useful on a wet day for cutting between streets rather than going outside. Le Yeahllow patisserie on the ground floor is worth a stop.
Collins Arcade, 260 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tips for planning a rainy day in the CBD
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Archie Brothers, Hijinx Hotel, and escape rooms all book out fast on rainy school holiday days. Plan ahead if bad weather is forecast.
ACMI, the State Library, the Australian Music Vault, and both NGV locations are free with no booking required — the best fallback when you’re deciding on the day.
The free tram zone covers the whole CBD and Southbank. Most trams are pram-accessible except the heritage City Circle Tram, which has large steps and isn’t suitable for prams or mobility aids.
If you’re combining a paid venue with a free one, do the free venue first. Kids arrive with the most energy — save the structured paid experience for when they’re ready to focus.
Free things to do in Melbourne CBD with kids
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