Småland Finally Reopens at IKEA Tempe

Sydney's favourite FREE kids' play space is back! Småland is officially reopening at IKEA Tempe on 15 August 2026, with a celebratory weekend of family events running from 15-16 August — hoorah!

The free, supervised play area has been closed since COVID. This relaunch brings a completely refreshed "Småland 2.0" concept, and Tempe is the first store in Australia to debut it.

What's Inside the New IKEA Tempe Småland

Designed for kids aged 3-8, the revamped Småland is split into three zones:

• Active zone – a tree house with bridge and slide, balance path, climbing wall and soft flooring for movement-based play.
• Creative corner – colouring stations, craft supplies and collaborative tables for young artists.
• Quiet area – soft seating for downtime or a movie break.
   

 

Long-time fans will notice the ball pit is gone, swapped for the wider mix of imaginative, active and calm play spaces.
 

Parents can feel free to drop their little ones off and browse the store solo for the session — just note you'll need to stay on IKEA premises the whole time, ready for an easy pick-up when your child's session wraps.

Location & Opening Hours

Småland is located inside IKEA Tempe, 634-726 Princes Hwy, Tempe.

It's FREE to play for ages 3-8 (all kids must be independently toilet-trained). 

Session length: 30 minutes, no bookings needed — just turn up and register. IKEA Family members get an extra 30 minutes. Parents can leave their children for the session but must remain in IKEA for the duration.

Opening hours: 11 am to 5 pm Mon-Thu, 11 am to 7 pm Fri, 10:30 am to 8:30 pm Sat-Sun

Good to Know Before You Go

Kids need to be in socks (no shoes), and outside food, drinks (except water), toys and electronics aren't permitted. Co-workers hold Working with Children Checks and are trained in first aid, CPR and inclusive care, so you can shop, browse or grab a coffee while they play. Just remember: whoever signs your child in has to be the one to sign them out.

Visit Småland IKEA Tempe for more details. 

FAQS

What is Småland?

IKEA's free, supervised play area, inspired by the forests of southern Sweden, is designed for kids aged 3-8 while parents shop, browse, or grab a coffee.

Where is it located?

Ground level, near the entrance of IKEA Tempe.

How long can my child play for?

30 minutes per day, or 1 hour total for IKEA Family members.

Do I need to book?

No — just turn up and register on the day.

Is it supervised?

Yes. Co-workers hold Working with Children Checks and are trained in first aid, CPR and inclusive care, with a strict co-worker-to-child ratio maintained at all times.

What should my child wear?

Comfortable clothing for active play, with shoes off and socks on.

Is there a cost?

No, entry is completely free.

Why did the ball pit disappear?

Småland has been upgraded to the new "Småland 2.0" concept, trading the old ball pit for a broader mix of active, creative and calm play spaces.

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