The Museum of Play & Art (MoPA) – Sandringham

Overview The Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) in Sandringham is a children's museum focused on play-based learning through a range of interactive exhibits and activities. The facility is designed to support the cognitive and physical development of children, with experiences centred around art, creativity, and sensory exploration. The space includes numerous distinct zones, such as a soft play area, a stage with dress-ups, and stations for interactive digital art.

Influenced by educational philosophies like the Reggio Emilia approach, MoPA provides open-ended materials and thoughtfully arranged spaces that encourage children to experiment and imagine. In addition to daily "Free Play" sessions, the museum also offers structured classes, birthday party packages, and memberships for unlimited visits. The Sandringham location spans 2,500 square metres and features exhibits like a six-metre high miniature city and an interactive colour wheel.

Highlights

• A wide variety of interactive, hands-on exhibits designed for creative and sensory play.
• Dedicated zones for different types of play, including a soft play area for toddlers, a stage with dress-ups, and a car that children can paint.
• Offers bookable birthday parties, memberships, and special events alongside daily play sessions.

Community Sentiment (The "Vibe")

What parents like: Parents frequently mention the cleanliness of the facility, the variety of engaging activities suitable for different ages, and the friendly and helpful staff. The spacious design is also appreciated as it allows children to explore freely.

What to watch out for: Sessions have capacity limits to prevent overcrowding, so pre-booking tickets online is essential as walk-ins are not accepted. While there are over 200 shared car parks on site, they can fill up during busy periods, requiring visitors to find street parking nearby.

Logistics & Tips

Best for: The museum is primarily designed for children aged 1 to 7 years old. A dedicated soft play area is available for children aged two and under.

Facilities: On-site café, toilets, change rooms, feeding rooms, pram parking, and accessible facilities including ramps and bathrooms.

Note:

• All visitors (children and adults) must have a pre-booked ticket for a specific session time to enter.
• Only food purchased from the on-site café may be consumed on the premises.
• The museum is a single-level building with ramp access throughout.