Spring’s Here. Let’s Go!
By Bree Pagliuso|
A family guide to Melbourne’s best season with MCEC as your launchpad. Spring in Melbourne? It hits different. The skies are brighter, the festivals are louder, and there’s always something fun hiding around the next corner. Think blossoms, Ferris wheels, markets, food trucks, mini golf, concerts, and plenty to keep little hands (and big imaginations) busy.
The best part? When you’re staying or playing at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) , you’re right where it all begins. Riverside walks, playgrounds, trams at your door, and Melbourne’s must-do family adventures are only minutes away.
This year, we’ve teamed up with Joyce Watts, creator of Tot: Hot or Not , Melbourne’s biggest family travel blog, to bring you the ultimate spring hit list. With over 1,000 tried-and-tested reviews, Joyce knows exactly where the fun starts.
What’s On at MCEC
This season’s line-up is big on family fun and even bigger on “wow” moments:
PAX Australia | 10–12 October Gaming, cosplay, play zones and panels. Melbourne’s biggest gaming celebration is built for every age and skill level. Ticketed.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert | 2 November Tim Burton’s cult classic, screened with a live orchestra. Spooky, magical, unforgettable. Ticketed.
Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons | 14 November The cosy farming game comes alive in an immersive orchestral concert. Screens optional. Smiles guaranteed. Ticketed.
And because every family deserves to feel welcome, MCEC has parent-friendly facilities across the venue, from family rooms and pram-friendly access to our new Changing Places facility. It’s all here to make your visit easier, so you can relax and enjoy the day together.
Day One: All Right Outside Our Door
Start your day with breakfast at Goldfields Café, located inside MCEC. Iced Padre coffee for grown-ups, pastries and fruit cups for the kids, and sunny outdoor tables to plot the day’s adventures. Head outside to the Skyline Melbourne Precinct right out front. Ride the 35-metre Ferris Wheel for sky-high city views, then test your aim on the mini golf course complete with koalas, crocs and kangaroos. Still got energy? Try these nearby picks:
Polly Woodside — Climb Melbourne’s own 1885 tall ship and let the kids play captain. Bell ringing optional but encouraged. Ticketed.
South Wharf Promenade and DFO South Wharf — Riverside bites, bubble tea stops, and outlet treasure hunts at DFO South Wharf. Free to explore.
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium — Dive into underwater adventures with penguins, rays, crocodiles and brand‑new interactive rockpools this spring. Ticketed .
Day Two: Hop On, Let’s Explore
From MCEC, getting around is a breeze. Trams are at your door, and most family favourites are less than 20 minutes away.
Melbourne Fringe Festival | 1–20 October Circus acts, street shows and pop-ups across the city. Always a wild card, always a win. Mix of free and ticketed events.
Melbourne International Games Week | 4–12 October Esports, coding, retro gaming and creative play zones. Big tick from teens. Mix of free and ticketed events.
Game Worlds at ACMI | 18 September – 8 February Dive into 30+ playable games, from Neopets to The Sims. Fully interactive, fully addictive. Ticketed.
Need a breather? Pack a picnic and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens , think cherry blossoms, fern gullies and space to run wild.
Nearby Eats to Refuel:
BangPop — Street-style Thai with riverside tables and bold flavours.
The General Assembly — Burgers, flatbreads and craft sodas for fussy eaters and foodies alike.
South Melbourne Market — Dumplings, jam donuts, fresh juices. You’ll leave full and happy.
Day Three: Stay Close or Venture Out
Wrap up your spring adventure your way. Stay local for riverside playgrounds and green spaces or hit the road for blooming orchards and wine‑country picnics.
Start close to the city with playgrounds built for big climbs, riverside slides and space to run wild:
ArtPlay Playground (Birrarung Marr)— Big climbs and riverside slides.
Seafarers Rest Playground (Docklands) — Brand new, shiny, and made for epic play sessions.
Ron Barassi Snr Park (Docklands)— Scoot, slide, and kick a footy with room to spare
Harmony Gardens Point Park (Docklands – Yarra’s Edge) — Quiet riverside fun for little adventurers.
Flagstaff Gardens (West Melbourne) — A Melbourne classic: shady lawns, tree climbs and picnic‑perfect spots.
When you’re ready to venture out, pack the car, load the playlist and chase these spring show‑stoppers:
Tesselaar Tulip Festival — A million tulips. Live music. Food stalls. Fairies. Silvan turns into one big floral wonderland, and you’re invited.
Bendigo Annual Tulip Display — Historic streets dressed in 43,000 tulips, with after‑dark light shows that make the blooms glow.
Bloom & Graze — The Yarra Valley at its best: boutique wineries, food trucks and cherry blossoms in one perfect stop.
CherryHill Blossom Festival — Picnic under pastel perfection at Wandin East, where the orchards burst into soft pink and white.
Blossom By Light — When the sun goes down, the magic switches on. The same cherry trees become an illuminated dreamscape.
Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival — Country charm dialled up: daffodils, art shows, concerts and open gardens worth wandering.
Family Events You Can’t Miss This October
Romp and Stomp at Melbourne Museum | 25 October Animal encounters, nature play, music and discovery — perfect for little explorers.
Children's Week Picnic at Werribee Park | 26 October A free event with lawn games, roving performers, live music and plenty of space to run around
From Ferris Wheel views to gaming marathons, from hidden gardens to blockbuster events, MCEC puts you right where the family fun happens.
Pack the snacks. Charge the camera. Melbourne's Spring is calling!
Need More Family Inspo?
Download the Tot Hot or Not Spring 2025 Family Guide — 50+ kid-approved Melbourne adventures in one handy list. From hidden playgrounds to weekend road trips, Tot Hot or Not has you covered.