Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre

If you're on the hunt for a place that will genuinely entertain the kids for a few hours, you have to check out the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Lower Templestowe. It’s one of those brilliant, multi-purpose community hubs that really does have something for everyone. It's much more than just a local pool; it's a full-on leisure centre with a huge gym, group fitness classes, and, most importantly for us parents, a fantastic water-play setup. The main attractions for families are the indoor and outdoor pools, a dedicated toddler and kids' water-play area, and the big drawcard: two impressive waterslides. It’s the kind of place you can head to on a scorching summer day or a miserable rainy one, making it a reliable go-to in our family activity rotation.

Age Appropriateness

This is one of Aquarena's biggest strengths. For the tiniest tots, there's a warm water pool and a brilliant splash-and-play area. It features shallow water, interactive water features, and a small slide, making it perfect for babies and toddlers finding their water legs. For the primary school crowd, the main outdoor pool is fantastic for a proper swim, and of course, the waterslides are a massive hit. You do need to be 120cm tall to ride the big slides, so be prepared to manage expectations with smaller children who will be desperate to have a go. Teenagers will love the slides and the deeper pools, and there's plenty of space for them to hang out. It's a venue that comfortably caters to a wide range of ages at the same time.

The Highlights (Pros)

The absolute standout is the aquatic play area for younger kids. It’s colourful, engaging, and feels very safe with its shallow depth and soft-fall style surfaces. The two large waterslides are another huge plus, providing genuine thrills for the older kids (and adults!). One is a traditional open slide, while the other is a faster, enclosed tunnel slide. The centre also boasts a 50m outdoor pool and a 25m indoor pool, so there's always space for lap swimming or just splashing around. We’ve always found the change rooms to be spacious and generally well-maintained, with dedicated family change rooms available, which is a lifesaver when you're juggling multiple kids. The on-site café is also surprisingly good, offering decent coffee for weary parents and plenty of snacks for the kids.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

The biggest challenge is how incredibly busy it gets, especially on hot days and during school holidays. This can make finding a parking spot a real mission, and the pools themselves can feel quite crowded. The noise level indoors can be intense when it's packed, which might be a bit overwhelming for some children. While the slides are fantastic, the height restriction of 120cm can be a source of major disappointment for slightly younger or shorter kids who are desperate to ride. Also, be aware that the slides often have specific operating hours, particularly outside of peak season, so it's always worth checking the website before you go to avoid tears.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

First and foremost, get there early. This applies to weekends and school holidays in particular. Arriving right at opening time usually means you’ll snag a decent car park and get a good spot by the pool before the major crowds descend. If you have a pram, the centre is accessible, but navigating the crowded pool deck can be tricky, so a carrier might be easier for non-swimming babies. Definitely pack your own snacks and water bottles to save some money, although the café is there if you need it. Lastly, check the waterslide operating times online before you leave home. There is nothing worse than promising a day of waterslide fun only to find they are closed. A quick check can save a lot of potential meltdowns