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It’s a rainy day in Melbourne and you’ve got nothing to do – what now? You could stay at home find something to do there… or go stir crazy from boredom! Or go out and have some fun. If it is raining outside then there are plenty of indoor activities in Melbourne that you can enjoy.
Stay dry with these fun activities inside for Melbourne rainy days!
Find even more things to do in Melbourne in our family guide
Rainy Day Activities In Melbourne
If you are visiting Melbourne for a short time or if you are a Melbourne local, having a few rainy day activities for entertaining the family are essential.
The best thing is that you can find so much to do indoors around the city and beyond, from indoor sports and entertainment to learning new skills and discovering more about the Aussie culture!
Melbourne is one of the most kid-friendly cities in Australia and you’ll have no shortage of finding fun things to do with kids in Melbourne.
But first, let’s look at the typical weather in Melbourne.
How Often Does It Rain In Melbourne?
It rains an average of 91 days per year on average in Melbourne. That’s a lot of wet weather days! And of course, most Aussies know all about the four seasons in a day and unpredictable weather that Victoria likes to offer up.
According to the weather cycle averages, September is typically the wettest month of the year in Melbourne, with the most rainfall and February gets the least rain.
The rain is a beautiful thing and these activities will make sure you don’t get bored on one of those rainy days!
Fun Indoor Activities In Melbourne For A Rainy Day
There are plenty of indoor activities that Melbourne has to offer – from museums (where the kids can take in a little culture) to indoor go-kart racing and even swimming.
These Melbourne indoor activities have something for all ages, with fun family adventures to simple solutions to keeping the kids entertained and giving mum and dad a break for a while!
Stay dry with these fun activities inside for Melbourne rainy days!
National Gallery Of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. Spanning over two buildings, NGV International and NGV Australia are each spectacularly designed by architects who were true visionaries at their time.
The galleries hold many international exhibitions including major blockbusters that will surely drum up interest from both tourists to locals alike, all while providing refuge from the rain!
Families can enjoy interactive exhibitions and free activities designed especially for children.
Location: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne.
ArtVo Melbourne
ArtVo Melbourne is a contemporary art gallery – Australia’s first 3D trick-art gallery. This is perfect for some family fun because you will head home with some of the most epic photos. The interactive gallery has over 11 themed zones to explore and pose with.
These will be family portraits with a difference! Don’t forget your camera or phone!
Location: 26 Star Cres, Level 1, The District, Docklands.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Walk the road to the gallows in a 19th-century prison, be arrested in a modern-day Police Station or go to trial in court.
Home to Melbourne’s oldest prison, historic Magistrates’ Court and former Police City Watch House, Russell Street has been at the hub of law and order since the 1840s when it was first established. You will even learn about the notorious Ned Kelly!
We did this tour before we had kids and being locked in the cell for a minute was the most absolute darkness I’ve ever experienced! But what a fun day out.
They have plenty of family-friendly tours at Melbourne Gaol, including an Escape The Gaol scavenger hunt experience for ages 6 and up. Or if you’re feeling really brave, you can book in for the night tours. Ghosts anyone?
There are plenty of interactive exhibits to keep families occupied and entertained, including a guided tour through the cells! Some parts of your tour will take you outdoors, but you will mostly stay dry.
Location: 377 Russell St, between Victoria & La Trobe St, Melbourne.
Queen Victoria Market
A family-friendly activity in Melbourne is to explore Queen Victoria Market, which actually has a whole lot more than vegetables and fruit!
There is a huge array of international food, clothes, accessories, toys, handmade wares, and so much more, as well as plenty of souvenirs – and it’s mostly all indoors!
The markets are open 5 days a week typically, with a seasonal night market on Wednesday nights. Check out their website for opening hours.
Be sure to take the Ultimate Foodie Tour, a two-hour guided walking tour where you’ll indulge in some of the best food that the markets have to offer.
TIP: You might also like to check out the South Melbourne Markets if you want to shop a little more!
Location: Queen Victoria Market is bounded by Peel, Franklin, Victoria & Elizabeth Streets, near the Melbourne CBD.
State Library Victoria
Melbourne is home to the fourth most popular library in the world and one of Australia’s busiest, State Library Victoria. Dating back to 1856, this historic Melbourne icon offers incredible architecture with free exhibitions and events.
The La Trobe Reading Room – one of the city’s most magnificent spaces- should not be missed.
They have regular events and activities organised for kids. Check out what is happening on their events calendar.
Location: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne.
Melbourne Museum
Perfect for the whole family, Melbourne Museum showcases Australian social history, Aboriginal culture, science and the environment.
Inside you can walk through a living forest; surround yourself with life-size dinosaurs and animals from around the world; or enter a world of dreams emotions and thoughts in the Mind and Body Gallery.
The Children’s Galleries is designed for kids from toddlers to school age, with hands-on exploration and discovery. There are plenty of indoor things to explore here.
Location: 11 Nicholson Place, Carlton.
IMAX Cinema
You will also find the IMAX cinema in the Museum precinct where you can watch new release Hollywood blockbusters or 3D documentaries on the mammoth 32-metre-wide IMAX screen.
What better indoor activity than watching the latest movies on a huge screen!
Location: Melbourne Museum Precinct, Rathdowne St, Carlton.
Head To The Theatre
Check out what performances are currently happening at Melbourne’s many theatres and enjoy a few hours of entertainment indoors.
Melbourne is a popular choice for international stage productions and Broadway musicals, often premiering in Melbourne first before making their way to Sydney and sometimes other capital cities. Find what’s currently on in Melbourne.
Scienceworks Melbourne
If you’re looking for more of a hands-on educational experience, head to Scienceworks in Melbourne and explore the interactive exhibitions.
This is an excellent rainy day activity in Melbourne with plenty of fun on offer – get ready to learn and play!
There are always new exhibits to keep it exciting each time you visit and you will have just as much fun as the kids learning about the human body, the world and cool science facts.
Location: 30 Doncaster Rd, Spotswood.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
When the weather doesn’t allow for a walk along Melbourne’s waterfront, head to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and immerse yourselves in unique marine life.
Here you will discover a range of interactive exhibits, touch pools and many more aquarium-themed delights. Kids will love the aquarium and there’s a good chance you will too!
Location: Melbourne Aquarium, King St, Melbourne.
O’Brien Icehouse Ice Skating
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous on your Melbourne rainy day, take the family skating at O’Brien Icehouse.
This awesome indoor ice-skating rink is fun and exciting – but not too challenging! It’s great to get out there with the kids and get some exercise while having lots of wintery fun any time of the year.
Check out pricing and skate times on their website.
Location: 105 Pearl River Road Docklands, Melbourne,
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne
If you’re looking for Melbourne indoor activities that are not only fun but educational, head to Legoland Discovery Centre.
Inside you will find exciting rides, a 4D cinema, games and themed play areas. Kids can free build with LEGO or take a creative workshop to learn some new skills.
And don’t worry if you’re a grown-up as there’s plenty of fun for you too! They even have adult LEGO nights!
Location: Level 2, Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone.
More Things To Do Indoors In Melbourne
If you are still looking for more rainy day activities for Melbourne, here are plenty more ideas for entertaining the whole family indoors:
- Keep the younger kids entertained at an indoor play centre & cafe
- Challenge yourself at indoor rock climbing
- Take a dip and enjoy the waterslides at an indoor swimming pool
- Go Ten Pin Bowling
- Play indoor sports like badminton, squash or table tennis
- Head to the game arcade
- Catch the latest film at the cinemas
- Test your problem-solving skills in an Escape Room challenge
- Head to one of Melbourne’s huge shopping centre complexes for some retail therapy
- An inflatable playground on weekends and school holidays at Pumped Up Inflatables
- Go speeding around the track at indoor go-karting
- Practice your swing at Big Swing Golf Melbourne indoor golf simulator
- Put on your skates and head to RampFest Indoor Skate Park
- Get bouncing at a Melbourne trampoline park
- Get the adrenaline pumping at iFly indoor skydiving
- Practice your putting skills at mini golf
There’s no need to be stuck inside all day with kids on a rainy Melbourne day. Use these indoor activities in Melbourne are perfect for rainy days! The best part is that they are easy, affordable and so much fun! From free indoor activities Melbourne to unique family-friendly experiences to keep you dry and entertained for hours, or a full day!
Know of any other cool indoor activities we’ve missed? Let us know!
Where else should I go on my trip to Victoria?
- Best things to do in Melbourne with kids
- Fun things to do in Portland
- Wet weather activities in Melbourne
- Great Ocean Road 4 Day Itinerary
- Fun things to do in Port Campbell with kids
- 2-day Yarra Valley itinerary
- Best beaches in Victoria
- Things to do in St Kilda
- Things to do in Apollo Bay
- Things to do in Lorne
- Best things to do in the Yarra Valley with kids
Need more rainy day ideas for other cities? Check these guides out:
