3 Fun Family Activities in Melbourne This Weekend (May 4-5, 2025)

Looking for ways to keep the whole family entertained in Melbourne this weekend? You’re in luck! The city is buzzing with family-friendly events that will delight both children and adults alike. Based on recommendations from Melbourne’s most trusted event sources, here are three standout activities that promise a weekend of fun, learning, and creating lasting memories together.

1. Melbourne Zoo’s “Wild Nights” Safari Experience

This weekend, Melbourne Zoo is transforming after hours with their special “Wild Nights” safari experience. According to What’s On Melbourne, this twilight adventure allows families to explore the zoo when many animals are most active, creating a completely different experience from daytime visits.

The event runs from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM both Saturday and Sunday, with timed entry slots to ensure comfortable crowd levels. Special interactive keeper talks are scheduled throughout the evening, focusing on nocturnal animals and their fascinating adaptations. Children will be delighted by the glow-in-the-dark pathway that leads through the Australian bushland section, where they might spot wombats, possums, and other native creatures emerging for their nighttime activities.

TimeOut Melbourne highlights the special “Junior Ranger” activity packs available for children, which include wildlife spotting guides, animal fact cards, and a souvenir flashlight to enhance the experience. Pre-booking is essential for this popular event, with tickets available through the Zoo Victoria website.

2. Scienceworks “Future Inventors” Festival

Scienceworks is hosting their annual “Future Inventors” Festival this weekend, an event that OnlyMelbourne describes as “where science fiction meets science fact.” This hands-on festival is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators through interactive exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations that showcase cutting-edge technology and scientific discoveries.

The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM both Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include the “Robotics Challenge Zone” where children can program simple robots to complete tasks, the “Virtual Reality Explorer” stations that transport visitors to impossible locations like inside a human cell or the surface of Mars, and the “Invention Lab” where families can collaborate to solve environmental challenges using provided materials.

What’s On Melbourne particularly recommends the “Lightning Shows” in the Tesla Coil room, scheduled at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM each day. These dramatic demonstrations of electrical science are visually spectacular and educational. Museum entry includes access to all festival activities, though some workshops have limited capacity and require same-day sign-up. Book your tickets through the Scienceworks official tickets page.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens “Nature Explorers” Family Adventure

The Royal Botanic Gardens is offering a special “Nature Explorers” program this weekend that transforms the gardens into an interactive outdoor classroom and adventure playground. This event, featured on Eventbrite Melbourne, combines physical activity, nature appreciation, and environmental education in a beautiful setting.

The guided adventures begin at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2:00 PM both days, each running for approximately 90 minutes. Families follow specially designed trails that include activity stations focusing on different aspects of plant science, ecology, and sustainability. Children receive “Explorer Passports” that get stamped at each completed station.

Highlights include the “Pollinator Party” where kids learn about bees and butterflies through games and observation, the “Plant Detective” challenges that teach botanical classification through fun puzzles, and the “Seed Bombers” workshop where families create seed balls to take home and plant. According to What’s On Melbourne, the final station includes a picnic area where families can enjoy refreshments amid the garden’s beauty. Reserve your spot on the Royal Botanic Gardens events page.

Whether your family loves animals, science, or outdoor adventures, Melbourne offers something special this weekend. Don’t forget to check the official websites for the most current information on tickets, timing, and any weather-related updates. Enjoy your family adventure in marvelous Melbourne!