Everything you need to know

We strongly recommend booking ahead — sessions fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but we can't guarantee entry without a booking.

We're open Tuesday to Sunday — closed Mondays. Our session schedule is:

Tuesday – Thursday
Morning session: 9am – 1pm

Friday – Sunday
Open continuously: 8am – 4pm

Hours may vary on public holidays — check our booking system for up-to-date availability.

Old clothes you don't mind getting messy! We provide aprons, but paint, mud, water, and sand have a way of finding their own path. Non-slip socks are required for all children — bring your own or purchase a pair at reception. Shoes are not permitted in the play space; cubbies are available at reception to store them during your visit. Things will get messy — that's the whole point.

Poway Playhouse is a children's play space — adults must be accompanied by a child. Every child must be accompanied by a responsible adult (parent, guardian, or caregiver) at all times during their visit.

Yes — there is free parking available directly at the venue. Details will be confirmed closer to opening.

Absolutely. Sessions are 2 hours and caregivers are welcome to stay and play alongside their child. We have seating for adults throughout the space. You're part of the experience too.

Drop-In is $25 per session per child — great for occasional visits. No commitment required.

Explorer Membership ($89/month, 1 child) includes up to 8 visits per month, one free guest pass per month, priority session and birthday party booking, and 10% off all classes and special programs. Additional visits are $12 each.

Family Membership ($149/month, up to 3 children) includes up to 8 visits per month, one free guest pass per month, priority session and birthday party booking, 15% off all classes and special programs, and a welcome gift on sign-up. Additional visits are $20 each.

If you visit more than 4 times a month, membership pays for itself.

Both Explorer and Family memberships include up to 8 visits per month — that's twice a week. If you visit more often, extra visits are available at a reduced rate: $12 per visit for Explorer members and $20 per visit for Family members (covering up to 3 children). Most families find 8 visits more than enough, but we never want to turn you away.

Yes. Memberships are month-to-month with no lock-in contract. Cancel anytime before your next billing date and you won't be charged again. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.

Refunds: Monthly membership fees are non-refundable once charged. If you cancel mid-month, you will retain access until your billing period ends but no partial refund will be issued. If you believe a charge has been made in error, please contact us directly and we will review it on a case-by-case basis.

Explorer and Family members both receive one free guest pass per month, valid for one child for one session. It's a great way to introduce a friend's family to Poway Playhouse. A few conditions to note:

· The guest must be accompanied by the member during the visit
· The pass is valid for one child per session, not per visit
· Passes do not roll over if unused — they reset at the start of each month
· Guest passes cannot be transferred or used without the member present

The Family Membership covers up to 3 children for $149/month. If you have more than 3 children, get in touch and we'll work something out — we don't want anyone left out.

Yes — both Explorer and Family members get priority booking, which means you get first access to session slots up to 7 days ahead, before they open to the general public. Drop-in visitors can book up to 48 hours in advance or walk in when space allows. We still ask all members to book so we can manage capacity and keep the space comfortable for everyone.

We welcome children aged 0–11 years. Our six zones are designed to engage all ages — from babies discovering textures in the sand pit to older kids building sculptures and directing their own performances. All ages can visit at the same time during general sessions.

Yes. All paints, clays, and sensory materials used at Poway Playhouse are non-toxic and child-safe. We follow best practice guidelines for child-safe materials and ensure anything used in the space is appropriate for all ages including infants. If your child has specific sensitivities or allergies, please let us know at the time of booking.

Absolutely — and we actively encourage it. Process art and sensory play is particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing differences, ASD, ADHD, and other developmental needs. If your child benefits from quieter environments or specific accommodations, contact us before your visit and we'll do everything we can to make it a great experience.

Yes. Every child must be accompanied and supervised by their parent, guardian, or caregiver for the duration of their visit. Our staff are here to facilitate play — not to provide childcare. You're an important part of your child's experience here.

Please stay home if your child (or you) is unwell. We ask that children with fever, vomiting, or contagious illness don't visit until they've been symptom-free for 48 hours. If you need to cancel due to illness, contact us and we'll do our best to move your booking.

Playgroups and special programs are available as add-on sessions for everyone — they are not included in membership. Drop-in visitors pay ~$20 per child per session on top of their $25 drop-in fee. Members receive a discount: Explorer members pay ~$18 per session (10% off) and Family members pay ~$17 per session (15% off), with no additional drop-in fee on top of their membership. All materials are included in the session price.

Birthday workshops are private zone hires for your group. We offer two packages: Creative Party at $500 and Playhouse Party at $800, both for up to 12 children over 2 hours. Both include exclusive use of a designated zone, a dedicated staff member, and all materials — Playhouse Party adds a themed, facilitated activity plus extras like a group canvas, balloon decorations, and early access for setup. See our Birthday Parties page for full package details, or book well in advance as these fill up fast — contact us at info@powayplayhouse.com to enquire.

Yes — we welcome community groups, childcare centres, and school excursion groups. Group sessions can be tailored to your group size and age range. Contact us directly to arrange a group booking and we'll put together a package to suit.

School holiday intensives are half-day creative sessions that span multiple play zones. Caregivers are welcome to stay and work alongside their child, or relax nearby — this is not a drop-off program. They're structured enough to engage but open-ended enough to surprise. Programs are released each term — Family Members get early access to register. Keep an eye on our social media or sign up to the mailing list for announcements.

Water bottles are welcome and encouraged. Food is not permitted in the play zones — there's seating throughout the space where families can eat snacks between zones instead. Please keep food away from the art and sensory materials — not for health reasons, but because paint-flavoured crackers are nobody's favourite.

Yes — we have cubbies and hooks near the entrance for bags, coats, and belongings. We recommend leaving valuables at home where possible. Poway Playhouse is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

Strollers are welcome and can be parked near the entrance. The space is designed to accommodate families with babies and toddlers — there's plenty of room to move around comfortably.

Sessions cancelled more than 24 hours before the start time will receive a full credit to rebook. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable but may be credited at our discretion (e.g. illness). No-shows are non-refundable. Memberships can be cancelled anytime — no partial-month refunds are issued.