6 of the Best Places To Take Toddlers And Babies In Spring in Melbourne

  • Mums & Bubs
    Toddlers
    Preschoolers
    Kids

Despite the impending changing of seasons, Melbourne's on the precipice of a temperature-related downturn—but regardless; babies and toddlers won't entertain themselves! These outdoor spaces are the perfect spots for entertaining littlies during Spring.

Black Sapphire Pirate Ship Park, Aberfeldie

Little ones will love walking the plank, ringing the captain’s bell, or checking out the horizon through the telescope – you have to know in which direction to steer the giant wooden ship’s wheel! All that surrounds you is sandcastle-making sand, but if the smalls have sailed enough of sailing the ship, there’s also regular playground equipment alongside.

Find it: The Boulevard, Essendon West

More info: Check the website.

Hay's Paddock Park and Playground

Built with the idea of being accessible even to children with the most limited mobility, the playground really is incredibly inclusive and popular with mums of littles.

There’s no shortage of your usual climbing frames, fortresses, slides, roundabouts, sandpit and bridges, there are also swings of different sizes and shapes for children of differing ages and ability, a roundabout that comfortably fits a wheelchair, and a large, low seesaw that’s much easier to manage than the old-fashioned style.

A special bonus is the cubby house-like look out over the wetlands, and my girls loved the spider-web climbing frame with an unexpected but very welcome trampoline in the middle. A really great park to come and spend the day in.

Find it: Leason St, Kew East

Image: Boroondara Council

Heide Art Babies

With a different theme that gets changed up quite often, enjoy 30 minutes of sensory play in the gallery, looking, thinking and talking about art with your baby. When it's over, hang out in the beautiful sculpture park, grab some lunch at the cafe on site or set yourself up for a rambling picnic across the 15-acre Connie Kimberley Sculpture Park. 

Find it: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen

More info: Check the website for tour times and other cool activities for young ones.

Birrarung Marr and ArtPlay

A double dose of baby and toddler fun is found at Birrarung Marr, what with the excellent playground, riverside walk to scoot around on, sculptures to climb and hills to roll down, and also a creative space to let the little ones indulge in some artistic play.

With more than 300 workshops, events and performances, there's sure to be something on the calendar for you to visit (including some free drop-in events). Professional artists are on hand to lead the events, and the playground is the only one in Melbourne’s CBD, with slides, sand pits, swinging hammocks, activity panels, rock and rope climbing features and balance beams.

Find it: Birarrung Marr, Behind Federation Square, Melbourne

More info: Check the website.

Image: Artplay

Ian Potter Children's Garden

Little kids love this area of the city, housed in the greater Royal Botanic Gardens (which is perfect for a picnic this time of year!), where they can crawl, explore and splash about in the lushly landscaped built-for-kids garden. 

The garden features plants, water, structures and pathways that reflect Melbourne's changing seasons with the designated areas of wetland, bamboo forest, plant tunnel, and kitchen gardens. The stream is perfect for little hands to splash about in, and is open from 10 am - 4 pm daily, with the larger spiral fountains operating on days when the temperature is forecast to exceed 25 degrees. 

Find it: Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne

More info: Check the website.

Image: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Bundoora Park Farm

Bundoora Park Farm is located in the largest park in the Northern suburbs, and is often a bit quieter than the other animal-related outing spots in the city, which is great when you're dealing with babies and toddlers who are not patient!

We love meeting the friendly farm animals, take a ride to see the kangaroos and emus, and exploring early 20th Century Australian life at the Heritage Village. The playground is fantastic, and the goat milking is awesome! Such funny little things.

Bring a picnic or stop in at the onsite cafe for a snack or some lunch.

Find it: 1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora

More info: Check the website.

Image: Bundoora Park Farm

Other Adventures In Melbourne

Melbourne's Most Creative Playgrounds
Waterfalls To Visit Near Melbourne
The Best Short Train Rides For Kids

 

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