7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Melbourne

1. Sunday December 24: Royal Botanic Gardens
   10 minutes (2.5 km) from Melbourne CBD

   Start your morning at the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Shrine of Remembrance for a historical experience. In the evening, head to Federation Square to enjoy live music performances.

   • Shrine of Remembrance: Free, 2 hours
   • Federation Square: Free, varies
2. Monday December 25: Melbourne Zoo
   15 minutes (6.5 km) from Royal Botanic Gardens

   Spend your Christmas at Melbourne Zoo, where you can encounter a wide range of fascinating animals. In the morning, enjoy interactive exhibits and animal shows. In the afternoon, visit the Melbourne Museum for a fun and educational experience. End the day with a relaxing stroll along St Kilda Beach.

   • Melbourne Zoo: $35 (adult), $17.50 (child), 4 hours
   • Melbourne Museum: $15 (adult), $8 (child), 2 hours
3. Tuesday December 26: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
   10 minutes (2.2 km) from Melbourne Zoo

   Explore the wonders of the underwater world at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Spend the morning getting up close with sharks, penguins, and vibrant marine life. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Yarra River and enjoy the scenic views. In the evening, visit the Eureka Skydeck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

   • SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: $42 (adult), $28 (child), 3 hours
   • Eureka Skydeck: $25 (adult), $16 (child), 1 hour
4. Wednesday December 27: Scienceworks
   20 minutes (12 km) from SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

   Embark on a day of discovery and hands-on learning at Scienceworks. Spend the morning exploring the interactive exhibits and engaging in science experiments. In the afternoon, visit the National Sports Museum and delve into the history of Australian sports. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Queen Victoria Market for delicious food and unique shopping experiences.

   • Scienceworks: $15 (adult), $0 (child), 4 hours
   • National Sports Museum: $25 (adult), $15 (child), 2 hours
   • Queen Victoria Market: Free, varies
5. Thursday December 28: Melbourne Museum and IMAX
   15 minutes (5.8 km) from Scienceworks

   Start your day at the Melbourne Museum and dive into the world of natural history and cultural artifacts. In the morning, explore the exhibitions and catch a fascinating IMAX documentary. In the afternoon, visit the State Library of Victoria for a glimpse into Australia's literary heritage. End the day with a relaxing picnic at Fitzroy Gardens.

   • Melbourne Museum: $15 (adult), $8 (child), 3 hours
   • IMAX Melbourne: $20 (adult), $15 (child), 2 hours
   • State Library of Victoria: Free, varies
6. Friday December 29: Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
   15 minutes (6.5 km) from Melbourne Museum

   Experience Melbourne from new heights at the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. Start your day with a breathtaking ride and admire the city views. In the morning, visit the Immigration Museum to learn about Australia's immigration history. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant street art scene in Hosier Lane. Wrap up the day with a delightful dinner at the Southbank Promenade.

   • Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: $36 (adult), $22 (child), 1 hour
   • Immigration Museum: $15 (adult), $0 (child), 2 hours
   • Hosier Lane: Free, varies
7. Saturday December 30: Luna Park Melbourne
   20 minutes (8.3 km) from Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

   Spend a thrilling day at Luna Park Melbourne, an iconic amusement park. Enjoy exciting rides and games in the morning. In the afternoon, take a scenic cruise along the Yarra River. End your day with a delicious dinner at one of Melbourne's renowned family-friendly restaurants.

   • Luna Park Melbourne: Entry fee + ride tokens, 6 hours
   • Yarra River Cruise: $30 (adult), $15 (child), 1 hour

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to get the most for my money and have a lot of fun?

While this itinerary covers many popular family-friendly attractions, here are a few additional recommendations:

• Visit Melbourne Museum's IMAX theater for a larger-than-life movie experience.
• Explore the interactive exhibits at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for sports enthusiasts.
• Take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road to witness stunning coastal landscapes and the iconic Twelve Apostles.
• Consider purchasing a Melbourne Unlimited Attractions Pass for discounted access to multiple attractions.

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