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

Weekday entry is $9.99 for children 1–2 years and $11.99 for children 2–14 years. On weekends and public holidays it is $11.49 and $13.49, with a mothers group rate of $8.99. Crawlers 12 months and under play free, adults are always free, and grip socks are compulsory at $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.
  • +61 414 571 351

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.

Nearby suburbs we welcome families from

Find opening hours, directions and party details for your suburb.