Last school holidays, I took the kids into the National Sports Museum (NSM) located at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Before I went, I asked on facebook for any tips on making the most of our visit to the NSM, a lovely reader Lyndelle gave me the tip to make sure we allowed ourselves plenty of time and her tip was spot on. We spent over 3 hours there! The video below captures just some of the fun we had:
Each school holidays the NSM runs a series of school holiday activities. So on top of all the usual things to see and do, the kids also had the opportunity to kick some goals and play some foosball with players from the Melbourne Storm.
Highlights for the kids were:
- Playing foosball with the Melbourne Storm guys.
- Being able to watch video footage of the tied grand final in 1977 between Collingwood and North Melbourne.
- The Shane Warne Hologram – to my surprise this was very entertaining. The older boys loved it because it was so “blokey” and was probably the thing they talked about most afterwards.
- The James Hird Hologram – I only saw half of this as the toddler didn’t feel like being quiet. The older boys enjoyed this as well.
- Game On – Once we made our way to this interactive area, I knew I was going to have to go and put more money in the parking meter! Such a great way to end our time at the NSM, by getting hands on.
National Sports Museum – The Details
Opening Hours: Opening hours can vary due to activities on at the MCG, but are generally 10am – 5pm through out the school holidays, with last admission at 4.00pm. (They recommend you allocate at least 90 minutes to fully experience the National Sports Museum and I would say that would be the absolute minimum time you needed). Be sure to check out their website for more info before you head in.
Location: The National Sports Museum is located at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on Brunton Avenue in Richmond within the confines of Yarra Park. (You need to enter from Gate 3 in the Olympic Stand.)
Parking: We parked closer in Jolimont Tce. Parking there is only for 2 hours and is twice as much as the parking only a short distance further in Wellington Pde, South. This parking is also for 4 hours which is a much better length of time for your visit.
Cost: Adults $15, Children (5 – 15) $8, Children under 5 free. Family (2 adults and 4 children) $50. These are for admission only. If you wish do the tour, there is an additional cost.
Age: While the preschooler did enjoy looking around, his participation was limited in the Game On area. I would highly recommend it for school age children.