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I found out by accident that Fitzroy Gardens has an Outdoor Adventure for kids, and it’s completely free. The kids run around like they’re on a real treasure hunt, looking and thinking as they go, and it really uses up their energy. We ended up spending a full four hours in the gardens.
How It Works
First you go to the Visitor Centre and pick up a map. The kids follow the clues around the gardens to find answers, and there are 12 little tasks in total. It’s a bit like an outdoor escape room, or a nature scavenger hunt, and it burns off some of the kids’ energy along the way. The gardens themselves are really beautiful, and the autumn and winter leaves have a great atmosphere.
Primary school age kids suit it best, with an adult helping. Kindergarten kids can do an easier version called Seek & Find. The Visitor Centre is open daily, about 9am to 4pm, and it’s closed on Christmas Day. It costs nothing, so it’s an easy last-minute idea for a weekend.
Our Four Hours
We spent four whole hours in Fitzroy Gardens. We visited Cooks’ Cottage, did the Outdoor Adventure task card, and I’d also made my own unit study for the kids. They drew as they walked. The Scarred Tree, the Tudor Village and the Fairies Tree all turned into things to sketch, and the kids even forgot about their favourite slide, the dragon slide in the playground, because they were busy drawing.
The Conservatory
The Conservatory in Fitzroy Gardens is the best place in the city to go and see flowers. It’s free to walk in. It was rare to find it not crowded today, and the flowers had just been watered, so they all looked really perky. We came at almost the same time last year too.
The flower varieties this year haven’t changed, they’re still daisies and cyclamen. But the way it’s laid out has changed, and now there’s a little bridge you can take photos on. Only two people at a time on the bridge, though.
The Costume Staff
My younger son plucked up the courage to go and ask one of the costumed staff for a photo. The staff member said, “just for you, sweetheart,” and his confidence went up right away. It was a really sweet moment.
Tips
- Bring a pen.
- The grass is a bit wet after rain, so wear runners.
- The CBD is right nearby, so you can go for food and coffee afterwards.
- Plan 1 to 2 hours, and more if the kids like to draw.
- At the Conservatory bridge, keep to two people at a time.
Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre
264 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002
On the way home we went along Smith Street and Brunswick Street. We stopped at a little shop called Zetta Florence, on Brunswick Street, and bought a wax seal stamp gift box and some original stickers as rewards for the kids. It’s a really good place if you want to avoid buying the same souvenirs as everyone else.
If you want more free things in the city, our Myer Christmas Windows post is a good one for the holidays, and our OMO Cafe review is a lunch spot not far away. For another outdoor day out with the kids, see our Studley Park Boathouse review, and our VIC school holidays and term dates for 2026 page helps with planning.
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