Hello!

I am looking for ideas, places to take my 1 1/2 yr old in Melbourne. Preferably the northern suburbs. We love the zoo but now it’s coming into yucky weather we would also like ideas for indoors also.


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  • I’ve got a whole list if you ever decide to come to Sydney!


  • Some Councils have story time but I don’t know at what age they start. If you can go to your Local Council Office they may have pamphlets for the different types of places you can take your little one. Is there a Playgroup near you at all? They are usually 1/2 day a week. I don’t know what the charge is for that. They are often at a Kindergarten (it may have a different name in some States). I believe some Libraries also have a Toy Library you can borrow toys from. I don’t know if there is a charge/deposit in case they aren’t returned. Also check noticeboards in shopping centres, and check the ones in your local paper(that is delivered free once a week if you live in the right area). Many people don’t bother to look at them. Some have two sections in them. You may need to check both if there is.


  • scienceworis is great! Also Melbourne aquarium :) we go to a indoor play centre in pakenham but there should be one closer to where you live. Also visit the library for “rhyme time”. If it’s nicer weather turn check out Collingwood Children’s farm or travel further to see the Penguins at Phillip Island ;)


  • Cover dining room table with sheet and make cubby house, you can have tea parties and play lets pretend,we are snug in our tent, my mum used to play this with me and loved it.


  • Have you explored indoor play centres. They are wonderful places and parents to can get a cuppa or just watch the kids going crazy!


  • have you tried the sky wheel, or taking your child to the eureka tower. Check out the whats on in the land of inbetween greater city of melbourne under events kids and family


  • In Adelaide with have play cafes with cool slides, ball pits and toys. We sit and have coffee or tea and let the kids enjoy themselves


  • The science centre and myseam at southbank (in brisbane), library, play centres like lollipop or even in some shopping cebtres or fast food places have a playground


  • I took my three indoor swimming at this age. I taught all my kids to swim and play in deep water. We used a bubble for a short time then we were swimming like ducks. We loved play group and we loved the library. We walked to these activities as it kept me fit and the fresh air was good too. I loved dressing them up in gumboots and raincoats and we would go out in the rain. Jump in puddles, feed the ducks and swans. Teach your kids there are seasons to be enjoyed. We loved racking up Autumn leaves and jumping in the piles… we have great photo’s of the kids enjoying the outdoors. Rain hail or shine!


  • Indoor play centres, Some inflatable worlds have area for small kids, local Libraries some have story time every week. Play group at local centres are some of the ideas i can come up with.


  • Definitely check out what happening at the libraries. Also check out your local shore offices. They often have programs running for kids


  • You could try Crafternoon cafe in Carlton North – haven’t been but have heard good things! http://crafternooncafe.com.au/.


  • Indoor playgrounds are great during winter. Shopping centres often have free ones. My daughter loves visiting other kids. Any place with new toys is great for her.


  • Do your local libraries have any activities on?

    We go to the local library, the local shopping centre has a weekly books & activity session, maybe try and meet with some mums in your area and have a playdate each week? Maybe an indoor playcentre also? At 18 months I took my daughter to a kindergym and she really enjoyed it. Also, do you have an indoor pool nearby?


  • Anywhere I travel there is usually a website with a list of ideas, a quick search on my usual websites and for Melbourne I have this http://www.littlemelbourne.com.au/all-about-little-melbourne.html and it is specifically designed for toddlers around Melbourne. Good luck and have fun!!


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