Museum of Play & Art (MoPA)

Hey fellow parents! If you're on the hunt for an indoor activity that isn't your standard soft-play centre, you absolutely have to know about the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) in Geelong. Located on McKillop Street, this isn't a traditional, "hushed-voices-and-don't-touch" kind of museum. It's the complete opposite! MoPA is an incredibly vibrant, hands-on space designed specifically for kids to explore, create, and get wonderfully messy. It’s essentially a giant, immersive art studio and playground rolled into one, with a whole bunch of different themed rooms and interactive exhibits that encourage imaginative play. Think of it as a place where your kids are actively encouraged to touch everything and let their creativity run wild.

Age Appropriateness

MoPA is fantastic for a broad range of younger children, but I'd say the sweet spot is for toddlers through to about eight or nine years old. For the littlest ones (under 2s), there are dedicated soft play areas and sensory activities that are safely contained. Toddlers and preschoolers will be in absolute heaven with the imaginative play setups, like a retro-inspired playhouse and various craft stations. Early primary school-aged kids (5-8 years) will get a huge kick out of the more complex interactive art installations, like the digital drawing walls and the wind tunnel. While older kids might find some of the activities a bit young, the sheer novelty and creativity of the space can still keep them engaged for the duration of a session.

The Highlights (Pros)

The absolute best thing about MoPA is the sheer variety and quality of the exhibits. Every corner you turn reveals a new world. One minute your child is "driving" a vintage car, the next they are creating a masterpiece on a giant light-up pegboard or dancing under projections in the immersive art rooms. It’s a huge plus that the exhibits are rotated, so you can visit multiple times and have a different experience. The whole place is beautifully designed—it’s clean, modern, and visually stunning for adults, too. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into making the spaces not just fun, but also aesthetically pleasing and stimulating. The staff are generally lovely and engaged, and the whole environment feels safe and contained, which is a big relief when you're trying to keep an eye on an excited toddler.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

Because it's so popular, booking ahead is essential—you can't just rock up, especially on weekends or during school holidays. It operates on timed sessions (usually around two hours), which is great for crowd control but can feel a bit rushed if your little one is deeply invested in an activity when it's time to go. This can lead to the dreaded end-of-session meltdown! It can get quite loud and stimulating, so if you have a child who is sensitive to noise or crowds, it might be a bit overwhelming. While it's incredibly clean, some of the hands-on exhibits, like the slime-making station, mean your kids will get messy, so don't dress them in their Sunday best.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Book Online, Always: I can't stress this enough. Sessions sell out well in advance. Check their website and book your tickets before you even think about going.
• Parking: Being in central Geelong, parking can be tricky. There is some street parking available on McKillop Street and in the surrounding area, but be prepared to look around. Arrive a little early to give yourself time to find a spot and walk.
• Pram Friendly: The museum is accessible for prams, which is a huge help.
• Food and Drink: There is a small café on-site for that much-needed coffee fix for the parents and snacks for the kids.
• Embrace the Mess: Pack a change of clothes or at least a spare top, especially if your child is drawn to the art and craft stations. The museum provides art smocks, but mess has a way of finding its way onto everything!
• Go Early or Late: If you can, book the very first session of the day. It tends to be the quietest and cleanest, before the mid-day rush hits.