Wet weather ideas
Rainy Day Kids Activities in Melbourne
When it is pouring outside, the fun keeps going inside.
On a rainy day in Melbourne, Happy Hippos Playcentre and Cafe in Clayton keeps children active indoors with slides, a ball pit, climbing zone and toddler soft play. It is open 7 days, entry covers the whole day, adults are free and there is free parking out the front.
Fully indoors
Every zone is under one roof — no umbrellas required.
Burn off energy
Climbing, sliding and ball pits tire kids out properly.
Coffee and lunch
Barista coffee, meals and treats while you watch.
Park at the door
Free parking right outside, so nobody gets soaked.
Why indoor play beats screen time
Melbourne weather can turn in minutes. An indoor play centre means children still get to run, climb and play with others, which helps with sleep, mood and coordination. Parents get a warm place to sit rather than a lounge room full of restless kids.
Prices and hours
Monday–Friday entry is $9.99 for children 1–2 years and $11.99 for children 2 years and over. On weekends, Victorian school holidays and public holidays it is $11.49 and $13.49. The mothers group discount is $8.99 per child during holiday periods and advance booking is essential. Crawlers 12 months and under and adults are free, and grip socks cost $5.50 a pair.
We are open 7 days: Monday to Friday 9am–5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am–4:30pm, and public holidays 10am–3pm (please check availability).
Rainy day tips
Wet weekends and school holidays fill up after 10am, so arrive early or book tickets online. Bring a spare pair of socks and a dry jumper, and grab a table near the play frame when you arrive.
More indoor ideas near Clayton
Combine play with a visit to a local library, Monash University's art galleries or a cafe crawl along Clayton Road. Our blog lists more rainy day activities for kids across Melbourne.
Families from across the south-east
We welcome families from Clayton, Oakleigh, Springvale, Glen Waverley, Mulgrave, Noble Park, Keysborough, Dandenong and Mount Waverley — all within about 15 minutes' drive.
How to get here
- 1924 Princes Hwy, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
- Free on-site parking directly in front of the centre.
- Clayton Station is a short drive away; buses stop on the Princes Highway.
- 03 9558 4477
Opening hours
- Monday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Tuesday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Wednesday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Thursday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Friday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday — 9:00am – 4:30pm
- Sunday — 9:00am – 4:30pm
- Public holidays — 10:00am – 3:00pm (check availability)
Parent questions
Visit an indoor play centre like Happy Hippos in Clayton, with slides, a ball pit, climbing and toddler soft play, plus a cafe for parents.
Yes. All play zones and the cafe are indoors.
Wet weekends are popular. Arrive before 10am or buy tickets online to get in quickly.
Plan your visit
- Book a play sessionBuy entry tickets online and skip the queue at reception.
- Entry prices and opening hoursWeekday and holiday-period entry, grip socks and opening times.
- Toddler area and play zonesAge zones, supervision and what to bring on the day.
- Cafe menuBreakfast, wraps, Kids Happy Meals, coffee, shakes and frappes.
- School holiday activitiesIndoor fun every day of the Victorian school holidays.
- Parent guides and ideasParty planning, toddler play and rainy day ideas.
Nearby suburbs we welcome families from
Find opening hours, directions and party details for your suburb.