22 Fun Things to Do in St Kilda With Kids (2024)

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If you’re looking for things to do in St Kilda with kids, look no further! Read our comprehensive guide to the best attractions and activities in this vibrant Melbourne suburb. From its beautiful beaches and parks to its trendy restaurants and bars, St Kilda has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff or foodie, we’ve got you covered. This St Kilda guide for families includes plenty of free things to do in St Kilda too!

St Kilda is a seaside suburb located 7km south of the city of Melbourne. It’s a popular destination for its beaches, cafes and restaurants, as well as the iconic St Kilda Pier.

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Best Things To Do In St Kilda Victoria

You can easily fill a full day in St Kilda (or longer if you have the time), as there are plenty of fun things to do and sights to see.

In fact, there’s something for everyone in St Kilda, whether you want to relax on the beach, eat your way around the French bakeries or explore the nightlife.

Here is a list of things to do in St Kilda Melbourne:

1. Stroll Along St Kilda Pier

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along St Kilda Pier and breakwater, and take in views of the city skyline in the distance. St Kilda Pier is a hub of activity every day of the week, with fishermen, ferries and sightseeing tours all departing from the pier.

You can enjoy a snack or a drink from the restored historic kiosk on the pier.

But even if you don’t have plans to do anything other than enjoy the spectacular views, it is well worth taking a walk along the pier for a great view of St Kilda in the background and of Port Phillip and Melbourne city.

These views are even more spectacular by night!

If you get lucky, you might even see little penguins from the breakwater!

Note: As of 2023, the St Kilda Pier is getting a mammoth makeover and will have a whole new look by the end of the year, making it even more appealing for visitors. The newly developed pier will have better viewing opportunities of Melbourne and of the little penguins, tiered seating, new toilets and be disability suitable.

2. See the St Kilda Little Penguins

While the pier redevelopment is in progress the little penguin colony nightly viewings are currently on hold, however, this experience is definitely one you will want to have once the new viewing platform is in place.

The breakwater is the perfect spot for this colony of little penguins (also known as ‘fairy penguins’) to call home, where they can breed in a protected and isolated area.

Just before dusk, they come climbing over the rocks from the promenade and onto the St Kilda breakwater. Just too cute!

3. Visit St Kilda Beach

No trip to St Kilda would be complete without visiting the famous St Kilda beach! This is one of Melbourne’s most popular beaches since it’s pretty much one of the closest beaches to Melbourne!

While it may not be as spectacular as the coastline along the Great Ocean Road, it’s still a great spot to enjoy the ocean. The sandy beach stretches between St Kilda Harbour and St Kilda Marina.

During hot summer days, the beach and St Kilda foreshore area are a hive of activity with people coming to swim, sunbathe, play in the sand and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather.

There is even a beach bar if you want to enjoy a drink and a meal right on the sand!

4. Luna Park Amusement Park

If you are visiting St Kilda with kids, no doubt they will have their hearts set on visiting one particular place – the iconic Luna Park Amusement Park!

Luna Park Melbourne first opened back in 1912 and is still as popular today as it was back then.

The historic theme park was modelled on the original Luna Park on Coney Island in New York and is definitely a Melbourne icon!

Aside from the Instagram-worthy entrance gate – walking through the mouth of Mr Moon, it’s the Great Scenic Railway that stands out the most.

This wooden rollercoaster was the first main attraction back when Luna Park opened and it still operates today, after having been restored in 1999.

My dad remembers riding it back when he was a teenager on football camp from our hometown of Portland Victoria, back in the early 1960s.

Aside from the rollercoaster, there are loads of other rides and sideshow attractions inside. You can get a single-ride pass or an unlimited ride package with your entry. They also have annual passes with unlimited rides if you are a Melbourne local!

Australia’s oldest theme park also has the largest carousel in the Southern Hemisphere!

Whether you are young or just young at heart, the Luna Park amusement park is an absolute must-visit in St Kilda.

Details: Luna park is open Saturday to Monday each week, from 11 am and on Friday nights from 6 pm. Park opening hours increase during school holidays so check their website for current times.

5. See A Show At The Palais Theatre

The other iconic structure in St Kilda is the Palais Theatre. This art-deco building is hard to miss when you are driving along the Esplanade, and it has been an entertainment hotspot since 1914!

Although the structure you see now isn’t the original building. This current building was constructed back in 1927 with massive renovations taking place in recent years to ensure it remains a prominent part of the live entertainment scene in Melbourne.

The Palais Theatre has seen a long list of artists grace its stage, including some famous names such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran and John Farnham. It has also held ballet and classical musical performances.

If you happen to be visiting at the right time, a chance to enjoy a live show or concert at the historic theatre is a memorable experience.

Check the Palais Theatre website for upcoming performances and ticket information.

6. St Kilda Botanical Gardens

If being amongst nature is your scene, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens are worth a visit. This tranquil spot is one of the oldest public gardens in Victoria, having opened formally back in 1859.

The gardens are a great place to take a walk, enjoy a picnic or really just relax in nature.

There are quite a few fun things to do with the kids when visiting, including a giant cheeseboard, a solar-powered ornamental pond, sculptures and fountains to discover and a children’s play area.

The St Kilda Botanical Gardens are open between sunrise and sunset 7 days a week. The conservatory is open between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm all weekdays or dawn to dusk Saturday to Sunday and during public holidays.

7. Browse St Kilda Esplanade Market

The St Kilda Esplanade Market is a popular place to shop for local handmade creations, original artwork and jewellery.

These markets operate every Sunday morning along the beachside and were first established back in the 1970s. The vendors here offer a range of unique items from original paintings to jewellery, fashion, homewares, arts and crafts to food and drink.

You can also grab a bite to eat from one of the many food vans, making this a perfect place to come for Sunday brunch or lunch too!

The Sunday market is a great spot for people-watching and soaking up the St Kilda vibe!

The markets operate every Sunday from 10 am until 4 pm weekly.

There is also plenty of places to indulge your sweet tooth! We were surprised by how many cake shops there were. It felt like we had stepped into Europe with all the patisseries and bakeries that line Acland Street.

10. Indulge At Monarch Cakes

Speaking of indulging, one of the most famous cake shops in Melbourne happens to be here in St Kilda – Monarch Cakes.

The famous cake shop was first established by Jewish migrants back in the 1930s and has become well-known for its delicious European and Polish desserts.

This of course makes Simon happy being from a Polish family!

They are especially popular for their Polish baked cheesecake and chocolate kugelhopf. Kugelhopf is a sweet raisin yeast bread often served for breakfast or brunch in many European countries.

My mother-in-law always makes kugelhopf as part of our Easter breakfast meal every year. Yum!

11. Swim At St Kilda Sea Baths

If you’re not so keen to swim in the ocean, St Kilda Sea Baths is a great alternative! Located on Jacka Boulevard, this public bathhouse was first established way back in 1860!

These days you will find a modern swimming pool for lapping or a casual splash in the water. The sea water pool is heated too, with seawater straight from the ocean!

There is also a hydrotherapy spa pool, an aromatherapy steam room and a lounge area with spectacular views of the bay. Take an aqua aerobics class or there is also a gym if you are in the mood for a workout.

The complex also houses several restaurants and cafes with a perfect beachfront location!

Details: St Kilda Sea Baths is located at 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda. Check the website for opening times.

St Kilda Sea Baths are located at 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda. Check the website for opening times.

12. Learn The History At The Jewish Museum Of Australia

If you have an interest in history and culture, St Kilda is also home to the Jewish Museum of Australia.

First established back in 1977, the museum is home to a huge collection of Jewish artifacts and artwork, where you can learn about rituals, religion and culture and Jewish history in Australia.

This is a great option for rainy-day activities in St Kilda too.

The Jewish Museum of Australia is open between 10 am and 5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Admission is free with the exception of special exhibits and events.

The Jewish Museum of Australia is open between 10 am and 5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Admission is free with the exception of special exhibits and events.

13. Picnic At Catani Gardens

Just behind St Kilda beach, you will find the heritage-listed Catani Gardens and their towering lines of palm trees.

Catani Gardens is the perfect place to come for a picnic or to relax after a morning of activities.

The gardens were named after the Italian-born civil engineer who designed them – Carlo Catani.

Here you will find loads of grassy lawns to lay your picnic blanket or play frisbee, picnic tables, BBQs, playgrounds and walking tracks. This is a great place to visit in St Kilda with kids!

14. Fish Off St Kilda Pier

If you want to go fishing in St Kilda, the pier is the perfect spot to do this! Bring your fishing gear and try your luck.

Or you can also catch a fishing charter from St Kilda Marina if you happen to be visiting and don’t have your own gear. This is a fun way to get out on the water and enjoy a BBQ lunch on the boat. They provide all the essential gear and some helpful instructions too if you’re a fishing newbie!

15. Bike Ride Along The Beach Front

What better way to enjoy the seaside than taking a bike ride? There is a bike track that runs all the way along the beachfront from St Kilda to Brighton, so you can go see the famous Brighton beach huts!

There are bayside bike tours operating but you can just take your own bike and head out on a family ride together.

Don’t have a bike? You can hire electric cruising bikes from Melbourne Electric Bicycles or use one of the red public share bikes that are scattered around the city.

16. Play Barefoot Bowls

Lawn bowls aren’t just for retirees! Get a group of friends together and play some barefoot lawn bowls at St Kilda. This is a fun way to pass an afternoon and often you can get cheap drinks at lawn bowl clubs too!

The St Kilda Sports Club is located right near the tram stop too, making it easy to head back to Melbourne’s CBD or elsewhere in the city after you’ve had a few games and drinks.

They even have BBQ hire options so you can make your own meal while you battle it out on the green.

St Kilda Sports Club is located at 66 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda and is open every day except Monday until late.

17. Visit Albert Park

Located in the suburb of Albert Park, but within walking distance of St Kilda, is Albert Park. Here you can enjoy the 4.7km walking track around Albert Park Lake or simply explore the parklands.

There are plenty of things to do in the park – bike riding, picnics, fishing from the lake, or simply enjoying the fresh air. The park is also home to a lot of sporting facilities and clubhouses.

18. Have A Seafood Feast At Claypots

You can’t come to the seaside and not have some seafood! Claypots Seafood Bar is one of the best restaurants in St Kilda and is highly recommended by locals!

You can even pick your own fish from their display and see it cooked in their open-air kitchen.

Claypots Seafood Bar is located at 213-215 Barkly Street, St Kilda. They also have restaurants in Melbourne and South Melbourne. They are open 7 days a week.

19. Catch The Ferry

Jump on the St Kilda ferry, located on the pier and head somewhere new! The ferry loops between St Kilda, Port Melbourne and Williamstown so you can explore either of those stops or fit them both into a day.

The ferry is always a fun way to see new sights and kids love having a boat ride!

You might need to check the prices of the ferry at the time. This is current as of summer 2023.

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What To Do In St Kilda In Summer

If you are visiting St Kilda in summer, there are quite a few seasonal attractions and events that happen each year and run over the summer months and into March, when the weather is at its warmest!

20. Dance At St Kilda Music Festival

One of the biggest free events in St Kilda each year is the annual St Kilda Music festival. Held every February, this festival transforms the area with multiple stages where you can see some of the top local and national Australian music talents.

This happens to be the biggest free music event in Australia so it’s one you won’t want to miss if you’re in St Kilda or Melbourne in February!

The 2-day live music event also has lots of foodie experiences with food trucks and stalls set up for the festival too.

Find out when the next St Kilda Music Festival is and the lineup of local artists on their website.

21. Watch A Film At The Sunset Cinema

If you’re wondering what to do in St Kilda during the warm months, The Sunset Cinema returns to St Kilda Botanical Gardens where you can enjoy an outdoor cinema experience once the sun goes down.

Bring your picnic blanket and dinner or grab popcorn and a choc top from the cinema snack bar. They also have a licensed bar.

As this is a seasonal event, check the website to see if The Sunset Cinema is running when you plan to visit.

22. KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel & Mini Golf (Seasonal Attraction)

If you are visiting during the warmer months of December until April, you might be lucky enough to spot the St Kilda Ferris Wheel. This is a seasonal attraction hosted by KIIS FM radio station but it’s a fun one if you do want to get a different perspective of the area.

There is also an Australian-themed mini golf course at the base of the Ferris wheel if you want some putt-putt fun!

We didn’t get the chance to play golf but we did take a scenic ride on the Ferris Wheel during our most recent summer visit to St Kilda.

The wheel goes around maybe 5 times, so you get around 10 to 15 minutes of ride time, giving some great views over Port Phillip Bay and the St Kilda area.

The Ferris Wheel is in St Kilda between December and April. To make sure it is there when you plan to visit, check the Skyline Attractions website.

Things To Do In St Kilda With Kids

If you are visiting St Kilda with kids, there are plenty of fun things to do with kids in St Kilda and the surrounding areas. In fact, it’s one of the best Melbourne day trips with kids!

There are several playgrounds that the younger kids will love, including the St Kilda Adventure Playground behind Eildon Mansion. Here you will find a pirate ship and lots of fun climbing frames and play equipment for the kids to enjoy.

There is also a skate park in the Marina Reserve. Otherwise, kids will of course love visiting the famous Luna Park and the beach (weather permitting).

FAQS – Planning Your St Kilda Visit

Where Is St Kilda?

St Kilda is a beachside suburb located approximately 7km south of the Melbourne CBD in Victoria. St Kilda stretches between Albert Park and Elwood.

When Is The Best Time To Visit St Kilda?

The best time to visit St Kilda is in the summer months (December to February) and the months on either side. This is when you can make the most of outdoor activities and the beach scene.

The worst time to visit St Kilda is during the winter months of June, July & August when it is cold, but in saying that, there’s never really a bad time to visit!

How Do You Get To St Kilda?

The easiest way to get to St Kilda is by tram from the Melbourne CBD, but if you aren’t staying in the CBD you can easily reach St Kilda by car. There are plenty of parking spaces. Alternatively, there are also buses that run between Melbourne and St Kilda regularly.

Getting Around St Kilda

The best way to get around St Kilda is by public transport. There are frequent trams and buses that travel directly to St Kilda from Melbourne. You can also rent a bike for the day to explore further!

However, if you like the convenience of having your own transport, you can hire a car from Melbourne Airport or Melbourne city to get around.

There is plenty of public parking near Luna Park. Just make sure you try to avoid driving to or from Melbourne during the peak hour traffic because it will take a long time!

How Many Days Do You Need In St Kilda?

You can easily see many of the main attractions in St Kilda during a day trip from Melbourne, however, there are enough activities to fill a few days too. Especially during the summer months when you can make the most of the beach and foreshore area.

Best Places To Eat In St Kilda

You will have no trouble finding somewhere to dine in St Kilda with a huge variety of restaurants, cafes and takeaway stores.

Some of the most popular restaurants include Claypots Seafood Bar, Cicciolina, Donovans, Rococo Acland Street and of course, Monarch Cakes for dessert.

We tried Abbey Road while we were in St Kilda. The food was okay but it was slow service. Hopefully, this isn’t typical. But it was cool to see all the music memorabilia and hear Beatles songs while we dined.

Things to do in St Kilda at night

The many St Kilda restaurants and bars make it a great place to spend a night out.

There are plenty of things to do in St Kilda at night, including dining al fresco or grabbing a drink in one of the many trendy bars or taking a stroll along the beachfront to see the panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline.

Free things to do in St Kilda

The best free things to do in St Kilda include the beach, the Sunday market and visiting the many parks.

There are also plenty of things to see along Acland Street, Fitzroy Street and even the St Kilda Marina, from street art to playgrounds and public gardens.

Of course, there is the annual St Kilda Festival with live music too, each February.

Things to do in St Kilda in winter

Even though St Kilda is popular during the summer months, there are still things to do in winter. You can take a walk along the pier or explore one of St Kilda’s many art galleries. You could also visit Luna Park for some fun rides and games.

St Kilda is a great place to visit all year round, with plenty of things for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for things to do in St Kilda during the summer months or taking a day trip from Melbourne, you won’t have any trouble finding something to do!

Are there other St Kilda activities you think should be on this list? Let us know!