Go for a play at Chipmunks Playland and Cafe, an indoor play centre in Belmont. The old Belmont Bowling Club site in Lake Macquarie was fully repurposed and refurbished in July 2023 as a children’s playland and cafe that stretches over two levels.
With unlimited play, kids aged 11 and under can run wild and have the greatest indoor adventure while parents can sit down with a coffee and relax knowing the kids are contained and entertained.
Chipmunks Playland & Cafe is open 7 days a week. I took my kids, aged 6 and 8, for a play in the school holidays and we all gave it a huge thumbs up. The kids played for 3 hours and would have happily stayed longer if we’d had the time.
If you’re not a local, the building can be a little hard to find. It’s above the shopping centre on the Pacific Highway, with car park access from High Street. Look for the purple building and the big Chipmunks signs!
If you’re coming from the North, turn right off the Pacific Highway onto Macquarie Street and, if you’re coming from the south, turn left off the Pacific Highway onto Victoria Street. The carpark is huge so there should be no trouble finding a park.
One of the best things about Chipmunks is that the entry fee includes single-use access all day long on the day of entry, with tickets only expiring when you leave the facility. So the kids can, literally, play all day!
There is no charge for parents/carers and 0-12 month olds are free, making Chipmunks an excellent venue for new parents to meet up.
Dedicated multiple age zones means that play is safer for kids of all ages. There are three separate play zones; Baby Zone for 0-2 year olds, Mini Zone for kids aged 4 and under who are a little more independent, and a Main Zone for the bigger kids aged 5-11.
The Baby Zone is fenced and the ground is foam mats. It has a ball pit, soft ride on toys and sensory/puzzle walls. There’s also a fun little play house with soft ‘bricks’ so little ones can build walls and knock them over again and again. Being bright and colourful, this area is a happy and fun space and, like all the other areas, is underwater themed. Babies will love it!
The Mini Zone is also fully fenced. It’s for babies and toddlers who are a little more independent in their play. Little ones can climb on the play tower and slide back down on the slide. There’s spinning ‘teacup’ style soft play toys to encourage interactive play. It’s also completely foam-floored.
For kids aged 5-11 years the adventure starts in the huge ball pit. With vaccuums, air-vents and a massive interactive screen, there are many different ways to play and have fun with the balls. It’s a great space for cooperative play and my kids soon made new friends, making up games and different ways to interact and play with the balls. Chipmunks will be upgrading the interactive ball wall in the near future, which is exciting!
If the kids can drag themselves out of the ball pit, there is so much fun to be had in the Main Zone. Rope nets, bridges, tunnels, slides and more will have them burning energy for hours. The playground is huge and, although the venue was busy on the day we visited, there was plenty of space for all the kids to have a great time.
Adults are welcome to assist their children in the playground if needed, but are not allowed to use the equipment, such as slides and swings. The playground spans both levels with access from both the top and bottom level.
Charlie’s Cafe serves up an amazing array of food, drinks and coffee. Their dedicated kids menu has heaps of kid-friendly options including a nugget meal, a mini-pizza meal, a sandwich and fruit meal and more. Outside food is not allowed to be brought in, but there is something for all ages, including yoghurt for babies and gluten free options.
There’s plenty of food options to keep adults satisfied including wraps, salads, burgers and pizzas. We ordered a pizza and a chicken wrap and they were both fresh and delicious. Hot food is collected from the upstairs level and there are lots of tables on both levels.
Situated overlooking Lake Macquarie, the views from upstairs are amazing. Access to the upstairs level by stairs or lift (Kids can go through the playground).
There are toilet facilities located on both levels, including disabled access and baby change tables.
The venue houses three party rooms (two upstairs and one downstairs). Chipmunks offers three all-inclusive party options (Basic, Bash and Bonanza) with options for add-ons.
There are six themes to choose from, including Under the Sea, Superhero, Unicorn, Princess, Jungle and Pirate. Click here for more information about birthday parties at Chipmunks Belmont.
For larger parties, functions, sports groups and school events, Chipmunks offers private venue hire, both catered or self-catered.
During the school holidays Chipmunks run special events and theme days including ice cream decorating, face painting and visits from Charlie Chipmunk. Visit their Facebook page to keep up to date with what’s happening.
Chipmunks also sell merchandise over the counter, including high quality drink bottles, activity books, shirts, pencil cases and Charlie Chipmunk plush toys. The merchandise can be added on to a Bash or Bonanza party booking, too!
Remember to bring socks as Chipmunks have a No Socks, No Play policy.
We will definitely be back to Chipmunks Playland & Cafe. It’s great value fun for the kids and an excellent way for them to burn some energy, especially on a cold or rainy day. The food was delicious, with lots of food and drink options and all the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful.
Good to know:
Address: 1 High Street, Belmont
Phone: (02) 4945 2667
Website: Chipmunks Playland & Cafe
Bring: Socks (or purchase from reception for $3.50 per pair)
Cost:
- Adults and under 1 year: FREE
- 1-2 years $18.90
- 3-11 years $21.90
- School day special (excludes public and school holidays) $18.90
- 3pm After School Special (school days only) $10
Entries can be pre-purchased online, with single visit passes, 5-visit multi-passes and 10-visit multi-passes available. Gift cards can be digitally purchased.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9-5pm, Sunday 10-4pm (refer to website for public holiday hours)
Disclosure: Newy with Kids received complimentary admission to Chipmunks Playland & Cafe for review purposes. However, all opinions are our own.
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