Six things to do with Kids in the Winter Holidays
By: Katie Oliveira da Silveira, ellaslist
When it’s cold, wet and grey outside, it can be tempting to just let the kids watch another movie. But, as it turns out, Melbourne is brimming with awesome activities and experiences for kids that run during the winter months. So turn off the TV, get their boots on and head on out. Here are six of our favourite winter activities for kids in Melbourne.
1. O'Brien Group Arena
The O'Brien Group Arena is a state-of-the-art ice arena in the Docklands precinct that is open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Not only is it a sporting hub, attracting some of the world’s elite sports people, but it’s a family-friendly environment where casual skating is welcome – and encouraged!
Skates can be hired in all sizes, and there is plenty of protective great on hand for beginners. There are often dedicated school holiday programs in place at Icehouse (in addition to casual skating), so be sure to check the website before you visit.
Kids under the age of six years will need an adult to accompany them on the ice.
Where: 105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands
Cost: Adults $27, kids six to 14 $23 and kids three to five years $14 – includes skate hire.
More info: see the website
Source: O'Brien Group Arena Facebook Page
2. Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
Lake Mountain is the closest snow resort and nature park to the city of Melbourne, and come the colder months, it is a winter wonderland!
At Lake Mountain you get over 30 kilometres of snow dedicated to snowboarding and skiing. And for younger kids, the designated snow play zones are just the ticket, with four toboggan slopes attracting kids by the hundreds.
Where: 1071 Lake Mountain Rd, Marysville
Cost: contact the resort for updated prices once the snow season opens on June 10th
More info: see the website
Source: Visit Victoria
3. Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy has been one of Melbourne’s favourite attractions for decades, and the beauty of this ionic steam train adventure is that it doesn’t stop in the colder months. In fact, the winter season is a brilliant time to rug up and enjoy the succulent bush backdrop of the Puffing Billy train ride.
There are up to six trains running daily at Puffing Billy – and kids are more than welcome to hang their legs over the side of the carriage for the best viewing spot (don’t worry there are safety bars!)
Parents will find ample facilities at Emerald Lake Park: baby change areas, bottle warming rooms, cafes, toilets and playgrounds.
Where: 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave
Cost: Discounted Family Fare $143 for two adults and up to four children. This fare covers the distance from Belgrave to Gembrook, return. Children under four years ride FREE.
More info: see the website
Source: Puffing Billy Facebook Page
4. High Tea for Kids at the Langham
The Langham, located right on beautiful Southbank is one of the city’s best hotels: elegant, opulent and refined. What better place, then for a spruced–up high tea for discerning kiddies?
Every school holidays The Langham hosts a High Tea for kids with a different theme. It might be the Smurfs, with blue cupcakes, or it could be Barbie –even The Wiggles. Whatever the theme, kids are guaranteed more treats that they can eat, we’re talking jelly, sandwiches, cupcakes, lollipops, scones, fairy bread – need we go on?
Where: The Langham Melbourne, 1 Southgate Ave, Melbourne
Cost: Starts at $39 per child (maximum age is 12 years)
More info: see the website
Source: The Langham
5. The Old Melbourne Gaol
Winter just makes this nineteenth-century bluestone icon even more eerie. The Old Melbourne Gaol is the site of some very grim events, including the hanging of the notorious Ned Kelly, so it’s sure to thrill little history buffs.
Tours of The Old Melbourne Gaol give kids a first-hand look at what life was like for criminals way back in the day, and they will pick up loads of fascinating facts about Victoria’s history along the way.
Where: 377 Russell St, Melbourne
Cost: Adults $25, children $13.50, family pass (two adults, two kids) $55
More info: see the website
Source: Old Melbourne Gaol
6. Melbourne Museum
When it’s pouring with rain and freezing outside, the Melbourne Museum is the perfect place to take restless kids; a place where education meets entertainment. Plus, it’s super cozy and there’s a great café to enjoy.
From dinosaur skeletons to HUGE movies on the IMAX screen, the Melbourne Museum has enough to keep kids busy for hours on end – and give them some cool facts to share with friends once school goes back.
Where: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton
Cost: Adults $14, kids FREE
More info: see the website
Source: Imax Melbourne
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