mamma loves maroondah
/ Mamma Erin
Mamma loves where she lives and how many family friendly treasures that have been found nearby. Maroondah is bursting at the seams of wonderful places to explore, delicious food to sample and simply spend time as a family. Here are Mamma’s favourite picks to be found in Maroondah.
parks and playgrounds
Calling all Easties - Lipscombe Park in Croydon has had a glow up and she is looking spectacular!
This could be a first. We headed to a playground … and the kids walk straight past the equipment. There is a very good reason too. The amazing community around the Herman Pump Reserve in Heathmont have nurtured a beautiful play space, full of toys and books, amongst the trees.
Every neighbourhood needs a pocket park and Warranwood has got a cool, green shiny one! Don’t get me wrong, this one is little - Little John to be precise - but that is all you need
This park is a staple of the Maroondah community and the Ringwood Lake park has had so many picnics and BBQs that everyone has been to at least one. Slides, sand, swings and sensory play!
Heathmont Mamma’s get excited we have a new one for you and it’s pretty cool. The space is quite large with a cute bridge in the middle.
We have another NEW one! Longview Reserve has been upgraded and is embracing the Cheong Wildflower Sanctuary with bright ‘wildflower’ colours. The structure has 2 different sized slides, pummel walk, rock climbing wall and multiple ropes climbs.
We have a new one. Set along the Dandenong Trail, Laura Court Playground has just been upgraded and Mamma’s boys are very happy. It may be small but still boast 2 slides, 2 swings, lots of rope climbing, pommel wiggle walk, monkey bars and more.
Cheong Park has to be one of the most beautiful parks in the East! The playground is surrounded by beautiful eucalyptus trees and on a warm day, it looks stunning with the sun shining through!
McAlpine Park is a beautiful spot to spend the afternoon with the family for a play in the playground, waddle around with the ducks and cut laps on the bikes and scooters. This reserve is immaculately kept with stunning gardens, and is filled with sprawling lawns for ball games and picnics and a BRAND NEW PLAYGROUND
Hands up if you love a street playground! A little stop off to help burn off some energy between school pick ups or swimming lessons or just a spot to have a play with some buddies.
Do you remember rolling in a big pile of leaves when you were little? This park will bring all of those memories right back!
Block Park is pretty simple and that is what Mamma LOVES about it - kids will find the fun.
eats
You got to love a local treasure and will get you spinning around the block to get to. Well, the five-ways block at the edge of Mooroolbark and Croydon to be exact. Mamma is a regular here and the gang continues to impress.
When the good stuff is hidden, it’s one of Mamma’s missions to hunt it out! Ilza is one of those places. This is a real hidden gem, tucked in the back of an industrial area in Kilsyth South.
You just drive on in, someone will come to the window and take your order, prepare your coffee and/or food and bring it to you- so easy!
If you live in the East and have never been to Chapter Too then Mamma highly recommends you put it on your cafe list.
Well who doesn’t just love a hotdog? This Mamma certainly does, and so do her boys. Mamma has just stumbled across a hotdog van with permanent residency in The Basin and we are pretty happy about it.
Taking up residency on Mountain Hwy, it’s the new coffee van on the block and we love it.
Bring on big family dinners, big tables filled with carbs and some of the best garlic cheesy bread on the block. Julia is making her self at home, and the Maroondah locals couldn’t be happier!
Nestled in a residential pocket of Ringwood, Common Room is your go-to haven for a brekkie or lunch fix that hits all the right notes. This cosy local gem serves up all the Melbourne classics — think smashed avo, chilli scramble, and hearty sandwiches that’ll make you a repeat customer. And for the littlest foodies?
We all love a cafe with a kids corner, it can be the difference between a hectic brunch and a nice relaxing one.
When the craving hits for a crispy pork Banh Mi, or Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or even a VSP - a Viet Snack Pack - Mamma heads directly to Cheeky Challa in Ringwood.
Saazaa Coffee Roasters is part takeaway coffee shop and part Espresso Bar! With heaps of room for groups, a wonderful menu of coffee and bites to eat - this is a real hidden treasure in Ringwood!
White Mojo is a Japanese-Australian fusion cafe serving up dishes so Instagramworthy, even Mamma found a moment to snap a pic before digging in.
Mamma LOVES ice cream, Mamma’s boys LOVE ice cream, everyone LOVES ice cream don’t they?
Mamma is a huge fan of this amazing group of women who run this magical space in Croydon. True Fairies magical museum and fantasy café, provide high tea, host private parties, cater for tour and school groups, sell magical products, offer special events and school holiday programs.
El Jannah has just popped up in the East and Mamma is pretty excited. Mamma must agree, their charcoal chicken is legendary.
A local that hit the spot - Blackwork in Croydon. This beautiful cafe is opposite Croydon Cinemas on Hewish Road and are currently serving up great food and coffee.
You will remember this face from Main Street Croydon and NOW he has added deli style sandwiches and toasties to the mix. Dean is passionate about food and can not wait to bring beautifully fresh sandwich delights to the Maroondah hood.
The Local Umbrella is a sensory friendly cafe and play space that offers something for everyone. This space has been created based on inclusion for all and they have nailed it.
The incredible flavours are now being served in this second store and Mamma is THRILLED. We popped in to fine all of our favourites rosewater, choc mint and baclava. As well as some new front runners - the berry and white choc is delicious. This is ice cream at its finest and in Croydon.
Fantastic Mister Fox has delicious food with funky menu names such as Hot in the Hen House, one of Mamma’s faves, and He’s Home for the Hollondaise which is always a crowd pleaser.
The Public Brewery is NOW Dainton Taphouse. The craft brewery is originally from Carrum Downs but has now spread its wings to the Eastside and brewing up a storm in the burbs of Croydon.
What could be better than a Cafe next to a park? A cafe that helps give back to the community. Cafe on the Park in Bayswater North does exactly that.
You really can’t beat a local bakery with a top notch coffee machine, a toasty pie warmer and an entire front cabinet filled to the brim with delicious pastries, cakes, cookies and slices!
Hold the front door - this has to be some of the most delicious ice cream that this Mamma has EVER had! Mastika is the newest ice cream shop on the block and you are going to LOVE this jungle inspired shop.
The Conservatory Cafe is a local Croydon favourite - especially for the Mamma's looking for a space for the kiddies to run around.
places to go
Welcome to Melbourne’s first Hologram Zoo! Located in Ringwood this fresh new immersive experience is pretty unique. Using Hologram technology and cool 3D glasses, you and your family move through ‘tunnels’ or projection rooms, as the screens come to life and jump out at you!
When it is time to take a dip pack up your picnic rug, some lunch and your swimming gear and head to Croydon Memorial Pool - the outdoor one.
It’s not everyday that you might choose to be locked in a room with your family. But when there are puzzles to be solved, clues to follow and a room to escape - lock Mamma up! The Time is Key Escape Rooms are a fun filled adventure.
Mamma is always searching for places where her boys can move their bodies safely and Trident Gymnastics Playgym is great for this.
This is the perfect spot for all sorts of outdoor activities- a HUGE grassed area for kicking the footy or for a family picnic plus a bike/walking track
Inflatable World is a magical world full of more jumping, sliding, sticking, jousting, running and bouncing than you can poke a stick at!
The name says it all. Grow with Play is all about exploring new sensory experiences in a safe and fun environment. There are a number of different sessions based on age, including baby yoga, gentle massage for babies moving onto music, movement, stories, messy and explorative play in the form of science experiments, arts, cooking and so much more.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
If you have ever lived in Maroondah, you would be familiar with Ringwood Lake. This little slice of parkland in the corner of town is a well loved character within the community.
In this family we love going on an adventure, and the Dandenong Creek Trail is a wonderful place to explore.
There is nothing quite like a beautiful bunch of blooms that can transform a room, brighten a home or bring a smile to you face.
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.
stuff to do
As the name says, they are all about encouraging risky play as a natural part of growing up, supporting self determination, self discipline and learning how to to face ones fears.
Sometimes we head to classes for kids and other times it is for the biggest of kids. Welcome to Kensho Studio in Croydon Hills. This beautiful space is a Pilates and wellness centre of which, Mamma is a big fan.
How exciting - the True Fairies have their very own house! The magical fairies are at home with children’s classes AND parties!
Under the watchful eye of the cockatoos, sits a playspace that welcomes both big and little thrill seekers. X & Y Space at Croydon Park is a play ground, skate park and parkour park all in one.