A great family day out in Melbourne takes more than picking a destination. Children of different ages want different things, the weather can turn quickly, and even the best plan falls apart when everyone is hungry and tired by mid-afternoon. A little preparation turns a busy day into one the whole family enjoys.
Start With Your Family’s Rhythm
Plan around the youngest member of the group. Toddlers and primary school children usually manage best with a late-morning start, a proper meal, and activities that don’t run too long. Teenagers want something with a competitive edge and enough variety to keep them engaged.
A simple structure works for most families: one main activity, one meal, and one flexible extra you can add or skip depending on energy levels.
Choose Activities That Work in Any Weather
Melbourne weather is famously unpredictable, so building your day around an indoor venue removes the biggest risk. Indoor activities run rain or shine, which means you can keep your plans without checking the forecast every hour.
Make Mini Golf the Main Event
Mini golf suits almost every age. Younger children enjoy the obstacles, older kids enjoy keeping score, and adults can join in without needing any real skill.
You can find What The Putt in Melbourne at 305 Sydney Road, Brunswick, with the entrance on Phoenix Street. The indoor venue is built around imaginative, photo-worthy holes, and families can choose the length of their round:
- 9 holes take about 30 minutes, from $20
- 18 holes take about an hour, from $40
- 27 holes cover the full course, from $52
Shorter rounds suit young children, while the full 27 holes give older kids and adults a proper challenge.
Plan Food and Downtime
Hungry children end good days early. What The Putt serves food and drinks on site, so you can pair your round with a meal instead of searching for somewhere to eat afterwards. Once the golf is finished, arcade games, pool tables, and board games keep everyone entertained without moving venues.
Check the Rules and Timing Before You Go
Families should know the house rules before arriving. Under 18s are welcome until 8pm and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, and this includes teenagers. After 8pm the venue is 18+, so an afternoon visit works best for families.
Opening hours are Friday and Saturday from 12pm until late, and Sunday from 11am to 10pm. Monday to Thursday is reserved for parties and functions. Walk-ins are welcome, but busy periods such as Friday and Saturday evenings can mean long waits, so booking ahead is the smarter choice. If you are running late, the team will move you into the next available booking time.
Turn the Day Into a Celebration
If your family day doubles as a birthday or a get-together with relatives, a package takes the planning off your hands. A mini golf party package combines 9 or 18 holes with pizza and finger food to share and a reserved food area, with packages available for groups of four or more.
For bigger gatherings later in the year, What The Putt is also one of the christmas party venues in Melbourne designed for family reunions as well as celebrations with friends and colleagues. Christmas packages start at $49 per person, the Main Room takes bookings from 10 guests, and packages can be customised, including for dietary requirements.
Book Your Family Day at What The Putt
Choose your round, lock in a time, and beat the weekend rush. Book online at whattheputt.com.au, call 1300 520 377, or email [email protected] to plan your visit or enquire about a party package. Function enquiries receive a reply within 24 hours.
