The color and flamboyance of Luna Park contributes to the experience. Garish murals, luridly pink fairy floss and the looming face of Mister Moon whose mouth you enter to commence the fun combine to create family memories that will last. There is something extra special about visiting somewhere that been a focus of fun for generations and Melbourne’s Luna Park is just that. Luna Park Melbourne will be celebrating its 105th birthday this year. We recently escaped to bayside St Kilda for a St Kilda staycation which included a highly anticipated visit to Luna Park.
When my children were all very little I had been skeptical of Luna Park’s appeal for families with very young kids due to their strict height restrictions. As my kids have aged, and we’ve added to the family I am much more convinced of the ability for Luna Park to generate bang for the family buck. Our kids are aged 3,6 and 8 and catering to the needs of the different ages can be a challenge (particularly as my eight year old is going on 16). All three of the kids were kept happy with the selection of 18 rides and attractions at Melbourne’s Luna Park. My older thrill seeker headed off with his dad to the big kids rides – the Enterprise, Twin Dragon and Spider. Parents be warned hubby was looking rather green after spending time on the thrill rides. For my three year old the Arabian Merry and Red Baron flier were the highlights.
The Spider Luna Park – kept my 8 year old happy
I love the historical aspect of Luna Park – unfortunately the Scenic Railroad was closed during our visit. As my young daughter and I boarded the exquisitely beautiful carousel we were informed the horses on it were over a hundred years old. My daughter loved the idea that grandmas had ridden on the carousel when they were little.
The beautiful, elderly carousel at Luna Park Melbourne
A family visit to Luna Park isn’t cheap. While you can wander in and look around for free (which is worth doing due to the spectacular color!) a family pass for four is $149.95 for unlimited rides. Depending on the age of the rider single rides are $4.95-10.95. Do expect some nagging from kids wanting to play the games as well. I gave in and was pleasantly surprised that the children all won reasonably substantial prizes so that I didn’t feel like I was throwing money in the bin (as I sometimes do if they play a game at a standard carnival). My personal opinion is that for Melbourne families a St Kilda Staycation incorporating a visit to Luna Park is as exciting for kids (and feels like a true getaway) while being much cheaper than a holiday elsewhere. The proof – as we returned from our staycation my three year old kept saying to me “thank you Mummy for the wonderful holiday”.
I gave in and spent extra on games at Luna Park. The kids were really happy with their prizes
Melbourne’s Luna Park will be open during the April School Holidays and a fabulous upcoming event is The Great Luna Park Easter Egg Hunt – on Easter Sunday April 16 from 11am to 3pm. Both kids and adults can take part in Luna Park’s mouthwatering 15,000-strong Easter egg hunt. The race will be on to see who can collect the most eggs, provided by master confectioner, Cholalateir. Sounds like so much fun – we might just have to go back to Luna Park for the hunt….
Luna Park
Disclaimer: We were the guests of Luna Park during our visit.
