Nubo: An Innovative Play Space to Nurture Little Bodies and Minds

When it comes to indoor kids’ play spaces, Nubo Alexandria is a game-changer. The concept behind Nubo is to provide a space that nurtures young bodies and minds through a range of engaging and enriching play opportunities.
The innovative Alexandria location, which opened in early 2017, has become a firm favourite among many families in the area. In fact, the concept has been so popular that an additional Nubo location will be opening in Chatswood in just a few days’ time.
Situated in an open, light-filled space, Nubo’s design is undeniably impressive. In contrast to the ubiquitous bright, loud play spaces that can leave many children overexcited and overwhelmed, Nubo is refreshingly calming. The design utilises warm natural materials, curves, soft lighting and neutral palettes, while the background music is soothing.
There are three kinds of play options available at Nubo: free play, where children can explore all the space has to offer; facilitated play, where an educator guides the activity, and educational workshops. The space caters to children aged 2 to 10 but is probably best suited to 2–6 year olds.

For busy little bodies, there’s a zone for active play, with an enormous rope climbing structure featuring two exhilarating slides. This section is best suited to children aged four years and up. There’s a separate active zone for children under four, including a gentle slide leading into a blue ball pit, and a second level with a net trampoline and a second gentle slide. In addition, there is a small area for babies to engage with various toys and equipment.

And there are numerous amenities for busy little minds, too. First there’s the Blue Room, filled with large blue foam blocks, tubes, balls and other construction toys. Adjacent to the Blue Room is the Art Studio, with a range of art and craft materials available to inspire. Upstairs is a dramatic play area with dolls, a toy kitchen, food and other home items. Workshops are scheduled and announced during the day.

In addition there is a Library where kids can snuggle up with a book in a cosy nook. The selection of books available is excellent, with many new releases and other favourites. Story time, led by one of the Nubo educators, is held regularly. A highlight of this area is the elevated ‘hot air balloon’. A warning, however, that this accessed by steep, narrow stairs and young children will need close supervision and possibly assistance.

The space allows adults to interact with their children within the space or to supervise them from a short distance. The Nubo Café, which has a selection of nutritious, provides a good vantage point for this.

On the day we visited, on a drizzly Sunday morning, the space was not overcrowded. Our kids, aged four and five, had an absolute ball exploring all the different areas. All the staff were welcoming and enthusiastic. While we were there, Storytime took place, but we were too early for any of the workshops. Oh well, there is always next time!
Nubo is open on weekdays 9 am–4pm and weekends 9 am–5pm. Prices vary depending on the day of visitation and the age of the child. On weekdays, it costs $10/hour for children under 2 years (or $25 unlimited per child), and $12.50/hour for children over 2 years (or $40 unlimited per child). On weekends and public holidays, it costs $12.50/hour for children under 2 (or $37.50 unlimited per child); it costs $15/hour for children over 2 (or $50 unlimited per child). For each visiting child, one accompanying adult may enter free of charge, with $5 for additional adults. Finally Nubo has a range of party packages for up to 30 guests. More details here.
 
Location: Unit 201/Bldg 2, 160 Bourke Road, Alexandria
Phone: (02) 9317 3206
 
Cover image © Anita Vitanova; other images © Ginny Grant
 
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