indoor play adventures
Rain, hail, heat and well....more rain! These indoor play centres, libraries, museums and undercover treasures in Melbourne's East will hit their mark when it comes to blowing off steam and your troops are welcome to bounce and climb walls to their hearts content at these fab places. Mamma's got places for babies and toddlers, preschoolers and big kids to run out their energy and have fun with their friends.
Kinder Gym Casual Play is just perfect for little ones who still require some parent support. Not only does it provide a fabulous space for the kiddies to move their bodies and burn some energy, there are so many different ways to move! There’s climbing, swinging, tumbling, rolling, jumping, balancing and more.
Mamma and the crew HAVE to share their new favourite activity - ROCK CLIMBING! Urban Climb is a stage of the art, indoor rock climbing and bouldering facility in Blackburn that will blow you away.
.Ladies and Gentlemen it’s BACK!!! This playland is a mixture of inflatables and a huge play structure with multiple slides, tunnels and small spaces Mamma doesn’t want to get stuck in.
You and the crew are up for plenty of thrills at Rush HQ. This is an indoor trampoline with plenty of extras - just check out the mascots on the wall - and heaps to do all under the one roof.
Mamma is not sure if is the largest but it sure is the BRIGHTEST indoor playcentre in the EAST! Rainbow Town Play Centre is out of this world - Indoor soft play, ball pits, building brinks, rock climbing wall, trampolines, bumper cars and awesome slides!
We are lucky in the east to have a number of big screen options to choose from, including Lido in Hawthorn. These movie theatres are great because there are heaps of screens meaning there are lots of options. They show some blockbusters AND some real little indy treasures.
Did you know that Bounce Blackburn North has a dedicated area for toddlers and it’s super cool. There is a huge soft play centre similar to actual play centres with slides, a ball pit, things to climb through and tumble over as well as loads of trampolines.
This all-weather indoor park boasts a range of facilities aimed at bike users from 3-13 years old such as a pump track, mountain bike track and a toddler mini track.
What better way to learn about caring for sick animals than through play. The Wildlife Health Centre has exactly that in the Future Vets Program at Healesville Sanctuary. Set up in the centre of the working hospital, this play space is the darn cutest thing EVER
An indoor playcentre in a shopping centre is always going to be a winner - let alone one that has a massive jungle themed climbing structure, a ball pit, mega fast racing slides AND a pirate ship.
What is one sure fire way to both thrill a pack of 9 year olds and give them an amazing run around at the one time - challenge them to a game of bubble soccer! The crew at Eastern Indoor Sports Centre offer Bubble Soccer with private court hire for an hour, with a dedicated umpire/crew member.
This roller skating rink is an institution! For four decades it has been the central location for thousands of skating lessons, millions of fast laps and countless roller discos.
Located inside Fountain Gate shopping centre is Paint A Pot and Pizzeria. You may be familiar with its sister location down the road, well the premise here is the same. Pick out your statue of choice - Mamma’s crew went with a cute cat this time, then head to one of the many communal tables and get painting!
We love just love Lollipop’s
This playland has everything you need in a playcentre. From themed party rooms, the classic mini pirate ship, the foam ball zones, a separate toddler section and stacks of things to swing, climb and slide down - the playcentre is a real treat for your little ones.
Mamma has never seen a classic cinema so beautiful or so iconically EAST as the Rivoli Cinemas. Located in the heart of Camberwell Junction (you know the spot - with traffic heading in 6 different directions), this stunning multiplex is full of 1940s charm.
Toy libraries have to be the most joyful places! Filled to the brim with toys to delight your kiddies.
With over 4600 toys, games, puzzles and activities to suit ages 0 - 6 (plus a range of board games for older kids and adults) Maroondah Toy Library is one of the biggest in the east.
The reason why mini golf is a great activity for the family - is because everyone can have a go. But often, the courses are outdoor - which in Melbourne … doesn’t always work … UNLESS … you are all indoors. Enter Holey Moley.
If you and your crew love games night - you are going to LOVE the Hijinx Hotel. This BRAND NEW experience at Chadstone is the first Hijinx Hotel in Victoria and it has blown Mamma’s mind. You will be tested by your reaction times, your ability, accuracy and general knowledge. The kids are going to have a ball - literally!
NewHope PlaySpace in Blackburn North is a toddler Mamma’s dream come true. There’s cars, there’s ramps to drive down, bubbles, soft play equipment, stepping stones, walkers, a construction corner, lego, dress ups, balls and LOTS more. There is a cafe next door serving up coffee, breakfast, lunch and a great kids menu.
Re-use, Revive, Re-invent, Revamp, Renew and Reduce! That is the motto for Reverse Art Truck in Ringwood, a not for profit organisation that promotes creative re-use within the community. An awesome spot for recycled art supplies
Little Rascals in Ferntree Gully is simply AMAZING for toddlers. The space has been designed with little ones in mind. The play structure has lots of colourful padding and a fast double side - ideal for your 18 month old to your 3 year olds.
The Belgrave Library has had a spruce up and it is the perfect spot to sit and read or borrow a book (or ten) for your babes, your preschoolers and your big kids!
Knox Leisureworks is awesome for the little ones. Add the water play features, bubbly water in the corner and sweetest frog slide - this spot is perfect for those scorching summer play days
Aquanation is the one of the greatest place for water play in Melbourne’s East! Big water sides, junior pools, aqua playgrounds even diving boards!
Mamma’s kids are the happiest when in the water and there just so happens to be heaps of fun water play at Aqualink in Box Hill. Alongside the usual lap pool, the diving pool, outdoor lanes and swimming lesson zones, is an awesome splash zone.
Puffing Billy is not the only train that loves to ride the tracks at Emerald Lake!
If you’re looking for some awesome family fun - you have found it! Here you can make a full day of adventure. Choose from one or all of the activities on offer. Mini golf, laser tag, go karts, arcades and MORE.
Now this is one fancy cinema. The Palace Cinema in Balwyn is a classic old school cinema, complete with all the trimmings
This indoor adventure and trampoline centre has got it ALL and the kids will be bouncing all the way back out to the car!
As play centres go - this Lollipop's is a ripper! Massive spaces at both ends of the shed with big and little kids appreciated equally.
Well Mammas, Danding Dandelion is the newest and cutest play cafe in town! This play area has everything to help your little one's imagination run wild! There are amazing play stations everywhere you look. Most of them are wooden and handmade, and all of them are ADORABLE.
The bowling alley is located within Holey Moley at Eastland and it is super slick. From the funky bowling shoes, to the comfy couches and the high tech scoreboards, this bowling experience is perfect for a whole family day out or a way to escape the Melbourne weather.
BIG KIDS - this place is for YOU. Laser tag, virtual reality, arcade games and pure FUN!
Mamma has stumbled upon the most colourful place in the East. We are talking rainbow explosion! Clip ‘n Climb in Berwick is rock climbing and vertical challenges at it’s highest and most crazy.
Miller’s Homestead is now home to a new - although very tiny - branch of the Eastern Regional Libraries group. Perfect place for story time, exploring the gardens and taking in a slice of local history.
It’s a classic style cinema and you and the kids will love it. Cameo Cinemas is a beautiful building located at the entrance to the town. You can’t miss it with the giant mural on the wall.
It’s a classic, quiet and perfect local and independent cinema that is full of memories!
Mamma loves drinking from her Robert Gordon mugs ...but did you know you can paint your own?
We love a little circus action and circus preschool has Mamma’s name written all over it! RUCCIS Circus School is an eastie favourite, with their very own space in Bayswater North.
The fun has never stopped here at The Skate Centre in Lilydale. The classic roller rink has still got the family friendly vibes and Mamma was transported right back into her tweens when we stepped through the door.
Indoor play for those days you have to find somewhere out of the house! Come and visit Thomas and the ROCKETSHIP!
Ninja kiddos - this one is for you! There will come a time when the kids out grow your traditional playground. That is where gyms like Ninja Parc can be a lifesaver! This indoor park is a challenge. Using all the obstacles we know from the TV show, the crew have created a super cool ninja style course that is designed for 8 years up
OH MY GOODNESS is this place is epic - probably why they call this incredible putt-putt Holey Moley. 18 of the most creative, novelty driven and just-darn-cool mini golf holes, can be found in this wonderland.
Now you might have a trampoline in the backyard, but nothing can really compare to having an entire factory space filled with trampolines. Bounce Inc in Blackburn is exactly that. A bouncy wonderland!
Seniors and children alike can make craft, paintings, science experiments - SLIME - paint rocks and SO much more!
Inflatable World is a magical world full of more jumping, sliding, sticking, jousting, running and bouncing than you can poke a stick at!
Top playcentres for indoor play for toddlers - crawlers and little ones - in Melbourne’s east.
Where will you find Mamma when the mercury is heading through the roof? At the local pool of course! And Aquareana is one of the best in the east. There is so much room here and plenty of fun to be had. Slides, indoor and outdoor pools - what more could you want?!
If your kids are fans of a good slide then Slides is a no brainer!
Mamma could play for days at PLAYDAYS! Such an incredible space, perfect for toddlers and a brilliant variety of equipment.
Everything is awesome! This is definitely worth a visit if there is a LEGO lover in your life; they will feel like they have stepped into their wildest dream
Let’s head to the pool. Sometimes you simply forget how much kids love the water. All that splashing, kicking and blowing countless bubbles, they just lap it up! Aqualink in Nunawading provides plenty of shallow space to do just that.
The library is the ideal spot to go with your littlest ones. It is indoor and dry, there is normally a heap of space to spread out, and of course, hundreds of books to explore.
Attention all action seekers! There is a GREAT indoor activity zone that you HAVE to try!
Crazy Climb has now opened its doors to some crazy rock climbing fun for all ages! Well, from ages 4 - 94; but toddlers and babies don't miss out on the fun - as it is in the same complex as the wonderful Lollipops play centre!
This library is so beautiful - you could almost spend all day here!
Unleash the ninja warriors and fly like a bird at the bounciest place in the east!
A cinema like no other - for kids - designed by kids - enjoyed by big and little kids!
When the weather gets wetter and the kids need a space to run and have a play under the sea ... head to Crocs!
Lilydale Library is pretty perfect. You’ll find it within the Lakeside campus of Box Hill Institute on the other side of Lillydale Lake. This library set up is oh so nice and shiny but most importantly - the children's zone is HUGE. With so much space for activities there will be plenty of room for story time.
A trip to the cinemas are a family tradition during the school holidays. Session times are filled with the latest kids movies and when the weather turns sour, an indoor adventure is on the cards!
Welcome to Mamma’s FAVOURITE part of the Melbourne Museum - The Children's Gallery
You might find it difficult to find a library that wallpaper more beautiful or more Aussie than Camberwell Library.
One of the first BIG playcentres that Mamma has visited in her motherhood journey and it is pretty amazing. We love crocs especially when it is cold outside and the kids still need a space to run around and have fun!
This idea is genius. An indoor play centre right inside a caravan park. Parky’s is a great addition to any holiday itinerary.
This family run complex is an independent cinema that has modest size theatres, kid friendly films on the bill and fantastic ticket prices!
The library has had a shuffle and gained a new entry - a big beautiful sliding door, making the library more accessible to all including those prams!
Take the stairs or open the 'doors' to the lift up to level 2 where you will find the children's story room - it is beautiful.
Well what can I say. This place is pretty ACE! An indoor play centre that will entertain all of the kids - even the big, big ones!
Welcome BACK to Billy Lids! Hawthorn is the home to a house of play - or should I say a massive hall of play!