Where to go with bub: 8 baby-friendly activities in Melbourne for new parents
Welcoming a newborn brings a swirl of tender, tiny milestones – and a need for supportive spaces to help you ease back into the world together. Thankfully, Melbourne is full of gentle outings that spark curiosity, soothe the senses and give you both a change of scenery. We’ve rounded up a handful of feel-good experiences to try with your bub. So, consider this your inspo for getting out and about again.
Mums and Bubs exercise classes
If you’re looking for a low-impact way to ease back into exercise after childbirth, Mums and Bubs exercise classes are the perfect option.
The classes are suitable for both new mums and their newborns.
Held at the Embrace Physio + Pilates studio in Armadale and Caulfield South, this program is tailored to postnatal women, focusing on pelvic floor activation, core restoration and strengthening the upper and lower body.
It offers mums a chance to feel empowered in their postnatal journey while also providing babies with a relaxed and nurturing environment to explore.
Bubs are welcome in the space until they’re on the move. At that point, it might be time to get them into some exercise classes of their own!
Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)
A visit to the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) provides a delightful change of scenery for you and your newborn, with colourful, sensory visuals at every turn.
As Melbourne’s largest children’s museum, it’s full of opportunities for play-based learning and creative exploration – all in the heart of Sandringham.
The museum features a giant cityscape, a rainbow tunnel and light-up interactive lily pads. Plus, confetti that sprinkles from above as you shoot down the slide, and colourful murals adorning its walls!
It also supports your newborn’s development with gentle, interactive experiences.
This is ideal if you need a break from the usual routine.
Baby Spa
The term ‘infant spa’ has been huge overseas for the past 15 years, but it’s a relatively new concept in Australia. And yes, it’s everything you've dreamed it would be.
Baby Spa in Hampton East offers hydrotherapy and massage for babies (aged 2 days to 8 months) in a serene and calming atmosphere. This environment promotes gentle exercise and offers numerous benefits, including muscle development, improved sleep, relief from colic and enhanced digestion.
The experience helps you and your baby relax, encouraging deep bonding and a sense of calm you’ll carry with you long after leaving the space.
A Pinch of Joy café
Sometimes, it’s the simple activities that can be the most memorable.
A visit to A Pinch of Joy in Glen Iris allows parents to unwind and enjoy a cup of tea in a relaxed, child-friendly setting.
The café has a play area and offers a variety of tasty options for families. But it’s also an opportunity to slow down, connect and enjoy the special moments with your baby.
Pair it with one of the other activities on this list, and you’re in for a delightfully wholesome day out with your bub.
GymbaROO class
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your little one, GymbaROO is an essential.
The Platypus classes, designed for infants from birth to crawling, are held at multiple locations across Melbourne, including Oakleigh South and Brighton.
With a focus on helping your bub learn about themselves and the world around them, each session combines gentle movement, music, tummy time and baby games.
The goal of the classes is to help your little one develop essential motor skills, such as head control, rolling and grasping.
It’s a fantastic way to bond with your baby while also learning more about your child’s development.
Baby Sensory class
In your newborn’s precious early days, their senses rapidly develop as they take in the world around them.
Baby Sensory in South Yarra offers a fantastic way to nurture this early development through a mix of sounds, smells, sights and textures.
Everything is designed to stimulate and engage your little one, with each class blending music, dance and interactive play.
During the class, your baby will experience a variety of sensory textures that support the development of cognitive and motor skills. And for parents, these classes provide practical ideas that you can take home with you.
They’re the perfect addition to your weekly routine.
Newborn music class
Think you might have the next Mozart or Beethoven on your hands?
Mini Maestros in Bentleigh East provides a nurturing and engaging environment where your little one can explore the wonders of music from an early age.
Your baby will gain confidence through interactive songs, rhythmic activities and creative play.
The classes are appropriate for babies and children up to 5 years old, with each session combining passionate music teachers with the local community. The result? New friendships, lots of laughs and confident, expressive young minds.
Honeyccino café
Looking for a spot where you and your little one can unwind, play and enjoy a tasty meal? Head over to Honeyccino Café in Oakleigh!
This family-owned café and indoor play space is perfect for a fun and relaxed outing.
Designed with young families in mind, Honeyccino offers delicious treats and comfortable seating for adults, as well as an expansive play area for kids!
Extending across two levels, the playground includes slides, soft climbs, trampolines and a massive ball pit. There’s also a ride-on train that departs every 30 minutes.
It’s what baby dreams are made of!