Planning a staycation with the family? We wrap up a checklist of cool things to do with the kids (and big kids too) for a memorable city vacay…

Explore China Town

Kids will love the sights, smells and sounds of Melbourne’s China Town – a famed precinct of the city known as the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western world with its origins dating back to the 1850’s. Stretching several blocks of Little Bourke Street between Swanston Street and Spring Street, there are five glorious red arches marking the route that can be part history lesson part gourmet discovery – and it’s just a few minutes walk from the hotel.

A true 24-hour precinct, Chinatown is filled with restaurants and eating houses, Chinese medicine and herbalists, bookstores, and Asian grocery stores.

The Chinese Museum is well worth a stop, displaying the longest Dragon in the world – the Millenium Dai Loong Dragon, which requires over 200 people. Smaller dragons also snake their way down Little Bourke Street at other significant times of the year.

Next tip: you can’t go past enjoying a family-friendly Yum Cha lunch! Ask our Concierge for their favourite eateries to try, pre-bookings are always a good idea.

A Wizarding Good Time

J K Rowling Fans will know that Harry Potter & The Cursed Child – the eighth story in the Harry Potter series, is currently showing at Melbourne‘s Princess Theatre. It’s the Australian home for the play, which has won numerous major theatre awards in the UK and the US on Broadway.

The magical story is famously presented in two parts and intended to be seen in order on the same day (matinee and evening) or on two consecutive evenings. Happily, the Princess Theatre is an easy stroll for little legs from the Hotel.

Next tip: Grab a freshly churned gelato as an in-between treat or post-show sweet from The City Larder, a few doors down from the theatre.

For ticket sales go here https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/au/

Laneway Wandering

Melbourne’s street art is world-renowned, and it’s a great way for the family to explore the city on foot. The artwork is as changeable as Melbourne’s weather so you’ll always see something new. Keep an eye out for Banksy’s downside alleys and hidden lanes.

For the active family, check out this self-guided walk that is approximately 3.2km and takes around two hours.

Next tip: Speak to our Concierge for the locale of some secret Rone’s located in hidden doorways that are just an easy hop, skip and jump from the hotel’s entrance on Little Collins Street.

Check out What’s on Melbourne for what you can expect to discover.

Let it Go! Let it Go!

Another Broadway Hit gracing Melbourne’s theatres is ‘Disney Frozen the Musical’

“A blast of spectacle, storytelling and theatrical magic” (says the Sydney Morning Herald), theatre goers of all ages have been dazzled by this Australian production. Fans of the movie will delight in the songs from the film along with many new songs written just for the show.

Next tip: You might wish to follow the trail of other theatre-goers attending in costume – it’s just a short walk from the hotel to His Majesty’s if you’re keen to stroll in fancy dress.

Watch a preview of the magical show below

For ticket sales go here – https://frozenthemusical.com.au/

Take a Botanical Break

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a delightful spot for families of all ages to enjoy Melbourne at a more leisurely pace.

Pack a picnic and enjoy the sunshine, while the kids stretch their legs in the vast Gardens. Make for the Award Winning Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, a free, sensory garden for kids of all ages and abilities, and includes various garden types, water play, tree tower and other structures and pathways in a dedicated, fully fenced area. The children can get their hands dirty in the kitchen garden that features interesting, unusual and common fruits, vegetables and herbs or frolic in plant tunnels where little ones are encouraged to run, hide and play.

Next tip: on hot days, take bathers and a towel for the kids as the water automatically spouts from the ground fountain when the weather hits 25 degrees.

Learn more about the Botanical Gardens via: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au

Future Van Gough

There is always something happening for kids at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) from the annual Triennial, permanent collections to special visiting exhibitions that ensure younger art lovers are catered for with special self-guided tours. There’s also a regular program of interactive and immersive classes and creative learning opportunities for budding art enthusiasts from pre-school to teens.

Next tip: kids of all ages love the famous ‘water window’ at the main entrance.

Discover more here: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au