the private sea, mornington
Now THIS is how you want to spend your day folks! Treat yourself to a little indulgence.
Now THIS is how you want to spend your day folks! Treat yourself to a little indulgence.
If you’re anything like Mamma, you may be a little cautious about the claustrophobia factor that comes with a float tank. For those that don’t know what these are, they are an individual tank, shallow filled with water and over 350kgs of Epsom salt. You lay in there, in total darkness and the water is heated to body temp (34.5c) so that you don’t know where your body ends and the water begins. Due to all the salt, you float effortlessly and can totally immerse yourself in relaxation. Your senses will be heightened as you switch off and just ‘be’.
Mamma was a little scared that it would be overwhelming and feel ‘trapped’ - but was also super excited to feel the sensation of floating. You can leave the roof cracked a little if you feel nervous, and there’s a little light you can leave on inside the tank as well. You are totally in control of the environment, and it is amazing! It’s very cool, and it’s something you just have to try! After your float, you get a delicious herbal tea and slice, while you awake from your restful trance-like state.
Apart from the tank, you can also experience the salt room, sauna, get a massage, sports therapy, and try out this awesome light therapy called Pandora Star.
Or, if you are just after a peaceful and quiet location, you can head down there, grab a tea or coffee (from the delicious local commonfolk coffee) and sit in the library. It is such a peaceful and tranquil place. You will feel so relaxed just sitting in the light-filled and quiet environment.
Keep your eyes peeled as there will be some pamper packages coming out soon - which would be the ultimate girls (or guys!) day out. Fabulous gift idea too, with vouchers available.
Mamma’s special mention: Keep the health and relaxation theme going and head for a walk at the stunning The Briars in Mt Martha.
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday/Tuesday 9am - 6.30pm
Wednesday-Friday 9am - 8.30pm
Saturday/Sunday 9am - 4.30pm
Click here for more info and to book
3 Satu Way, Mornington
(Turn off Mornington/Tyabb service Rd - Don’t use google maps - as you will get lost!)
lollipops playland, clyde north
There’s a new Lollipops playland in town folks, and it’s pretty awesome. There’s nothing better than a fresh, clean playcentre! Perfect for rainy day play!
There’s a new Lollipops playland in town folks, and it’s pretty awesome. There’s nothing better than a fresh, clean playcentre!
Here you’ve got your standard playcentre set-up. A multi-level play frame including a maze, multiple slides, a 3-storey ball blaster, and a separate, generous-sized enclosed toddler area. There’s also a cool mechanical car ride, jumping castle, rock climbing wall AND a build-a-bear workshop!
It’s easy to spend a few hours here, and with a cafe serving yummy food - it’s a great place to escape the extremes of Melbourne weather!
Mamma’s special mention:
Want to keep playing? There are some great parks in Clyde. Like Berwick Waters Grand Prix Playground, Highgrove Outlook Park and Clydevale Park.
3 - 5 Denali Drive, Clyde North
(Off Matterhorn Drive - use this for GPS reference)
for more fabulous indoor adventures
click here
funtopia, carrum downs
You will definitely want to allow a few hours to explore everything this great indoor play centre has on offer - you will LOVE it!
Mamma and crew LOVE this AMAZING adventure playcentre in the South.
Suitable for all ages, kids will be awestruck.
For the little ones, there is a dedicated gated toddler area. This is decked out in an under-the-sea theme and includes a double-slide, a small multi-level climbing area, a soft-mat climbing wall that you can climb up and then slide down, activity boards, soft plastic stackable cushions, sensory items and more.
There’s also the Funtopia Station Room which includes an interactive touch screen video game and a few tables with pencils and colouring sheets for the little ones.
Also fun for the littler ones, is the cannon ball area with heaps of soft balls to collect and then release down upon you, and the disco corner.
For the bigger kids - the fun is endless. Multi-level climbing nets with all sorts of tunnels, trampolines, slides and obstacle courses.
Then there are the rock-climbing walls. Heaps to choose from, catering for all difficulty levels. There’s also a giant beanstalk, city buildings, and stepping blocks to challenge yourself on.
Lastly, there’s a full-scale gourmet cafe here. Offering more than the usual hot chips!
Lots of tables to sit and enjoy a coffee and keep an eye on the bigger ones.
The staff are lovely and are very hands on to help look after the kids in all the many levels! They even take the little ones down the slides so Mamma doesn’t have to!
You will definitely want to allow a few hours to explore everything this great place has on offer - you will LOVE it!
Mamma’s special mention:
You can also have Birthday Parties here with multiple rooms available. For more info - click here.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday 9am – 5pm Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Thursday 9am – 5pm
Friday 9am – 6pm
Saturday 9am – 6pm
Sunday 9am – 5pm
COST
Click here for all the deals
wanna know more? click here
for more fabulous indoor adventures
click here
bounce inc, glen iris
Unleash the ninja warriors and fly like a bird at this fabulously bouncy spot!
You gotta BOUNCE baby! This place is unreal and ALL the kids Mamma taught back at school would seriously rave about it. Bounce Inc is all about the action and getting some serious air time. The centre runs sessions all week long and all jumpers are supported and supervised by excellent staff members who are SUPER enthusiastic. The kids will get their hearts racing quickly and don’t be surprised if they start to glow with sweat after all that jumping, balancing and flipping.
Alongside the trampoline park is the X Park Zone. Designed for the kids 125cm, this zone is where the inner ninja warriors unleash their skills, with a whole course to swing and climb your way through - plus a whole section for parkour… In fact, the contestants on the show trained here as preparation!
Mamma’s special mention: There’s a junior jumper area for the really little ones - as well as a soft play area - their motto is ‘If they can walk they can Bounce!”.
There are a number of Bounce Inc venues across Melbourne, including Blackburn and Essendon. Each centre is slightly different - but you can take your socks with you - so it is worth exploring them all!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Mon to Thurs: 9am – 8pm
Fri: 9am – 9pm
Sat: 9am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
wanna know more? click here
Creative sparx, wheelers hill
Seniors and children alike can visit and make craft, paintings, science experiments - SLIME - paint rocks and SO much more!
This is SUCH an awesome place!
The owners came up with Creative sparx due to a lack of places they could take their older kids. They were after something that could stimulate their minds and take them away from screens.
And they have created this magical place!
Every age group is catered for here. But what is even more unique is that this is the first place in Melbourne that offers a Senior program! Seniors and children alike can visit and make craft, paintings, science experiments - SLIME - paint rocks and SO much more! They provide all equipment and have staff on hand for guidance.
Such a great idea for birthday parties as well, with an option for karaoke machines and disco themes! For party info, click here.
Mamma’s crew absolutely love this place and cant wait to go back again… and again!
Mamma’s special mention
Kids still want more fun? Head to the awesome Jells Park
the nitty gritty
Open
School Holidays
10am - 5pm
School Term
Thursday - Sunday
10am - 5pm
Casual Entry includes:
Choice of one or two Art, Craft or Science activities depending on the selection
Take-home creation(s)
for updated prices and more info
click here
Shop 106, Brandon Park Shopping Centre, 580 Springvale Rd, Wheelers Hill
melbourne sports and aquatic centre, albert park
Jump off the diving boards, slide down the water slide, splash in the shallow pool with bubble fountains and get swept away in the wave pool!
*Waterslide and Diving boards no longer accessible
Splashing around at an aquatic centre is the ultimate all-weather activity! It doesn’t matter if it is 40 or 4 degrees, here the temperature is always perfect.
Mamma’s crew had never visited MSAC before, and boy were they blown away! It is such a HUGE centre and there’s so much fun to be had.
Even though they loved splashing in the shallow pool with the bubble fountain; they all agreed that the absolute best fun was the wave pool. The little ones stayed in the shallow end where they were gently swayed by the waves; whilst the older ones couldn’t get enough of the huge waves that formed right in the corner of the pool. So much fun.
There’s lots more that MSAC offers as well, such as: creche, swimming lessons, parties, gym, hydrotherapy pool and awesome school holiday activities. Mamma’s little one insisted that he simply MUST have his birthday party here next year! For more info on having a party, click here.
Needless to day - Mamma’s crew will be back!
Mamma's special mention:
Hungry? The delicious Carousel is across the road! Want more activity? Head for a walk around Albert Park Lake
sk8house, carrum downs
Step into a time-warp as you glide along the rink, listening to fab 80s music!
Do you remember the feeling of stepping onto the rink, barely balancing on those skates, grabbing hold of the barrier against the wall as you navigate your way around for the first time?
Then the feeling of nailing it as you speed skate in a comp, or limbo your way to a free toffee apple? Pretty memorable stuff, right?
Sk8house is THE place to introduce this feeling to your little ones. All the staff here are dedicated to helping create life-long memories, and offer assistance to all the little ones who may need a helping hand. They also offer the chance to change from blades to skates or vice versa - with no extra charge.
Parents, this isn’t only for the little ones either! Step into a time-warp as you glide along the rink, listening to fab 80s music!
Loads of fun to be had here, a perfect weekend or school holiday activity for the whole family.
Fancy having a birthday party here? Why wouldn’t you! Click here for more info.
Mamma's special mention:
Make it a whole day of activity by heading to the awesome Bayside Rock Climbing around the corner.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Saturday - 9am - 9pm
Sunday - 11am - 5pm
School Holidays
Monday - Friday
9am - 4pm
Special classes during the week - click here
PRICES
Prices vary depending on session times
from $12 + $3 skate hire.
wanna know more? click here
inflatable land, mornington
What could be a better way of burning off excess energy than entering an indoor play land where everything is bouncy?!
What could be a better way of burning off excess energy than entering a land where everything is bouncy?!
Here you can jump into a Jurassic world, a jungle, a motor themed world, take a ride on a wrecking ball, race your friends through an obstacle course, and slam dunk a basketball.
There is loads of fun for all ages here, with the toddlers having their own inflatable area to enjoy, separate to the bigger kids.
Parents can enjoy a coffee and snack while they watch the enjoyment through the nets from the comfort of their chair.
Don’t forget your socks! Must have socks to play!
Wanting to have your party here? Click here for more info!
Mamma's special mention:
Note - there are staff inside the nets to make sure rules are being obeyed. But parental supervision is required at all times.
If you visit on a Sunday, make it the second Sunday of the month and head around the corner to the awesome Mornington Racecourse Market! Or get a decadent donut from the delicious Rebel Donuts!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Saturday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
School Holidays
10am - 4pm
PRICES
Ages under 5 - $10
5+ - $15
wanna know more? click here
crocs playcentre, pakenham
Sometimes we think we have been to the really big indoor playcentres and then you walk into another and you are blown away with the shear scale of the place. Case in point - Crocs in Pakenham.
Sometimes we think we have been to the really big playcentres and then you walk into another and you are blown away with the shear scale of the place. Case in point - Crocs in Pakenham. This one is massive. Multistory play structure, ball battle zone, a stack of slides, including the racing slides, a huge inflatable with a slide of its own, a basketball court PLUS a toddler AND a baby zone. Oh my goodness - I am exhausted just listing the fun. Crocs have a great set up for parties too with this centre having the awesome disco room as well as the various themes to choose from down the side of the centre. The other great thing that surprised Mamma at the Pakenham venue is Muffin Break. There is a Muffin Break INSIDE - morning tea is sorted!
Mamma's special mention: Crocs have a great reputation for great and safe indoor play but the gang also LOVE to party! Head here to find out about their packages and book a date!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
7 days
9:30am - 5pm (until 7pm on Fridays)
PRICES
Ages 1 -2 $9.90
Ages 3+ $11.90
(prices $1 cheaper on school days)
Adults and Under 1 year FREE
wanna know more? click here
bayside rock climbing, carrum downs
Kids from as young as 3 can join in on the fun here. But it is definitely not only for kids!
Attention climbers! You are going to love it here!
There are so many different climbs that you can challenge yourself on.
Kids from as young as 3 can join in on the fun. But it is definitely not only for kids! The adult course takes you on an upside down climb - one for the brave!
You can come and do a climb casually for 1 hour - or if you are more serious about climbing you can take some lessons, become a member and make it your regular work out!
And what a work out it is! Mamma's crew were utterly exhausted at the end of their climb. They used their little muscles to climb up snakes and ladders, spiderwebs, fake rock and glass walls - and lots more.
Such good fun. Just be sure to be on time, as you will have a one hour block, and it can get very busy!
Fancy having a birthday party here? Click here for more info.
Mamma's special mentions:
Looking for a sugar hit after extending all that energy? Five minutes up the road is the BEST icecream you are likely to eat at Gelato Unou ice creamery.
the nitty gritty
OPENING HOURS
Monday - Friday
4pm - 9.30pm
Saturday - 10am - 8pm
Sunday - 10am - 5pm
COST
From $20
wanna know more? click here
library @ bunjil place, narre warren
This is one STUNNING library. You will be lost in here for hours!
Mamma loves when a library caters for the smallest of readers and this may possibly be the most well-stocked library we have ever visited.
The Library at Bunjil Place is brilliant. There are three dedicated Kid Zones and takes up almost the entire ground floor of this book-lovers heaven. The shelves are all curved shapes creating reading pods and there are zones for picture story books, junior fiction and Mamma loves the levelled reading boxes for that extra guided reading practise.
What is not to love about choosing a book and a little cubby hole to snuggle into while you check out the pictures! Down in the furthest corner is the levelled seating where our friend, Mr Ted, hangs out; as well as some dress ups, puzzles and board books that the baby even had a go at reading.
Mamma's special mentions: This library is just made for story time and you can find sessions running almost all week during school terms! CLICK HERE for timetable to all Casey and Cardinia Libraries.
Bunjil Place
Preschoolers (3-5years) - Tuesdays 2-2:45pm and Thursdays 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am
Tinies Time (babies - 3years) - Tuesdays 10.30am - 11am & 11.30am - 12pm and Wednesdays 10.30am - 11am & 11.30am - 12pm
Baby Rhyme Time (up to 12 months) - Mondays 2.30pm - 3pm & Wednesdays 2.30pm - 3pm
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
9am - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 5pm
wanna know more? click here
crazy climb, noble park
Attention all action seekers! There is a brand new indoor activity zone that you HAVE to try!
Attention all action seekers! There is a brand new indoor activity zone that you HAVE to try!
Crazy Climb has now opened its doors to some crazy rock climbing fun for all ages! Well, from ages 4 - 94; but toddlers and babies don't miss out on the fun - as it is in the same complex as the wonderful Lollipops play centre!
With over 26 climbs, it will challenge all capabilities! There's timed climbs, Treasure Island, amazing beanstalks, moving obstacles - and so much more to experience.
Each climber will have an hour to explore at their leisure - after a thorough 15 minute safety briefing.
Thinking of having a party here? Click here for more info.
Mamma's special mention
All that climbing will work up an appetite. Head up the road for a deliciously decadent donut from Daniel's Donuts! Yum!
tthe nitty gritty
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday & Saturday 10am - 9pm
School & public holidays 10am- 10pm
AGES
4 - 94
COST
1 hour climb (+15 min safety briefing) - $16.90
10 pass - $130
COMBO PASS - 1 hour climb PLUS entry to Lollipops play centre - $23.90
wanna know more?
click here
lollipops playland, bentleigh east
This is not just your average indoor play centre, this is a play centre on STEROIDS!
****THIS VENUE IS NOW CLOSED****
This is not just your average indoor-play venue - this is a play centre on steroids!
Mamma and crew didn't even know where to begin at this adventure packed fun house! Jaws hit the ground as soon as the kids walked through the door - and they were literally climbing the walls (well, gate) to get in!
The littlest made a beeline to the toddler section and straight on to the musical piano floor-mat. The older one ran straight for the ball projectors - in the complete opposite direction, of course!
That is one thing to note - if you have two kids or more and you are by yourself, it can be a bit tricky to keep an eye on both of them at the same time- as the venue is very large (and busy!)
Luckily - the toddler area is fully enclosed.
There is SO much to do here. There are large inflatable slides, an incredible rock-climbing wall, ride-on car merry-go-round, toddler area, slides, ball pit, video games, climbing tunnels - the list goes on!
This is one play centre you really need to visit!
Mamma's special mention
Wouldn't this venue make the perfect party place?! Absolutely! Check out their party packages here
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday to Sunday
9am - 6pm
PRICE
Weekends
under 12 months -FREE
12 months to 3 - $10.90
3+ - $12.90
Adults - $3.50 (includes a free coffee/tea/softdrink)
School Days
under 12 months - FREE
12months to 3 - $9.90
3+ -$11.90
Adults - $3.50 (includes a free coffee/tea/softdrink)
wanna know more?
click here
vjunior cinema @ fountain gate, narre warren
A cinema experience designed for kids - by kids!
Your family movie going experiences are about to be transformed and it is nothing like you have ever seen before - unless of course you have visited the first Melbourne vjunior at Southland. This kid friendly cinema has JUST opened at Village Fountain Gate and it is incredible! The whole adventure however, starts before the opening credits. The foyer of vjunior - yes there is a separate section from the regular cinemas - is fully equiped with blocks, colouring in stations, dress up boxes and car tracks. Snacks are nearby and once everyone is ready you can head on in.
The seats are set up in three sections - the front recliners, the super squishy and junior sized beanbag style couches and then your more adult friendly standard leather seats. Of course if there is time, the kids can fly down the slide that is so long that it spans the entire length of the cinema itself. Or you can play on the interactive screen at the front. All this fun happens even BEFORE the previews start. Movies shown in these cinemas have had the noise turned down a little, the lights stay on nice and low and the film itself is paused half way through for that all important toilet break and a bit more of a play with your newly made friends. Our trip to the movies with kids will never be quite the same!
Mamma's special mention: These cinema sessions are bound to be SUPER popular so we HIGHLY recommend you book online to avoid disappointment at the box office.
the nitty gritty
PRICES
Child (3yrs - 14yrs) $16
Adult $25
Concession $21.50
Child under 3 FREE - provided they sit on the lap of a paying adult at all times
Packs are available when purchased online (comes with a small popcorn, drink and small chocolate treats per person!)
Family of 3 pack $72
Family of 4 $92.50
Kids Pack $27.00
wanna know more? click here
Fountain Gate
352 Princes Highway
Narre Warren
click here for more indoor adventures in Melbourne's South
gravity zone, seaford
Where else can you burn off excess energy on over 180 trampolines, multi-level laser tag area and a toddler indoor play zone? Gravity Zone is in a league of its own!
*Note - foam pit is closed due to Covid and limits apply and bookings are essential.
Wanting to bounce off some excess energy? Where else has over 180 trampolines, a multi-level laser tag area, a games zone and a cafe? Gravity Zone is in a league of it's own!
Jump off a trampoline and into a pit of foam and test your skills in the Ninja obstacle course.
The little ones don’t miss out either! With a BRAND new toddler zone - Little Leapers - complete with it’s own party room! This cool zone has heaps to keep the little ones busy including a trampoline, a multi-level climbing zone with monkey bars, slides, tunnels and more! There are also ride-on cars, bikes and an enclosed playpen for the non-walkers.
So much to do at this fabulous indoor adventure paradise! This Mamma will be spending lots of hours here in the coming years! I had to drag their little flushed faces out after they thoroughly exhausted themselves!
There's something for all ages here - adults included! An awesome way to spend an energetic family day out! Highly recommend!
Mamma's special mention
This is a perfect place to visit for all abilities. A mobility lift is available to access the refuel zone, reception and foyer. There is ramp access to the trampolines near the lockers.
A fantastic place for a party, too! Click here for more info.
Need to cool down after all that play? A short drive away is the delicious Gelato Unou.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Mon to Thur
10am – 7pm
Fri 10am – 9pm
Sat 10am – 8pm
Sun 10am – 6pm
Public Holidays 11am– 4pm
Wanna know more? Click here
25 Oliphant Way
Seaford
