Imagining futures is challenging planners, policy-makers and educators alike. For young people growing up in our increasingly urbanised landscapes, new imaginaries are needed. Some of the complexities emerging in urban ecology are considered through an overview of geographical traditions and research findings reporting perspectives of young people past, recent and projected. Recent research relates to experiences of young people living in the Australian city of Melbourne. Educational challenges ahead for schooling in new urban spaces provide opportunities for geography education to provide curriculum leadership in the change processes needed.