When the tribe is feeling a bit stir crazy from all the wet weather, we’ve got you covered with 10 of the top places to visit on a rainy day.
The Messy Shed
Mornington Peninsula, Vic
True to its name, The Messy Shed is the place to take the kids when you want to let them make a mess, and the best part – you don’t have to clean up after them! They can explore and get dirty in whatever way they see fit. They can paint at the giant painting wall, dig in the dirt, run a sudsy tub and wash the toys, create erupting volcanoes and get messy with glue.
Be sure to dress the tribe in play clothes that you don’t mind getting messy because that’s exactly what you’re there to do! The Messy Shed is heated so even if it’s raining and miserable outside, it’s quite comfortable inside. And when the tribe is done making a mess, The Messy Shed is located next to The Hungry Peacock cafe.
Nubo Play
Alexandria, NSW
Nubo is a play centre that is focused on educational play. Its design is innovative and encourages families to play together. There are three types of play at Nubo; free play where the tribe is encouraged to explore the space and use their imagination, facilitated play where an educator follows the child’s lead and guides them to learning, and structured workshops which are a step by step process. Some of the workshops offered at Nubo include Mini Masterchefs, Budding Musicians, Aspiring Artists and Robotics. There’s so much to do at Nubo whether you go for a casual visit and play or book in for a session, it’s the perfect option to entertain the tribe during wet weather.
The Aquarium of Western Australia
Hillarys, WA
The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is no ordinary aquarium. There’s something really special waiting inside to entertain your tribe. The Perth Mermaids, Mermaid Amelia and Mermaid Jessica Pearl come to visit frequently and you can even book in to have a swim with them! AQWA has many different exhibits to visit including Adventure Bay which is where you’ll find the mermaids. There’s also Shipwreck Coast where the sharks lurk, Great Southern where you’ll see beautiful tropical fish and coral and for the adventure seekers in your tribe, you’ll love Danger Zone where all of the marine world’s deadliest creatures live. There are more wonderful exhibits to visit and there are family activities throughout the day including Story Time in the Coral Reef exhibit.
Ice Arena
Adelaide, SA
Why not rug up and take the tribe to play in the snow? Ice Arena has three snow play sessions every week for kids up to age 14. They can throw snow balls at the penguin wall, build a snowman or ride in a tube sled! Snow play sessions last for 2 hours and guarantee loads of fun in a safe environment. And of course snow play sessions include skate hire so the kids can go for a spin on the ice when they’re done playing.
Questacon
Canberra, ACT
Questacon is the place to go if you want to thrill the tribe with the fun of science. There are lots of hands on exhibits which encourage the tribe to learn through play. For tribes with little ones, there’s Mini Q, which is for 0-6 years and has been custom built for little scientists. Mini Q features water play, sensory play and space play! There’s also plenty to do there for the older kids, but we recommend checking out The Shed which is a space for experimenting with ideas, tools, sciences, technologies and art. The Shed is suitable for ages 10 and up.
The Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
Brisbane, Qld
The Children’s Art Centre at QAGOMA works with artists to create installations that children can interact with so there’s always something fun for them to explore and check out. But if you happen to be looking for somewhere to hide from the rain on a Tuesday, QAGOMA runs Toddler Tuesday, which is a free program using games, storytelling and making activities for toddlers and their carers to have fun whilst learning about art.
Early Start Discovery Space
Wollongong, NSW
Built on campus at the University of Wollongong, Discovery Space is the only dedicated children’s museum in Australia. This hands on learning space has been designed specifically for children from birth to 10 years and their families to explore and enjoy together. Experiences include the Crawlers Beach for 0-2 year olds, The Dig which has two dig sites for budding archaeologists, the Shipyard where kids can hoist the sales on a ship and use their imagination to go on an adventure, the Tummy Tour which is a crawl in and out of inflatable space allowing kids to go on a journey from mouth to well… you know where. There’s also The Cave for exploring, Construction Zone for budding builders, Market Place for those looking to make some purchases, CreARTivity for creative artists, Light, Sound, Action where kids can rehearse, perform and record themselves, and so much more!
VJunior Village Cinema for Kids
Melbourne, Vic
VJunior is cinema for kids, designed by kids! VJunior movie sessions have time allocated prior to the screening for play. There is a dedicated play area in the foyer of the cinema with a Mega Bloks wall, Hot Wheels cars and race tracks and interactive digital screens. Then inside the cinema, there’s a tube slide inside the cinema and the seats include beanbag seats! There’s also a kids menu if you want to order food for the screening.
Museum Discovery Centre
Castle Hill, NSWThere’s lots to keep the tribe occupied at the Museum Discovery Centre, but this cute local exhibition will have the kids talking! Local school, Baulkham Hills Public School’s 5W class have curated their own exhibition at the MDC. The class have been learning about what makes an exhibition special and how to curate art and were asked to bring something special from home and tell a story about it so it could become a part of the exhibition. This is one that the whole tribe can enjoy!
Kid & Hub
Maylands, SA
You can become a member at Kid & Hub and bring the tribe along regularly to enjoy this creative play space! The Play Hub is fully equipped with a book nook, dress up costumes and educational toys. Or if you want to enrol the kids in an activity, there’s lots to choose from including Art & Sensory, Music & Movement, Sport and Yoga, with more classes being developed shortly! Did we also mention there’s a Coffee Hub for you?
What have you been doing to escape the wet weather? Share your fun ideas with the village!
