carnegie memorial swimming pool, carnegie
Mammas! Drop what you’re doing, grab the kids, pop on the togs and head straight down to Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool
Mammas! Drop what you’re doing, grab the kids, pop on the togs and head straight down to Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool (CMSP).
The newly redeveloped community aquatic centre has been designed to welcome the whole family with accessibility and sustainability in mind. Honouring the design of the original building which opened over 50 years ago, CMSP brings together the nostalgia of old school community pools with the functionality of contemporary design and facilities.
Pick a spot on the grassy hill that overlooks the main swimming pool while the kids get ready to head straight to the splash pad - a fully shaded, colourful water play area with great accessibility and a variety of engaging structures for a wide range of ages.
From the corridor of sprinkler archways to the large orange dredge bucket that slowly fills over time only to spill in a massive “SPLASH!” on the squealing kids below. Mamma’s 2 year old had a wild time weaving in and out of the numerous dome shaped sprinklers dotted around the splash pad at varying heights.
Next to the splash pad (and froggy slide!) is the main pool with lanes divided into aqua play zones as well as slow, medium and fast swimming lanes. There is a ramp that runs half way down one side of the pool, for those who benefit from a gentle decline into the water. And although it is an outdoor pool, it is partially covered by shade cloth if you prefer to avoid direct sun.
But that’s not all folks! There is also a separate dive pool, indoor learn to swim pool and indoor wellness zone which includes a spa, sauna, steam room and warm water pool.
With multiple BBQs located onsite and a kiosk offering hot and cold food/drinks, there is absolutely no reason to leave before closing time!
the nitty gritty
Koornang Park, Moira Avenue, Carnegie 3163
OPEN
The facility is open 7 days with parts of the centre opening at different times during peak (Nov - March) and off-peak (Apr - Oct) seasons.
Monday - Thursday
6am - 9pm
Friday
6am - 8pm
Saturday
7am - 7pm
Sunday
8am - 7pm
casual admission and memberships available. Children under 3 are free of charge.
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention
Head to Del Mar just down the road for some food and a play.
noble park aquatic centre, noble park
Noble Park Aquatic Centre is a FANTASTIC place to cool off over summer!
Noble Park Aquatic Centre is a FANTASTIC place to cool off over summer! This brilliant facility is ideal for families and will thrill your entire crew.
For the days over 28º, the Aqua Play playground kicks into gear. This water play zone is one of the best designs and bound to cool everyone down. Website does indicate it is an option for kids aged 3 - 12 only. It has three different slides, tipping cones, soaking hoses and cascading fountains. The kids will be buzzing up and down the staircases, all while keeping an eye out for the giant tipping bucket that gushes all over the play area every 5 minutes or so (no we didn’t time it but it feels about right).
In addition to the aqua play there is a giant green tunnel slide that the kids will also love. It’s open for kids 5 plus and at least 120cm. The kids tell me it is only fast in some parts but at this age, they are pretty light on the scale and the bigger kids that were playing at the same time as our list - where really flying down!
The outdoor pool is a great place for a proper swim and has 2 lanes open for play or jump in and cut some laps. There is also a heated indoor pool which is nice and shallow in parts for the toddlers.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Main pool is open 7 days
Water splash park and slide is open 11am - 5pm on school holidays and only on days forecasted to be greater than 28º
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention: We love a little water play. Check out more WATER fun at MSAC
gumbuya world, tynong
A theme park that is SUPER fun for the whole family. It’s an animal park, has rollercoasters and thrill rides, and Mamma’s favourite place to cool off at the GIANT water park. You'll find this theme park on the way to Gippsland and is a summer hit!
Forget the Gumbuya Park of your distant childhood. The multimillion dollar upgrade is complete and this entire WORLD is THE place to be for Melbourne families! Think of this place as a zoo, a theme park and a water wonderland all in one.
Gumbuya is well worth tackling in the warmer months to take full advantage of Oasis Springs - the water park with two GIANT tube slides, water splash park (super fun that you have to have to at least try once), racing slides, a wave pool, gentle beach lagoons and Mamma's absolute favourite, the lazy river.
Grab a tube and bob along the shallow water as the tide carries you round and round, watching out for some little waves along the way. Once you are completely waterlogged or Mamma needs to tap out and watch from the sidelines, there are plenty of deck chars, shady spaces and you can even hire your own cabana.
The park also features plenty of rides that are all included in your entry (except the surfs up wave machine). From the cruisey car rides, to dodgems, small roller coasters and a pirate ship, there is plenty to keep your crew entertained. Do be mindful of the height restrictions - and rides range from minimums of 100cms to 120cms (click here for specifics).
The latest addition to the park are the new rollercoasters! The TNT is family friendly with even Mamma’s 5 year old thinking it was awesome as you sit with dangling legs as you are thrown along the track. Then the Project Zero is a little scarier (and only the bigger kids 140cm+ are allowed on this one) as you are suspended upside down in parts, experience 5Gs and reach speeds of 105kmph - yeah … nar… not for this Mamma!
The park remains home to plenty of feathers, furs and scales that can be found along the Wildlife Trail. You will spot all the Aussie friends who also have plenty of room to move in the large enclosures as well as a petting farm to get up close and personal.
Mamma's 'lil tips:
Get there early - gates open at 10am and you can pre-purchase your tickets online.
Start with the animals while they are more active in the cooler end of the day, work through the rides, and cap off the day in the water!
You can take food in but there are also two cafes on site which saves room packing lunches.
Lockers are available for hire for all the gear you might need.
You can - sorry, WILL - spend an ENTIRE day here so be prepared!
the nitty gritty
OPENS
Hours vary depending on the season. Click here to check dates and times
Closed Christmas Day
wanna know more? click here
zayak sea sled @ reef board hire, mornington
Kids can check out what’s on the bottom of the ocean, without having to even get their faces wet!
Now THIS is a very cool experience!
Kids can check out what’s on the bottom of the ocean, without having to even get their faces wet!
These boards look like a mix between a kayak and a massage table, offering a neoprene ‘mask’ of sorts, where you look through a glass bottom. It’s like snorkeling without the need to be immersed in water - or breathe through a tube - so much easier for kids!
You can hire a zayak sea sled by the hour and explore the bay, cruising leisurely around the peaceful - and flat - shores of Schnapper Point in Mornington.
The boards come with straps so the little ones can be pulled along, providing the perfect viewing point to check out what lays beneath - coral, fish - Mamma’s crew even saw a starfish or two!
Older kids and adults can paddle along themselves, perhaps with flippers, but they’re not essential.
At the boat shed you can also hire kayaks, paddle boards and boats! Bookings are essential.
the nitty gritty
Boatshed 7 Scout Beach, Schnapper Point Dr, Mornington VIC 3931
Bookings are essential
From $15 per hour
Kids aged 3+ (supervised obviously)
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
The boatshed is right next to Mornington Park Playground and opposite the delicious Okay Lucy Gelateria
aqua park @ melbourne cable park, bangholme
Aqua park will have you jumping, sliding, climbing and falling as you try to make your way across the inflatable obstacle course! LOADS of fun!!
Aqua park will have you jumping, sliding, splashing, climbing and falling as you try to make your way across the inflatable obstacle course!
This highly energetic activity is bound to expend some energy, as you balance and bounce through numerous challenges. It’s aimed at kids from 5+ (kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult) it can be quite challenging and a fair bit of strength is required!
Mamma’s Little Miss 7 had lots of fun, but did need a bit of assistance getting up over some of the higher climbs, and it’s very slippery so expect to fall off .. A LOT!
Each session allows for 50 minutes and a 10 minute safety briefing. 50 minutes might not sound like a long time - but when you’re out there climbing - it is the perfect length of time! But if you are keen - you can purchase a double session.
You can bring your own lunch - or there is a small canteen serving hot food like hot dogs, chips etc.
Mamma's special mention
This place is awesome fun - they have a massive high ropes course as well as an outdoor cinema
peninsula water bikes, mornington peninsula
The newest attraction to Peninsula are these incredibly fun Waterbikes! Perfect family fun!
You may not be able to walk on water - but you can definitely RIDE!
The newest attraction to the Peninsula are these incredibly fun Waterbikes! They are perfect for a bit of family fun. A great way to take in some amazing scenery, get some exercise and breathe the fresh salt air!
Kids are able to ride on their own, provided that they are over 120cm tall. If not, they can sit back on the deck on their parents bike.
There are two types - an upright and recumbent. According to Mamma’s crew - the upright requires a little bit more effort whereas the recumbent is a bit more cruisey. Keep your eyes out for the tandem bike coming shortly.
You can hire these for 30 - 60 or 120 minutes. Soon there will also be tours you can join in.
They depart from Frankston Foreshore or Sorrento - or if you have a group wanting to go from somewhere else, just get in touch with them. Bookings are essential. Check them out - it’s a lot of fun!
Mamma's special mention
If you’re at Frankston beach - check out the Frankston Foreshore Playground - At Sorrento - Sorrento Park- Rosebud - Rosebud Jetty Playground
the nitty gritty
OPEN
30, 60 or 120 minute hire
By Appointment Weekdays 6am – 7pm Weekends
Bookings are essential
Located at beaches along the Mornington Peninsula
the big goose, moorooduc
You may think if you have seen one animal farm, then you have seen them all. Let mamma assure you, this is most definitely not the case.
You may think if you have seen one animal farm, then you have seen them all. Let mamma assure you, this is most definitely not the case. Yes, it is a farm. Yes, it does have animals. But it is so much more.
There are so many animals of every variety. Gaggles of geese, calves, baby goats and sheep - everywhere you turn there are more babies
Inside, the kids get to cuddle bunnies, guinea pigs and reptiles.
Stroll out to the farm and see geese waddling along freely, making quite a racket. Enter the wildlife area and see dingoes, wombats, wallabies, camels and deer. Pass by brightly coloured birds, llamas, donkeys, cows, and so many more animals.
Take a ride on the tractor. With the kids legs dangling off the side, take a 10 minute drive around the farm. From this prime position you can view the beauty of this place, as well us have up-close encounters with all of the animals.
PLUS if you visit on a day above 25 degrees, you can splash around in the awesome splash park!
Then there's the magnificent, multi-level playground. Fun for all ages, having a smaller sandpit area for the young ones, and more adventurous offerings for older kids. There’s even mini golf!
This really is such an amazing place, the whole family will love it. The staff are so kind and welcoming and really go out of their way to make it a special experience for everyone.
Mamma's special mention
Big Goose also run daily sheep dog shows, and reptile shows!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Every day during School Holidays!
10am – 4pm
Term Times:
Summer: Wednesday – Sunday
Winter: Thursday – Sunday
wanna know more?
click here
peninsula hot springs, fingal
Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids
What could be more relaxing than immersing yourself in hot water, surrounded by the green leafy tranquillity of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula? Not much!
The best part is, you can relax even with the kids! Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids!
There are separate tubs for the kids, family pools - and little areas where the kids can play in the shallow section whilst you soak in the deeper - jetted areas.
Mamma's favourite things are the little tubs that the kids can sit and play in - super cute and keeps them occupied (and happy!) for ages.
For the hot days, there are also cold plunge pools to refresh in, and pools of varying temperatures.
If you want to really indulge, there are spa treatments available, a sauna, massage chairs and a delicious on site cafe.
Mamma's special mention
Make the day truly memorable and pair it with a package that includes an Indigenous Cultural guided walk and meditation through Rye. This is AMAZING!
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday to Sunday
7am - 10pm
Cost
$25 – $55 per person
Click here for updated pricing
There are loads of spa treatments available as well!
wanna know more? click here
