Melbourne is full of great cafes, whether you’re looking for something casual, fancy or even dedicated to your dietary requirements. For parents, finding an appropriate cafe where you can enjoy a coffee and keep your kids entertained feels about as rare as a sunny day in Melbourne.
Fortunately, some dedicated parents at Around Melbourne have done the reconnaisPLAY
sance work for us and recommended the best play centres in Melbourne with cafes.
1. Stomping Ground Brewery, Moorabbin
Ok, this might not technically be a play centre but Stomping Ground Brewery in Moorabbin has a fantastic playground. All of the Stomping Ground properties in Melbourne are large, open spaces that are ideal for toddlers and kids who want to move around and not be constricted to a table. The playground is in an ideal position so that parents can keep an eye on their kids while they enjoy a meal and a drink.
2. Rabbit Hole Play Centre Braybrook
The Rabbit Hole Play Centre in Braybrook has something for every kind of kid and is aesthetically pleasing for adults. There is a large climbing gym and wide rock climbing wall that allows for many kids to climb at any given time, and it is not too high that you have to be concerned. There is also plenty for the toddler to stay entertained, with a mini ice cream shop, body shop and flower shop for the little ones to play shopkeeper and pull themselves up or hop from shop to shop. You can also tempt your kids with a ball pit, slide and some very intricate decor hanging from the roof. There are also plenty of activities for balance, safe risk-taking and sensory play.
The cafe for parents is excellent too, and you can enjoy a coffee, something sweet or savoury as you watch the little ones. There are also some party rooms in the complex which look nice and a lot more unique than the basic party rooms you can see at play centres.
3. Relax and Play Altona
Relax and Play Altona positions itself as a ‘play, event and wellness centre’ and the ideal place for parents to relax while kids place. Now, if you have children you might be dubious about how any parent can relax when there is play happening, but Relax and Play Altona has been curated to have separate zones for parents and children. You can sit down to enjoy a family meal for lunch and dinner with your kids either sitting at the table or enjoying some play centre in Melboure action. There is also coffee, cake and other goodies if you are stopping by for a short play visit.
There is also a nail salon there so you can have your pedicure while your child plays. The idea of getting a pedicure while watching your child have fun is a pretty incredible prospect. Oh, and it is open until 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings!
4. Lollipop Play Centre Preston
If your child has a high standard when it comes to play centres in Melbourne, then Lollipop won’t disappoint. The play equipment is enormous and it allows kids to go as high as they like. You will also find a ball pit, an ocean-themed rock climbing wall and a spinning teacup ride. They are separate spaces for age groups and optimal seating for parents to supervise while also getting a coffee and relaxing, and this area is very large and ideal for family gatherings.
5. Cafe Omnia Murrumbeena
Cafe Omnia is a modern, stylish cafe with a great menu. There is also an outdoor area for kids to play, which includes a full-sized jungle gym with a slide, cubby house and astroturf. If you love outdoor dining, then this is a great place to try. Your little ones will love the delicious children’s menu which includes a fun drinks menu, colourful french toast and more. The play area connects to a deck so parents can watch kids play with umbrellas to keep parents sun safe.
6. Teeny Tiny Cafe Docklands
Teeny Tiny Cafe in Docklands is a gorgeous spot and looks so cute that you almost don’t want to let your children run loose and mess it up! What’s unique about this play centres in Melbourne is that the seating is in the middle of the venue and the play areas surround you. This means that no matter where you are sitting you will have eyes on your children and they have lots of areas to explore. All the play equipment is in beautiful pastels and there are life-like areas for your little one to play. For example, there is a grocery market with fruit and vegetables where children can pretend to do the family shop. There is also a pretend department store where children can shop for their skincare essentials… no, we’re not joking!
7. Just Kids Play Centre and Cafe Tullamarine
If you live near enough to the airport, then Just Kids Play Centre is a nice local play centre that you will want to be across. It is one of the biggest I have seen, and there is a good range of areas for different age groups. I have taken my little boy there three times now, and it’s taken him that many times to explore it all. The giant slide is pretty amazing, and the kids get there by navigating the way through the large built-up play equipment. The baby area has a smaller slide, toys, walkers, a ball pit and more.
When you enter the play centre, you will be greeted by shelves and shelves of lollies. You can also grab ice cream and ice blocks, drinks, and pastries behind glass and order food on the menu. There is also a range of toys for sale, which is tricky to get in and out of the play centre as they will try and grab a toy! The coffee was pretty good and quick, so it’s an ideal spot to have a play date or take your kid alone on a rainy day or a day when you want to get out of the house. You can check it out here!
Which play centres in Melbourne do you frequent? Be sure to check back on this list as we are always adding to it as we find new, fun spots for the whole family. You can also check out our Melbourne kid’s recommendations.
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