Kids and Family in Melbourne

Expat children moving to Melbourne will scarcely have time to miss their friends back home since this fun-filled coastal city has tons to see and do.

The communities that make up Melbourne’s melting-pot culture place a high value on family life and are known to be child friendly. There's a wide variety of family-friendly suburbs in Melbourne, and most families live in standalone houses rather than apartments, affording more space and usually a garden. With at least six months a year of warm, dry weather, kids can partake in countless fun outdoor activities.

Education and schools in Melbourne

With both public and private education in Melbourne, and an extensive range of subjects to choose from, parents can rest assured that expat children will be going into a good school environment. Some schools provide a bus service, but for parents without this option and who need to get across Melbourne’s sprawling suburbia, a car is essential.

Out and about with kids in Melbourne

Melbourne caters for all types of families, from the adventurous to the artistic, and there's always plenty to see and do in the city.

For children who love animals, there are a number of zoos in and around the city, filled with weird and wonderful creatures. Collingwood Children’s Farm gives city kids a glimpse at farm life. A little further out from the city, families can head to Philip Island to see penguins.

The beach is the place to be in summer, and Melbourne's gorgeous coastline promises hours of fun in the sun.

Arts and entertainment for kids in Melbourne

During school holidays, children of all ages can enjoy an outing to Luna park – a carnival with something for everyone. Kids can learn while having fun with hands-on interactive technology exhibits at Scienceworks, or they can splash paint about at an art class.

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image and The National Gallery of Victoria both run lively kids’ holiday programmes where children can interact with demonstrations and artworks.