Covering all the fabulous places to go in Melbourne's Western Suburbs. Scienceworks, Werribee Zoo, Footscray Community Arts Centre, The Substation, Hippo Beach, Sunshine Aquatic Centre, Queens Park Pool and MORE!
The Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre has a new water play space and Mamma and her minis are hanging for the next hot day to visit. Including two slides, a tipping bucket, a colourful aqua dome, jets, fountains, a fun garden bug water feature, funnels, a soft fall surface, and plenty of spray features, your entire family is going to be in for a good soaking.
Read MoreIf you’re looking for something fun and creative to do with the kids in Ballarat, the Creative Play & Art Centre (CPAC) is such a little gem. It’s filled with sensory-rich, play based fun — it’s the kind of place where the kids get completely absorbed! Think soft play, sensory setups, glow and the dark rooms filled with hundreds of lights, a library room, tunnels galore, and even mini golf!
Read MoreThe prefect stop on the Surf Coast Hwy, have coffee at the cafe, play on the playground and feed the wallabies and emus!
Read MoreAFL Max Melbourne is Victoria’s first AFL Max venue, offering indoor footy-themed fun with climbing, trampolines, games and active challenges. A great choice for families, kids’ parties, school excursions and camps near Melbourne Airport.
Read MoreDo 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.
Read MoreOh 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!
Read MoreMuseums 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!
Read MoreMamma 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!
Read MoreWyndham 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!
Read MoreThe 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!
Read MoreIf 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!
Read MoreVjunior 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.
Read MoreMammas - 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!
Read MoreAttention 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!
Read MoreMamma 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!
Read MoreWhat 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.
Read MoreMamma 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!
Read MoreFairy 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!
Read MoreMOPA (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!
Read MoreNow 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
Read MoreInspiring families in Melbourne's West to uncover amazing stuff nearby. You will find inside local knowledge on parks, playgrounds, cafes, family activities, markets and more all waiting to be uncovered, rediscovered and enjoyed.
Copyright Mamma Knows 2017
*All reviews are based on ‘Mamma’s’ personal opinion and unique experience. Mamma takes no responsibility for any negative experiences incurred at any venue/location.*
The majority of articles on this site are unpaid and unsponsored. On the occasion of a paid editorial by a local business we wish to support, we have disclosed on those articles.
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