MoPA: Museum of Play and Art

If you're looking for an indoor activity that's a world away from the standard soft-play centre, you have to check out the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) in Nunawading. It’s not a museum in the traditional, quiet sense, but rather a vibrant, hands-on space designed for kids to explore, create, and get wonderfully messy. Think of it as a series of interconnected rooms, each with a different immersive art or play theme. From a giant sequin wall that you can "draw" on to a dedicated craft area with every colour of paint imaginable, it’s all about interactive, sensory-driven fun. The whole place is built on the idea of learning through play, and it’s a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours, especially on a rainy day.

Age Appropriateness

MoPA is fantastic for a broad range of younger kids, but I'd say the sweet spot is for children aged about two to eight. Toddlers (2-3 years old) will love the sensory elements, like the light-up dance floor and the various textures throughout the exhibits. There’s also a dedicated, soft-play area specifically for kids under two, which is a thoughtful touch. Preschoolers and early primary school kids (4-8 years old) will probably get the most out of it, as they can fully engage with the creative stations, like the wind wall where they can launch paper creations, and the imaginative play setups. While older kids might enjoy some aspects, the overall vibe is definitely geared towards the younger crowd.

The Highlights (Pros)

• Immersive and Creative: The exhibits are genuinely inventive and beautifully designed. Kids can zoom down a slide that ends in a sea of colourful balls, create pixel art on a huge light-up wall, and get lost in a room filled with soft, hanging textile "vines". It’s incredibly stimulating and a feast for the eyes.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: For a place that actively encourages messy play, it’s impressively clean. Staff are constantly tidying, restocking the craft stations, and wiping down surfaces. The bathrooms are also well-kept and equipped with change tables, which is always a relief.
• Variety is Key: There is so much to do that it keeps the kids engaged for the entire session. They can move from a high-energy activity like the slide to a calm, focused one like painting, which helps manage different energy levels and interests. The flow of the space encourages exploration.
• Excellent Cafe: The on-site cafe is a real standout. It serves genuinely good coffee for the grown-ups and has a great selection of kid-friendly snacks and light meals that aren't just beige, fried food. It’s a comfortable spot to refuel before or after your play session.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

• Strict Session Times: Visits are run in timed sessions (usually around two hours), and you have to book online in advance. This means there’s no flexibility if you're running late, and when the session ends, it really ends. The staff will make announcements, and you have to clear out, which can sometimes lead to a tricky transition for little ones who aren't ready to leave.
• Can Get Loud and Busy: As you'd expect, it can get quite loud and echoey, especially during peak times like weekends and school holidays. If your child is sensitive to noise or large crowds, it might be a bit overwhelming.
• It’s Not Cheap: A family visit can be a bit pricey, so it's more of a special treat than a regular weekly outing for most families. You’re paying for a quality experience, but it’s something to budget for.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Book Well in Advance: Sessions sell out, especially on weekends and during school holidays, so book your tickets online a week or two ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
• Parking is On-Site: There is a dedicated car park right out the front, which makes getting in and out with kids and all their gear so much easier. It's located in a large-format retail area, so parking is generally plentiful.
• Dress for Mess: Don’t put your kids in their best clothes! There are art smocks provided in the creative areas, but with paint, slime, and other sensory materials, some mess is inevitable.
• Arrive on Time: To make the most of your two-hour session, aim to arrive about 10 minutes early to get checked in and settled without eating into your precious play time.
• Pram Friendly: The museum is fully accessible for prams, with ramps and wide spaces making it easy to navigate.