The Top Family Activities in the Glen Eira Council Area

Glen Eira is located in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, about 10 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. and includes the suburbs of Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Carnegie, Caulfield, Elsternwick, Gardenvale, Glen Huntly, McKinnon, Murrumbeena, Ormond and parts of Brighton East and St Kilda East.

Glen Eira Council Area Map

Indoor Activities

Lollipops Playland and Cafe (Bentleigh East)



The centre has kids play equipment for all ages with a three level playground maze, three level ball blaster playground, rock climbing wall, three big slides, ball pits, jumping castle, dedicated toddler area and a car ride merry go round.

Playgrounds

The best playgrounds in the area are:

Booran Reservoir Playspace (Glen Huntly)



This is how to transform an urban reservoir to a beautifully crafted play space with a cool $10.8 million. There is a huge 10m high double dome rope climbing net and if you reach the top, then you most certainly deserve a chance to go down the special slide. The playground also has an extensive water splash park with splash pad and water jets which spray water upwards in various patterns plus two-tiered sand pits with water features such as pumps, Archimedes screw, water gates and a rocky stream. Many features of the original reservoir have been incorporated into the design. Other elements include double flying fox, giant birds nest swing, in-ground trampolines and oversized mouse wheel. There is a good sized basketball court and opportunities for cricket, tennis, netball, futsal and four square. These sports are facilitated by some cricket stumps, soccer net and tennis net painted on the wall.

Packer Park Playground (Carnegie)



Packer Park is a huge park with plenty of recreation facilities including a public velodrome, basketball court, practice golf cage, fitness station, free lawn bowls and bocce court (which the public can use for free), hit-up wall, toilets, picnic facilities, dog off leash area and a very nice playground. The core of the colourful playground is a connected area of ramps and platforms containing slides, tunnels, climbers, fireman poles and more.

Caulfield Park Playground (Caulfield North)



Caulfield Park is so spacious that it has three playgrounds. The park has many sports ovals, outdoor fitness circuit, golf birdie cage, basketball court, toilets and dog off leash area. The Aviary Garden Playground off Inkerman Road is a bright and colourful playground set around a bowl of soft spongy material which is ideal for toddlers and pre-school children.

The second playground near Balaclava Road and the duck pond is also suited to younger kids and has some giant insect sculptures. Bring the Aerogard insect repellent.

The third playground off Park Crescent is best suited to older kids and has a fun slide from the top of the mound and plenty of climbing opportunities.

Murrumbeena Park Playground (Murrumbeena)



An extensive set of play areas including a main structure with different types of slides, a toddler area, flying fox, dry creek bed to explore with lovely wooden frog sculptures, large atom-shaped climbing frame and wooden cubby house. Try out the different types of swings - there are seven types to choose from. Our favourite is the pear swing where you stand and hang onto the enormous yellow fruit with your hands with as much tenacity as you can muster while it swings back and forth. The playground is next to an oval and there are picnic facilities.

Harleston Park Playground (Elsternwick)



A lovely playground with a big steep metal slide from the top of a mound, big sandpit with play equipment in the middle, percussion music area, huge acorn cubby, climbing structure and a water play area.

Outdoor Activities

Hopetoun Gardens Tree Walk (Elsternwick)



Hopetoun Gardens is a small, mature park established in the late nineteenth century and contains an interesting collection of trees including oak, laurel, wild plum, magnolia and chestnut. There is an interpretive tree walk around the park and some 80-pound cannons defend the entrance to the park.

Another interesting walk is Mallanbool Reserve in Murrumbeena. The trail takes you on a journey through the Kulin way of life, which included harvesting plants, fishing and hunting. The walk can be extended to Packer Park.

Street and Public Art

Check out the Street and Public Art in Glen Eira. The guide contains photos and a map of all the locations.

Art Activities

Art Encounters in Elsternwick educates potential artists of all ages in drawing and painting skills, Glaze It Studio in Elsternwick offers the opportunity to paint and transform ceramic pieces into decorative and usable pottery pieces and Little Seeds Big Trees in Caulfield provides art therapy for kids where no artistic skill is required.

There are a number of art galleries in the area including the Glen Eira City Council Gallery in Caulfield which presents high quality curated exhibitions with works from established and emerging Australian artists and public programs for all ages.

Museums & History

The Jewish Holocaust Centre in Elsternwick is a powerful experience which serves as a reminder of what happens in a society which refuses to accept other cultures and beliefs.

Rippon Lea House & Gardens in Elsternwick is a heritage-listed ornate late-19th century mansion and gardens with sweeping lawns, magnificent trees, a large tranquil lake, extensive shrubberies, flower gardens and an orchard.

Skate & BMX Parks

Bentleigh East Skatepark is an excellent and popular skate park with with two open bowls and a street section.

Aquatic Centres

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) in Bentleigh East has two big water slides, leisure pool with interactive water features and play equipment, 25 metre indoor pool, dedicated aquatic programs pool, 50 metre outdoor pool and aquatic wellness area.

Dance, Music & Drama

There are more than 15 Dance, Music and Drama studios within the council area. Use the Enhanced Dance, Music & Drama Search to search for classes for specific styles or ages.

Library Storytime

There are free storytime sessions for pre-school children held at libraries across Glen Eira - Bentleigh library, Carnegie library, Caulfield library and Elsternwick library.

Toy Libraries

Toy libraries offer children a choice from many entertaining and stimulating toys all year for the price of just one or two new toys. There are toy libraries at Bentleigh East and Carnegie.

Dog Parks

Take your dog for a walk at one of the dog off leash areas - there are more than 25 in Glen Eira. Our favourite dog off leash area is Caulfield Park which has huge open areas which are very popular and you will find a lot of dogs and their owners to interact with. There is one fenced dog park at Pawfield Park in Caulfield East.

Sport and Recreation

Glen Eira has a wide range of sport and recreation facilities. Use the Sport & Recreation Activity Fast Finder to find sporting clubs and recreational activities near you.

Packer Park in Carnegie is the main centre for recreation and has a playground, multi-sports area, public velodrome, golf practice cage, public lawn bowls, public bocce court, outdoor gym and dog off leash area.



A special aspect of Glen Eira is the presence of free golf practice cages in eleven parks.

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The Top Family Activities in the Glen Eira Council Area, Caulfield South, Victoria, 3162