Image Source: Expedia
There’s always family-friendly fun to be had at Melbourne's picturesque Docklands precinct. From immersive art, to gliding on ice, and snacking on plenty of tasty treats, keep the kids entertained with these fun-filled activities when staying in Docklands.
Wander rooms of illusion at ArtVo
Lose yourself in a world of illusion at this one-of-a-kind art gallery. ArtVo is Australia’s first immersive art home to a collection of over 80 hand-painted artworks. Step into a world of optical illusions and larger than life murals that allow people of all ages to come face to face with wild animals, scale rocky crevasses and surf the ultimate pipelines. Not only can you touch the art but be the art by simply striking a pose in front of the camera.
Images source: TripAdvisor
Visit the waterside market
Every second Sunday, The District Docklands hosts a Makers Market full of live entertainment and creative, colourful market stalls showcasing art, craft, jewellery, fashion, homewares, gifts, and delicious homemade and homegrown produce.
Grab a morning coffee from Storehouse Docklands before perusing the open-air laneways and its stalls for sweet treats and locally made gifts.
Learn to ice skate
Whether your family are ice skating experts or beginners, get the crew together for some fun on the ice at O’Brien Icehouse. Kids can learn through lessons, or if the skills are there, simply go gliding during the public skating sessions. There’s also plenty of ice hockey matches, speed skating and curling to watch from the sidelines. Speaking of sidelines, if ice skating isn’t for you, warm up with a drink at the onsite St Moritz Bar or grab a toasty at the igloo café.
Images source: Mamma Knows Melbourne
Get amongst the action at an AFL game
Is your family footy mad? Given the city’s infatuation with the sport it would be almost rude not to attend a game while you’re staying in Docklands. Especially given Marvel Stadium is based in the precinct, hosting some of the biggest AFL games of the year. Be prepared for vocal fans, a buzzing atmosphere and fast paced action on the field.
Play inside a neon-lit arcade wonderland
Boasting six bowling lanes, 67 arcade and ticketed games, dodgem cars and an XD theatre, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is a carnival circus-themed urban hangout the kids will love. And for the adults, there’s even a cocktail bar serving fruity twists with a tower of sugary sweet fairy floss on top. The bar itself is a sensory overload with draped red-velvet curtains, popcorn machines on red-and-white striped carts and a kissing booth for those on date night.
Images source: TOT Hot or Not
Try sweet treats from Mill & Bakery
It’s not quite a family getaway without some sort of tasty treats. Located on the Docklands waterfront, Mill & Bakery is a vintage-styled patisserie, bakehouse and kitchen serving an ever-evolving menu of sweet and savoury pastries, scones, artisan breads, and cakes.
Your family retreat
Ideally located, comfortably furnished and staffed with friendly faces, Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands (with double double rooms) is the perfect stay for your family. With an outdoor heated pool, spacious rooms, an onsite restaurant and everything you need to keep the kids entertained at your door, the perfect overnight stay awaits at Vibe Docklands.
