The best group catch-up activities in Melbourne

Play mini golf, explore a Monopoly theme park and sing karaoke at these top spots for team bonding and catch-ups with mates.

Tilt and flip in an amusement arcade

Take a load off, loosen that tie and get the gang together for classic arcade games at B Lucky & Sons or Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. How do life-sized Mario Kart and Space Invaders sound? Add bubble-cup pops when you book in at B Lucky, or a popcorn-flavoured cocktail if you book at Archie Brothers.

Snap pics in a Korean-style photo booth

Korea's selfie sensation has landed in Melbourne! Take a tenner to Hama Film and stage a mini photoshoot. There's a ridiculously cute range of props, from avocado helmets to sparkly sunnies, and five rooms to choose from. Customise your pics on the screen and immortalise your day out in print.

Get up to speed on Melbourne's best hidden gems

Still yet to fully rediscover the city? Let the experts lead you on a meandering journey through all of Melbourne's hidden spaces. Take a tour with Hidden Secrets to fall in love with laneways all over again. Or go on a history soaked bar crawl with Drinking History Tours. Then refine your street art spotting skills with the Blender Lane crew.

Kayak down the river at moonlight

If you and the group are feeling a little adventurous, book in for a sunset kayak session. Start your paddling at Docklands then cruise down the river at nightfall. Led by a trusty expert guide, this is your chance to see Melbourne in a whole new light. Plus, dinner's included and it's served in your boat!

Explore a Monopoly theme park

This iconic board game has brought a huge interactive theme park to Melbourne Central. Dodge lasers in the spy room, win prizes at the carnival and play interactive games – but don't get caught in jail! Then check out rare editions like the very first Monopoly game. There's also a themed cafe, exclusive merch and more.

Throw electronic darts in a futuristic cocktail spot

There’s a new bar sport in town, and this ain't your dad's darts. Gather your crew and book a semi-private booth at sleek electronic darts bar Oche. Expect real steel tipped darts and a board that keeps your score for you. To keep you sated without skimping on game time, there’s finger food with a gourmet flair. Think brioche sliders, lamb skewers and pork belly pizza. 

Bowl a perfect game

Book a lane at Kingpin Crown and bowl your team over with your perfect aim. Once you've bagged a few strikes at the bowling alley, head to the bar for bubble-topped cocktails and 1kg of wings with hot sauce. Yes really! Up next? Hunt down your target at laser tag, then play your way through over 150 games in the retro arcade. And if you're keen for super cheap session, head to Strike for $10 games from 5pm Monday to Thursday. Simply use the code 'SUMMERFUN' when you book online before 29 February.

Play shuffle board in a multi-level party palace 

Get the gang together for a spirited round of shuffleboard at Ballers Clubhouse. Who will have the mix of luck and skill to hit the target? Table tennis, darts, old-school shuffleboard – Ballers Clubhouse has ’em and more. Lock it in and book online now.

Shout it out loud at karaoke bars

At Heroes karaoke bar, you and your group can all have a go at warbling like Bowie. Depending on your shyness level, book a private room for up to 10 guests or break into song in the open-mic space. Or get your karaoke with a side of Cantonese food and '60s kitsch at Yum Sing House. The private karaoke rooms above this playful restaurant are inspired by Hong Kong neighbourhoods. For a fancy pants experience book a the VIP room at Ocean 12. You'll get a dedicated bar tender, access to the luxe menu and a private balcony.

Geek out over bottomless board games

Roll the dice with your teammates at Fortress Melbourne. There are 100 board games in their library, from Azul to Uno, Monopoly to Scrabble. Book a table in the fantasy-themed tavern. Add the bottomless package for unlimited board game play, loaded fries and pizza.

Play pop culture mini golf

Share a lol or two while having a hit of mini-golf at Holey Moley. Tap your way through 27 pop culture–themed holes, from Van Gogh’s bedroom to The Simpsons’ couch. Mingle with wine and snacks from the Caddyshack Bar, then belt out tunes in the karaoke room. Bookings are open online.

Swap reality for virtual reality

Don your VR headsets to fight off zombies at Virtual Room Melbourne or Zero Latency VR. Eight wannabe-warriors can battle it out in a free-roam VR experience at Zero Latency, with bookings open now. At Virtual Room, make a booking for up to four players to join an escape room adventure.

Learn to ice skate

Whether you’re experts or beginners, an ice skating session is always fun at O’Brien Icehouse. Remember to wear warm socks, gloves and a beanie. Keep an eye on Instagram for ticket release dates. Continue the frosty theme with drinks at IceBar. Escape the Melbourne heat with temperatures of -10°C all year round.

Show off your artistic chops at a paint and sip

Ever wished paint and sip classes were a little more lit? Unleash your inner artist at Drip Splash, where the beats are loud and you'll never have to paint a bunch of flowers. Instead it's Biggie portraits, anime art and glow-in-the-dark neon. Get a group together and BYO booze for a creative night out.