what's on in and around the city of merri-bek
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Join Mamma and the crew for an exciting adventure in the Merri-Bek City Council area!
We’ll explore wonderful suburbs like Brunswick, Brunswick East, Brunswick West, Coburg, Coburg North, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park, Pascoe Vale, and Pascoe Vale South. Each neighborhood offers fantastic family-friendly activities, beautiful parks, playgrounds, and delicious dining options for everyone. We can't wait to discover all the fun together!
family fun and adventure
The NEWEST independent cinema has opened in the north and it’s serving up some delicious food for a perfect night out.
If you’re wanting to take your little one for a swim but worry an indoor pool might be too overwhelming or stressful, then head to Coburg Leisure Centre. There’s only 3 pools available to use here, for varying ages and abilities, and they are all heated! The baby splash pool has walk-in access and tipping buckets for water fun (If you’d like them on, just ask the staff). Next to it you’ll find a small learner pool and for the confident swimmers there’s a 25m lap pool.
Moreland Toy Library is located across two locations, Brunswick and Pascoe Vale, within the Merri-Bek Council prescient and is home to hundreds of toys that families can borrow.
The building has been an institution in Brunswick from way back. Some of us older folks will remember it as Bombay or Beaches but this institution has a new purpose, a venue made for the whole family.
A fantastic urban oasis! 2 cafes, grocery store, updated playground and chickens to visit!
The worldwide phenomenon Bubble Planet has now landed in Melbourne!
This completely interactive experience has 10 different themed rooms which will elevate all of your senses, full of epic landscapes, bright colours, and so many photo opportunities that you’ll fill your camera roll!
Harry Potter: The Exhibition arrives in Melbourne from April 4! See real costumes, props, and interactive exhibits. Test your Quidditch skills, brew a potion, and explore iconic locations. Book your tickets now!
Take a step back in time these school holiday and explore Australia's most notorious prison, Pentridge Prison in Coburg. The Pentridge Prison tour is a fantastic opportunity for families to delve into the prison's interesting and local history.
If a drive in adventure is good enough for Joanie and Chachi then it's good enough for Mamma!
parks and playgrounds
CB Smith Reserve in Fawkner has had a glow up and Mamma is so impressed. A brand new double climbing tower, massive sandpit, a set of 4 swings plus a rope web swing, floor spinner and musical flowers.
How cool is this!? Allard Park in Brunswick East has a playground and a mini pump track to enjoy!
Looking for a playground for your next catch up with friends? Mamma’s got you covered with Austin Crescent Reserve Playground. There’s a car park, walking trails from the train station and bike paths all leading to this great playground in Pascoe Vale, it’s easy access for all. And the kids are going to love it!
Pump tracks are great for when the kids want to go for a bike ride but mamma does not! The pump track here at Richards Reserve in Coburg is made up of 2 connected loops, like the number 8, meaning the kids can change up their route and makes for easy overtaking.
Fisher Reserve in Brunswick East has had an upgrade and it is looking FANTASTIC! Toddler parents, get excited, because there is so much for the little ones to enjoy here and this massive space is fully fenced.
Merri-Bek Council have done it again with their NEW playground, Service Street Playground. This is the perfect weekday and weekend adventure.
Wylie Reserve Playground in Brunswick West has had a fabulous NEW upgrade! It is fully fenced and full of fun! This playground is part of the Merri-Bek Council area.
Who doesn’t love a wooden hidden gem? Parks like this bring Mamma right back to her own childhood of running up and down the boardwalks and paying tiggy with our buddies
Shore Reserve Playground (North) in Pascoe Vale South is home to a well-known icon in the local area, a clown swing that spins. He is definitely worth saying hi to. Jump onto one of his swings and ride around and around for heaps of fun! This playground is part of the Merri-Bek Council area.
If you’re looking for a park that allows Mamma to sit back and watch the kids play, then Shore Reserve Playground (South) in Pascoe vale South is a great choice!
Kingsford Smith has a NEW play space offering nature play and play equipment catering for a broad range of ages and abilities too!
Wow! Wow! Wow! If it's fun, exciting and all about adventure you are looking for, then this place is for you. Coburg Lake Reserve is perfect for the WHOLE family.
What’s more fun than a flying fox? Two flying foxes!! You’ll find two side by side at Kelvin Thomson Park, with a playground, basketball court and large open spaces.
The perfect toddler and folk retreat for families. The playground has all the essentials, bucket swing, trampoline, merry-go-round, tunnel, cubby house, slides and climbing frames.
Harmony Park is one of Mamma's most favourite places to visit in the Summer time.....and Winter and Spring and now when I think about it, Autumn too.... !
It’s FENCED, there is WATER PLAY, shaded picnic tables, fitness equipment, an in-ground trampoline, a triple swing set and a climbing frame. The kids will love this!
This recently upgraded playground is cute and colourful The best part is that it’s set between a leash-less dog oval and walking/bike paths AND a nearby staircase leads down to the Merri Creek Trail!
There’s something magical about this little heritage park - especially when the autumn leaves are gently falling from the trees.
This awesome and incredibly unique play space re-opened late last year with a very cool new addition - a GINORMOUS millipede!
Here’s one of those perfect toddler playgrounds! It’s bright, fresh, recently upgraded and it’s fully FENCED!
Shh, Mamma has a secret and it's pretty special. Using only recycled materials from the old depot site, Merri Bek Council has created this unique place for locals to meet, play and have fun in a sustainable community space.
places to eat
Wow! Mamma and her minis love all the excitement when it comes to good looking, good tasting and good fun food. The Glass Den in Coburg will have you bursting with anticipation right up until your plate hits the table. These guys know food and art! With its beautiful greenery-filled courtyard space, indoor and outdoor seating, and a great kids menu, this cafe is perfect for the entire family.
Tucked behind a colorful factory iAlex Bake 3057 is serving up cronuts, fresh bread, and coffee that’ll steal your heart!
So much more than just a store! Try their viral froyo’s and acai, or pick up some pantry essentials, snacks, or even a last minute gift or flowers.
Some of the best Italian food in the North, you’ll think you’re eating at Nonna’s place!
Luther’s Scoops in Brunswick is an ice cream awakening with delicious flavours all year round!
When it comes to cakes - the cuter the better! Here at Musu&Co (Moonshine), you will find the absolute cutest! From the viral ‘Jellycat’ cakes to emoji’s and Hello Kitty and more.
The cakes are layered with amazing Asian flavours like matcha, yuzu, mandarin - in jellies, pannacotta and mousse - amazing. So they are flavourful but not overly sweet. They also do cheesecake and slices AND matcha lattes.
Attention! Attention! Mamma has found another Banh Mi delight but this time they come that little bit longer!
Joan the cafe, tucked away in a quiet part of Brunswick East, is known for its delicious, straightforward meals, including fluffy scrambled eggs with mushrooms and chili jam. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, making everyone feel welcome, even the fussiest eaters. Using fresh, local ingredients, Joan’s Café serves up a cozy dining experience that feels like home.
Pascoe Vale's buzzing with a new spot for families—acai bowls and frozen yogurt galore! Mamma opted for creamy frozen yogurt with fresh strawberries, while the fam dove into acai bowls topped with bananas and Nutella drizzle. It's the perfect mix of healthy choices and indulgent treats, making it a must-visit for those seeking both flavor and fun.
Brunetti Classico has opened their latest store in Coburg North, Brunetti’s Classico Boutique. Designed like a jewelry store for easy selection of Italian-style drinks, celebration cakes, Danish pastries, and savory bites. It's ideal for quick snacks or drinks to go, with limited seating available. Additionally, they offer a click and collect service and a custom cake consultation for personalised cakes for weddings and birthdays.
Explore Sacca's Fine Food in Coburg North for affordable produce, delicious pastries, gelato, and a family-friendly atmosphere with a nearby playground.
The Rocket Society in Brunswick East is serving up Lebanese mezzes and snack from ‘sunrise to sundown’.
Embark on a flavor-filled adventure at Brunswick's newest Fluffy Torpedo, where quirky flavors and vibrant decor await for an unforgettable culinary experience!
Two Franks in Coburg is the neighbourhood cafe cross general store that you have been looking for.
What was a traditional corner-block milk bar for decades now is the coolest Emil’s Cafe!
Check out Pascoe Vales South’s NEWEST restaurant Bar Tobala for authentic Mexican cuisine.
Picture this - Nonna's house vibes, Franco Cozzo furniture, and the mouth-watering smell of thin-crust pizza. Has Mamma got you yet?
There's an Italian restaurant in Brunswick East called Compass, which was previously known as La Bussola. This family friendly place serves up delicious pizzas, pastas and parmas every day of the week.
Mamma is fond of banh mi, and Good Days Hot Bread in Brunswick East is a banh mi shop that creates unique interpretations of the classic French-Vietnamese rolls while remaining true to their core components.
Here’s a sweet new cafe stop on the way to the Merri Creek trail. Big Elma is as pretty as a picture and it has a kid friendly courtyard, perfect for spring coffee or lunch dates!
