Coming up with fun activities to do with your kids while on holiday can be difficult – unless you're in Melbourne! This city has many attractions that are family friendly and will give your kid the time of their life. Here are some of the best:
ArtPlay
If your child is anywhere between two and 12, head on over and check this place out. ArtPlay is a studio that specialises in creative arts for kids, encouraging their imaginations to run wild and giving them a number of ways to express themselves.
The activities on offer range from circus acts to creating art inspired by the indigenous culture of Australia, as well as putting on their own puppet show or performance, making sculptures or cooking up a storm.
This season sees ArtPlay introducing a number of new activities for your kids. Floating Worlds will teach the art of bubble making, while ArtPlay Backyard will provide many materials to your child so they can create whatever structures or sculptures their heart desires outdoors.
The centre is located at Birrarung Marr, next to Federation Square on the north bank of the Yarra River.
Glow Golf
Have you ever tried glow-in-the-dark mini golf? If not, now is your chance. Glow Golf uses UV lights to transform an 18-hole course into a psychedelic adventure land. The course caters to players of all ages, so you and your family can putt your way around the course.
There are different themed areas, many of which relating to Australia. There's the crocodile section, complete with a model of this ferocious creature, the Great Barrier Reef and a Kingswood ute hole, which is a favourite of many players.
Located on the first floor of the Harbour town shopping centre, the golf course is easy to find and get to. If you're driving in a Sydney car rental, you can park on Pearl River Road where there is a multi-level carpark.
Monkey Mania
Monkey Mania is sure to quickly become your child's favourite place in the world. The themed rooms, decorated to capture child favourites such as the Wiggles, pirates, mermaids, fairies, space and hot air balloons, are fun by themselves, but they're also filled with a range of activities your children can partake in.
There's also an inflatable bouncy castle, foam ball arena with a gun and cannon, a climbing frame and slides. Your toddler won't feel left out with the special toddler area that was designed especially for younger kids.
When you're feeling peckish and want a rest, the on-site cafe is perfect to chill out. The menu is kid-friendly, with classic meals including burgers and hot dogs and a whole range of hot and cold beverages.
The adventure land is on level one of 120 Studio Lane in Harbour Town, Docklands.
Strike Bowling
For a great tenpin bowling experience, head to Strive QV. There are 12 bowling lanes, with big screens keeping track of your score and projectors playing the latest music videos.
The fun doesn't end at the bowling alley. There's also a karaoke room and laser tag. Up to 30 people can play in the themed arenas, decked out with amazing props, and the latest guns. You'll roam through the space, darting and turning, with a lively soundtrack making you feel like you're in a movie.
If you feel like belting out the latest tunes from all kinds of genres, the karaoke rooms will have you covered. If you feel like making your karaoke experience extra fun, ask for a prop box to deck yourself out in a crazy costume.
You'll find this bowling alley at 245 Little Lonsdale St, right next to Melbourne Central Railway Station, in the heart of the city.