Family Day Out

The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden

Discover the plants and animals that live in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden with our brand-new storytelling activities this summer! Borrow a Seek and Find Circle and head off on an adventure in search of the colours, plants and hidden animals nestled high and low in the Garden.

Nature Play

Delight your senses with free nature play experiences in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden this summer led by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s experienced Learning Facilitators. 

Seek and Find Nature Cards

Set your young ones on an adventure exploring the wondrous scenery, plants and creatures of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with our Seek and Find Nature Cards, especially developed by artist Claire Mosley.

The Wind in the Willows

Join Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, and, of course, Mr Toad as they bring Glenn Elston’s adaption of Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank to the stage.

'My Field Notes' Arid Garden Activity

Nine different plant patterns are beautifully embedded into the concrete paths at the Arid Garden, waiting for kids to uncover and recreate. Pick up a complimentary copy of My Field Notes booklet from the Melbourne Gardens Visitors Centre and start your journey. Don’t forget to bring your own crayons or pencils—or purchase a set from the Melbourne retail store to complete your masterpiece!

The Terrace Café ice-cream & strawberries

The Terrace is a place for every occasion, every celebration of life — dine-in or takeaway daily at the Cafe with an ever changing produce-driven menu, or celebrate at the private function space, purpose-built for world class events.

Enjoy an assortment of ice-cream and chocolate covered strawberries.

Summer Picnics

Discover the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy delicious food, and immerse yourself in nature at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a quiet escape, or a larger social gathering, there’s a perfect location for you.

Sonica Botanica audio experience

Immerse yourself in intertwining stories, atmospheric music and the mesmerising sounds of the natural environment in Sonica Botanica. Introducing a brand-new episode this summer, Sonica Botanica: Kids Get Down to Earth. 

Kids Explorer Bus

Children ride FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through the Gardens on this tour designed especially for families. Breathe in the fragrances of different eucalypt trees as you take in the colours of the landscape and learn why plants are so important for our planet.

Free Nature Play and Bandicoot Adventures

Get creative, get crafty, get messy and get immersed in a
range of family friendly, nature-based activities at Cranbourne Gardens these summer school holidays. Join our experienced Learning Facilitators under the shade of the eucalypts in the Kids’ Backyard and learn more about the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoots that call our Gardens home through a range of nature-inspired play activities.

Bushland Picnic

The Woodland Picnic Area is a fantastic bushland space for families and community groups. Enjoy a classic BBQ surrounded by nature while the kids explore the adventure-filled playground.

Boon Wurrung Café BBQ pack

Make your summer outings even more special with an exclusive BBQ pack, available for pre-order at Boon Wurrung Café.

Boon Wurrung Café Kids Picnic Pack

Woodland Picnic Area Playground

Cranbourne Gardens has a must-see Woodland Picnic Area Playground, a nature-inspired space designed to ignite a love for the outdoors in children of all abilities. The playground features recycled and locally sourced materials, offering sandpits, climbing ropes, swings, and unique elements like Aboriginal Weelam Poles for cubby-building. 

Kids Explorer Bus

Children ride FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through the Gardens on this tour designed especially for families. Breathe in the fragrances of different eucalypt trees as you take in the colours of the landscape and learn why plants are so important for our planet.

Free Shuttle Bus

The Cranbourne Gardens Shuttle Bus can be booked for transport between Cranbourne Train Station and Cranbourne Gardens for community members and tourists, including those with mobility challenges. The 8 seater bus is comfortable, wheelchair accessible (x1 chair) and has a fully compliant baby seat.