pixieland @ m-city, clayton
This playcentre takes whimsy and magic to the next level. Pixieland really is like being transported to another world… and it’s one the kids will absolutely love!
This playcentre takes whimsy and magic to the next level. Pixieland really is like being transported to another world… and it’s one the kids will absolutely love!
The space is separated into a number of zones for different ages and interests. Those into imaginative play will love the garden and supermarket area where they can harvest fruit and veg or fill a shopping cart with groceries. This room also includes a wall dedicated to light up bricks which draws children like moths to a flame.
Aspiring princesses will want to head straight upstairs to the pamper room, complete with dressups, “makeup”, vanities and 360 views of the entire centre.
Mamma’s 2 year old could not get enough of the galactic cone slide and ball pit which also includes an interactive game wall, ball vacuum chute and spiral tunnel slide.
The projection room was another winner which is a completely blank space, perfect for the ever changing animations that dance across every surface. The only thing that got Miss 5 out of that sensory wonderland was the mini train and Ferris wheel that run on an alternating schedule every twenty minutes. There is a unicorn merry-go-round that also runs consistently throughout every session.
Don’t worry grown ups! Pixieland hasn’t forgotten about you - there is a generous seating area where you can enjoy a drink or meal from their cafe. Every adult ticket comes with a free coffee voucher as well so Pixieland really is a fairytale experience for one and all.
the nitty gritty
M-City Shopping Centre, Level 1, 2107/2125 Dandenong Rd, Clayton 3168
OPEN
1 hour, 2 hour and all day passes available.
Monday - Friday
9:30am - 5pm
Saturday & Sunday
9:30am - 6pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
Two Rupees Brewing Company is a great little brewery just a couple minutes down the road!
little amigos @ southland, cheltenham
Little Amigos is your next go-to when the kids need to get out of the house. This play centre takes cute to the next level - think wall to wall colour and dazzling lights that act as a shot of instant joy from the moment you step through the archway.
Little Amigos is your next go-to when the kids need to get out of the house. This play centre takes cute to the next level - think wall to wall colour and dazzling lights that act as a shot of instant joy from the moment you step through the archway.
From pampering in the princess room to building in the construction pit, there's a space to match every interest and mood. A clear crowd favourite? The massive ball pit with slides, interactive game screen, and vacuum shoots.
Mamma’ has never meet a kid who didn’t love a pretend supermarket or kitchen - and Little Amigos nails it. With plush groceries, a beeping scanner, and light-up hot plates, Mamma’s 2 year old spent most of the time shopping and cooking up a storm.
copyright mamma knows south - make a mess with sarah
Mamma’s pick? The maker space loft overlooking the entire centre. Race the kids to win a prize in the multi-level claw machine or build glowing towers with the LED blocks. You’ll also find busy boards and sensory activities for those across the walls to occupy little hands.
Parents can relax in the spacious dining area with a coffee or bite to eat while the kids ride the Little Amigos Express – running every 30 minutes (under 3s ride with an adult). And for the tiniest amigos? The baby room is packed with toys perfect for little hands.
Hot tip: This is a shoeless space, so don’t forget socks! But if you do, don’t worry – you can grab a pair at the door.
the nitty gritty
Westfield Southland, 1239 Nepean Hwy Service Rd, Cheltenham 3192
OPEN
1 hour, 2 hour and all day passes available.
Monday - Wednesday
9am - 5:30pm
Thursday & Friday
9am - 8pm
Saturday & Sunday
9am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
Take the kids to see a movie at VJunior afterwards!
make a mess with sarah, somerville
Attention messy play fans! Mamma has found a gem in Somerville courtesy of Make a Mess with Sarah.
Attention messy play fans! Mamma has found another gem in the south courtesy of Make a Mess with Sarah.
Located in Somerville, Sarah’s wonderful space is split up into an imaginative play zone and fenced off messy play area. Kids can jump between the spaces as much as they please during their 1 hour session, which will find them engaging in a variety of open ended activities.
Let the kids get messy with a selection of sensory stations that help to develop their fine motor, social and cognitive skills… but with none of the clean up! Mamma’s 2 year old could not get enough of the rainbow coloured water set up, only being lured away by every toddler’s siren song - BUBBLES.
copyright mamma knows south - make a mess with sarah
The imaginative play zone is decked out with a mini supermarket, construction zone, cafe, living room and cubby - designed for children to explore and engage with unstructured play.
Don’t worry grown ups, you’re looked after too! With a sit down area complete with tables and chairs as well as an onsite coffee machine, parents are given the opportunity to take a breath while the kids have the time of their lives!
the nitty gritty
Unit 1/26 Speedwell St, Somerville 3912
OPEN
Two 1 hour sessions
Monday
9am - 10am
11am - 12pm
Wednesday - Friday
9:30am - 10:30am
11:15am - 12:15pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
After your messy play session, take the kids to Somerville General Store for a delicious toastie and smoothie.
inflatable world springers, keysborough
Mammas! If the kids are fans of jumping castles, then Inflatable World Springers is a must visit.
Mammas! If the kids are fans of jumping castles, then Inflatable World Springers is a must visit.
With a few traditional bounce houses available, they also offer a range of more unconventional options like inflatable ball toss, slides and obstacle courses to get the blood pumping.
There is a selection of smaller jumping castles situated to one side for under 5s to jump in the safety of an age appropriate zone away from the bigger kids.
A session lasts two hours which is plenty of time for the kids to let off some of that never ending steam. There is plenty of seating dotted around the space, though parents are encouraged to get involved, with under 12s requiring a guardian in the bounce area at all times.
Don’t forget - grip socks are mandatory here, but don’t worry if you forget them! They are also available for purchase at the front counter.
the nitty gritty
400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough 3173
OPEN
Saturday
2pm - 6pm
Sunday
10am - 4pm
*Open daily during school holidays
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
Once the kids have bounced their little hearts out, head to Third Space Cafetorium for some sweet treats!
powerplay go karts, moorabbin
This one is for the teens and tweens - and the fun-loving adults as well, of course!
This one is for the teens and tweens - and the fun-loving adults as well, of course!
Recently opened in Moorabbin you will find PowerPlay - an amazing multi-level electric go karting venue in Melbourne! The perfect place for speed demons to race around the track on electric go karts!
Kids aged 10+ - provided that they are above 140cm, can participate here, with the choice of either one or two rides of 15 minutes increments each. Mamma’s tweens find one lap more than enough - while Mr Mamma Knows would happily go again!
You have the option to purchase a camera to wear on your helmet to record all the fun - they will then give you a QR code to download your race!
Your lap times get recorded and there’s a running leader board for those competitive types (looking at MR Mamma Knows here..)
To add some more fun to the day, there’s also a dozen or so arcade games where you can test your basketball and punching bag skills, or claw machines and car racing games.
It’s the perfect spot for some older kid fun!
the nitty gritty
94-98 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin, 3189
OPEN
7 days
10am - 9pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
You will build up an appetite - so head a few doors down the road to Fat Bobs Bar and Grill!
we rock the spectrum, somerville
We Rock The Spectrum in Somerville really IS a place where everyone can feel comfortable, where there is no ‘wrong’ way to play and kids can be their loud and energetic best selves!
One of the first things that you will notice as you walk into We Rock The Spectrum - a play gym for all abilities in Somerville - is a sign on the wall that says; ‘Finally, a place where you never have to say I’m sorry’. For carers of kids, especially those on the spectrum - this will resonate deeply.
And this really IS a place where everyone can feel comfortable, where there is no ‘wrong’ way to play and kids can be their loud and energetic best selves!
Newly opened, this Somerville franchise offers the most amazing selection of sensory and imaginative play options. Every item is handpicked specifically for their sensory element. From dozens of swings, trampolines with balls and a zip slider - to the incredibly cool full-scale supermarket complete with conveyor belt check-out, shopping trolleys, cash and a range of grocery items.
Then there’s a diner, where you can take a seat and be served - or take your place behind the kitchen and whip up some milkshakes or lunch.
In the infant and toddler play zone there’s also a range of dress ups, dinosaur play, craft table, a couch area with books and more.
Upstairs is the teen zone that offers air hockey, a dart board, LEGO table, couch and little basketball hoop.
There’s also a messy play/sensory room that offers different areas, with roads and tractors, coloured rock salt to scoop and grind and lots more. And if kids need a bit more of a quiet play, there is the calming room which is a darker room with an under the sea theme.
This is such a great place, kids of all ages and abilities will love it.
the nitty gritty
Factory 3/36 Guelph St, Somerville, 3912
OPEN
Monday - Thursday
9am - 6.30pm
Friday
9am - 9.30pm
Saturday - Sunday
9am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
Once your session has finished, grab a bite to eat from the very kid friendly Miss Moose Cafe - only one street away!
little buttons messy play, chelsea
Located in the beachside suburb of Chelsea, Little Buttons offers unstructured and open ended messy play sessions for preschoolers (though all ages are welcome). Once you make your way through the gated entrance, grab a smock and start getting messy!
Great news Southsiders! Leave the good clothes at home because we’ve got a brand new sessional messy play space in the area and it is GLORIOUS.
Located in the beachside suburb of Chelsea, Little Buttons offers unstructured and open ended messy play sessions for preschoolers (though all ages are welcome). Once you make your way through the gated entrance, grab a smock and start getting messy!
For the creatives, there are multiple painting stations, an acrylic wall for creating masterpieces with shaving cream and a collage table complete with glue and colourful bits and bobs.
For those who enjoy engaging in sensory play, there are multiple stations thoughtfully dotted throughout the generous space that encourage those little hands to dig, scoop and squish to their hearts content. Filled with kid friendly materials like oats, jelly, rice and slime, this is where Mamma’s little 2 year old spent all of his time.
Offering two 1 hour sessions a day during the week (and open for party bookings on weekends), Little Buttons also offer a low sensory session on Tuesdays for those who benefit from a taking things down a notch.
Bookings are essential as each session’s numbers are capped to ensure quality of play.
the nitty gritty
5/450 Nepean Highway, Chelsea 3196
OPEN
Monday - Friday
Two 1 hour sessions
9.30am - 10:30am
11:30am - 12:30pm
low sensory sessions also available
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
Once your session has finished, why not head down to Chelsea Beach Playground to continue the sensory fun!
space jump @ springvale indoor sports
If, like this Mamma, you have a jumping castle enthusiast in the house, Space Jump at Springvale Indoor Sports is definitely one to pop on the list.
If, like this Mamma, you have a jumping castle enthusiast in the house, Space Jump at Springvale Indoor Sports is definitely one to pop on the list.
Open to the public on weekends, Space Jump offers a variety of inflatable structures for different age groups, from the traditional jumping castle to a mini inflatable basketball court and little miss 5’s favourite “Wipe Out” inspired ball obstacle course.
There are a number of inflatable structures for a range of different ages, mostly 4 years and up. However, there are also a few for the younger toddlers, as well as a cliff drop which is only for 8 years and older. With various tunnels to crawl through, surfaces to jump on, climbing walls to scale and slides to zip down - it’s a great little place for kids of all ages to bounce off some of that energy.
Mamma loves that the Space Jump facilities are set aside from the rest of the sports centre and are clearly defined by netting barriers, which means keeping track of little jumpers is much easier.
If the littlies get a bit peckish mid jump, there is a simple kiosk at the entrance that sells drinks (including coffee), chips, sweets and ice-cream.
the nitty gritty
546-552 Springvale Rd, Springvale South 3172
OPEN
Weekends
10am - 4pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
If the kids still aren’t ready to head home, why not head to Burden Park for a bit of fresh air and a play.
the deck kids, brighton
The Deck Kids perfectly combines the fun filled aspects of a children’s play space with the mouth watering qualities of Melbourne’s cafe culture - this Mammas idea of heaven.
The Deck Kids perfectly combines the fun filled aspects of a children’s play space with the mouth watering qualities of Melbourne’s cafe culture - this Mammas idea of heaven. Designed, predominantly for little kids, 6 years and under, there are 4 defined areas of play in an enclosed and gated space, perfect for those wondering toddler feet that like to explore.
The first zone is an “outdoor” area, complete with bbq, ride on animals, and construction materials for those who want to partake in a little diy.
Next is the fully stocked “Deck Mart” and cafe space for the little foodies among us. Easily one of the most popular areas, this Mammas’s 2 year old could not get enough of the crank operated supermarket conveyor belt. While little miss 5 settled in to the neighbouring “home” section where she set to work tending to her brood of 4 doll babies and their seemingly *very* strict bath/milk/bedtime routine.
Lastly, the soft play zone closest to most of the cafe seating includes a small ball pit and foam decor which caters more to the younger children.
Now… when it comes to the food, The Deck Kids don’t hold back. With a diverse range of sweet and savoury options for the grown ups as well as a generous kids menu (including crowd favourites like bacon and eggs, pancakes and chicken nuggets), there is plenty to choose from to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Mamma actually appreciated the QR code system here as it made following two little ones around the play area while perusing the online menu, child's play.
Online bookings are essential and entry to the venue is $8 per person (adults and children over 12 months) which is redeemable on any menu items purchased during the allotted 1.5 hour session time.
the nitty gritty
26 Outer Crescent, Brighton 3186
OPEN
Saturday - Sunday
8:45am -10:15am
10:30am - 12pm
12:15pm - 1:45pm
2pm-3:30pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Kids still have energy to burn? Head down the road to Hurlingham Park!
crocs playcentre, clayton
Indoor playcentres are a godsend when the weather is less than ideal, and Clayton’s Crocs is no exception. With play zones for all age groups and a Muffin Break cafe for the grown ups, it’s the perfect place to escape the elements and entertain the kids for a few hours.
Indoor playcentres are a godsend when the weather is less than ideal, and Clayton’s Crocs is no exception. With play zones for all age groups and a Muffin Break cafe for the grown ups, it’s the perfect place to escape the elements and entertain the kids for a few hours.
There’s a small soft play area for bubs under 18 months which includes some interactive play panels, a see saw and climbing/building blocks.
Right next to the baby area is a larger gated soft play zone for under 4s who are prone to doing runners. This area was a big hit with mammas 4 year old and 20 month old, with the button operated merry go round, mini jumping castle and interactive floor piano being the highlights.
Mamma’s favourite Crocs attraction? Getting served a latte the size of a small child. Yes please and thank you.
The largest area by far, was for the bigger kids and adrenaline junkies in the family. Various slides, tunnels and foam ball shooters across multiple levels mean the adventurers among us have ample room and equipment to explore. And don’t forget the race track (with push bikes and trikes supplied) that runs across the right hand side of the centre - on your marks, get set, GO!
Hot tip - head there during the week with the preschoolers for a cheeky little discount… but be sure to pack socks as they are mandatory throughout the centre across all opening hours.
the nitty gritty
1924 Princes Hwy, Clayton 3168
OPEN
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday
9am - 4:30pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head across the train tracks to Modu for a succulent Chinese meal.
