I hesitate before calling any play centre aesthetically pleasing. But it turns out that I had just been visiting the wrong ones. Sure, there is certainly a place for the place centres in haphazardly organised and rarely cleaned but Eden Play Mill Park is a serious cut above the rest. Nestled in a bustling shopping precinct, Eden Play is a great spot to spend your morning or afternoon with your little one.
What is Eden play in Mill Park?
The first thing you see when you jump on the Eden Play Mill Park website is “a safe and clean play centre”. That really does sum up some of the benefits of this new play centre in X – but there is so much more to this spot. Eden Play Mill Park is motivated by its commitment to children’s development, cleanliness, safety and inclusivity. They also aim to foster a community among parents and offer meals and snacks that better serve the needs of a growing child than the standard chips, ice cream and jelly found at most play centres in Melbourne.
What to expect at the Eden Play Centre
The Eden Play Mill Park play centre is intended for children aged three and under and the play equipment is perfectly designed to that aged group. Any parent who has been to a play centre will understand that every child gravitates to different equipment as their risk appetite and interests vary. This Melbourne play centre has something for all little ones. Here are the different play zones:
- Reading nook: with a range of age-appropriate books for boys and girls and ample cushioned spots to read
- Climbing wall: for little ones to climb and safely jump down onto soft flooring
- Playground area: for older toddlers to climb up stairs make their way through nets and descend down slides
- Soccer pitch: for kids and parents to kick and score with soft large balls, or shoot some hoops with the low basketball hoops
- Baby play spaces: ideal for newborns and babies who can’t yet move and are accompanying their older siblings
There is also a play area with activities that the children can get creative with, and we have seen this area offering curling in, play dough and other crafts. We attended on Halloween and close to Christmas, so the crafts area had activities related to these seasonal times.
One thing I loved about this play centre in Melbourne is that each of these zones were sectioned off with a small barrier. This adds an extra layer of security knowing your baby cannot wander from where you have them.
The menu at Eden Play Mill Park
Believe us when we say that we have done the research on play centre menus. There is very rarely any fruit or balanced food available, and kids and parents with dietary requirements do not often get a look. Eden Play Mill Park has a considered menu, with items that you would see at a cafe as well as grab-and-go items from the fridge and cabinet. My son has a dairy allergy and while I wished there was more for him, I was impressed to see coconut yoghurt available and free fruit. The menu is complete with items like Beef Stroganoff, gourmet lasagne, salads, chicken pot pies, and so much more.
Our group nearly fell off our chairs when we heard that babychinos were complementary because there is nothing worse than paying when you little one has one lick of the froth and then does not touch it again. We ordered two each which they promised us was absolutely fine, and didn’t even bat an eye when our greedy little ones asked for another marshmallow.
The coffee is great for adults and there is a range of seating options so you can accommodate all groups. Another beautiful detail to this melbourne play centre is the communal tables throughout the centre. These are generous sized tables and benches which encourage different groups to mingle. While we have not had the chance to do so, i can imagine it’s a welcoming invitation on the days when it is busy and there are no free standalone tables.
Play Centre kids parties at Eden Play
If all of this is sounding good, then you may want to consider Eden Play Mill Park for your kid’s party. Play centre kids parties are a godsend for busy parents as they take on the catering, and activities and your group can enjoy the entire centre which is safe and enclosed. All the party information is available on their website, and they offer three packages; Playdate Party, Catered Private Party and the Self-Catered Private. Each Melbourne kids party package offers different inclusions like time limits, cake tables, invitations and menu items. The menu examples on the website look fresh, healthy and ideal for little ones and adults alike.
Where is Eden Play Mill Park?
Eden Play is perfectly located within a shopping precinct offering ample parking and proximity to Woolworths, cafes and so many specialty stores. On the three times we have attended Eden Play Mill Park we were able to grab a few things for dinner at the shops, and even take a look at the op shop nearby. The precinct is quite large and the first time we arrived we had to have a hunt around to find it – so look out for the Pizza Hut as it is next door in a corner space.
Eden Play is located in Mill Park in Melbourne’s north-east suburbs, belonging to the City of Whittlesea. Mill Park is easy to get to when you get on the motorway and Eden Play’s location really is perfect for families who need to find a park every time and be close to other shops and amenities for the ultimate convenience.
Take a look at our coverage of kids events happening around Melbourne, and be sure to let us know what you want us to review next!
