The Top Family Activities in the Monash Council Area

The City of Monash is located in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, approximately 13-24 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. It includes Ashwood, part of Burwood, Chadstone, Clayton, Glen Waverley, Hughesdale, Huntingdale, Mount Waverley, Mulgrave, Notting Hill, Oakleigh, Oakleigh East, part of Oakleigh South and Wheelers Hill.

Monash has a fantastic range of family attractions, from spectacular adventure playgrounds and beautiful bushland reserves to indoor play centres, mini golf, swimming pools, skateparks, museums and sporting activities.

Some of Melbourne's best playgrounds are located here, including Jells Park Yabbie Hill Playspace and Valley Reserve Play Space. There are also plenty of free activities, making Monash an excellent destination for families looking for affordable outings.

This guide highlights some of the best activities for families in Monash, with links to individual Melbourne Playgrounds listings for more information, photographs and locations.

Monash Council Area Map

Indoor Play Centres

Monash has an excellent selection of indoor play centres, particularly around Clayton, Chadstone, Glen Waverley and Oakleigh. These are ideal for rainy days, hot weather and birthday parties.

Rainbow Town Play Centre (Glen Waverley)

Rainbow Town is a huge indoor entertainment centre with an extensive range of activities, including imaginative play zones, trampolines, bumper cars, rock climbing and a LEGO wall.

The variety of activities makes it particularly appealing for families with children of different ages.

Crocs Playcentre (Clayton)

Crocs Playcentre is one of the standout indoor play centres in Monash, with an ocean-themed play environment.

The centre features large multi-level climbing structures, slides, tunnels and other activities, with areas for younger children.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (Chadstone)

A major indoor LEGO attraction at Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Children can enjoy interactive LEGO building activities, themed play areas, creative challenges and impressive LEGO displays.

This is a particularly appealing destination for younger children who love constructing things and using their imagination.

More Indoor Play Centres

Other options include:

Inflatable World (Oakleigh) - inflatable slides, bouncing and obstacle activities.
Pixieland Play Centre (Clayton) - indoor play activities for younger children.
Imaginationation (Chadstone) - creative and interactive play experiences.
Minoland (Oakleigh) - indoor play activities.
Honeyccino Kids Cafe (Oakleigh) - a combination of children's play and cafe facilities.

Indoor Entertainment

Families looking for something beyond traditional play centres will find cinemas, bowling, laser tag, escape rooms and other entertainment activities throughout Monash.

Chadstone Entertainment

Chadstone Shopping Centre has several attractions that can be combined with shopping or dining.

Hijinx Hotel (Chadstone) - interactive challenge rooms involving games, teamwork and problem-solving.
Holey Moley (Chadstone) - themed indoor mini golf.
Strike Bowling (Chadstone) - tenpin bowling and entertainment.
HOYTS Cinema (Chadstone) - family movies.

Bowling, Laser Tag and Other Activities

There are several additional indoor entertainment options across Monash:

Cinemas

Monash has several cinemas showing family movies:

Best Playgrounds

Monash has an outstanding selection of playgrounds, ranging from adventurous nature-based play spaces to attractive neighbourhood playgrounds.

The following are among the highest-rated playgrounds on Melbourne Playgrounds.

Jells Park Yabbie Hill Playspace (Wheelers Hill)

Jells Park Yabbie Hill Playspace, Waverley Road, Wheelers Hill

One of the most impressive playgrounds in Melbourne, the $3 million Yabbie Hill Playspace is an extensive all-abilities, nature-based playground set within the beautiful surroundings of Jells Park.

The playground has a wonderful range of climbing, balancing, sliding and imaginative play opportunities.

There are picnic areas, BBQs, toilets and large grassy areas nearby.

Families can also enjoy the park's walking trails, lake and cafe facilities.

Valley Reserve Play Space (Mount Waverley)

Valley Reserve Play Space, Waimarie Drive, Mount Waverley

This award-winning nature-based playground is set within a magnificent bushland reserve.

The playground is spread over several levels and includes elevated rope climbing courses, tree houses, rope bridges, flying foxes, slides, swings and climbing structures.

One of the highlights is the collection of large wildlife-themed sculptures, including a King Parrot, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Powerful Owl and Eastern Long-necked Turtle.

There are separate play opportunities for younger children, including a sandpit, carousel and lower climbing structures.

The surrounding reserve has toilets, BBQs, picnic shelters and walking tracks.

Waverley Park Lake Playground (Mulgrave)

Waverley Park Lake Playground, Cavenagh Boulevard, Mulgrave

An excellent playground in the attractive Waverley Park residential development, with a lake providing a lovely setting for a family outing.

This is one of the highest-rated playgrounds in Monash and is worth visiting for the combination of playground activities and pleasant surroundings.

More Highly Rated Playgrounds

Other playgrounds worth investigating include:

Parks, Nature and Walking Trails

Families looking to escape the busy suburbs will find beautiful bushland reserves, wetlands, lakes and walking trails throughout Monash.

Jells Park (Wheelers Hill)

Jells Park is one of Melbourne's most popular recreational parks.

There are extensive areas of open parkland, walking and cycling trails, picnic areas and playgrounds.

The park is particularly attractive around the lake and wetlands, where visitors can observe birds and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Other attractions include:

Jells Park Yabbie Hill Playspace
Jells Park East Playground
Oaks Picnic Area Playground
Walking and cycling trails
Picnic areas and BBQs
Lake and wetland scenery
Birdwatching
Cafe facilities

Valley Reserve (Mount Waverley)

Valley Reserve is approximately 15 hectares of native bushland and one of the most significant remaining natural areas in Monash.

There are several walking tracks:

Valley Loop Track - approximately 1.7 km, taking 20-30 minutes. Suitable for prams, although some slopes are present.
Woodland Track - approximately 400 metres, taking 10-20 minutes.
Stringybark Track - approximately 400 metres, taking 5-10 minutes.

The reserve features native vegetation, wetlands, wildlife habitats and interpretive information about the area's environment and Indigenous history.

Children will also enjoy discovering the wildlife sculptures around the playground.

Bushy Park Wetlands (Glen Waverley)

Bushy Park Wetlands offers an enjoyable opportunity for families to explore a natural wetland environment and observe local birdlife.

Damper Creek Reserve (Mount Waverley)

A bushland reserve with walking opportunities and a peaceful natural environment.

EastLink and Dandenong Creek Trail (Wheelers Hill)

For families looking for a longer cycling adventure, this 16 km loop starts and finishes at Jells Park.

The route follows sections of the EastLink and Dandenong Creek trails through parkland, wetlands and bushland.

Most of the route is sealed, with some sections of compacted gravel.

Mini Golf

Wetlands Adventure Minigolf (Wheelers Hill)

Wetlands Adventure Minigolf is one of the highest-rated family attractions in Monash.

The landscaped mini golf course provides a fun and entertaining challenge for children and adults.

Mini golf is a great activity for families with mixed ages because everyone can participate together.

Skateparks, BMX and Pump Tracks

Monash has several skateparks and BMX facilities catering to different riding abilities.

Oakleigh South BMX Racing Track (Oakleigh South)

The track provides opportunities for BMX riders to develop their skills and enjoy more challenging riding.

Glen Waverley Skatepark (Glen Waverley)

Located at Central Reserve, this skatepark has a range of features including banks, ramps, quarters, rails and other obstacles.

Mulgrave Skatepark (Mulgrave)

Another local skatepark for skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX riders which has large multi-sided open bowls with quarters and ramps on the side.

Oakleigh South Pump Track (Oakleigh South)

A concrete pump track with berms and rollers, located next to a playground and picnic facilities.

Other BMX and Skate Facilities

Swimming Pools and Aquatic Centres

Monash has three major public aquatic centres offering swimming, water play, swimming lessons and aquatic recreation.

Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre (Glen Waverley)

A major aquatic centre with indoor and outdoor swimming facilities, including a 25-metre indoor pool, 50-metre outdoor pool and wave pool.

The centre also offers swimming lessons and aquatic programs.

Oakleigh Recreation Centre (Oakleigh)

A popular aquatic centre featuring a heated outdoor 50-metre swimming pool, diving pool, toddler pool and water play facilities.

The shaded children's water playground makes this an appealing destination during warmer weather.

Clayton Aquatics & Health Club (Clayton)

Located within Clayton Community Centre, this aquatic facility includes indoor heated swimming pools and recreational water play areas.

Swimming Lessons

Additional swimming lesson providers in Monash include:

Sport and Recreation

Monash has an extensive range of sporting clubs, recreation facilities and free outdoor activities for children, teenagers and adults.

Free Multi-Sports Areas

Skyrail Clayton Station West Multi-Sports Area (Clayton)

Located beside Clayton railway station, this free recreation area features basketball facilities, parkour and fitness equipment, bouldering areas, table tennis and a small skate area.

Gate Seven Drive Multi-Sports Area (Mulgrave)

Gate Seven Drive Multi-Sports Area (Mulgrave)

A fantastic free outdoor recreation area with an impressive variety of activities for children, teenagers and adults. Facilities include a skatepark, large basketball court with a netball ring, outdoor gym, two table tennis tables, a large climbing wall and a grassy area with metal soccer goals.

There is also a shelter with seating, BBQs and a drinking water tap, making this an excellent place for families to enjoy several activities in one visit.

Free Public Tennis Courts

There are several public tennis courts in Monash where families can enjoy a casual game without paying court hire fees or joining a tennis club.

Locations include:

These courts are ideal for informal family games, although availability may depend on other users.

Free Outdoor Gyms

Monash has numerous free outdoor gyms and exercise stations in parks and reserves. These provide opportunities for exercise while enjoying the outdoors.

Some are located near playgrounds, making it possible for families to combine a playground visit with an exercise session.

Locations include:

Outdoor gym equipment is generally designed for adults and older users. Children should only use equipment appropriate for their age and abilities.

Organised Sports

Monash has a wide range of sporting clubs catering to juniors and adults.

Use the Sport & Recreation Activity Fast Finder to find sporting clubs and recreational activities near you.

Dance, Music and Drama

Monash has many dance schools, music teachers and performing arts programs catering to children of different ages.

Use the Enhanced Dance, Music & Drama Search to find classes suited to particular ages, interests and styles.

Museums, Galleries and Public Art

Monash Street and Public Art

Monash has an interesting collection of murals, sculptures and public artworks scattered throughout its suburbs.

Exploring public art can be a great free family activity, particularly when combined with a walk around a shopping precinct or park.

The Melbourne Playgrounds guide includes artwork information, photographs and locations.

Museum of Australian Photography (Wheelers Hill)

The Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh), formerly the Monash Gallery of Art, is one of Australia's leading photography museums.

The museum hosts changing exhibitions featuring Australian photography and provides opportunities to explore art, culture and history.

Admission is free.

The building is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds with views towards the Dandenong Ranges.

A sculpture garden, pond and walking paths provide additional attractions for visitors.

Wheelers Hill Library is located within the same complex.

Children's Art Activities

Other creative activities include:

Historical Attractions

Oakleigh Historical Walk (Oakleigh)

Discover the history of Oakleigh by exploring its historic streets, buildings and local landmarks.

This is an interesting activity for families with older children who enjoy learning about Melbourne's past.

Monash Federation Centre (Oakleigh)

An important local history resource relating to the development and heritage of the Monash area.

History Monash (Oakleigh)

History Monash preserves and promotes the history of the local area through historical information, collections and community activities.

Library Activities

Monash Public Library Service operates six library branches offering a variety of free activities for children, including storytime sessions, baby and toddler programs, creative workshops and school holiday activities.

Storytime sessions are particularly suited to children aged 1-5 years, although different programs cater to other age groups.

Toy Libraries

Monash Toy Libraries provide families with access to a large collection of toys, games and educational resources through an affordable membership system.

Families can borrow different toys throughout the year, providing children with new play experiences without having to purchase every toy.

Monash Toy Library locations include:

Dog Parks and Off-Leash Areas

The City of Monash has numerous parks and reserves where dogs can exercise, explore and socialise, including designated off-leash areas.

For a comprehensive guide to dog-friendly parks throughout Monash, including locations and facilities, visit Dog Parks and Off-Leash Areas in Monash on Find a Dog Park.

Always check local signage for off-leash regulations and restrictions.