Community
When you become a new parent, it can sometimes feel like the world’s biggest task to leave the house. One avenue I found to be a good motivator was participating in several community-led organisations, such as parent groups and extracurricular activities. This section is particularly aimed at parents who are seeking to connect with the wider community in safe and friendly environments designed specifically for their little one's age. Here you will find a variety of options that cater to longer-term commitments as well as spontaneous or casual visits. The top three I’d recommend for anyone on parental leave or their day off work are as follows:
1. Modern Mamas – a mothers' group and a primary source for additional great classes.
2. PlayMatters – a free and incredible network of locally hosted playgroups.
3. Toddler Sense – a flexible and family-friendly way to bond with your little one, available at various locations around SEQ.
But the above is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s available so happy reading!
Disclaimer: These blog reviews reflect my personal opinions and do not represent the views of the operators. All prices, website links, and features—including play equipment, food, and prices shown in photographs—are subject to change.
The Toddler Sense, Camp Hill
Funnily enough, I didn’t plan to write a blog about my experience at Toddler Sense, but after such a fantastic time, I felt it was something “the people needed to know!” Toddler Sense is a service that offers unique sensory experiences for babies and toddlers. I tried the Camp Hill facility, and I was genuinely pleased with the setup. The venue features two separate rooms—one for babies and one for toddlers—along with pram parking in between, comfortable bathrooms, and easy parking.
Redlands Integrated Early Years Place, Capalaba
I came across the Redlands Integrated Early Years Place through word of mouth, and after hearing such glowing reviews, I just had to check it out. This centre is truly unique—it's a purpose-built community hub owned by the Government but run by Good Start Early Learning Centre and the Benevolent Society.
Northey Street City Farm, Windsor
Northey Street Farmers Playgroup is a delightful and relaxing way to spend time with your kids. It’s open to all ages and runs on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays*, though I visited on a Tuesday. I’ve heard that Sundays can be a bit busier due to the Farmers Market crowds.
Lil Party Rockers, Hawthorne
It’s such a joy to see kids start to dance and move to music, and when my son began to groove, I knew I had to check out Little Party Rockers, which I discovered on Instagram. The dance classes are held in various locations, and we tried the Hawthorne and Morningside venues.
PCYC, Carindale
I heard about PCYC Carindale through another mum at a local playgroup, and since it’s in my neighbourhood, I had to check it out. I’ve driven past this centre so many times without knowing what it offered, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that PCYC hosts various programs starting from preschool age.
Ipswich Children's Library
One of the most exciting features I’ve come across at typical indoor play centers is the ball tube where you put a ball in one end and it pops out the other side. I didn’t expect to find this level of fun at a library—especially with sensory scarves involved! How clever!
TFP Spa - Total Fusion Platinum, Newstead
I’m a full-time parent with no family nearby to help out, so whenever I hear about a facility that offers some child-free time, my curiosity sparks! TFP Spa in Newstead has truly set the benchmark for kids’ creches in Brisbane. Initially, I thought you had to be a member to access the kids' club, but it turns out non-members can use it when they book an onsite spa treatment.
The Nurso, Chandler
It had been quite a while since I last visited The Nurso, but I decided to return after hearing about some exciting changes. On my previous visit, I noticed they hosted various community events, so I thought I'd try the kids’ Nature Play for something different. The Nurso has done an excellent job addressing the need for child-friendly cafes, cleverly enticing families to visit the nursery and buy plants.
Play Matters Australia
There’s nothing I enjoy more than watching my son play around other kids. Even though he’s at an age where he plays beside them rather than with them, it’s still a joy to witness. I didn’t fully appreciate the concept of playgroups until a lovely mother in my Wee Make Music class mentioned a Spanish-bilingual playgroup available in Bulimba and Paddington.
Rhyme Time
If you’re looking for a way to entertain your little one, the Brisbane City Council hosts various Rhyme Time sessions at local libraries. It’s a fantastic option if you’re seeking something free, easy, and local to fill your day—perfect to have in your back pocket while on parental leave or having a day off work
Wee Make Music, Bulimba
We signed up for Wee Make Music in Bulimba after hearing rave reviews from my Mother’s group, and we were excited to give it a try. The classes are held in an intimate community room, and it’s clear that the teachers are both enthusiastic and passionate about what they do.
My First Gym, Hawthorne
Around the 7-12~ month mark, you might notice that your little one starts to show signs of needing to burn off some serious energy, and My First Gym is the perfect place to do just that.
Wildlings Forest School, Wishart
There is something magical about Wildlings Forest School. When we were greeted by bright blue butterflies, I knew we had found something very special. Wildlings is a place where nature and imagination come to life, and "child-led play" is encouraged. There are plenty of fun activities, whether it's playing in the creek with rocks, sticks, and shovels, or old pots and pans.
Little Kickers, Bulimba
My son has a lot of energy, and after realising he needed an environment where he could safely burn it off, I scoured the internet to find something fun for us. We came across Little Kickers, and as soon as we found it, we couldn’t wait to start! I immediately put his name on the waiting list for when he turned 18 months, which is the minimum age requirement.
Gumtree Kids
I had heard good things about Gumtree Kids through my mother’s group, so I decided to book my son into a session earlier in the year, which was held in New Farm Park. The messy play had eclectic styling, and each station featured a unique theme.
Modern Mamas, Morningside
I came across Modern Mamas. I can safely say that joining this mothers' group was one of the best decisions I made. I feel very fortunate to have met a lovely group of women, and it’s been a pleasure watching our babies grow into toddlers.