Do you have a toddler who may be pre-school aged but thinks they can tackle the ‘big kid’ activities like their siblings? Are you always on the lookout for adventures that are more suited for your littlest loves? Well… Mamma has carefully designed an adventure list filled with toddler fun for your minis - playgrounds, cafes and adventures galore for you to check out. Enjoy!

Libraries

FREE rhymetime and storytime sessioons at your local library

Firstly, one of the best places to meet little people and their parents is at the FREE rhymetime and storytime sessions at your local library. Check out when the sessions run - all the council websites are linked here for you

Some library inspiration for you

The library can be a great spot to escape the heat or the rain. There are also usually great kids’ areas for you to take a moment and explore - click here for some west library inspiration

Parks and Playgrounds

Featured

crocodile park, point cook

Slip Slop SNAP! Mammas kiddos LOVE Crocodile Park in Point Cook, they have for years! This is actual paradise for them. Imagine soft white sand, streams of water flowing around stepping stones, wooden lookout platforms, rope bridges plus a big snappy crocodile spurting endless water from his mouth! It feels like a classy resort beach side fun park and a space your kids will want to come back to!

cross keys playground, strathmore

Cross Keys playground in Strathmore has a rubber paved bicycle track with traffic signs and the cutest petrol pump that you’ll ever see! Plus so many tactile elements to encourage collective and imaginative play, including shop fronts (yes, a cafe AND a pet shop!) and interactive panels. Be prepared to order pretend babychinos for hours! Oh, did we mention this playground is mostly fenced?

party place 'flower pot' playground, point cook

Nestled in among the houses and homes in Alamanda Estate in Point Cook is a cute and quiet little community playground called 'Flower Pot' Playground. There is a great sandpit, lots of picnic tables & an undercover BBQ area, some small trees for shade and some very unique giant red flowerpots to hide in, climb on and slide down. This playground is just perfect for the smaller children to enjoy.

bridge road traffic school park, melton south

Take your kiddies to the Bridge Road Traffic School in Melton South - we give it our guarantee they will LOVE it! Packed with roundabouts, traffic lights, intersections and signage (stop signs, give way, pedestrian crossings, and a watch out sign for kangaroos!). The little Traffic Park mimics the features of a real traffic experience within a safe environment.

frank gibson reserve, laverton

Frank Gibson Reserve in Laverton is one of Hobson Bay Council’s local community parks - and it sure is a favourite with our little ones! This park boasts a cute ‘bug’ theme - with an accessible ladybug whirl, rope climbing frame, caterpillar slide, toddler rockers and a new swing set. There is also a set of junior soccer goals, a drinking fountain, bike parking and new garden beds - fantastic!

mcnish 'dinosaur park' reserve, yarraville

Your kids are going to love Mimi the dinosaur at McNish Park in Yarraville - climb inside to clamber around in her tum and slide down her tail, there's even an in-built megaphone so you can 'ROAR' like a dinosaur or if it's all a bit too scary - hide inside the big dinosaur 'cubby' eggs. There's plenty of shade, toilets and a new undercover bbq area too! Fantastic for the toddlers and little ones.

harris reserve, seddon

This is a lovely little village park with plenty of shade and a super local relaxed feel. The play equipment mostly caters for lots and lots of toddler fun. Harris Reserve in the popular inner West suburb of Seddon is always busy with friendly locals - there is lots of grassy spots to bring a ball for a kick, or a picnic rug for a little bit of lunch under the shade. And it’s mostly fenced in too, so balls won’t roll onto the street with any luck - fantastic!

armstrong reserve (octopus park), newport

What a fantastic community playground and park space Armstrong Reserve in Newport is. The playground equipment at this park is just fantastic - with an ocean theme to go with the huge pirate ship climbing frame. Your minis will be shouting ‘ahoy me hearties’ from the crow’s nest in no time! Featuring a wooden octopus centre piece, lots of swings, and more.

shorten reserve, west footscray

Do you need a place where you can feel relaxed as a parent while the kids explore and play? Have you got a runner? Then Shorten Reserve in West Footscray is for you. Located next to an oval this little playground is fully fenced in (there are a couple of gates you need to check are closed) and Mamma can honestly say plonking on a park bench and taking a breath is actually a possibility here.

traffic park, point cook

Discover a hidden gem beloved by locals at "traffic park"! This popular spot in the Alamanda Estate is fully fenced and is just perfect for young kids, especially preschoolers and those up to six years old. Mamma's little ones literally cannot get enough of this play space! Bring along your helmet and small bikes, scooters, trikes, balance bikes, or similar modes of transportation to make the most of your visit to Traffic Park in Point Cook.

Cafes

Featured

May 12, 2025

the birch, geelong

May 12, 2025

The Birch in Geelong is AMAZING - it's kid and pooch friendly, has gorgeous decor and delicious food - could all our wishes be coming true at once?! The food is fantastic - traditional favourites plus Asian fusion for breaky and lunch! Mamma’s minis love the little kids play area out the back - perfect for you to sit back, enjoy your hot coffee and watch the kids enjoy themselves on a sunny day. Mamma loves The Birch, and we think you’ll love it too!

May 12, 2025

Nov 11, 2024

little gecko boutique cafe, newport

Nov 11, 2024

Little Gecko Boutique Cafe in Newport is an absolute winner, especially for all of the toddlers in Melbourne’s West. Located on the bustling Blackshaws Road, Little Gecko is not to be mistaken for a regular cafe - it’s a bright and fun space with toddler play equipment and an array of seating and shade that is perfectly tailored for younger children. The menu is fab too - from bacon and egg muffins, chicken burgers and sandwiches.

Nov 11, 2024

Sep 16, 2024

jemi's cafe, south kingsville

Sep 16, 2024

Jemi's Cafe in South Kingsville in Melbourne’s West offers a delicious food with high-quality ingredients. Enjoy tasty options like Bretzels filled with chocolate hazelnut, toasties, and pancakes. The all-day menu features burgers, salads, and more. The kids menu is a winner, with nuggets, burgers, toasties, and fairy bread – perfect for little ones! PLUS they have an outdoor courtyard with a cubby house - AMAZING!

Sep 16, 2024

Aug 28, 2024

elephant cafe, williamstown

Aug 28, 2024

The newest creation from the famous Westie cafe brand Elephant has arrived folks and Mamma can tell you, it’s a winner! Situated in the heart of Williamstown on Ferguson Street, it has all the features you have come to expect and recognise from your favourite Elephant cafes in Newport and Footscray - pink branding, kids courtyard and play area, fabulous food and electric vibe! One to check out when you’re in Williamstown next!

Aug 28, 2024

Jun 20, 2023

little teapot cafe and play, lara

Jun 20, 2023

Little Teapot Cafe in Lara is amazing! They have TWO outdoor play areas, one with a mini race track, a wooden boat, and a chalk board, the OTHER outdoor play space has a gorgeous cubby house under an even more gorgeous Golden Elm, with colourful tyres for balancing, some play equipment and a large shaded table to relax and enjoy your lunch. PLUS an indoor and enclosed playspace for the little littlies with toys!

Jun 20, 2023

Jun 18, 2022

est. 1906, seddon

Jun 18, 2022

Mamma has been coming to Est. 1906 in Seddon since 2015 and it continues to be a fave especially with the little ones! The cafe boasts a toddler, pram and pooch-friendly courtyard with plenty of seating. There are well-loved toys for active kids to play with including some mobile toys to ride around on. The menu is simple and tasty and features all-day breakfast options. There are also kids and a puppy menu too - how good! The perfect venue for a catch up with friends when in the Inner West!

Jun 18, 2022

Feb 14, 2022

innerbloom, spotswood

Feb 14, 2022

An enclosed dining space with a little kids play zone - Innerbloom in Spotswood is truly a godsend on a day where Mamma just wants to chill at a cafe. Plus, the food at Innerbloom is amazing - everything from burgers to banh mi and pho - and really tasty too! There are sweets and great drinks too, like oreo shakes (yum!). The kiddies love the eggs on toast and chips and nuggets - the perfect choices for the little ones! A great spot to grab a bite with a friend and have a chat while the kids play.

Feb 14, 2022

Aug 1, 2021

duchess of spotswood, spotswood

Aug 1, 2021

Love a cafe with an outdoor play area? Well folks, this one is for you! The Duchess of Spotswood is a local favourite amongst us Westies - known for its well-loved back courtyard (with the awesome kids cubby and play area), fantastic food and warm atmosphere. The waffles are awesome and the service is excellent - making the Duchess of Spotswood a right royal treat fit for the family. This place has been a Mamma fave for years - and we know you will love it too!

Aug 1, 2021

Feb 9, 2017

cheeky chewies cafe, laverton

Feb 9, 2017

Attention Mammas… Do you like Asian Western food? And do you like a café that has a dedicated kids play area? Well, if this is you, then get down to Cheeky Chewies café in Laverton! The kids dedicated play area is fantastic for the kiddies under 6 years old. It also has a bar stool area on the outside - Mamma can literally sit and sip her coffee and watch their cheeky monkey’s play! Truly something for everyone at Cheeky Chewies in Laverton – check it out!

Feb 9, 2017

Sep 27, 2016

the backyard est 2016, newport

Sep 27, 2016

The Backyard est 2016 has an AMAZING backyard and INCREDIBLE food! This fantastic Newport cafe in Melbourne’s West has a huge space out the back…perfect for the kiddos to run around in, with fake green grass, a blackboard wall, and lots of bits and pieces for the kids to play with. The menu is amazing - with faves like yummy hot chips and waffles and burgers but also great Asian fusion items that are mouth watering - yummo!

Sep 27, 2016

Playcentres

Featured

bouncy roos, werribee

Bounce on down to Bouncy Roos folks, the most epic giant inflatable park in Melbourne's West! Fun has no limits here - your mini’s will find towering slides, action-packed obstacle courses, giant castles, themed bounce zones and more. Featuring 12 exciting attractions, watch your mini jump their way through this incredible play space - there is no shortage of adventure - check out Bouncy Roos when you’re in Werribee!

landing playcentre, ravenhall

If you are looking for fun, laughter and endless adventure for your minis, then Landing Playcentre in Ravenhall is the place for you. Plus it’s so pretty on the eye, with a gorgeous blue, grey and white colour tone, which is a bit of a bonus for Mamma! There’s a MEGA SLIDE surrounded by the biggest ball pit that Mamma has ever seen, plus a role play area, soft play space, and an amazing cafe too!

bumble beez playcentre, werribee

Fun is a bargain at Bumble Beez in Werribee! With a fun giant slide, plenty of climbing, bridges, tunnels and a specific play area for your toddlers - this colourful spot will turn some frowns up-side-down for a few hours of indoor fun. Mamma loves the cute little option to purchase some plaster fun - grab your little ones a cute art pack with a plaster, some paint and a brush for some extra fun.

jumpin' joey’s playcentre, gisborne

Your kiddies will have a blast here - they’ll be able to play in the massive ball pit area, mega slides, rock climbing walls, LEGO table, basketball hoops, trampolines, carousels and so much more! There’s also a really super cute play area for your infants to enjoy. Mamma also really loves the cafe in Jumpin’ Joey’s, and so does her mini! Oh - and your little one can have their birthday party here too!

mick's jump n' play, melton

If you’ve got kids bouncing off the walls, jumping off the back on the couch and scaling the bookshelves then you need to gather them up and head down to Mick’s Jump n’ Play in Melton! This is a massive warehouse filled to the brim with giant inflated jumping castles! So the kids can bounce, roll, run and slide until they are absolutely spent. An under 4’s section is available too for the littlies

leo's kingdom party and playcentre, altona north

Ready to rumble amongst the jungle giants? Leo’s Kingdom Party and Play Centre in Altona North is open for play! Full of hippo heads, ride-on zebras, creeping crocs and proud lions, the jungle themed play centre will have your little ones roaring with excitement for hours on end! There are new aircon facilities installed and fantastic party rooms to host your kiddo’s special day too.

tumbles playhouse playcentre, williamstown

Playcentre heaven! Got some kiddos with a little too much energy in the afternoon? Or your little babe needs a something else to clamber up instead of your furniture? Tumbles Play Centre in Williamstown is a real favourite for locals, and there’s no wonder why! Spacious, clean playing areas for children where the adults can sit and enjoy a coffee with a good view of the play zones.

chipmunks playland, playcentre and cafe @ the district docklands

Add some FUN to your shopping list and spend a few hours sliding, jumping, climbing and playing at Chipmunks at District Docklands! There is a fantastic toddler area with climbing equipment, slides, ball pit, and that giant spinning Chipmunk! For older kids there is the HUGE blow up slide and the climbing maze with mini trampoline, more sliding action and plenty of places to explore!

crocs playcentre, hoppers crossing

Holy MAMMA kids - this is going to be your next favourite playcentre to get mum and dad to take you! Crocs just know play centre fun really well and the Hoppers Crossing location is no exception. There is heaps of light and space, with handy different aged 'zones' - like the pirate ship 'cubby' for the under 4's and separate baby area. Mamma LOVES the little trikes and the track that weaves around the large play maze too!

lollipop's playland, playcentre and cafe, sunshine

Lollipops in Sunshine is a good one! There is a great play maze for big kids with jumping castle, speed slides, inflatable slide and ball pit, as well as air hockey table, skill testers and some arcade racing games. There is a great play maze for big kids with jumping castle, speed slides, 'airplay' tower complete with ball canons and ball play tables too, Lollipop's in Sunshine has something for everyone!

Adventures

Featured

wathaurong booln booln cultural centre, geelong

The prefect stop on the Surf Coast Hwy, have coffee at the cafe, play on the playground and feed the wallabies and emus!

little builders, district docklands

Calling all digger enthusiasts! This one’s for YOU. Little Builders at District Docklands is an immersive play experience, with different zones offering wonderful opportunities for little ones to dig, build and explore - it will seriously blow their little minds! Its main attraction is its expansive indoor sandpit which is approximately 50 square metres in size containing clean, safe sand and an amazing array of digger toys. Book your tickets and make your digger-lovers dreams come true!

jirrahlinga dingo conservation and wildlife education centre, chewton

Do your kiddos love getting up close and personal with wildlife and learning all about their species? If so - Mamma says Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Education Centre in Chewton is right up your alley! There are so many different varieties of animals who call this place home - dingos, koalas, reptiles, emus, wombats, birds and so much more.

fairie’s door, newcomb

Oh Mamma’s heart - a pamper session at Fairie’s Door in Newcomb is the sweetest adventure, your little ones will feel like absolute heaven! Fairie’s Door is the place where kiddos dreams of being a royal will become a reality! Owner Miffy, a talented hairdresser and florist, ensures every visit is unforgettable. A must-visit for local families! Bookings are essential - make sure you DM on Instagram to book in the most memorable experience for your little ones!

scienceworks, spotswood

Museums Victoria consistently delivers incredible experiences, and Scienceworks in Spotswood is no exception. It’s a favourite spot for families, packed with excitement and adventure at every turn. From the hands-on fun of the Sportsworks exhibition to the engaging Scienceworks shop, the latest exhibitions, outdoor playgrounds, and the awe-inspiring Planetarium – there’s something for everyone! Trust Mamma, you’ll find yourself wanting to return, alot!

altona miniature railway, altona north

Mamma LOVES the Altona Mini Rail in Altona North. Have you heard of Puffing Jilly? No? Well, be sure to come and meet her and all of her convoy each month at the Altona Miniature Railway! Even the most unsuspecting family member will become a train enthusiast after whizzing around the tracks a couple of times. We love the tunnels and spotting each of their trains is a real treat, and there’s even an old tram to play in too!

wyndham little buddies toy libraries, werribee/point cook/manor lakes

Wyndham Little Buddies Toy Library is SO GREAT! We all want our kids to have loads of toys to play with, to enjoy a variety of toys and we love to watch their little faces shriek with delight at the sight of a new toy. But practically speaking, buying a lot of toys is not a great solution. Little Buddies Toy Libraries are situated in three locations with lots to borrow!

newport railway museum, newport

The Newport Railway Museum in Newport is a fantastic weekend activity for the family in Melbourne's West. The rich history of Australian trains are on display, plus a fantastic vintage model railway. Get up close and personal with the huge vintage engines and also see the inside of quite a few carriages now, like the old buffet car and gorgeous first class carriage - the beauty is just inspiring. Make a day of it the kids will love it!

ballarat wildlife park, ballarat east

If you have an animal lover and face it most kids are - Ballarat Wildlife Park is an excellent place to get up close with some of Australia's most loved animals. There are 100 Kangaroos that literally 'hop' free, as do the emu's. You can see lots of snakes and reptiles including crocodiles, Tassie devils, wedge tailed eagles, koalas and wombats. Mamma loves to feed the kangaroos - it a fam fav, especially for the minis!

vjunior @ village cinemas, sunshine

Vjunior is still incredible! The whole adventure however, starts before the opening credits. The foyer of Vjunior is fully equipped with blocks, colouring in stations and car tracks. Snacks are able to be ordered in the cinema with special choices like ice cream sundaes available. The cinema opens 30 mins prior to the session starting so you have plenty of time to zip down the speedy slide, colour in, have a boogie and play with the Hot Wheels.

the messy patch, mt duneed

Mammas - get your kiddies to The Messy Patch in Mt Duneed, it truly is GENIUS! We’ve found the perfect play space for you, right near Torquay - an indoor and outdoor sanctuary with all of the sensory play activities your little one could dream of! The activities are catered for newborns to young primary age children, designed to ignite all their senses through play based learning. So much fun - without the mess at home!

brimbank aquatic and wellness centre, keilor downs

Attention Mammas! Brimbank has a new Aquatic and Wellness Centre, and our verdict is in - it’s AMAZING! Within the Aquatic Centre you’ll find an indoor 50 metre pool, learn to swim area, kids splash park and slides, a warm water pool, spa, and a massive water slide (only for those over 120 cm in height) - everything your little one could dream of! The perfect place for fun for all of the family!

portarlington bayside mini rail, portarlington

Mamma really does love a mini rail! They are a perfect adventure for the little ones, with pretty scenery and a gentle ride. The Portarlington Mini Rail is right on the water, so it is different from all the other ones Mamma has been to. It is a short track here, so they take you around twice so be sure to wave at the conductor and the other train as you pass! There is also a little playground here and BBQs or dip your toes in the water in the warmer months!

werribee open range zoo, werribee south

What a fantastic family destination and all in Melbourne’s West! Even before the kiddos came along a visit here was a must and now we pop in as often as we can. The open safari bus tour is always a highlight, spotting new animals every time (the elephants, oh my!) and the self guided walking tours are a great way to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace. Pop into the Meerkat cafe if you’re hungry, or have a picnic at the Village Kids playground.

the bellarine railway, queenscliff

Mamma LOVES a train ride and when the views are this amazing even better! The Bellarine Railway is such a stunning way to explore the area and this is by far the best way plus on special occasions, you can ride on the Thomas train too. Mamma says get there early and to get a good spot in the carriage you want (the carriages can be quite different) - the water side is definitely our favourite! Toot toot, all abord!

fairy park, anakie

Fairy Park is very special to Mamma. We first visited over 35 years ago and now we just keep coming back with our own kids. The amazing Fairy Park was built in 1959 when the displays were predominantly made by hand and despite being updated it still holds its magical kitschy qualities. The park is FULL of fun from over 20 fairytale displays, a Camelot playground, dragons and inspiring castles. Fairy Park really is the ultimate for family fun - be prepared to make some serious memories!

museum of play and art (mopa), geelong

MOPA (Museum of Play and Art) in Geelong is a family must-visit. Inspired by Tom and Billie’s travels, it features the 'Zoom Room' with cars and ramps, a 'Performance Room' for dressing up, a Picasso-like art wall, a soft play area, a rainbow tunnel, a 'free play' room, and an outdoor area for painting a real car. Fun for all ages but designed for kids 12 months and up! MOPA is a must in Geelong!

bulla hill mini railway, bulla

Now Mamma has a secret – if you have a train fanatic or even if you just like a new adventure then Bulla Hill Miniature Railway is a fantastic way to hang out on a Sunday! The trains take the 1.5 km journey around their winding track, watch out for the dinosaurs and prehistoric friends dotted along the line. There is play equipment here too, a picnic area for after your train ride, and a kiosk

aircraft viewing area, bulla

Aircraft Viewing Area in Bulla has been a favourite amongst aircraft enthusiasts for over 30 years now, and a spot Dadda used to come with his folks over 20 years ago for having some family time, pointing at the gigantic planes flying overhead and grabbing an ice cream or two. It's still a favourite for families after all these years and there is a big ice cream truck is still here (or two!)

serendip sanctuary, lara

Come and take a walk on the wild side at Serendip Sanctuary nestled in the Lara bushland. Mamma is in awe of all the flora and fauna that we get to see at this magical place. You can walk with the emu's and kangaroos, wave at the wallabies and 'ooh' and 'aaah' at all the beautiful looking birds. There’s a large picnic area as you arrive in the car park too, and best of all, it is FREE!

animal land children's farm, diggers rest

Mamma says throw on your overalls and gumboots, start chewin' some hay and take a drive to Diggers Rest to visit Animal Land Children's Farm. Animal Land has so much to see and do - get a pony ride plus visit the animal nursery and then you can feed the ducks on the pond, feed the donkeys and cows and chickens too! This is a self-guided farm so, grab your free animal food and away you go!