Free Play at EcoHub (Term 3, 2026)

On Thursday mornings, the EcoHub opens its play spaces for families to enjoy at their own pace. In this digital age, it's crucial for kids to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the wonders of the natural world. This drop-in Free-Play time is unstructured and unguided, giving toddlers the freedom to dig in the dirt, water the gardens, cook in the mud kitchens, spot fish in the pond, and otherwise play to their hearts’ content. With indoor and outdoor spaces full of toy animals, chalk boards, musical instruments, books, and hula hoops, there’s something for every child to enjoy. Bring a picnic, enjoy a coffee on us, and soak up the bushland setting. Play items onsite • Natural space for play with sand, garden beds, and many spaces to explore. • Mudkitchens with pots, pans and utensils • Toy animals • Musical instruments • Timber steppers, balancing log and dry creek bed • Paper and coloured crayons • Open grass area Free Play is part of our ongoing toddler program at EcoHub, including; Buds & Blooms Nature Play Group, Tales & Trails Storytime, and Storytime with Alton. What to expect: Length This event goes for two hours, and is quite informal. Start time This event is open for guests to come and go as they please Location Ngoolark Space - Outside in the amphitheatre and garden, with a quiet indoor space also available. Requirements Sessions will run outdoors in all weather so we recommend bringing a change of clothes, wet weather gear, hats, sunscreen and insect repellent. Please bring your own drink bottle and your own morning tea. Note that shelter from the rain is available. Type of event and expectations Playgroup rules apply - children may freely play whilst parents supervise nearby for safety. Quiet spaces will be available at this event. Accessibility Some hard paths, some compacted sand. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Accessible parking is available at front of EcoHub, rooms are located on multiple levels via a ramp and toilets are available within the venue. For specific access requirements please feel free to call or email EcoHub at (08)9364 0191 or [email protected] Directions to EcoHub Please consider using public transportation. A bus stop, just a 2-minute walk away, is conveniently located near EcoHub and services multiple routes. EcoHub is located at 555 Leach Highway, Winthrop in the Piney Lakes Reserve. To reach us, if heading westbound, take the first left after Murdoch Drive on Leach Highway. If coming from the Fremantle area, continue on Leach Hwy across Murdoch Drive and use the designated U-turn just after the lights to move to the westbound lanes. Go back through the lights at Murdoch Drive and take the first left. Please park in the signed public carpark. Enews Subscribe to City of Melville Sustainability and Environment e-newsletter to stay up to date with upcoming environment and sustainability events in City of Melville. Recycling hub Bring the following items in household quantities for recycling at EcoHub when you attend: household batteries, printer cartridges, light globes, mobile phones and chargers, plastic bread tags, oral care products, plastic bottle lids, metal bottle lids, beer can clips and corks. For more recycling option check out Bottle Top Hill recycling events held at EcoHub monthly, second Saturday 9.00am to 11.00am.