Under 3s
The Toddler Play Guide
Everything a parent of a 1–3 year old wants to know before a first visit to Happy Hippos.
Toddlers at Happy Hippos have their own soft play zone with soft blocks, low slides and a shallow ball pit, separate from the bigger climbing equipment. Weekday mornings are the quietest, entry for 1–2 year olds is $9.99 on weekdays, crawlers under 12 months and all adults are free, and grip socks ($5.50) are compulsory.
Plan the perfect toddler visit
Arrive at 9am
The first two hours on a weekday are calm and quiet — perfect for a cautious toddler.
Start in the soft play
Let them settle in the under-3s zone before trying the bigger slides with you.
Sit where you can see
Cafe tables look onto the play floor, so you can have a coffee and still watch.
Pack grip socks
Compulsory for children and adults. Spare pairs are $5.50 at reception.
Food that suits little ones
Kids Happy Meals start at $9.95 with a choice of main, plus fruit, muffins and ice cream.
Bring the mothers group
Weekend and public holiday mothers group entry is $8.99 per child.
Toddler questions
Happy Hippos Playcentre and Cafe at 1924 Princes Hwy, Clayton has a soft play area reserved for children under 3, with soft blocks, low slides and a shallow ball pit, kept separate from the bigger equipment.
Children 1–2 years are $9.99 on weekdays and $11.49 on weekends and public holidays. Crawlers 12 months and under are free, and adults are always free.
Weekday mornings between 9am and 11am are the calmest, before school groups and older children arrive.
Yes — grip socks are compulsory for every child and adult in the play areas. They are $5.50 at reception.
Yes, there is step-free entry from the car park and room for prams beside the cafe tables.
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)