Melbourne is often cited as an ideal city for families to live in and lots are available with easy access to the central business district, like land for sale in Melbourne’s North.

Recognised by The Economist Intelligence Unit as one of the world’s most liveable cities since 2011, Melbourne boasts a diverse community, is a hotspot for top educational institutions and has a lower cost of living compared to other cities in Australia. It also has popular places for family activities near and within the central business district.

Australian Centre for Moving Images (ACMI)

Australia’s only national museum for film, video games, digital culture and art is in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square. The museum hosts various exhibitions that show museum-goers the history of film and behind-the-scenes footage of certain films, as well as workshops on how to create comics.

Collingwood Children’s Farm

Located 5 km away from the heart of the central business district, Collingwood Children’s Farm is a place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. Children can also milk the cows, feed the chicken or ride ponies. Meals are available at Collingwood’s Farm Café, where meals are made from fresh ingredients. The farm is open every day of the year except during winter solstice.

Eureka Skydeck

Eureka Tower opened as the second tallest all-residential building in the world, surpassed by Q1 Tower in Gold Coast City. The skydeck located on Floor 88 is a 38-second elevator ride. Once at the top, visitors will get a bird’s-eye view of the city. Finders and binoculars are available to help locate Melbourne’s landmarks.

Luna Park

Luna Park opened in 1912 and is one of the world’s oldest existing amusement parks. It has rides for all ages, from carousels to roller coasters. Its main attraction is the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster, a wooden roller coaster that requires a brakeman to stand in the middle of the train. Entry to the park is free, though passes must be purchased to gain access to rides.

Melbourne Museum

Situated in the Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum has exhibits where families can learn about Victoria’s natural environment, culture and history. The museum has a Children’s Gallery, where babies to five-year-olds can explore the area using hands-on and play-based learning. Children can dig for fossils, explore the discovery garden and dance at the ‘camouflage disco.’

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is a little over than 4 km away from the central business district, giving visitors a chance to see over 300 different species from around the world. Zoo visitors can see elephants, tigers, as well as koalas and kangaroos in an Australian bush setting. There are also interactive exhibits designed especially for kids that discuss animal facts and saving wildlife.

Old Melbourne Gaol

During its operations between 1842 and 1929, the Old Melbourne Gaol held and executed Australia’s most notorious prisoners, including bushranger Ned Kelly. Despite the gloomy nature of the museum, it is an ideal place for visitors to learn about Melbourne’s history. The live watch-house tour may also be scary for some children, as visitors will be locked in a cell for a few minutes.

Melbourne has several attractions to offer, such as museums, zoos and amusement parks. Families living in nearby suburbs can have fun with their loved ones without travelling far from their area.