Play Nook is not your average indoor play centre in Melbourne’s north! It has an impressive variety of indoor entertainment for babies, toddlers and older kids – plus a cafe to keep everyone happy.
With soft climbing structures, slides, sensory tables, dress-ups and much more, families will have a ball at Play Nook in Northcote, one of Melbourne’s best boutique play centres for young families.
Located in Northcote on Arthurton Road, Play Nook is easily accessible from surrounding suburbs including Thornbury, Fairfield, Preston, and Brunswick, making it a popular choice for families across Melbourne’s inner north.
True to its name, there are several play nooks throughout this imaginative space. Play Nook is spacious, welcoming and kept in immaculate condition.
Best of all, it’s lots and lots of fun for kids!
What to Expect at Play Nook Northcote
With four young kids of their own, the wonderful local parents behind Play Nook – Holly and Cam – are passionate about creating playful experiences. It’s clear to see how much thought and care has gone into making this a fun place for families.
While weekends are reserved for kids’ parties only, Play Nook is open on weekdays for anyone wanting a fun day out. It features many creative areas catering to a range of ages, so kids are guaranteed to enjoy plenty of imaginative play.
Play Areas for All Ages
In the heart of the space sits a large wooden play area with small tunnels and slides, plus lots of bits and bobs for little hands to explore. There are building blocks, musical instruments, a dolls’ house and a reading corner with a bookshelf and floor cushions.
At the rear of the building is a large soft play structure – similar to that of traditional indoor play centres – with safe-netted climbing steps, tunnels, obstacles and slides. There’s also two steep, fast slides for kids 5 years and above, as well as a netted area with balls and a basketball ring.
Themed Cubbies for Imaginative Play
Then there are several other play nooks dotted around this enormous play room. Kids imaginations will run wild with the three adjoining cubbies, each furnished with a different play theme.
The first cubby has shelves laden with fabric and wooden food, shopping baskets and a trolley to play ‘shops’. The second cubby is for those who love building that has soft bricks, rocks and construction wear. Lastly there’s a cubby with medical play equipment, baby dolls and doctors’ coats for little ones to dress-up and play the part.
Another area perfectly suited to toddlers has a caravan cubby for ‘cafe’ play, with items such as teacups, wooden cake and ice cream, sushi and even a coffee machine and cash register. One entrance to the caravan has a door and the other a slide.
In other areas kids can discover a bean bag swing, a low table with a small town and train track, bouncy animals, pencils and paper, trikes and two sensory tables on soft astroturf.
For babies, there are multiple sensory experiences with soft surfaces for crawling and exploring. The baby toys are very engaging and of high quality.
Family-Friendly Cafe Menu
While they don’t allow you to bring your own food from home, it’s great to see the simple cafe menu caters well to families. It has yummy favourites like party pies, sausage rolls, chips or wedges, as well as fruit salad and toasties. A fresh smoothie or barista-style coffee for the grown-ups goes down a treat too.
Tables and chairs are situated within easy viewing of the various play spaces.
The toys and play areas are well maintained, in great condition and it’s clear that items are updated or replaced regularly. Though there are lots of small pieces amongst the toys to play with, the centre ensures nothing small enough to be a choking hazard is included within the play equipment.
Birthday Party Venue and Play Kits
Play Nook also has a shop where you can purchase a range of unique play kits for fun, creative activities at home. From a volcano dinosaur kit, to playdough and an enchanted garden kit – kids can take the fun home with these colourful craft activities.
If you’re looking for a great party venue, Play Nook can accommodate up to 150 people for a celebration the kids won’t forget anytime soon.
Visiting Play Nook: Hours, Location & Parking
- No shoes are to be worn on the soft play area – remember to pack a pair of socks for both the kids and the grown-ups
- No food can be brought into the centre and is to be purchased at the cafe only
- Toilets have baby change facilities
- Highchairs are available
- Play Nook is located at ground floor, 2 Arthurton Rd, Northcote 3070.
- Email: playnooknorthcote@gmail.com
- Website: playnook.com.au
- Follow them on Instagram: @play_nook
- Find an easy parking space nearby on Atherton Road directly opposite the entrance to Play Nook
- Play Nook is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM for general play sessions.
- Closed Saturday and Sunday for kids’ parties
- Book online before you visit
- Play Nook offers play kits for fun, sensory and imaginative play at home that you can purchase in store or online
Why Families Love Play Nook Northcote
Play Nook stands out as a unique boutique play space in Melbourne’s north that offers:
- Spacious, clean environment with thoughtfully designed play zones
- High-quality toys and equipment regularly maintained and updated
- Cafe with family-friendly menu featuring healthy options and barista coffee
- Convenient Northcote location with easy street parking
- Perfect indoor activity for rainy days or escaping Melbourne’s unpredictable weather
- Inclusive, welcoming space run by passionate local parents Holly and Cam
Frequently Asked Questions About Play Nook Northcote
How much does it cost to visit Play Nook?
Entry prices vary by session. Visit the Play Nook website to book tickets and view current pricing for weekday play sessions.
What’s the best age for my child to enjoy Play Nook?
Play Nook caters to babies, toddlers and kids up to around 12 years old, with different play zones suited to different developmental stages and ages.
What food is available at the cafe?
The cafe serves kids’ favourites including party pies, sausage rolls, toasties, chips, wedges, and fruit salad, plus barista coffee and smoothies for adults.
Can I bring a stroller or pram inside?
Yes, prams and strollers are welcome. There’s space to park them safely while your child plays.
Is there a time limit on play sessions?
Session times may vary, so check when booking. General play sessions run during weekday opening hours from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Here’s a list of the best things to do with babies and toddlers in Melbourne
Read this post to find a list of the best things to do indoors in Melbourne with kids
Enjoy a fun-tastic day at one of the best indoor play centres for babies and toddlers
