Bentleigh

Bentleigh Family

Families in Bentleigh can find plenty of practical ways to spend time together, from free library sessions and park play to swimming, cricket and toy borrowing. Local youth, parenting, developmental and crisis services also offer support at different stages of family life.

✨ Play, stories and shared activities

Glen Eira Libraries — children and family programs

Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub hosts free activities for children and families, including BabyTime, StoryTime, STEAM for kids, Lego Club and Kids Club. At 161 Jasper Road, Bentleigh, the hub also has children’s reading spaces and a Changing Places facility. Check the program details before attending, as sessions may suit different ages or require advance arrangements.

Centenary Park

For an active family outing nearby, Centenary Park on Bignell Road in Bentleigh East has a playground with slides, a flying fox, monkey bars, a climbing wall and other play features. Families can also use the walking paths, cricket nets, basketball and netball rings. Toilets, barbecues, tables and a picnic shelter near the playground make longer visits easier. Council booking conditions apply to gatherings and outdoor events.

Moorabbin Area Toy Library

Borrowing toys can give children new ways to play without families needing to buy and store every item. Based at Moorleigh Community Village, 92 Bignell Road, Bentleigh East, the toy library lends toys and equipment to members. Party packs are available for an additional fee without membership. Its website lists borrowing sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday evening, Friday and Saturday, but families should confirm current arrangements before visiting.

🏊 Sport, movement and water skills

Starfish Swim School

Children from six months to 13 years can take swimming lessons at 10 Clapperton Street, Bentleigh. Infant Aquatics requires a parent to join children in the water until age three, while Learn to Swim starts from age three. Private lessons, school-holiday intensives and water-safety sessions are also listed. Enquiries and enrolment are required, so ask about the appropriate class and current availability.

Bentleigh Cricket Club — Cricket Blast

Young players can build introductory cricket skills through programs at 2 Arthur Street, Bentleigh. Junior Blasters is for children aged five to seven, while Master Blasters serves ages seven to 10. The club also runs an All Abilities junior cricket program for children and young people aged five to 18 with disability. Contact the club for current seasonal registration and program details.

🌱 Early years and parenting support

Glen Eira Maternal and Child Health

Council’s service supports families with children under school age, with a Bentleigh location at 542 Centre Road. Available offerings include breastfeeding support and INFANT education sessions. Families can self-refer, or receive a maternal and child health nurse referral, to the Glen Eira Sleep and Settling Outreach Program. A referral-based Small Talk Supported Playgroup assists families experiencing disadvantage, while a monthly Dads Playgroup provides another opportunity for parents and children to connect. Booking or referral requirements vary between programs.

🧩 Developmental and psychological services

Kids At Max

Children and adolescents aged two to 18 can access psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy and education services at 689 Centre Road, Bentleigh East. Parent workshops, social-skills groups and school-readiness groups are also listed. Support may be delivered in the clinic, through home or school visits, or by telehealth. Listed funding pathways include the NDIS, Medicare, private health insurance and TAC; families should discuss whether a pathway applies to their circumstances.

Little Peeps Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Little Peeps offers private occupational therapy for babies and children from birth to school age who have disability or developmental delay, or who are at risk of delay. Appointments may take place at its Bentleigh East clinic or through visits to a child’s home, childcare, kindergarten, school or another relevant setting. Families need to contact the practice to arrange a booking.

My Psyche Clinical Psychology Centre

Located at 75 Patterson Road, Bentleigh, My Psyche provides clinical psychology assessment and therapy for young children, adolescents, adults and parents or carers. Families seeking child, adolescent or parent-focused psychological support can contact the practice to discuss appointment availability and access arrangements.

💬 Support for young people

Glen Eira Youth Services

Young people aged 10 to 25 who live in Glen Eira can book a free, confidential meeting with a qualified youth worker at Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub, 161 Jasper Road. A youth worker can help with goals involving school stress, relationships, budgeting, jobs, courses and social connection, and provide referrals when more specialised assistance is needed. Parental consent is required for participants under 18.

headspace Bentleigh

Operated by Alfred Health at Ground Floor, 973 Nepean Highway, headspace Bentleigh offers free or low-cost support for young people aged 12 to 25. Services include mental health professionals, youth-friendly GPs, alcohol and other drug counselling, work and study support, groups and specialist early psychosis support. Young people may refer themselves. Families and others may make a referral with the young person’s knowledge and informed consent. Discuss eligibility and possible costs directly with the centre.

❤ Family violence crisis support

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

Safe Steps provides confidential and inclusive family and domestic violence crisis support to people across Victoria, including Bentleigh families. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can provide immediate support as well as pathways to crisis accommodation and other services. The Safe Steps phone line is 1800 015 188.

📌 Before you attend or enquire

• Check ages and eligibility: Programs range from infant sessions to services for young adults, and some are limited by age, residence, disability or referral criteria.
• Confirm bookings and enrolments: Classes, groups, assessments and borrowing sessions may require registration, referral or an appointment.
• Ask about access needs: Discuss physical access, communication requirements, sensory needs and participation support directly with the provider.
• Clarify supervision: Check whether a parent or carer must remain, participate or provide consent—especially for swimming, youth services and activities for younger children.
• Confirm current costs: Ask about fees, membership, funding pathways and possible out-of-pocket expenses before committing.

🌟 Run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group that serves Bentleigh? You are warmly invited to add a listing or update your existing details so local families can find accurate, useful information.

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