To say that Vitaland Miranda is a welcome addition to the Shire would be an understatement, as evidenced by the throngs of mums and bubs in the opening weeks. Thankfully, the initial hubbub has died down so we took the opportunity to visit.
Situated on the bottom floor of Westfield, opposite JB Hi-Fi, Vitaland opened in August to much fanfare. And why not? The Shire is crying out for more indoor soft play options – even more so with another La Nina on the way!
Vitaland is a kids’ cafe and soft play centre suitable for babies, toddlers and preschoolers aged up to 7.
Visiting with another mum friend, we arrived at about 11am on a Monday which wasn’t too busy. Immediately I was struck by how much detail had gone into the decor and overall build of the space. A shoe area at the front was made kid-friendly with mini stools to help kids put on and take off their shoes.
In through the entrance gate and it was like stepping into a Katy Perry music video, with backlit arches, gigantic fluffy cloud mobiles, and a pastel palette to please.
Food & Drink
First order of the day was food thanks to two hungry toddlers. Typically, kids’ cafes tend to rely on the same old chicken nuggets and chips – and whilst this was available on the menu, there were also plenty of other, healthier options too.
We were pleasantly surprised when the food arrived a short time after ordering. The orange juice was fresh, the creamy chicken mushroom pasta was delicious and the caesar salad was bursting with freshness. The standout however was probably the baby cheese risotto with chicken schnitzel. It’s an extensive menu with something for everyone.
From the cafe area, I spied a screen displaying feeds from several security cameras dotted throughout the different areas which was good to see. Hygiene also got top marks with changing rooms looking pristine, in fact the whole centre was spotless. In addition, the owners told me that they clean every single ball in the ball pit every week to minimise germ spread.
Play Area
More on the ball pit now which was the perfect initiation for our two tentative little toddlers who were quite stunned by the sheer volume of balls they found themselves surrounded by.
The play area itself was impressive – it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into the fit-out with giant touch screens, tunnels, ladders and slides. Most of this space was suitable for preschoolers (not so for young babies who will need constant supervision), but the choo-choo train, which departs every half hour, was an instant hit with everyone. Make sure you’re near the gate to snag your spot – it can be a popular feature!
Though there were about 15-20 children there at the same time, there were plenty of toys to keep everyone occupied without any tears, including several large cars and ride-alongs, plus a well-stocked kids’ kitchen and supermarket.
Party Packages
Vitaland also doubles as a party space available for private hire. Packages start at $558 for a single room hire (6 kids & 8 adults, 2 hours play time plus food), and scale all the way up to the super duper private party hire sitting at over $2,000 for a weekday event and up to $2,499 for a weekend booking. Seems expensive but when you drill down to the detail it includes; 30 kids & 40 adults, 3 hours play time, a balloon decorated room, train rides, and food for all guests.
Extra decorations or theming can be arranged but comes at an additional cost. Booking times will vary so if you’re interested in hearing more, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can check out their party package brochure here.
I can honestly say I’m already looking forward to stepping back into the wonderland at Vitaland Miranda – it’s a touch of escapism for kids and adults, even if just for a few hours.
The Rundown
Best things: Ball pit, tasty cafe food with cute cutlery
Times to visit: After 1pm gets quieter if you want a bit more space of your own
Food to try: The mushroom pasta and kiddies’ risotto were standouts, as was the fresh orange juice
Don’t miss: The dress-up wardrobe
Room for improvement: Not much! Maybe a private area or even just a chair would be helpful for breastfeeding mamas
Vitaland Miranda is open seven days a week, from 9am-5pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on weekends. Prices start at $6.50 for 1 hour for 6-12 months, $12.50 for 1 hour for 12+ months, and $5.50 for an adult all day pass.
For more info, visit the Vitaland Miranda website or Instagram.
