As parents, we love to see our little ones growing and developing, and we’re always looking for new ways to stimulate their interest. If you’re thinking about new ways to entertain your growing little one, you might want to consider getting the best baby activity centre, Australia.
There are a lot of options out there for the best baby activity center and you might not know where to start. If you’re not sure where to look or which one to choose, you’re in the right place, because this is a complete guide to the best baby activity centres.
I’m going to take you through what to consider when looking for one of these top rated toys for babies but will also share in depth baby activity centre reviews. So, whether you’re looking for the best baby play center or the best infant activity center – we’re here to help.
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Contents
Our Pick for the Best Activity Centre for Babies: Bright Starts 5-in-1
Our favourite activity centre is definitely the Bright Starts 5-in-1! We love that it grows with your baby and has heaps of different uses. What little one doesn’t love their very own ball pit after all?
Best Baby Activity Centers – Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison of all the best activity centre for baby options reviewed in this article.
| Product | Image | Type | Recommended Age | Features | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny Love | | Gym | 0-18 months | Recordable bird Music and lights Tummy time pillow | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
| Little Archer & Co. |  | Gym | For younger babies | Hanging toys with sound | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
| Bright Starts |  | Gym | 0-36 months | Toys, balls, and melodies | 4.9/5 | Check Price! |
| VTech |  | Table | 6 to 36 months | Musical & interactive toys | 4.8/5 | Check Price! |
| Musical Learning Toy |  | Cube | 18 months and up | Light up & musical parts | 4.5/5 | Check Price! |
| ELC |  | Cube | 12 Months + | Spinning bead maze; chalkboard, movable clock face, xylophone, flip board | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
| I'm Toy |  | Cube | 19 months + | 5 sequential-sized wood and fabric boxes | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
| Baby Einstein |  | Table | Ages up from sit & play to standing toy | Piano, guitar, drums, & French horn; lights and music | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
| Le Toy Van Petilou |  | Gym | 2 months up | Musical/ dangly toys | 4.7/5 |
Baby Activity Centre Reviews
So, let’s look at my reviews of the best activity centres Australia has to offer right now.
Tiny Love Gymini Dynamic
Very happy with this playmat. Good size. The quality of the toys included is better than most. Cute and genuinely unisex colours and motifs.
– Megan
Specifications
- Type: Gym
- Recommended Age: 0-18 months
- Features: Recordable bird allows you to record your own message for baby, tummy time pillow, and music and lights to hold interest
This fun interactive activity gym is filled with games and activities to take babies from newborn to 18 months. The animal decorations are sweet and the bright colours make it perfect for keeping the baby stimulated from day one.
There are a number of interactions, from a mirror to a rattle to a wind chime and more. The highlight though is the electronic recording bird, which has music and lights and allows you to record your own message to the baby.
With its adaptive design, it offers plenty to encourage baby’s development as they grow up. There are activities to encourage fine and gross motor skills, senses and cognition, language and communication, and imagination and creativity.
What we love
- Wide arches offer plenty of access
- Lots of interactivity
- Helps develop sensory development immensely
What we don’t love
- It is really lovely but, the leg sometimes unbuttons and flings out
>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<
Little Archer & Co. Activity Gym
My 2 month old daughter loves looking at the bright colors! Would definitely recommend. Great value for the price.
– Laura T.
Specifications
- Type: Gym
- Recommended Age: For younger babies
- Features: Hanging toys with two toys providing a sound experience when touched
Another colourful, animal-themed gym, this is a really soft, comfortable option for younger babies, with the addition of a small pillow to help support them. There are a number of hanging toys that attach and detach, depending on the baby’s preference, to help stimulate and develop hand-eye coordination.
This gym won’t last you as long as others, it is really designed for younger babies, and won’t grow with them as much, but it’s gorgeous to look at, easy (and quick!) to put together and machine washable, so is perfect for those hectic first few months.
What we love
- Fun, colourful design
- Interactive toys
- Pillow for head support
- Different sounds including rattles and squeaks
What we don’t love
- It won’t last you as long as the others available in the market
>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<
Bright Starts 5 in 1
I got this for my daughter and she loves everything about it. The gym part is great for playing while younger, the ball pit is great for playing when a little older.
– Amie
Specifications
- Type: Gym
- Recommended Age: Designed to last to 36 months
- Features: Interactive toys and melodies
This gorgeous bright gym comes with adjustable sides meaning you can change the mat into five different activity centres. From a flat mat for a newborn to a ball pit for 3-year-olds, this is a great option if you’re looking for an activity centre to last you through the years.
The mat is animal-themed, with big bold patterns and interactive toys, crinkles, and rattles to keep the baby occupied and engaged. It also has a musical function, playing up to 20 minutes of tunes, along with lights and mirrors for plenty of interest.
While this gym is more expensive, it is designed to last your child up to 36 months, and the variety of options it affords actually makes it great value for money. I mean, who hasn’t always wanted a ball pit in their living room?
What we love
- Five adjustable options
- Lights and 20 minutes of music
- Lots of different toys attached
What we don’t love
- None. Love this!
>>>Click here to check price on Baby Bunting<<<
VTech Play & Learn
My little girl absolutely loves it! And she’s now learning to pull her self up.
– Lisa
Specifications
- Type: Table
- Recommended Age: 6 to 36 months
- Features: Light up and musical toys, interactive clock/phone/piano, and Five sing-along songs/eight melodies
This activity table is bright and colourful, and lots and lots of fun. It’s perfect for 6 months and up, helping encourage baby to stand and pull themselves along while introducing numbers, colours, music, and daily routines. You can also remove the legs, and play with it sat down.
There are plenty of different interactions, including a phone and piano, along with lights and songs, all of which encourage independent play. This is a great option for helping babies begin to learn, as well as play.
What we love
- Encourages imitative and independent play
- Removable legs
- Power – AA batteries
What we don’t love
- Legs are not that stable
>>>Click here to check price on Baby Bunting<<<
Baby Einstein Music Table
Specifications
- Type: Table
- Recommended Age: Ages up from sit & play to standing toy
- Features: Piano, guitar, drums, and French horn; lights and music
This music-themed table is perfect for encouraging a baby’s creativity and musical interest. Like other activity tables, it helps with standing and moving along, as well as beginning to teach them about music.
The table comes with a piano, drum, guitar and French horn to help develop hand-eye coordination, with tapping, strumming, and spinning. Using the music book in the middle and the piano keys, it’s a great way to introduce colours and numbers at a young age.
What we love
- Encourages creativity
- Introduces colours and numbers
- Power – AA batteries
What we don’t love
- Legs are flimsy and not too much activity because it is all buttons
>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<
Musical Learning Toy
Specifications
- Type: Cube
- Recommended Age: 18 months and up
- Features: Light up and musical parts
Featuring lots of interactive components, this activity cube helps develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and language skills in children aged 18 months and above.
Each side of the cube has different activities, with different lights and sounds. There’s a drum pad, a microphone, a steering wheel, and lots more to keep your toddler entertained for a while, as well as encouraging physical and mental development.
The colours are bright and engaging, while the cube itself isn’t too big either, meaning it’s perfect for taking with you on the go.
What we love
- 15 different activities
- Aids mental and physical development
- Portable
- Power – AA batteries
What we don’t love
- There are some parts of the toy that are loose and can be harmful to kids
>>>Click here to check price on Amazon<<<
ELC Giant Wooden Activity Cube
Wonderful toy. Well made and great features. Ease of service and value both good. Child loves it.
– Bev
Specifications
- Type: Cube
- Recommended Age: 12 Months +
- Features: Spinning bead maze top (can be removed and stored inside); Chalkboard/movable clock face/xylophone/flip board
Another wooden option, this cube features five different activities, each designed to work with a different aspect of your child’s development. As it’s quite large, it can be easily shared between two children, encouraging sharing skills.
The cube helps your toddler with colours, shapes, numbers, and time-telling. The chalkboard encourages creativity, along with the xylophone. Each section is designed to promote hand-eye coordination as well as the individual aspects.
While it’s quite expensive, it’s undoubtedly beautiful, with bright colours and gorgeous wooden features.
What we love
- Grows with your child
- Encourages creativity, time telling, colours, shapes, numbers, and more
- Promotes hand-eye coordination
What we don’t love
- Xylophone is made of wood so, it doesn’t produce much sound similar to a real xylophone
>>>Click here to check price on Baby Bunting<<<
Five in One Activity Stacker
Specifications
- Type: Cube
- Recommended Age: 19 months plus
- Features: Five sequential-sized wood and fabric boxes.
If you’re looking for a plastic-free option then this could be for you. Aimed for those 19 months and older, this five in one wooden activity stacker features lots of interactive parts. While there’s no music or lights, there is plenty to keep your toddler engaged.
The activities encourage everyday skills such as sorting, buttoning, lacing, and zippering. The sustainable wood and fabric mean this is a safe, non-toxic option. Each box features a different activity, which can be used on their own or as a group.
The boxes stack nicely into one, meaning this is great for travelling and easy to store.
What we love
- Safe, sustainable wood and fabric
- Teaches everyday skills
- Interactive and fun
- Beautiful design
What we don’t love
- None!
>>>Click here to check price on Hello Charlie<<<
Yookidoo Activity Playhouse
Specifications
- Type: Playhouse structure
- Recommended Age: 1 to 5 years
- Features: Ball play, spinners, tubes, and rattles
This colourful activity hideout is designed to last from one to five years, encouraging development along the way. The size means it’s big enough for multiple children, helping develop sharing skills and cooperative play.
There are plenty of activities to keep your toddler engaged, including ball play, spinners, tubes, and rattles. Each side is designed for different developmental stages and encourages a number of different skills, including gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, counting, problem-solving, and more.
It may not be the cheapest or the smallest, but it will last you a long time and is perfect for homes with more than one child.
What we love
- Different wall for different development stages
- Plenty of interactive and stimulating games
- Easy to assemble and fold away
What we don’t love
- A bit expensive
Le Toy Van Petilou Baby Gym
Specifications
- Type: Gym
- Recommended Age: 2 months up
- Features: Musical/dangly toys
This is a gorgeous example of a natural, wooden activity gym. The colours are soft but engaging, and there’s no plastic to be seen. It’s very easy to assemble and is designed to last a lifetime, and be handed down again and again.
The toys are simple, but interactive, with bells and rings to push and pull to develop senses and grasping techniques. It’s much simpler than many models out there, and can only be used from 2 months up, but if you’re looking for a natural, sustainable gym, then this could be for you.
What we love
- Colourful and fun design
- Natural, wooden materials
- Sustainable and durable
What we don’t love
- Toys are too simple
Types of Baby Activity Centres
A quick note before we start – you may see the seated baby activity centre (usually on wheels) where baby sits in the middle with their legs hanging and the activities are all around. We do not recommend these types of walkers as they can be bad for babies’ development and have even been banned in some countries.
Instead, take a look at these excellent baby activity centre types that are safe for growing babies.
Best Baby Activity Gyms
A baby activity gym usually consists of a comfortable, squishy mat with dangly toys above. The baby will lie on the mat safely, with the toys above to stimulate. These gyms are great for younger babies who can’t yet move, as they provide sound or light incentives for reaching, eyesight development, and hand-eye coordination while in a safe environment.
The best baby activity gyms will grow and adapt as the baby grows. Toys may detach to be placed elsewhere to encourage movement, while many come with pillows or toys to aid with tummy time.
I’ll take you through my reviews of the best activity centre for babies below. You can also check our reviews on the best baby bouncer (or baby swing or baby rocker) here.
Best Baby Activity Tables
These are exactly what they sound like, small tables with lots of different interactive parts. The best baby activity tables encourage the development of fine motor skills. There are a number of different types, and the best activity table for babies may not be the best activity table for a one-year-old or older. It does, however, largely depend on personal choice.
They all come with different activities, incorporating colours, sounds, and noises which can help children at all different stages of development, but they’re probably most useful for babies beginning to stand and travel along with things. The best standing activity centre will encourage babies to pull themselves up and begin to stand, as well as developing their fine motor skills.
I’ll take you through my reviews of the best activity table for babies below.
Best Baby Activity Cubes
Again, these are exactly what you’d guess from the name! The best baby activity toys have lots of different interactions and activities, and these cubes are no different. They can sit on the floor or a table, come in lots of different sizes, and are more portable than the tables or gyms.
Similar to the activity gyms and tables, the best activity cube for babies works to develop their fine motor skills and depending on the model, they can help with colours, shapes, and sounds.
I’ll take you through my reviews of the best baby activity cubes below.
What to Look for in the Best Baby Activity Centre, Australia
Before we go into the reviews, let’s have a look at what you should be looking for in a baby activity centre.
Materials
The material of the activity centre is purely a personal choice. Many products are made from plastic, which is very lightweight and easier for baby to move around.
Many people, however, prefer to avoid plastics and so a wooden baby activity centre is a good alternative. Wooden models are heavier than their plastic alternatives, but they’re natural and the extra weight can provide more stability when the baby is still a little wobbly on their feet.
Activities
There is a wide range of activity centres, each with individual toys and activities. The right choice for one person is not necessarily the right choice for another. This is another option where personal preference is key.
The activities range from flashes and sound to simpler, quieter options. Sometimes, these can be overstimulating for baby, but there’s a fine line, as you don’t want the baby to be bored either. Again, it’s very dependent on your individual circumstances.
The best activity centres have a large range of activities, and different levels, which means it will grow as the baby grows.
Ease of Assembly
All new parents will be nodding enthusiastically along with this one. Alone time is precious when you have a little one, and I’m sure you’ll want to spend any free time you have sleeping or eating!
So, don’t get something that comes with pages and pages of instructions. Look for something quick and simple to put together, and take that nap instead.
Recap of Our Favourites
| Product | Image | Type | Recommended Age | Features | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny Love | | Gym | 0-18 months | Recordable bird Music and lights Tummy time pillow | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
| Little Archer & Co. | | Gym | For younger babies | Hanging toys with sound | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
| Bright Starts | | Gym | 0-36 months | Toys, balls, and melodies | 4.9/5 | Check Price! |
| VTech | | Table | 6 to 36 months | Musical & interactive toys | 4.8/5 | Check Price! |
| Musical Learning Toy | | Cube | 18 months and up | Light up & musical parts | 4.5/5 | Check Price! |
| ELC | | Cube | 12 Months + | Spinning bead maze; chalkboard, movable clock face, xylophone, flip board | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
| I'm Toy | | Cube | 19 months + | 5 sequential-sized wood and fabric boxes | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
| Baby Einstein | | Table | Ages up from sit & play to standing toy | Piano, guitar, drums, & French horn; lights and music | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
| Le Toy Van Petilou | | Gym | 2 months up | Musical/ dangly toys | 4.7/5 |
Are you thinking about how to help your baby start walking? Find the best baby walker next. For more baby toys look here or check our babies page to find all your baby needs!
