Play options for kids on the Northern Beaches range from toy libraries to bowling to indoor play centres. We have nine places listed, from Manly and Dee Why to Newport, Freshwater and Forestville. No playgroup sessions or one-off events are listed at the moment, so this guide covers the places you can contact or visit.
Toy libraries
Three toy libraries are listed: Cubby House Toy Library at Jamieson Square, Azure Beach Public Toy Library in Freshwater and Hobsons Bay Toy Library in Newport. A toy library lets families borrow toys instead of buying them. We do not have membership fees, opening days or age ranges, so ask each one how borrowing works and what children it suits.
Bowling
Three bowling venues are listed: Rock n Bowl in Manly, Zone Bowling in Dee Why and South Pacific Bowling in Newport. These can suit a wet afternoon or a group outing. Ask about prices, bumpers or lane options for younger children, and whether you can book ahead, as we do not have those details.
Play centres and activity groups
- Tumbles Playhouse, Newport.
- Planet Mino Warringah Mall, Brookvale.
- Messy Explorers Australia, Forestville.
We do not have ages, prices or session times for these, so check with each organiser. Ask whether they run sessions for babies and toddlers or for school-age kids, and whether parents need to stay.
Newport has the most
Newport has three of the nine listed places: Tumbles Playhouse, Hobsons Bay Toy Library and South Pacific Bowling. That makes it handy if you would like to combine two activities in one trip. Always check each organiser's opening days first.
Planning a play day
- Ask about age ranges before you travel, as we do not list them.
- Check booking rules, especially for busy times such as weekends.
- Ask about food, drinks and whether socks are needed for play areas.
- Mix a toy library visit with another stop to make the trip worthwhile.
The places below this guide show contact details and links. Organisers change their sessions and opening days, so use their own pages for the latest information. We are still adding playgroups and play sessions across the Northern Beaches, so check back soon.
