Messy Play at Aspendale Gardens Community Centre is designed for curious little hands and sensory explorers aged 1-5. This relaxed, parent-accompanied session invites children to experiment with textures, colours and materials in a safe, supervised environment. Bring your sense of fun and prepare to get a little messy while supporting your child's early learning and development.
What to Expect
Sessions focus on open-ended sensory play that encourages exploration, creativity and fine motor development through tactile experiences. Parents and carers are asked to stay and to join in the fun, helping guide play while letting children lead their own discoveries.
Each session runs for one hour and includes a variety of materials provided by the centre, from safe paints and dough to tactile sensory trays. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, making it an excellent opportunity to meet other local families in Aspendale Gardens.
Messy play supports early learning outcomes like language development, sensory processing and social interaction; it's also a great way to tire out active little ones before nap time. Expect laughter, sensory learning, and a little chaos—in the best possible way.
Activity Details
This program is tailored for children aged 1-5 years and focuses on process-based play rather than finished products, so no artistic pressure—just exploration. Parents should come prepared to participate and wear clothes they don't mind getting messy.
The session does not run during school holiday breaks and repeats weekly on Fridays from 09:15 to 10:15. All materials are provided by Aspendale Gardens Community Centre, and activities vary week to week to keep sensory experiences fresh.
Please note the strict no-food policy for sessions (especially no nuts) to protect children with allergies. The team will guide activities and ensure materials are age-appropriate and safe.
Location and Access
Sessions are held at Aspendale Gardens Community Centre, 103-105 Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens 3195, a community-friendly venue with easy local access. The centre sits in a neighbourhood convenient for families across Kingston and nearby suburbs.
Consider walking, cycling or using public transport where possible; there is local parking but spaces can be limited. The community centre is accessible and welcoming; staff can assist with queries about access or facilities when you arrive.
Maps and directions are available on the Aspendale Gardens Community Service website, and you can contact the centre ahead of time if you have specific access needs or questions about pram/stroller storage.
Important Information
Parents and carers must stay for the entire session and supervise their child, participating as needed—this is a shared, interactive experience. The program asks families not to bring any food to sessions and to be mindful of allergy-safe practices.
The program does not run during school holiday breaks, so check dates before attending and arrive a few minutes early to sign in and get settled. Children should be dressed in play clothes that are okay to be stained or wet.
If your child has specific sensory needs or allergies, contact the organisers beforehand so staff can make reasonable adjustments and advise on suitability. The team aims to make the session inclusive and fun for all participants.
Booking and Prices
Bookings are required and spaces can fill quickly; book through the Aspendale Gardens Community Service website to secure your spot. Sessions cost $10.00 per child per session, payable at time of booking or on arrival as directed by the centre.
Multiple dates are available across the term—check the event listings for the full schedule from late January to March and book the dates you need. Refund and cancellation policies are managed by the community centre; contact them if you need to change a booking.
For questions about bookings, pricing or group enquiries, reach out to Aspendale Gardens Community Service via their website or Facebook page. They can advise on payments, availability and any concession options if applicable.