Spark curiosity and amazement with Tiny Tours, a fun and fascinating Melbourne Museum kids program held every Friday morning.
Created for children aged 3 to 5, these captivating 45-minute tours invite young explorers to marvel at the wonders of the museum’s most intriguing objects. The adults too, may even learn a thing or two and thoroughly enjoy this intriguing guided walk.
Discover Melbourne Museum for Kids
For kids, Melbourne Museum is a world of wonder, and Tiny Tours are a great way to encourage and inspire young minds to explore and dig deeper.
Led by a friendly expert guide, children are invited to uncover the stories behind the exhibits in areas like 600 Million Years, Dinosaur Walk, and Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs.
On the Tiny Tour, an activity pack is given to each child, and at various stages throughout the tour, kids are encouraged to pick out a clue related to each artefact being discussed.
Little E is engaged for the majority of the tour, which lasts around 45 minutes. Our tour guide, Rhiannon, does a great job of coordinating the group, speaks clearly, and asks lots of child-friendly questions.
We discover the significance of little things in a world of giants, igniting curiosity and wonder in not just the young minds, but the grown-ups too!
With plenty of opportunities to get up close to fascinating artefacts, including dinosaur eggs and fossils, Little E moves excitedly between exhibits. It’s great to see her thoughts wandering and then see her speaking up with ideas to contribute to the group discussion.
Tiny Tour tickets give you access to Melbourne Museum including the interactive Children’s Gallery, providing a memorable and educational experience for budding scientists.
Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery at Melbourne Museum
Boasting a vast indoor and outdoor play area, the Children’s Gallery caters to children aged 0-5 years with over 2000 square metres of interactive fun.
Let your kids climb through a child-sized tunnel, engage in butterfly design activities, or explore the outdoor space with dinosaur footprints and sculptures telling indigenous stories.
With amenities like change facilities, a small café, and pram parking, families can enjoy a stress-free visit.
HOT Tips for Melbourne Museum Kids
- Tiny Tours run every Friday at 10 am and 11.30 am;
- Tours commence from the ground level foyer near the big whale;
- Ticket cost:
- Adult $15
- Child $22
- Member Adult/Concession free
- Member Child $18
- Remember your Tiny Tour tickets include access to Melbourne Museum and the Children’s Gallery;
- Full marks to the museum for having such great baby-changing and baby-feeding facilities;
- Great healthy snacks and warm meals available at the Museum Café;
- Car parking is available onsite starting from $13 for 0-1 hour;
- To get there via public transport – tram routes 86 and 96 to Stop 11 Melbourne Museum, the Free City Circle Tram to Victoria Parade, and the city loop train to Parliament Station. Bus routes 250, 251, and 402 also provide access to the museum.
FAQs for Visiting Melbourne Museum with Kids
Is there assistance for accessibility needs?
The Tiny Tours program at Museums Victoria offers accessibility support for visitors with specific needs. The museum can assist with any access requirements, ensuring all guests can participate in the program.
Is Melbourne Museum suitable for young children?
Yes, Melbourne Museum is very family-friendly and has numerous exhibits and interactive displays specifically designed for young children. The museum also has several baby-changing facilities located throughout the building, including in the Children’s Gallery and near the main entrance.
Are there any dedicated areas for children at the museum?
Yes, the Children’s Gallery is tailored for children under five. It features a range of interactive exhibits, play spaces, and activities that encourage exploration and learning through play.
Are strollers allowed inside Melbourne Museum?
Yes, strollers are allowed in the museum. There are ramps and elevators for easy access throughout the exhibits. Stroller parking areas are also available near certain exhibits, like the Children’s Gallery.
Is there a place to store bags and coats?
Yes, the museum provides lockers and cloakroom facilities where you can store bags, coats, and other items. These are located near the main entrance.
Are there family-friendly dining options within the museum?
Yes, the museum has a café that offers a variety of family-friendly meals and snacks. There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy food you bring from home.
Is breastfeeding allowed in Melbourne Museum?
Yes, breastfeeding is welcomed throughout the museum. There are also dedicated parents’ rooms equipped with comfortable seating, changing tables, and facilities for feeding.
Are the exhibits interactive and engaging for young children?
Absolutely. Many exhibits are designed to be hands-on and interactive, making them engaging for young children. The Children’s Gallery, in particular, features sensory play, discovery areas, and interactive installations.
What are the museum’s operating hours and peak times?
The museum is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. To avoid crowds, visiting during weekday mornings is recommended, as weekends and school holidays can be quite busy.
Are there discounts or free entry options for children?
Children under 16 generally receive free entry to the Melbourne Museum. Check the museum’s website for any special promotions or discounts for families.