6 Kid-Friendly Spots On Chapel Street For Your Next Playdate
Winter is here, which means outdoor playdates become less and less enticing for parents around the state. Multiple changes of clothes required, layers upon layers and weather that frankly just isn’t conducive to a fun time.
So, unless you’re the type of parent that brings a towel to wipe down the slide (we salute you), here’s a list of six other ways to entertain kids this winter in the inner south-east. Whether you’re looking to burn off some energy, escape the rain or simply get out of the house for a couple of hours before nap time, these Chapel Street spots are up to the playdate challenge.
Greville Street Library and Aftermath Diner
Starting strong with a classic: the library. Some may say the humble local library is the backbone of a community, and in our opinion, a place that doesn’t get the praise it deserves. Shout out to the librarians.
Located just off Chapel Street, the Greville Street Library is the perfect spot for a low-key indoor playdate on those rainy Melbourne mornings. You’ll find a Stories & Songs program running every Monday and Wednesday during the school term at 10.30am for kids aged 0–5, as well as a range of holiday programs to keep bigger ones entertained once school’s out.
Hit up the parent group chat, grab a coffee and pastry to go from Q Le BAKER around the corner, and settle in for some wholesome community fun.
Prahran Square
For days where venturing outdoors is possible and/or necessary for all involved, head to Prahran Square. With two purpose-built children’s play areas and a huge lawn, you can let the kids run free while you catch up over a coffee and toastie from Pardon Coffee up the road. While the water play area might not be advisable in the winter temps, there’s plenty of climbing equipment suitable for kids up to the age of 12, along with enough open space for scooters, soccer and all other forms of energy-burning activity that may be on display.
BYO snacks, a babychino and micro-conversations with your parent friends while chasing after kids—the playdate trifecta. The best part is, if the weather really does take a turn, you're close enough to duck into a nearby cafe without having to call the whole thing off.
Prahran Market
If BYO snacks aren’t on the agenda, head across to the iconic Prahran Market for an easy morning tea or lunch stop. This is the spot for an indoor, low-fuss catch-up with kids, with something for everyone and plenty of open space to roam. Breathe a sigh of relief that you won’t need to keep kids strapped into a highchair, because there comes a time when toddlers and cafes stop getting along.
Prahran Market has great family-friendly activities throughout the year, so keep one eye on their events schedule online.
SENSAS
For kids aged 7+, SENSAS is a multi-sensory, escape room-style experience that will have you and your group putting all five senses to the test through a series of fun and interactive challenges. Perfect for families, birthday parties or a day out with friends, you’ll be crowned parent of the year if you take the kids here—especially when they discover there’s a giant ball pit and a laser room.
The 75-minute experience is packed with surprises, and with some solid teamwork required, it’s a great option for energetic kids who love a challenge. This one's suitable for groups of 2–15 people.
Sum of Us: Mums & Bubs Pilates
At the other end of the spectrum, if you’re newly postpartum and looking to get out of the house and ease your way back onto the reformer, Sum of Us has you covered. With dedicated Mums and Bubs classes on offer, you’ll be guided by a physiotherapist or Pilates instructor through a carefully designed session focused on post-pregnancy recovery and rebuilding strength.
Babies are welcome to join from around six weeks old until they’re on the move, and the atmosphere is relaxed because everyone in there understands that feeds, nappy changes and the occasional unsettled baby are all part of the experience. It’s a space where you can prioritise your own wellbeing while connecting with others who are likely navigating a very similar stage of parenthood.
Whether you make a plan to get out of the house with another parent friend or head along solo, it’s a great way to carve out some time for yourself, move your body and enjoy a little adult convo while you’re at it.
Colonel Tan’s Thai Kitchen
While Revs is quite possibly the last place on earth one would suggest for a playdate, hear us out. Colonel Tan’s Thai Kitchen is the restaurant at the top of those infamous stairs, before it transforms into a nightclub at 10pm. Home to the aptly named Tiny Tan’s kids menu and regular Saturday afternoon events for little ones, it’s surprisingly family-friendly during daylight hours.
The colourful, diner-inspired restaurant serves up Thai faves in a relaxed setting where parents can actually enjoy a meal while the kiddos are entertained. Generous share plates and enough quirky character to keep everyone happy.
During winter, adults can also enjoy a $10 glass of soul-warming mulled wine from Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm–10pm, while the kids tuck into dinner. A family outing at Melbourne's most iconic nightclub? Stranger things have happened.
Ready to explore? Check out more winter warmer deals kicking off around the Chapel Street precinct this chilly season here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Chapel Street and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.