Questions, answered.
Find answers about bookings, celebrations, food and visiting the nook.
Booking and payment
How can I contact the Play Nook team?
Send your enquiry to playnooknorthcote@gmail.com. At busy times, a reply can take up to 48 business hours.
If you would prefer a conversation, visit the play space or email your preferred contact number so the team can get in touch.
Where can I make a party booking?
Use Play Nook's existing Ticket Tailor booking page to check dates and book your party. For a weekday celebration or a special arrangement, email the team.
What is the minimum number of children for a party?
Classic, Elevate and Signature have a minimum of 10 children. Aspire has a minimum of 15. Check the package details when choosing your booking.
How many guests fit in the venue?
The venue comfortably accommodates up to 150 guests in total. Discuss your event size and setup with the team when planning a large gathering.
Can we invite a large group of adults?
There is no fixed limit on the number of accompanying adults, within the venue's overall capacity. If your group will exceed 50 people in total, an exclusive-use party or private venue hire is recommended.
How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
The published party terms require a $288 deposit, with the remaining balance due one week before the event. Follow the payment instructions and terms shown for your booking on Ticket Tailor.
What happens if I cancel my party?
The $288 deposit is non-refundable, except in the event of COVID lockdowns or restrictions, when the deposit is fully refundable.
If you cancel within seven days of the event, 50% of the total invoice is payable. Review the terms attached to your Ticket Tailor booking and contact the team to discuss a cancellation.
On the day
When can we set up, and how long do we have to pack up?
Your two-hour slot includes one hour and 45 minutes of celebration, followed by 15 minutes for party bags and goodbyes. You may arrive up to 15 minutes before the start to set up.
Please leave promptly at the end of your allocated slot. Extra time may be available, but it must be requested well before your party date.
Will our party have a separate room?
Parties have their own allocated tables and area within the play space, rather than a separate party room. On weekends the venue is closed to general public play, with no more than two parties running at the same time.
Is a dedicated party host included?
A dedicated party host is not provided. You are welcome to arrange an entertainer if you would like someone to lead activities for your guests.
What decorations are included, and can we add our own?
The standard party setup includes paper plates and cups, paper honeycomb decorations, and a cake table with a stand and in-house streamers. Some packages include additional decorations; check your selected package.
You may bring extra decorations. Use removable products that will not damage the walls, such as suitable Command products. Tape and sticky glue dots are not permitted.
May we hire an entertainer or face painter?
Yes. Entertainers and face painters are welcome at your event. Ask the team if you would like recommendations.
Are highchairs available for guests?
There are six highchairs available in the venue for guests to use.
Food and allergies
Which food can we bring to a package party?
For the two-hour party packages, catering is arranged through Play Nook. You may bring a birthday cake and treat bags (lolly bags). Let the team know about special dietary requirements well before your party.
Can we self-cater or use an outside caterer?
Self-catering and outside catering are available with private venue hire, rather than the standard party packages. Private hire can combine your own catering with food supplied by Play Nook.
The kitchen is not available to guests or outside caterers, and the team cannot warm your food. The host or caterer must bring the cutlery and serving equipment they need.
Will the team cut and serve our birthday cake?
Yes. The team cuts and serves the cake and supplies the plates and cutlery for cake service.
How do coffee and drinks work during a party?
A barista is available for celebrations, with coffee, tea and cold drinks. You can arrange a drinks tab, or guests can pay individually as they order. Drinking water is freely available at the counter.
What should we do about food allergies?
Discuss allergies and dietary requirements with the team well in advance. Food-safety practices are followed and the team will try to accommodate requirements, but cross-contamination cannot be ruled out.
Parents may provide allergy-safe food for their child if they prefer.
House rules
Are piñatas allowed at a party?
Piñatas are not permitted. Please also avoid bringing items that could create choking hazards for young children.
Can guests bring or buy alcohol?
Alcohol is not permitted at standard package parties, and Play Nook has no standing liquor licence. Serving alcohol during private venue hire requires a temporary limited liquor licence. Contact the team before booking for the current requirements and application guidance.
Can siblings attend without a seat at the party table?
Yes. Additional children who are not seated at the party table pay the sibling entry fee: under six months is free; six to under 12 months is $5.50; and 12 months or older is $15.95.
Sensory and access
What should we know about sensory needs and neurodiversity?
The space includes areas for quiet and imaginative play, traditional play equipment and a muted colour palette. It can still become noisy during celebrations and on wet days.
Bring any noise-filtering resources your child uses, and contact the team to discuss your family's needs. Additional sensory resources are being sourced; check with the team about what is available before your visit.