Things to do With Kids in Melbourne to Commemorate ANZAC Day on April 25

ANZAC Day is a significant one on Australia's calendar, as we all come together to remember the sacrifice and bravery in the face of utter devastation our soldiers made to keep the world free.

On this day in 1915, ANZAC troops were committed to their first major action of the war, which marked the beginning of the ANZAC legend and the day we commemorate every year.

The main ways to show our respect is through the Dawn Service, which harks back to the military practice of 'standing to' at dawn. and the ANZAC Day March in cities and towns across the country. The March, led by veterans and serving personnel, includes descendants of veterans and those who wish to march in honour of those who served.  

Here are a few ways to get the kids involved in Melbourne this year.

The Shrine Kids Program

Young imaginations are being inspired by the stories and artefacts of the past as part of the Shrine Kids anytime program.

Aimed at children 4–8, the activities of the Shrine Kids Program assist in making a visit to the Shrine more engaging for a younger visitor, helping them to be inspired by the stories and artefacts of the more than 100 years of fascinating history contained within the Shrine.

Children can choose from four different Shrine Kids activity cards, which all begin at one starting point and lead the children around the Shrine as they tap into their creativity to come up with responses to the questions on the cards. 

There are four activities in the program to choose from: Unlock the Secrets!, Discover How Things Work!, Use Your Imagination!, and Solve the Mysteries!, which are designed with the concept of "play" being one of the most effective teaching and learning strategies. 

The activities provides a great opportunity for families to come together and experience and learn as a family the importance of this historical day.  YVisitor Centre.

What you need to know

When: Shrine Kids is open every day the Shrine is open, and also feature school holiday programs, more information about those programs here.

Where: Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue and St Kilda Road, Melbourne

For more info: shrine.org.au

Dawn Service

All are welcome at the rising of the sun to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian service men and women at the Shrine of Remembrance, 6am on April 25.

One minute of silence will be observed.

It gets busy, so the recommended arrival time is between 4am – 5am.

ANZAC Day March

Thousands of veterans, their descendants and current serving personnel will march down St Kilda Road, starting at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets at 9am.

March concludes at the Shrine of Remembrance, and unit wreaths will be laid at the Shrine progressively during the March.

Commemorative Service

At the conclusion of the March a service will take place on the Shrine Forecourt, including an Address from the Governor of Victoria.

Visit the Shrine of Remembrance

Current exhibitions include The Light Horse: Australians in the Middle East 1916–1918 in the East Gallery, exploring the myths and realities of the fighting on the desserts of Sinai, Palestine and Syria. Featuring paintings by George Lambert, Sidney Nolan and Susan McMinn and personal memorabilia of Lieutenant Harry Chauvel.

In the West Gallery, find For Humanity, where you can discover the stories of Australian doctors, nurses, medics and patients, from the Korean War to Afghanistan. They speak of what it means to save lives amidst death and destruction, and of the courage required to uphold humanity in the face of trauma and suffering.

After the Dawn Service, the Shrine will be open as follows:

• Admittance to the Visitor Centre is from 7am. 
• Sanctuary: 6.45am – 7.45am and 2.30pm – 5pm
• Visitor Centre and Galleries: 7am – 5pm
• Guided tours will be unavailable on this day.

RSL Commemorations

Across the state,the Returned Services League will hold ANZAC Day Activities at Sub-Branches. Click here to find an activity near you.

Main image credit: Susan Gordon-Brown, Shrine of Remembrance