6 of the Best Places To Take Toddlers And Babies In Spring in Melbourne

Melbourne's really turning it on weather-wise at the moment, and it's never a better time to take babies and toddlers out to catch some sunshine without the rigmarole of 17 layers of hats, jackets, multiple pairs of pants, and gumboots. Freedom is near!

Sculpture Garden at NGV 

Head out the back of the National Gallery of Victoria for some sunshine in the city at the very toddler-friendly sculpture garden. They often have fun, interactive installations outside and sometimes kiosks and food areas. Otherwise, pack a picnic and a blanket and head on out for some mini culture.

Find it: At the rear of the National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne

More info: Check the website.

Hay's Paddock Park and Playground

Built with the idea of being accessible even to children with the most limited mobility, the playground really is incredibly inclusive, and popular with mums of littles.

There’s no shortage of your usual climbing frames, fortresses, slides, roundabouts, sand pit and bridges, there’s also swings of different sizes and shapes for children of differing ages and ability, a roundabout that comfortably fits a wheelchair, and a large, low seesaw that’s much easier to manage than the old-fashioned style.

A special bonus is the cubby house-like lookout over the wetlands, and my girls loved the spider-web climbing frame with unexpected but very welcome trampoline in the middle. A really great park to come and spend the day in.

Find it: Leason St, Kew East

Heide Art Bubs Tour

With a different theme that gets changed up quite often, take a tour of the amazing Heide Museum of Modern Art just for kids aged 2-5. When it's over, hang out in the beautiful sculpture park, grab some lunch at the cafe on site or set yourself up for a rambling picnic across the 15-acre Connie Kimberley Sculpture Park. 

Find it: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen

More info: Check the website for tour times and other cool activities for young ones.

Birrarung Marr and ArtPlay

A double dose of baby and toddler fun is found at Birrarung Marr, what with the excellent playground, riverside walk to scoot around on, sculptures to climb and hills to roll down, and also a creative space to let the little ones indulge in some artistic play.

With more than 300 workshops, events and performances, there's sure to be something on the calendar for you to visit (including some free drop-in events). Professional artists are on hand to lead the events, and the playground is the only one in Melbourne’s CBD, with slides, sand pits, swinging hammocks, activity panels, rock and rope climbing features and balance beams.

Find it: Birarrung Marr, Behind Federation Square, Melbourne

More info: Check the website.

Ian Potter Children's Garden

Little kids love this area of the city, housed in the greater Royal Botanic Gardens (which is perfect for a picnic this time of year!), where they can crawl, explore and splash about in the lushly landscaped built-for-kids garden. 

The garden features plants, water, structures and pathways that reflect Melbourne's changing seasons with the designated areas of wetland, bamboo forest, plant tunnel, and kitchen gardens. The stream is perfect for little hands to splash about in, and is open from 10am - 4pm daily, with the larger spiral fountains operating on days when the temperature is forecast to exceed 25 degrees. 

Find it: Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne

More info: Check the website.

Bundoora Park Farm

Bundoora Park Farm is located in the largest park in the Northern suburbs, and is often a bit quieter than the other animal-related outing spots in the city, which is great when you're dealing with babies and toddlers who are not patient!

We love meeting the friendly farm animals, take a ride to see the kangaroos and emus, and exploring early 20th Century Australian life at the Heritage Village. The playground is fantastic, and the goat milking is awesome! Such funny little things.=

Bring a picnic or stop in at the onsite cafe for a snack or some lunch.

Find it: 1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora

More info: Check the website.