Well my plans are scuppered – Rain, rain go away!! I suspect you have found my article because it’s a rainy day and you are looking for the best rainy day activities in Melbourne, VIC to help you pass the time. Well, here at Get Out with Kids, we love… well… getting out with kids…. So, we won’t let the rain stop us, with some awesome rainy day activities for you to get stuck into!
While I absolutely LOVE the sunny lazy days on the beach and the clear nights watching the sunset while watching the kids busy themselves on the sand or in the park waiting for the BBQ to fire up, there are times when equally the odd rainy day forces me to think outside the box and enjoy some rainy day activities. Melbourne on a rainy day may not be your idea of fun, BUT…..
Having the knowledge and ideas up my sleeve at a moment’s notice, no matter where I am, makes the job of transitioning to a rainy day so much easier to contend with and while other members of my family may not be so enthusiastic to start with, I can assure you that being prepared and having a few alternative plans and experiences to draw from, can actually make the day more enjoyable and memorable than you would first believe.
No matter kids, teens or adults, this post has something for you.
Indoor activities for kids in Melbuorne
Rainy day activities for children can be super fun but that said, it is also much much easier when someone else has already put the ideas in a handy list of indoor activities in Melbourne. In this article I have the best list of things to do in Melbourne on a rainy day broken down by age to help you find the perfect rainy day activities for families.
School holidays? Check out our list of the best school holiday activities in Melbourne
- Indoor activities for kids in Melbuorne
- Rainy day activities for toddlers
- Rainy day activities in Melbourne for kids aged 5 – 12
- Things to do in Melbourne when it rains with teens
- Rainy day activities for adults in Melbourne
- Rainy day activities for home
- Things to do in Melbourne on a rainy day
- Looking for more things to do in Melbourne with kids?
- Kid friendly restaurants in Melbourne
- Celebrating with kids in Melbourne?
Rainy day activities for toddlers
What to do, HELP!! I wake up and hear the sound of water hitting the windows and glare out to find all my best laid plans are no longer useful – a visit to the beach to make sandcastles or go to a park to let my toddler run around and blow off steam….. panic sets in about what am I actually going to do to get out of the house and entertain my ‘full of gusto’ toddler/s. Well – grab a cuppa and peruse the list below to plan your ‘alternative’ day of fun with a group of places that are great rainy day activities for toddlers.
1. Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium | Melbourne
Melbourne rainy season (and let’s face it, the weather can be quick to change!) can cause issues however this is a great option for the entire family both young and old. With the massive Mermaid Garden Oceanarium which is home to plenty of underwater creatures including nurse sharks and sting rays. You will also find Saltwater Crocs and quirky penguins.
Website: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Address: King Street, Melbourne
2. Puffing Billy Railway Steam Train Ticket | Belgrave
A great rainy day activity for toddlers (and rainy day activities for 2, 3 and 4 year olds and the entire family), is this chance to board a working steam train and journey through the Dandenong Ranges. Pre-booking is essential for this journey as it’s a popular choice with many and the bonus is that under fours are free! Grab the entire family and enjoy.
Check out the Puffing Billy Railway website.
Address: Belgrave Railway Station
3. Melbourne Museum | Melbourne
A great rainy day activity for toddlers (and adults!). The museum has lots going on and events change regularly, so please check the website for more information. There is a children’s gallery specifically for under 5s, so this is a wonderful idea for the younger members of the group.
For more information, visit the Melbourne Museum website.
Address: 11 Nicholson Street, Melbourne
4. Scienceworks | Melbourne
Rainy day activities for babies and toddlers includes this wonderful place. All things science – why not grab your kids and head out to the Science Museum where your little people can explore! There are plenty of hands on activities for them to get stuck into with specific areas for kids under 5 years of age.
Website: Scienceworks
Address: 2 Booker Street, Melbourne
5. Chipmunks Indoor Playground | Docklands
A rainy day activity for toddlers = indoor playgrounds. This national treasure has playgrounds all over Australia and are well versed in catering to the younger people in the family. With plenty of structures to clamber over, climb up and slide down this is sure to be a hit (while you chill out in the onsite café with a much needed cuppa!).
Check out the Chipmunks Playland & Café for more details.
Address: 19-21 Star Crescent, Docklands
6. Airoworld Trampoline Park | Altona North Victoria
Not just toddler related but one for kids of all ages to enjoy. I have included this one as not only does it come with the trampolining activity, but there are also over inflated structures and bouncy slides to slide down, so are perfect for the younger age group!
Head to the Airoworld Trampoline Park website.
Address: 61-69 Dohertys Road, Altona North Victoria
7. Hopscotch Play Cafe | Narre Warren South
A great rainy day activity for the kids with an opportunity for you to sit and enjoy a coffee knowing they are having a great time; this indoor play area with a twist, allows your kids to enjoy a varying number of zones and play activities. They can explore different environments in different play areas, dress up and role play and this is all for children under the age of 5.
Website: Hopscotch Play Cafe
Address: Shop 14, 101 Seebeck Drive, Narre Warren South
8. State Library Victoria | Melbourne
The library is a great place to hang out when its rainy. With something for everyone, and a free activity, why not check out the website to see what kid-friendly events are going on. There are always activities such as story time and play dates where arts and crafts are provided, but dates and times change, so check out what is on when you visit!
To find out more, visit the State Library Victoria website.
Address: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
9. Aquapulse swimming pool | Hoppers Crossing
A fun activity when its raining, is to jump into the water (no, not the rain but the pool type!). This indoor pool provides great shelter when its raining and helps enhance those swimming skills while having fun! Water babies will LOVE this!
Check out the AquaPulse website.
Address: 80-82 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing
10. Ninja Parc | Bayswater
With hit TV shows telling you how this is done, these parks are becoming ever popular with kids of all ages. If you have a kid that loves to climb, jump and clamber over obstacle courses, this is definitely one for them.
Website: Ninja Parc
Address: 13-17 Burton Court, Bayswater
Rainy day activities in Melbourne for kids aged 5 – 12
Rain has set in for the day and no hope of getting to that park for a catch up. Here is my go to list of indoor activities/places for you to visit where you can relax knowing that everyone will be entertained (and satisfyingly tired out!), with some ideas on what to do when its raining.
Planning ahead but it isn’t raining just yet? Take advantage of the nice weather and check our our list of the best places to go strawberry picking in Melbourne
11. Werribee Zoo | Melbourne
This is a unique rainy day activity for kids to enjoy and only half an hour from Melbourne. Kids (and adults) will get the opportunity to believe they are in a Savannah whilst travelling via safari vehicle around the venue listening to information about each of the animals who live here! (AND kids go free – between 4-15 years, on weekends).
Website: Werribee Zoo
Address: K Road, Melbourne
12. Legoland Discovery Centre | Chadstone
A rainy day activity for the entire family! LEGO has become a very popular hobby with even TV programmes and competitions popping up. This LEGO park is everything brick! There are 13 family play zones in the Discovery centre and you can even build your own LEGO building. If you have LEGO fans in your midst, this is THE place to check out.
Visit the Legoland Discovery Centre website for more information.
Address: 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
13. Melbourne Skydeck | Southbank
What a fabulous vantage point – almost like you are flying above the city! With kids free to visit, this unique vantage point sitting high above Melbourne CBD is a great and unique experience to be had by all. With glass to stand on you are able to feel as if you are walking above the city limits!
Check out the Melbourne Skydeck website for more details.
Address: Riverside Quay, Southbank
14. Bounce | Various Locations
A rainy day in Melbourne means …. Bouncing!! From trampolines, to basketball to obstacle courses, this place has everything a bouncy child could need! Why not let them loose and enjoy the bouncy fun that this place has to offer for that rainy day session!.
Website: BOUNCE Melbourne
Address: Three locations available, so please check the website for the location closest to you!
15. Rampfest Indoor Skate Park | Braybrook
A rainy day activity indoors can be enjoyed with a little skateboarding fun! If your child/ren is into activities involving wheels, then this would be right up their street! BMX, roller skates and skateboarding are all covered here – grab your wheels and get moving!
Website: RampFest Indoor Skate Park
Address: 47-85 Hillary St, Braybrook
16. O’Brien Icehouse | Docklands
To avoid the rain during Melbourne wet season (or day), why not get rugged up and enjoy learning a new skill with fun on the ice! The staff are friendly and helpful, equipment is available to hire including free helmets.
Visit the Obrien House website.
Address: 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands
17. Clip ‘n Climb | Berwick
There are a few similar venues in and around Victoria, so if you have a family of adrenaline junkies who love to climb or experience something new (and undercover), this is for you! From climbing walls, to obstacle courses, leap of faith and other attractions, this will keep your family entertained for many many hours!
Check out the Clip ‘n Climb Berwick website for more information.
Address: 39-51 Intrepid Street, Berwick
18. Strike Bowling | Melbourne
There are a number of various bowling activities in and around Melbourne, we have selected this one as it has a number of other activities to try including an Escape room AND karaoke. So once the competitive bowling is out of the way, you can sing your heart out and escape (a wonderful activity on a rainy day for the kids AND family).
Address: Shop 305, Level 3, 211 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne
19. Event Cinema | Various Locations
Melbourne wet season can be difficult to navigate through however there are any number of cinemas in and around the Melbourne area and these are great, particularly in school holidays when there is always a number of film options for children. Grab the popcorn and get the group together a movie extravaganza!
Address: There are many venues, check the website.
Things to do in Melbourne when it rains with teens
Rainy day activities for teens anyone?! I struggle to sometimes interact with my teenager who would much prefer to spend time on devices, or catching up with friends online. However, I do try connecting outside of this world and I enjoy seeing the look of enjoyment on my kids faces when they try something or visit somewhere a little different (such as a cat cafe) – even though it may well have been met with a little resistance to start with. Some of the places that may help when in Melbourne include ….
Can’t find anything to do this weekend? Check out our list of the best day trips from Melbourne.
20. Maniax | Abbotsford
Well a little axe-throwing activities will certain notch up the adrenaline for your teenager! Visiting Melbourne during the rainy season? This is a great way to get your teenager out of the online world and into a very different environment! Yes, it sounds dangerous, and a little unusual, but that is the attraction. The staff and venue ensure the activities are safe for all, so why not give this a go!
Website: MANIAX – Axe Throwing
Address: 19-21 Russell Street, Abbotsford
21. Virtual Reality Escape Room | West Melbourne
Rainy day activities for teenagers can be tricky however this could be a way to enjoy their company and have fun! With dedicated rooms for your group to enjoy and using state of the art VR gadgets, any gamer would enjoy this unusual activity.
Check out the Virtual Reality Escape Room for more details.
Address: 75 Peel Street, West Melbourne
22. ART VO | Docklands
A fabulous rainy day activity with friends and one where they are actually encouraged to use their phones!. This large indoor space has become a place of trickery and mastery where you can use your phone’s camera to create the most unusual style of photography (great for those who are into selfies or Instagram posting). Open 7 days a week, this is a great option for those rainy days!.
Visit the ArtVo Melbourne website.
Address: 26 Star Crescent, Level 1, The District, Docklands
23. Australian Sports Museum | Melbourne
A great activity for teenagers or for rainy day activities with tweens, particularly those with an interest in sports, is a trip to the Sports Museum. With an interactive gallery, 3D hologram exhibition and a huge collection of memorabilia, this will certainly take your mind off of the rainy weather outside!.
Website: Australian Sports Museum
Address: Brunton Avenue, Melbourne
24. Old Melbourne Gaol | Melbourne
Not for the faint-hearted, but a very very cool place – definitely one for the older members of the family (not suitable for younger children). This eerie place built in the mid 1800s was home to many dangerous criminals of its time including Ned Kelly. You can actually enter the cells (and even be arrested by the tour guide).
Get your discount tickets here
Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol website for more information.
Address: 377 Russell Street, Melbourne
25. Go Karting | Port Melbourne
A great indoor rainy day activity for kids is go-karting. This one in particular is for teenagers (13 and over). Get your group together and enjoy the track with speeds of up to 60 kpm, hairpins bends, switch tracks and sunken corners, your teenagers are going to have great fun!
Check out the Melbourne Indoor Go Karting website.
Address: 50 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne
26. Holey Moley Putt Putt | Melbourne
This is putt putt with crazy challenges, shark infested waters (?) and pop culture references such as The Simpsons or Harry Potter (putter). All are welcome prior to 5pm when it then turns into an adult only facility. Food and drink are available on site – set yourself a family challenge!
Website: Mini Golf, Putt Putt
Address: 590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
27. Flight Experience | Melbourne
Fancy becoming a pilot? Well this simulated experience will give you the opportunity to try just that. Instructors will help you navigate through the simulator so that you can fly a virtual Boeing 737 – at the end of which you will receive a recording of your flight experience to show off to your friends!
Check out the Flight Experience Melbourne website.
Address: Shop 9, Level 2 QV Square, Cnr Swanston & Lonsdale St, Melbourne
28. iFLY | Essendon Fields
Following on from being a pilot, why not now experience the sky-diving experience (but without the need of a plane!). This unique experience will give you the opportunity to sample what it feels like to sky-dive. Great for all ages (apparently from 3-103!), the whole family can give this one a go!
Visit the iFLY Melbourne website for more information.
Address: 2 Burns Street, Essendon Fields
29. Escape Rooms | South Melbourne
Escape Rooms are becoming ever popular – there are a number to choose from around Melbourne. Here is one located in South Melbourne that has a number of rooms to try and 70 minutes in which to escape using a number of clues. There is also an online version should you wish to give that a go. Great fun for small groups of people wishing to ‘escape’ the weather!
Website: Escape Room Melbourne
Address: 12-18 Yarra Street, South Melbourne
Rainy day activities for adults in Melbourne
Whilst my kids are important to keep entertained (and for my ultimate sanity in getting through these unusual rainy days out), my world would definitely be missing something if I didn’t get to enjoy something that was solely for my adult world with friends or partner. There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne when its raining. Here are some activities that can be enjoyed while in Melbourne on those less than perfect sunny days or clear nights!
30. Yarra Valley Wineries Tour | Yarra Valley
This is a great rainy Sunday activity! (or any day of the week!). If you are a fan of wine, then this is a wonderful opportunity to visit Victoria’s best wineries in the Yarra Valley which is only one hour from Melbourne. Sample exquisite wine, fabulous food and maybe purchase some for later on.
Website: Click here
Address: Yarra Valley – but check website for pick up points.
31. Sea Life Aquarium – Shark Dive | Melbourne
Not for the faint hearted, but if you are fascinated with these creatures, this unique experience will get you very much up close and personal!. No cages, but plenty of sharks and other underwater creatures and an instructor to guide you through, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
To find out more, head to the Melbourne SEA LIFE Aquarium website.
Address: King Street, Melbourne
32. Peninsula Hot Springs | Fingal
This is a wonderful rainy day activity for adults, particularly those who are in need of a little relaxation! Well, it is an outdoor activity, BUT if its one of those overcast days and drizzly rain that is on again/off again, this could be a great day out – you are going to get wet anyway! With those hot mineral waters to enjoy and various bathing experiences including a sauna and cave pool, this is a spa with a difference.
Check out the Peninsula Hot Springs website.
Address: Springs Lane, Fingal
33. Melbourne Vintage Shopping Tour | Melbourne
Something a little different on the shopping front with vintage shops explored within the heart of Melbourne. If you are a shopping fanatic, you will love this tour of some of the more unusual places in and around the city.
Melbourne Vintage Shopping Tour
Address: Pick Up
34. Murray River Paddlesteamer Cruise | Murray River
A great rainy day activity for adults, but the entire family are welcome with a chance to cruise the Murray River aboard this beautiful lovingly restored paddlesteamer. Take in the views on your trip and enjoy the wonderful three course lunch.
Website: Murray River Paddlesteamer
Address: Please check website for pick up points.
35. Comics Lounge Comedy Show | North Melbourne
Looking for somewhere to hang out during the evening and the weather isn’t great? Why not head to the Comedy Lounge and have a giggle!. With up to 2.5 hours of stand up comedy to enjoy and the possibility of dinner (if you wish), this is a wonderful way to finish off your rainy day in Melbourne!
Visit the Comics Lounge Comedy Show website for more details.
Address: 26 Errol Street, North Melbourne
36. Pentridge Prison Ghost Tours | Various Loctions
Who doesn’t enjoy a little fright! Well if you are a lover of all things ghostly, this is definitely one for you. From Ned Kelly, Chopper Reed and Ronald Ryan (the last man to be executed in Australia), this Sunday night activity will be a must if you’re intrigued by these prisoners and the stories behind their infamous stays at the prison.
To find out more, check out the Pentridge Prison Ghost Tours website.
Address: Various Ghost Tours available – please check website link for more information.
37. Melbourne Ice Bar | Federation Square
This unique experience is one that you can bring the entire family to as children are welcome. There are various packages available to purchase which includes drinks and snow outfits, so please check the website for further information. EVERYTHING IS ICE! Yep, you heard me, so even if it’s rainy outside, it will be nothing compared to this place. The chairs you are sitting on, the cups you are drinking out of …. ALL ICE! You won’t need to worry about what you are wearing as you will need to wear a snow suit on entry! Wonderful and unique place to enjoy a rainy day activity with friends and family alike!.
Website: Melbourne IceBar
Address: The Atrium, Federation Square
38. Shrine of Remembrance | Melbourne
This iconic location is, as the name suggests, a place of remembrance for those who wish to pay their respects or learn about war and peace. With exhibits and memorial gardens, to hearing and learning the real-life stories, this is a wonderful place to visit during your stay in Melbourne.
Check out the Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne website.
Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
39. Shopping | Melbourne
And when in doubt, what better way for adults to spend a rainy day, then …. SHOPPING. With plenty of shops, experiences, cafés, restaurants (and even kids activities if they are coming along), you are sure to manage to enjoy a rainy day at the shops!.
Rainy day activities for home
OK, so you have read through all my rainy day ideas in Canberra and you still don’t want to venture out. Fret none, I have also got a great list of things to grab now for any future rainy days in Canberra. Just like the Scouts, you will always be prepared!
When you can’t get out and about, finding activities at home can be tricky on short notice. Because we know everyone is different, we have compiled a heap of entertaining and interesting activities, including art ideas for rainy day activities in Canberra you can do at home (or in a hotel room!).
40. How to draw cool things drawing guide
Have a budding artist in your midst? Then how about following a step by step instruction book – ‘How to draw cool things’ which will suit even those just starting out. Includes optical illusions, 3D letters, cartoons are just some of the things they can learn to draw.
41. Be a rubber band engineer
Maybe even a mechanic that loves fiddling and fixing things, this book will help create all sorts of gadgets. You will never believe what they can make with just a rubber band and the ideas between the pages.
42. Get procrastibaking
Baking is always a favourite in my house, so grab a recipe book and get them into the kitchen for a chance to be the next Masterchef!
43. Non boring board games
Why not invest in a different style of board game – definitely helpful in getting them away from those electronic devices! It even includes some team building games for teens.
Get playing with these board games.
44. Learn how to ride a hoverboard
Why not try a new skill – hoverboarding! Spend the time learning how to ride one and impress their friends!.
45. An escape room in a book
Escape rooms are definitely a favourite but if getting to one is a problem then why not try one from the comfort of your own home with this unique book. With just 60 minutes to escape from a labyrinth, you must take on the challenges and solve mysteries to finish the book.
46. Put your time to good use
This selection of books assist in areas that we could all improve upon such as increasing level of happiness and even confidence building books like ‘What’s my super power’.
Check out this selection of books on highly effective teens.
47. Master a remote controlled car
Building and driving remote control cars is an activity that can start indoors and be taken out when the sun makes an appearance. 4WD’s, mini coopers and heavy machinery vehicles are just some of the vehicles you can control or why not try with Lego!
48. Fun things to do when stuck at home
Still can’t think of anything, then this book is jam-packed with alternative ideas – you are bound to find something here.
Read up on things for kids to do here.
49. Fly a drone
Kids will love learning how to fly a drone – varying models are available from the basic to something more sophisticated so why not give this activity a go.
Sidetracked Entertainment Centre | Permanently Closed
This place is literally every activity under one roof including laser tag, go-karting, arcades, mini golf, ten pin bowling, AND food!. There is definitely something for everybody here and for all ages, so a wonderful arena of activity for the entire family.
Website: Sidetracked Entertainment Centre
Address: 370 Huntingdale Road South, South Oakleigh
Things to do in Melbourne on a rainy day
Melbourne rainy day activities are plentiful – but its easy when there is a place to start your research. Hopefully this has helped you identify something that you can all enjoy from rainy day activities kids-style to rainy day activities indoors or even rainy day activities couples-style (even outdoors activities if the weather doesn’t bother you!).
It doesn’t have to be expensive either, there are plenty of things to do when its raining to keep those kids from getting bored (and lets face it the kids rainy day activities really helps us to reconnect as a family). ENJOY!!
Looking for more things to do in Melbourne with kids?
- School holiday activities Melbourne
- Water parks in Melbourne
- Trampoline parks in Melbourne
- Strawberry picking Melbourne options
- Dog friendly beaches and swimming holes in Melbourne
- Camping ideas for Melbourne families
- Camping with dogs around Melbourne
- Things to do in Melbourne with teenagers
- How to get discount Werribee Zoo
- How to get discount Melbourne Zoo tickets
- Day trips from Melbourne with kids
- Great Ocean Road trip with kids
Kid friendly restaurants in Melbourne
- Best high tea options for kids in Melbourne
- Places where kids eat for FREE in Melbourne
- Best seafood buffets Melbourne
- Best buffets in Melbourne
- Vietnamese restaurants in Melbourne
- Best sushi in Melbourne for kids
- Gluten free restaurants in Melbourne for kids
- Australia Day restaurant options
