Hoopla South Morang — Restaurant in Melbourne

Sorry I do not feel that this place is safe for my toddler, especially when some of the older kids do not obey the rules of safe play and no supervisor is there to reprimand or monitor any of the older kids against indulging in rough play with young children in the same area. My almost 3 yr old was kicked in the head by a much older kid who slammed into her deliberately on the big red and white gazebo-like slide, even though she was at the foot of slide with other toddlers where I was monitoring her; she narrowly avoided a major head injury or worse as I was already in the process of lifting her up as the child came faster to deliberately slam into her; this, after I had already warned the child in question against coming down roughly against my daughter and other toddlers who were at the foot of that slide trying to crawl up. When I complained to one of the staff, their response was that they would talk to the child or parent, but followed it up with “hoopla is not a daycare centre, parents have to supervise their kids”! When we come there, our expectation is not for staff at hoopla to take care of our kids, we get that - and many of us monitor our kids by standing in that same play area. But I would not expect a response such as this from a supervisor to distressed parent, and expected at least some supervisors on the floor, especially in crowded areas, to help with some crowd control or keep an eye on rowdy kids. After this incident, I noticed that the older kids were also in the toddler area where I took my child. I didn’t feel like going back again to the same supervisor to complain. I don’t think it is right for any childrens play centre to completely absolve themselves of any responsibility and place it solely on the parents to control their kids, especially when sometimes parents are not around with older kids, the the area is advertised as a safe play space.

I’ve eaten here once and don’t really have a complaint about the food. The second time, I didn’t bother with any food the moment this...

I was so excited to try Hoopla. Although despite Hoopla seeming to be a well thought out play center for both parents and children. There is one major design flaw that left me disappointed. The bathroom is located inside and amongst the play area. Major red flag for any play center and a mistake that I see too often. You can't see whether your child has gone to the bathroom from where you sit. Unfortunately we also cannot trust all adults around our children and we need to be very vigilant when it comes to public places. Having the bathroom area in clear sight from all seating areas would have created a far less anxious visit. This beautiful play center is designed for parents to enjoy themselves also, with great food and drinks...but if you can't see if your child has ended up in the bathroom then it's not as comfortable to sit and eat while they play. You'll be up and down making sure they haven't wandered into the toilets. Or worse. Been taken in there by an untrustworthy adult. This is the sad reality of parents scoping our play centers that check all the boxes. This play center checked all except for one. And it is a major one that is often overlooked.

Everything else is great. And if we lived in a perfect world there would be nothing to worry about. It really is a one stop spot for both parents and kids. I just wouldn't be able to enjoy sitting for more than a few minutes. All play center bathrooms should really be located at the front entrance or near the cafe area in clear sight. Not inside the play gym area.

These bathrooms are located at the far end of the building and to the right. Not in line of sight from most areas unless you stand around there the whole time. When it comes to children, bathrooms need to be in clear sight. Not aesthetically tucked away and out of sight. Especially in the middle of the play area. It was...

Blown Away!

It was so so refreshing to see staff actively engaging with patrons of all ages, actively cleaning the play spaces, disinfecting toys and enforcing age restrictions within play spaces. For context, we have a 23 month old, she is very little and very brave! But sometimes the bigger kids can bowl her over and really bring down her experience, the staff actively enforcing age restrictions in the toddler play area really helps her enjoy the time we have there.

SERVICE: Was amazing, staff very polite, professional and patient. I personally watched a staff member approach a crying toddler who was sitting with mum, and very upset. The staff checked in to make sure everything was ok and then took off, only to return moments later with a little cup of ice cream and said “here hopefully this helps you feel better” I take my hat off to you Hoopla, this is the difference right here.

FOOD: food was amazing, we got the beef burger and the lamb, all the food was very fresh and full of flavour (a fair cry from normal play centres crap.. sorry) if I HAD to be critical, I would say the burger patty was a little over cooked, and over all it was probably a little pricey, but I understand why.

VENUE - amazing play spaces for all ages, I can’t see any kids getting bored any time soon. We payed $12 entrance fee for our little one, I think it might be a touch more for older children, but it’s well worth it. In saying that, general entrance fee is just that, general entry. I think some other activities within the centre have other charges.

OVERALL - outstanding service, great food, great venue. Price reflects the service you get and in my opinion, is well worth it.

Plus you can get...