Playgroups
What is a playgroup?
A playgroup is a group of parents, carers and children who come together regularly to play, talk, and learn.
Playgroups help parents meet other parents and make friends, find support, and connect with their children. For children, playgroups are a place to play, grow and learn in a fun way. As a member of a playgroup you might find yourself making playdough one week, then covering your child’s feet in paint the next!
All playgroups are different and are run in a way that works for the group. The main thing is that playgroups are friendly and welcoming, safe and, most of all, fun.
There are three different types of playgroups:
The Playgroup Victoria website is a great place to find out more about playgroups.
Community playgroups
I want to join a community playgroup
To find a playgroup in your area, visit the Playgroup Victoria page.
There are three purpose-built playgroup spaces in the City of Port Phillip. These are used by the following community playgroups:
Childcare and kindergarten facility upgrades
To support the safe and ongoing education and care of all children enrolled in the six facilities being redeveloped, Council will share the North St Kilda Children’s Centre (NSKCC) site from January 2026.
We explored a range of options and facilities to ensure ongoing early childhood education and care for all families at NSKCC. One of these alternatives included the extension of Bubup Nairm Children’s Centre to include the Level 1 play spaces, between 2026 and 2030.
Level 1 play spaces will play an important role in supporting the redevelopment project and will require St Kilda Playgroup to relocate.
We recognise the significant contribution of St Kilda Playgroup in developing this space and we understand the importance of continuity to maintain a membership base that brings together families and children while providing peer support.
We are committed to working closely with St Kilda Playgroup to explore their needs and options for relocation.
We encourage families to communicate with the St Kilda Playgroup Committee of Management, as they work with Council, the different playgroups and their needs.
Please note that community playgroups are independently run and will charge membership fees.
I want to join a nature playgroup
Outdoor learning nurtures children's connection to the natural world, fostering a sense of care, curiosity, and respect for animals and plant life. Through hands-on exploration, children develop a love for nature and an appreciation for the environment that will last a lifetime.
I want to start a community playgroup
To start a playgroup, all you need is a couple of friends and a place to meet! For more information, see the Playgroups Victoria website.
City of Port Phillip has a dedicated worker who will work to support you and your playgroup in whatever way we can. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us on one of the below methods.
Supported playgroups
When do these sessions run?
Council runs two supported playgroups each school term with groups held weekly, one on Mondays and one on Wednesdays. Groups do not meet during school holidays.
| Monday playgroup | Wednesday playgroup |
Time: 10 am to 12 pm, every Monday Location: Bubup Nairm Family and Children Centre, 99b Carlisle Street, St Kilda | Time: 10 am to 12 pm, every Wednesday Location: South Melbourne Community Centre, 1 Ferrars Place, South Melbourne |
Pop-up playgroup
When do these sessions run?
Pop-up playgroups run every school holidays.
The exact dates and times of the next pop-up playgroups will be published in the coming weeks. Join our pop-up playgroup mailing list to be notified as more details are released.
What if I don’t live in the City of Port Phillip municipality?
Playgroups are open to everyone, regardless of whether they live in the City of Port Phillip or not. However, please note that all Councils have community and supported playgroups available, so there may be one closer to you.
Contact us
Our Family Support team is here to help.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip.
Phone: 03 9209 6777