Billy Lids Indoor Playcentre

check icon 3.7 (14)

Reviews for Billy Lids Indoor Playcentre (14)

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3.7
14 reviews
5 star icon
7
4 star icon
2
3 star icon
1
2 star icon
2
1 star icon
2
Service Rating
3.9
Quality Rating
3.6
Value Rating
3.4
tomm255
1 review · 600 points
verified email - 09 Oct 2018
Service Rating
1.0
Quality Rating
1.0
Value Rating
1.0

My partner and I took our two children aged 2 and 4 a few weeks ago, it was a very disappointing experience and it's about time I got around to writing a review. All the electronic stuff is very distracting, we can do without that attention deficit disorder creating video trash when kids are trying to play in creative ways. We found the area for the little one small, uninteresting and very underwhelming which was reflected in her almost instant boredom and desire to go. In general the place was not clean. I know kids are going to dirty it up each day, but it was too dirty for my liking and looks as though it's not cleaned thoroughly enough.
Overall, a very disappointing experience for the kids and that in turn means a bad time time for us as parents, our experiences re the VR machines, cleanliness and suitability for the younger ones is common with many other reviewers here and makes us believe we are not being overly picky but quite objective. We would not go back.

verified email - 07 Oct 2017
Service Rating
1.0
Quality Rating
1.0
Value Rating
1.0

Below average in all categories. Entering the centre it’s overpriced and smells like dirty nappies! In desperate need of a revamp, it’s old and tired and the toilets are derelict and revolting.....and the staff are unfriendly and grumpy. You certainly do not get what you pay for, the little roller coaster on ran once while we were ther and then there is the complete lack of parking. These guys must me making a killing because the amount of people who go there, put up with the conditions and the fact that clearly not a cent has been spent on the place in upkeep is a disgrace. I have been to so many outstanding centres over the years and Billy Lids doesn’t even come close!

donnan415
1 review · 600 points
verified email - 24 May 2015
Service Rating
4.0
Quality Rating
1.0
Value Rating
1.0

Definitely not suitable for toddlers. My 32 month old son was cornered by larger kids in an area out of my view and was hit and scratched. I had to climb up there myself and caught them in the act. There are too many blind spots. It was my first and last time. Doncaster playdays is where i usually go. I think ill be sticking with that. Also McDonald's in ringwood have a much better play area. And its free.

Approximate cost: $11

verified email - 16 Jul 2013
Service Rating
3.0
Quality Rating
3.0
Value Rating
2.0

Been to a few play centres which really had the wow factor but this one was just okay. We paid $10 per child (2yrs and 3yrs) which is more than I usually pay. Also a lot smaller. We were there for over 2 hours and they only put the lady bird ride on once. Parking was also difficult. On the up side the food was good. It was fine but I wouldn't rave about it or hurry back.

Approximate cost: $10 per child

verified email - 07 Feb 2013
Service Rating
4.0
Quality Rating
4.0
Value Rating
2.0

This is the best play centre we have been to in Melbourne. It is clean, has a pleasant atmosphere and the children are generally well behaved. The equipment is varied and stimulating and there are different sections for different ages. The cafe is very nice with healthy options though you can not bring your own food into the centre. It does end up being an expensive day out though, often we spend between $40 and $50 and we tend to do it only for special occasions. I have found it quite a nice place to take friends who don't have kids as we can have a proper conversation while the kids are entertained.

Approximate cost: $50 for two kids and snacks

verified email - 26 Oct 2012
Service Rating
5.0
Quality Rating
5.0
Value Rating
5.0

Great playcentre, caters for all ages, has separate area for toddlers and bubs, great party room, really friendly staff, quick service, cafe is quite good, and there are plenty of tables and chairs even a couch.

verified email - 26 Aug 2012
Service Rating
5.0
Quality Rating
5.0
Value Rating
5.0

Great little play centre! Has a good variety of things for different ages to do. I was there with a 2yo and two 4yos. There is a separate room with toys and a ball pit for the 2yo and under. There is a small climbing structure for those about 2-3yo, and a larger climbing and sliding structure for the 4yo and up age group. There is also a jumping area and some animal dress ups.

The favourite of all three girls was the ladybird roller coaster (which is not as scary as it sounds). This little ride runs about every 90mins or so and just for this is worth the price of entry!

The food is very reasonably priced - much better than most kids' places I've been to, although they have the usual "don't bring any food in" rule. There is free water and cups, and the food is actually reasonably healthy and edible (not just nuggets and chips!) The place is also very clean, and the staff friendly and helpful. We'll definitely be going back!

Down sides: It is not as big as Daydreamers, and I understand parking is sometimes a problem, but it wasn't when we were there on a Wednesday morning.

Approximate cost: $8

03 May 2012
Service Rating
2.0
Quality Rating
2.0
Value Rating
2.0

I didn't even get in the door! There are appx 15 car spots and they were gone by 9.30am. There was some off street parking but mainly only an hour. Went home :(
Really what is the point...this could be the best playcentre on the planet (reviews suggests its very good) but if there are not even 1/2 enough car spots it's irrelevant.

verified email - 28 Feb 2012
Service Rating
5.0
Quality Rating
5.0
Value Rating
5.0

I visited here with my 2 and 4 year old daughters today and it was AMAZING!

It was easy to park and it was obvious upon entering that the place is amazingly clean...we even saw a staff member with disinfectant cleaning toys in the under 2 area!

The cafe section was the best I have seen in any place centre (in fact in most cafes!) because it was fresh, healthy and delicious.

My kids loved that there was an under 2 section with it's own ball pit - very important because they can get a bit scary with older kids mixing with younger ones.

A huge climbing area for older kids, books, dress ups, bouncing pillow, table games not to mention the buggy ride!

I ordered a bowl of chips for the girls and it was HUGE, enough chips there for 4 people (only cost around $4.00).

We had an awesome time and will be back for sure!

I suggest everyone check it out - Billy Lids is the BEST!!!

Approximate cost: $16.00 for 2 kids

verified email - 18 Feb 2011
Service Rating
5.0
Quality Rating
5.0
Value Rating
5.0

We went to Billy Lids today, it was pretty difficult to find the street and the location, parking is very minimal, however this is probably the best play centre i have been to in Victoria. The staff are very helpful and friendly, the kids meals are great healthy options are avaibale the food is great and my son had a great time over 3 hours

Approximate cost: $8.00

verified email - 03 Nov 2009
Service Rating
5.0
Quality Rating
5.0
Value Rating
5.0

Have been here plenty of times for work. The kids love it, especially if they are confident to go onto the climbing equipment. Not as well set up for toddlers as preschool age. The coffees are pretty good. The bug ride the highlight for any child!

Approximate cost: $7.00

verified email - 19 Apr 2009
Service Rating
5.0
Quality Rating
5.0
Value Rating
5.0

Billy Lids Indoors Play Centre & Cafe is a great place for families to take their kids for a safe and fun indoor lay environment where the kids are guaranteed to have a ball

Approximate cost: $30

verified email - 30 Jan 2008
Service Rating
5.0
Quality Rating
5.0
Value Rating
5.0

This is one of the best play centres we've been to. Mostly because of the beetle ride! It really makes the entry fee value for money. Quite a range of things to do for all ages. Jumping castle, cars to ride, airhockey table, dressups, ball pit and of course the beetle ride. Their babies section even has actual toys to keep them occupied, as well as some bigger playthings for toddlers.

I also liked the way shoes and belongings were able to be kept in an individual crate, rather than having to leave them at your table. Plenty of tables, and it's good that you can sit in the babies area or the older kids section.

We've only been once, and it was reasonably busy, but I noticed there was not as much noise as other centres we've been to. This could be because it is a converted town hall and is divided into sections.

While their carpark is very small, we found plenty of (unmetered and unrestricted) parking further down the street.

The only negative I can think of is that the climbing activity area is harder for adults to get into than other centres we've been to... so if a child gets stuck or scared it is a bit harder to get to them, but that is only a problem if you have younger kids and aren't nimble enough to climb through the small areas.

verified email - 24 Jan 2008
Service Rating
4.0
Quality Rating
4.0
Value Rating
4.0

I meat a friend and her children at this Play Centre and we all had a great time. The entry price ($7.00 for a 4 year-old) is reasonable compared to other local playcentres. The venue is clean with a large variety of equipment for children of all ages. The area for bubs aged 2 years and under is seperated well from the general playcentre. Every couple of hours a bell was rung and there was a mad scramble of children all waiting to climb aboard the "Beetle" ride. The ride is for children aged 3 years and over, can take 16 children at once and they all get to have a steering wheel to spend a generous few minutes 'driving along'. Rides on this beetle are included in the entry charge. We had a 4 year-old, a 6 and an 8 year-old and they were all thoroughly entertained for the morning. There's plenty of tables and chairs and a decent menu for snacks - you can even order a hot breakfast! There are also spacious facilities upstairs where children's parties can be held.

Approximate cost: $7.00