Playgroups

Overview

Monash Council runs free weekly playgroups for children from birth to 5 years and their parents, carers and grandparents.

Every playgroup is led by a facilitator who is there to welcome and support you. 

Days and times

Playgroups run during school terms and don't run on public holidays.

We offer a reduced timetable during school holidays.

Bookings open 2 days before each session. Contact us for session times, dates and availability.

Playgroup locations

Changes to playgroup locations in 2027
The Cabena Child and Family Centre will close at the end of 2026 because the building is no longer suitable for ongoing early years services. Based on feedback from participating families, playgroups will be delivered from a broader range of locations across Monash in 2027. Updated locations, session times and booking information will be available in January 2027.

Choose a playgroup

Art and Craft (2 – 5 years)
Short sessions focused on drawing, painting, music, stories and simple craft projects. Families might occasionally have to bring resources.

Baby Explorer (0 – 12 months)
Sensory and baby-led exploration sessions focused on early development.

Facilitated playgroups (0 – 5 years)
Open sessions featuring indoor and outdoor play at one of our dedicated centres.

Intergenerational playgroups
Joint sessions run with our Social Inclusion team, bringing families and local seniors together for morning tea, music and dancing.

Messy Play (18 months – 5 years)
Sensory sessions using water, slime, paint and sand. Smocks are provided, but please bring a change of clothes.

Nature Explorer (0 – 5 years)
A relaxed outdoor program focusing on physical challenges, nature craft and unstructured play. Held at Reg Harris Reserve, Oakleigh East.

Playgroup for Dads and Father Figures
Fortnightly Saturday sessions for dads and father figures to connect with their children and other dads. This is a community-run playgroup and is not facilitated by Council staff.

Rainbow Playgroup
A welcoming space for families identifying with the LGBTIQA+ community to meet and connect. This is a community-run playgroup and is not facilitated by Council staff.

Supported Playgroups
For families who want to learn simple, positive parenting strategies. These sessions use the Smalltalk parenting program and can include 1-on-1 home visits.

Eligibility: families with an eligible Commonwealth Concession Card or humanitarian, bridging or protection visa; Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families; families caring for a child in kinship care (Out of Home care); or families referred by a support service. Contact us if you'd like to discuss eligibility or refer a family.

How to join

Email playgroups@monash.vic.gov.au to request an enrolment form.

After you submit your completed form, we'll send you booking invitations each week.

Bookings open 2 days before each session. You are welcome to attend more than 1 session each week.

You don't have to stay for the full duration of a session – you can come and go as you please.

Bookings are essential for all playgroups.

Start your own playgroup

Starting a playgroup can be a great way to connect with local families.

All you need is:

• a small group of families
• a suitable venue
• a regular time to meet.

Visit Playgroup Victoria for tips and ideas for starting a new playgroup. 

Find a venue

Council venues that are suitable for playgroups include:

• Clayton Community Centre, Clayton
• Dorrington Child and Family Hub, Mount Waverley
• Essex Heights, Mount Waverley
• Pinewood Child and Family Hub, Mount Waverley
• Wellington Child and Family Hub, Mulgrave
• Oakleigh South Child and Family Hub, Oakleigh South.

Contact us if you need help finding a playgroup venue.