Planning a first birthday party is an exciting milestone, so here are The 10 Best Places for a One-Year-Old’s Birthday Party! Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs offer many fantastic options, from beautiful parks to indoor play centres and even zoos. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor space to set up a picnic or a play centre perfect for toddlers, there’s something for every budget. Here’s a guide to some of the best locations for a one-year-old’s birthday party in and around Melbourne.

Tips for a Successful First Birthday Party

• Consider Nap Times: One-year-olds tend to nap during the day, so scheduling your party for after their usual nap time ensures they’re happy and rested.
• Keep It Simple: At this age, simpler is often better. Stick to a few easy games, songs, or sensory activities that engage little ones without overwhelming them.
• Age-Appropriate Party Bags: If you want to give party bags, consider toddler-safe toys like bubbles, small soft toys, or baby snacks.
• Book a Cake smash session with us before your little ones party, so you can share it with your party guests.

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1. Royal Botanic Gardens (Children’s Garden) – Melbourne

• Location: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141
• Website: Royal Botanic Gardens
• Cost: Free entry
• Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets, baby-changing facilities

The Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens is perfect for a one-year-old’s party. The garden features interactive areas with plants, trees, and small water play features. You can set up a picnic with your guests, enjoy a relaxed outdoor environment, and let the little ones explore nature in a safe space.

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2. Werribee Open Range Zoo / Melbourne Zoo / Healsville Sanctuary

• Location: K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
• Website: Werribee Open Range Zoo
• Cost: $45 for adults, kids under 4 free
• Facilities: Picnic areas, café, baby-changing facilities

For a fun animal-themed birthday, the Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Zoo or Hallsville Sanctuary offers beautiful grassy picnic spots where you can bring food and host a party. Younger children can enjoy the sights and sounds of the zoo, and while the older ones explore the Safari bus tour, the littlest guests can visit the kid-friendly playground with animal sculptures.

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3. Wombat Bend Playspace – Templestowe

• Location: Duncan St, Templestowe Lower VIC 3107
• Website: Wombat Bend Playspace
• Cost: Free
• Facilities: Picnic areas, BBQs, toilets, baby-changing facilities

Wombat Bend is an accessible and enclosed playground with sensory-friendly areas, making it ideal for a one-year-old’s birthday. There’s plenty of shade, so you can enjoy a picnic or BBQ with family and friends. The little ones will love exploring the interactive features designed for toddlers.

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4. Woodlands Historic Park – Greenvale

• Location: Somerton Rd, Greenvale VIC 3059
• Website: Parks Victoria
• Cost: Free
• Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets, walking paths

If you’re after a nature-based celebration, Woodlands Historic Park offers wide open spaces and gentle walking paths perfect for a birthday picnic. It’s an ideal spot for families wanting a low-cost outdoor option. You can spot kangaroos, enjoy nature, and let the kids run around safely.

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5. Sunbury Indoor Playcentre

• Location: 37 McDougall Rd, Sunbury VIC 3429
• Website: Sunbury Indoor Playcentre
• Cost: $10-15 per child (party packages available)
• Facilities: Café, baby-changing facilities, toddler play area

A fantastic indoor option, especially for colder months, the Sunbury Indoor Playcentre features a toddler-friendly play area with soft play equipment. The party packages include dedicated seating areas, and the staff handles setup and cleanup, making it a stress-free experience for parents.

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6. Bendigo Botanic Gardens

• Location: 71 Napier St, White Hills VIC 3550
• Website: Bendigo Botanic Gardens
• Cost: Free
• Facilities: Picnic areas, playground, toilets

With its lush lawns and a toddler-friendly playground, the Bendigo Botanic Gardens is a serene spot for a first birthday party. Pack a picnic, find a shady spot, and let the little ones play safely on the equipment designed for younger children.

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7. Ballarat Wildlife Park

• Location: 250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350
• Website: Ballarat Wildlife Park
• Cost: $35 for adults, kids under 4 free
• Facilities: Picnic areas, café, baby-changing facilities

Ballarat Wildlife Park offers a fun, interactive experience for a one-year-old’s birthday. While they may not fully appreciate all the animals yet, the wide, grassy picnic areas provide the perfect backdrop for an outdoor celebration. Plus, seeing kangaroos and other native wildlife will fascinate the young ones.

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8. Lollipops Playland & Café – Sunshine

• Location: Corner Of Annastasia Way & Mcintyre Road, City West Plaza, 15/484-486 Ballarat Road, Sunshine North VIC 3020
• Website: Lollipops Playland Werribee
• Cost: Party packages from $220 for 8 kids
• Facilities: Indoor play area, toddler zone, café, party rooms, baby-changing facilities

Lollipops Playland in Sunshine offers a safe and fun environment for young children, with a dedicated toddler area for babies and toddlers under 3. They have soft play equipment and small climbing structures, perfect for one-year-olds. Their party packages include decorations, food, and a party host to ensure your event runs smoothly.

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9. Fairy Park – Anakie

• Location: 2388 Ballan Rd, Anakie VIC 3213
• Website: Fairy Park
• Cost: $22 for adults, $12 for kids 3-13, kids under 3 free
• Facilities: Picnic areas, playground, café, toilets

Fairy Park is a magical destination where classic fairy tales come to life. While some attractions cater to slightly older kids, the park’s playground area, designed for young children, is perfect for toddlers. The park also has picnic spots, so you can easily host a laid-back birthday celebration amidst a fairytale setting.

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10. Scienceworks – Spotswood

• Location: 2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015
• Website: Scienceworks
• Cost: $15 for adults, kids under 16 free
• Facilities: Café, picnic areas, baby-changing facilities

While Scienceworks is often seen as a destination for older children, its dedicated toddler space, Nitty Gritty Super City, is perfect for one-year-olds. This area includes safe, sensory-rich experiences with blocks, wheels, and water play. You can combine exploration with a party in one of the museum’s picnic areas.

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BONUS location! Because we really want you to have all The best places for a one-year-old’s birthday party!

11. The Big Goose – Moorooduc

• Location: 233 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Moorooduc VIC 3933
• Website: The Big Goose
• Cost: $22.50 for adults, $14.50 for kids over 3, kids under 3 free
• Facilities: Picnic areas, café, baby-changing facilities

The Big Goose is a family-friendly farm and adventure park that offers great outdoor birthday party options. While older kids will enjoy the tractor rides and adventure playground, there’s a dedicated toddler play area and plenty of animals for the little ones to interact with. Picnic areas and party packages make it an easy, stress-free venue.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly park or an all-inclusive play centre, you’ll find options that suit your needs. From outdoor picnics to indoor soft play, these venues are designed to provide fun for your little one and peace of mind for parents. From magical fairy parks to interactive museums and nature-filled reserves, Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs offer endless options for a memorable first birthday party.