This year Open House Melbourne opens buildings across Melbourne on Saturday 27 July and Sunday 28 July 2024.
As always, the program includes family-friendly experiences, so everyone, no matter their age, can have an enriching experience.
As you explore together, you’ll have plenty to talk about – it’s a great way to bond and spark curiosity as a family. Who knows? This could be the beginning of a lifelong interest in design and architecture for your little ones.
To help the whole family enjoy Open House Melbourne Weekend, Market your Architecture and I have developed these tips for visiting Open House Melbourne with kids.
What is Open House Melbourne?
Every July, Open House Melbourne encourages Melburnians to explore sky-scraping towers, religious buildings, private homes and public spaces.
Open House Melbourne Weekend is a free annual event and a unique opportunity to explore the city’s stunning architecture and vibrant culture with your kids.
As you explore, you’ll uncover the story of our city’s history and how it’s evolved.
Visiting Open House Melbourne with Kids
1. Plan ahead – but be flexible
Even with litres of coffee and an unlimited Uber balance, you wouldn’t be able to see everything Open House Melbourne Weekend has to offer.
How to choose? Filter your options by precinct or type of building by using the website. You can also check out our list of the best Open House Melbourne buildings and events for families.
Once you’ve got a shortlist, create a flexible, family-friendly itinerary that can be adapted on the day, based on the interests and energy levels of your children.
2. Be realistic with your itinerary
Plan a realistic itinerary for your family. I find even with older kids/teens that half a day of architecture is enough (museum legs, anyone?).
Aim to see 2-3 buildings and give yourself plenty of time to do this – that should cover a large chunk of the day. If you are very fast and continue to have energy, shortlist another 2-3 optional venues close by.
3. Plan your transport
Consider how you’ll travel to your locations. I recommend picking an area/precinct and sticking to it rather than spending all your time travelling across town.
There are maps on each building listing and from there you will be able to plan your transport routes.
4. Make 1 event booking per day
I recommend keeping to a maximum of 1 time-sensitive booking a day to avoid rushing.
Some buildings and tours will require booking and sell out quickly. If you are desperate to visit a particular venue, often there are no-shows so you might be able to sneak in. But I think to avoid disappointment, it’s best to expect sold-out tours to be sold out.
For families, I think self-guided tours are easier to manage. Unless your children are very well-behaved and can keep up with a tour group, it is easier to see the buildings at your own pace.
5. Read The Fine Print
Beware! Not every building is open on both days, and not every building is open all day.
If you really want to see a building that’s not open for the whole day, note the opening time and turn up 20 minutes early so you’re not turned away.
In addition, apart from the buildings that are putting on activities for families, not every venue is suitable for kids or is accessible to prams.
6. Dress For the Weather
Make sure everyone wears warm clothes and comfortable shoes they can walk in.
Winter jackets, beanies, perhaps a small umbrella and sunglasses in case of bright sunshine are perfect for Melbourne’s ‘four-seasons-in-one-day’ weather.
7. Have a plan if people get lost
If you’re navigating through a crowded venue, establish meeting points with your kids in case they get lost/left behind.
If you have a ‘runner’ it might also be worthwhile writing your mobile phone number on your child’s arm.
8. Pack Lots of Snacks
Come armed with plenty of food for kids to snack on, and even some secret lollies if you need to revive them to keep going. Bring a water bottle, too.
In Melbourne CBD check out my list of top family friendly cafes and restaurants for refuelling.
9. Create a Fun Pack for Kids
One reader had this awesome idea – pack a special fun pack for the weekend!
Look around your home to find things that will help your child enjoy looking at buildings. You might find binoculars, a magnifying glass, a clipboard for ticking off places, stickers and textas for colouring.
10. Encourage Your Kids’ Opinions
Ask your kids what they think makes a building ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Should it have plants? Large windows? Should it be warm, big, small, or pretty? Come up with 3 criteria and rate each building after you’ve visited.
Kids will enjoy ticking boxes with you or applying stickers to show which was their favourite building.
11. Get Social
Follow Open House Melbourne on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for immediate updates as to where there is a #queue or #noqueue, for navigational tips, and to ask questions. You can also use the hashtags to post your own updates, share photos, and connect:
#OpenHouseMelbourne
#OHMWeekend
12. Speak to the Volunteers
Open House Melbourne relies on an army of workers donating their time for free. They keep the weekend going, welcome visitors, and answer their questions.
Encourage kids to say hello to them, ask what they like best about a particular building (if they’re not busy), and say thank you when they leave.
13. End at the Nearest Playground or Library
At the end of a busy day enjoying Melbourne’s architecture, plan to chill out at your nearest playground or library (or break up your day’s itinerary with a play stop).
For instance, if you’re in the CBD keep them happy with a trip to the ArtPlay Playground at Birrarung Marr in the City of Melbourne.
Then pat yourself on the back for taking part in the Open House Melbourne Weekend with your children. Well done you!
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