Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)

If you're looking for a fantastic, and mostly free, indoor activity to do with the kids in the heart of Melbourne, you have to check out the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, or ACMI as everyone calls it. Located right in Federation Square, it’s a wonderfully modern and engaging museum all about the world of screen culture. Think movies, video games, television, and digital art, all rolled into one vibrant, interactive space. It’s not your typical quiet, hands-off museum; it’s designed for you to touch, play, and explore, making it a brilliant outing for a family with curious kids.

Age Appropriateness

Honestly, there’s something here for almost every age, but the sweet spot is probably for kids aged 5 and up. Toddlers and preschoolers will definitely enjoy the lights, sounds, and colours of the main exhibition, "The Story of the Moving Image," but might not grasp the concepts. For primary school-aged kids (5-12), it's absolute heaven. They can get hands-on with creating animations, playing vintage video games, and exploring the history of film in a way that feels like pure fun. Teenagers will also find plenty to love, especially if they're into gaming, digital art, or filmmaking, as the exhibits are genuinely cool and thoughtfully curated.

The Highlights (Pros)

The biggest pro is that the main, permanent exhibition is completely free! You can spend a good couple of hours exploring without spending a cent, which is a huge win for any family budget. The whole place is incredibly interactive. Kids can create their own flipbooks, experiment with a Foley sound studio to make sound effects for a film, and play a whole timeline of video games, from Pong to modern-day favourites. Another highlight is "The Lens," a handheld device made of cardboard that you collect at the start. As you move through the museum, you can tap it on various points of interest to save exhibits and videos, which you can then access online from home. It’s a brilliant way to extend the experience and a great souvenir. The museum is also very clean, modern, and well-designed, with plenty of space to move around.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

While the main exhibition is free, the temporary, specially curated exhibitions can be quite pricey for a family, so check the ticket costs before you promise the kids. Because it’s so popular and located in Fed Square, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. This can lead to some sensory overload for little ones (and parents!) with all the sounds, screens, and crowds. Some of the film clips and video game content on display might touch on more mature themes, so you may need to guide younger children through certain sections. It's all handled very tastefully, but it's good to be aware.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Book Online: Even though the main exhibition is free, it's highly recommended to book your timed-entry session online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment, especially during peak times.
• Parking & Transport: Driving into the city can be a hassle. The closest (and easiest, though not cheapest) car park is the one at Federation Square. A much better option is to take the train to Flinders Street Station, which is directly opposite ACMI, making it super accessible via public transport.
• Pram Access: The entire museum is very pram-friendly, with ramps and lifts that make navigating the different levels a breeze.
• Facilities: There are excellent parent rooms and accessible toilets available. The on-site cafe is good but can be expensive. A great alternative is to pack your own snacks and have a picnic on the grass at Federation Square before or after your visit.
• Pace Yourself: Don't try to do everything in one go. Pick a few key areas to explore and take your time. You can always come back another day to see the rest