A winter weekend with family

Friday night

Grab a booth at Dom’s Pizzeria and Social Club and order a glass of vino (for the big people) while you await Italian wonders that arrive at the table direct from the wood-fired oven.

Stroll on over to Her Majesty’s Theatre and be transported into the wondrous world of the Disney performance of Mary Poppins, or catch one of the wondrous illuminations and interactive displays of the RISING's program of events.

Saturday morning

Head to the library – for brekkie. In the heart of the city, Journal Cafe has a simple menu with plenty for young tastebuds and caffeine-deficient grown-ups alike, from crumpets and fruit toast to croque monsieur.

Venture over to ACMI in Fed Square for some free screen culture or head up to Melbourne Skydeck to gaze at spectacular city views from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck. Check out the Skydeck’s vertigo-challenging VR Plank, or discover the VR-driven Voyager Theatre.

Top off your morning with a tour of the city’s iconic laneways and street art on a walking tour with Melbourne Street Art Tours.

Saturday afternoon

Re-energise with a side of cuteness at Cat Cafe Melbourne, where you can sip rich hot chocolates while your new furry friends nap, play or enjoy a purr-fect treat of their own.

Set your creativity free over a crafty afternoon at ArtPlay. Imaginations will run wild in a series of workshops and performances led by professional artists. Wind down after a big day of exploration with a manually extracted flat white or a dainty pastry from Self Preservation.

Saturday night

Ready for dinner? Grab a bite to eat from the Royal Saxon in Richmond. Sink your teeth into a juicy burger or devour a chicken parma before heading to the MCG for a night of footy action.

Sunday morning

Fancy a hot jam doughnut for brekkie? Head to Queen Victoria Market where you can shop – and eat – until you drop. Soak up the multicultural atmosphere and browse goods from independent makers, creators, designers and artists.

Sunday afternoon

Learn about this country’s origin story through First Peoples’ knowledge passed through thousands of generations at Gandel Gondwana Garden at the Melbourne Museum, and touch replicas of the bones, teeth and claws of ancient creatures.

While you’re there, pop in to visit Horridus the Triceratops, the most complete triceratops fossil in the world, in the Fate of the Dinosaurs exhibition. And take a tour of the Royal Exhibition Building’s Dome Promenade, mixing stunning architecture with beautiful views.

Bring your weekend to a close with a tasty morsel from Little Cupcakes. Chomp away on a full-size red velvet delight lathered in cream cheese frosting and delight little tastebuds with a mini chocolate bite.