The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden — Attraction in Melbourne

The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden is a place of whimsy, imagination and adventure. On my most recent visit I took video game loving 12 yr old and 9 yr old boys and a 6 yr old girl. They loved the creek and spent a long time making boats to float and race. The water play area at the entrance to the gardens was also popular. The 4 hours we spent there went swiftly by and we look forward to our next visit.

If it's a bright, colourful playground you are after, this isn't the place for you. There is only a rope hammock situated above a small sandpit. But, in the absence of a playground there is the freedom for children to just be themselves and create.

Parking is easy along the shady Birdwood Avenue. Parking meters were charging $4 per hour with a 4 hour limit and accepted coins, credit card or online payment via an app. The closest entry gate is Observatory Gate.

Toilets, cafe and Info hub are 50 metres from the Children's Garden. There are adequate water bubblers within the area.

Please note opening hours online before planning your visit as the Garden is not open every day of the...

One of the most delightful and hidden treasures in Melbourne, its truly hard to believe you're sitting right next to a beautiful city!

The children's garden at the Melbourne Botanical gardens is filled with rocks and a grotto, a beautiful water feature and mini creek to take your shoes of and explore.

Nestled in the hundred acres of absolutely gorgeous forests and gardens, it also has a food garden filled with lots of awesome herbs and plants.

Lots of paths rocks and fun including a maze, these gardens are an absolute must see.

Pet friendly, picnic friendly and fantastic facilities and even a gift shop and what a place to sit back with an icecream and forget the world exists around you.

Will def be back! So much fun to be had, places nooks and crannies to explore, tunnels and creeks to play in barefoot!

Beautiful fresh and meticulously crafted...

This garden is absolutely amazing! There's so much for the little ones to explore and discover (I'd argue adults would have fun here too). Entire section is fenced! Kudos to the designer and landscaper who has managed to create little sections of wonderland within this small space yet still tieing them all together to create a beautiful outdoor space for anyone looking for a family friendly seclusion. Drinking water fountain available. No toilets in the fenced area but available close by. Currently 4 hour free parking on Sundays...