Melbourne CBD and Southbank have more green space than most families expect — and between them, enough variety to suit kids from babies through to older kids.
This guide covers every park and playground we recommend in the zone, organised by where you’re likely to be spending the day.
Things to Do in Melbourne CBD with Kids
Federation Square and the Yarra riverfront
1. Artplay Playground, Birrarung Marr
Artplay Playground at Birrarung Marr is the largest all-abilities playground in the City of Melbourne, sitting right behind Federation Square on the Yarra.
You’ll find four slides suitable for toddlers, a large sandpit, baby swings, a wheelchair-accessible swing, and rope and rock climbing structures for older kids.
The location is hard to beat — Federation Square, ACMI, and the Koorie Heritage Trust are all within a two-minute walk, and the Artplay children’s arts studio is next door.
Avoid weekday lunchtimes when school groups tend to descend.
Note: the playground is currently closed for upgrades and expected to reopen late 2026 — check the City of Melbourne website before visiting. While it’s closed, the nearest alternatives are Boyd Park on City Road and Grant Street Reserve on Grant Street.
Artplay Playground, Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Birrarung Marr
Birrarung Marr is the strip of parkland running along the north bank of the Yarra between Federation Square and the MCG and Melbourne Park.
It’s often the site for large events such as the Australian Open or Christmas Carnival, as well as having open lawns and the Federation Bells sound installation which plays at set times.
The flat riverfront path is one of the better family walks in the city, particularly with a pram or balance bike.
Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Alexandra Gardens and Riverslide Skate Park
Cross Princes Bridge from Federation Square and you’re in Alexandra Gardens, with open lawns, electric barbecues, historic rowing boathouses along the Yarra, and a flat riverfront path that connects through to Southbank and on to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Riverslide Skate Park sits within the gardens with features for different ability levels — worth knowing about if you have older kids or teens who skate or scoot.
Queen Victoria Gardens is adjacent across Alexandra Avenue; MPavilion runs there seasonally — check the website for current program and dates.
Alexandra Gardens, Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3004
Southbank
4. Southbank Boulevard Play Space — Risk Playground
The Southbank Boulevard Play Space is unlike any other playground in Melbourne. Designed by artist Mike Hewson, 24 massive bluestone boulders sit on fixed trolleys along with slides, climbing ropes, a sandpit, swings, monkey bars, and a slackline woven between them.
It inspires challenging, inventive risky play, so it’s better for older kids who want to climb and problem-solve than for toddlers.
There’s no shade and no toilets on site, so pack sunscreen and plan accordingly.
Southbank Boulevard Play Space (Rocks on Wheels), corner Southbank Boulevard and Kavanagh Street, Southbank VIC 3006
5: Boyd Park
This small neighbourhood park is next to the Southbank Library at Boyd on City Road. It’s not a destination in its own right, but easy to combine with a library visit. There are open lawns, picnic tables, a barbecue, a drinking fountain, and a small playground.
Boyd Park, City Road, Southbank VIC 3006
Northern CBD
6. Flagstaff Gardens and Playground
Flagstaff Gardens is Melbourne’s oldest public park with 7.2 hectares of open lawns, elm tree avenues, Moreton Bay figs, and picnic spots at the northern end of the CBD grid, directly opposite Queen Victoria Market.
The playground has modern climbing frames, a large rope structure, a hammock swing, and open lawns surrounding it.
Public toilets, a bowling green, and free public tennis courts make it useful for a longer visit. A morning at the market followed by the playground is one of the better free half-days in the CBD.
Flagstaff Gardens, King Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003
Western CBD
7. Sky Park, Melbourne Quarter
Sky Park is an elevated public park above Collins Street near Southern Cross Station with gardens, seating, and views across the western CBD. It’s worth knowing about if you’re in the area as there’s not a lot of green space until you get to Docklands.
The main limitation for families is that it’s open Monday to Friday during business hours only, so not a weekend or public holiday option.
Sky Park, Melbourne Quarter, Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008
8. Seafarers Rest Playground
Located by the Yarra River, Seafarers Rest Park is a family-friendly destination featuring an imaginative playground with natural materials and maritime-inspired design. With ample green space for picnics and nearby attractions like the to Seafarers, it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a day of fun in Melbourne’s heart.
Seafarers Rest Park, 68 Siddeley St, Docklands VIC 3005
Worth the short walk from Southbank
9. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
The Royal Botanic Gardens are 38 hectares along the south bank of the Yarra and are a 20-minute walk from Federation Square or a short tram ride on the number 3 or 5 from Swanston Street.
Good for picnics on the open lawns, a walk around the Ornamental Lake to spot black swans, or simply giving kids space to run. The Fern Gully is cool and shaded on hot days.
Free guided walks run periodically — check the website for the current program. The Melbourne Observatory inside the gardens runs paid guided night and daytime telescope tours from $25 — book ahead through the RBG website.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra VIC 3141, +61 3 9252 2429
10. Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
A fenced discovery space for kids inside the Royal Botanic Gardens with a magical space, with a bamboo forest, water play creek, wetland area, and kitchen garden. Water play makes it particularly good on a warm day, so pack a change of clothes.
Note it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays during school term, and closed for approximately eight weeks after the July school holidays, reopening Father’s Day. Check the website before visiting.
Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, corner Birdwood Avenue and Dallas Brooks Drive, Melbourne VIC 3004, +61 3 9252 2429
Tips for parks and playgrounds in the CBD
The two main city playgrounds — Artplay and Flagstaff Gardens — sit at opposite ends of the CBD grid and pair naturally with nearby attractions. Artplay suits a day based around Federation Square and Southbank. Flagstaff Gardens suits a day based around Queen Victoria Market and the northern CBD.
The Yarra riverfront path from Princes Bridge through Birrarung Marr is flat, pram-accessible, and mostly shaded and is one of the better free family walks in the city. Head south through Alexandra Gardens and continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a longer stroll.
The Royal Botanic Gardens and Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden work best as a half-day destination with a picnic rather than a quick stop between other CBD activities.
free things to do in Melbourne CBD with kids
