About Playland Family

Creating Magical Childhood Memories Since 2010

Our Story

Playland Family began as a dream shared by two passionate educators and parents, Emma Richardson and Marcus Chen, who believed that learning should be as exciting as it is educational. In 2010, frustrated by the lack of quality family entertainment options that combined fun with meaningful development, they decided to create something extraordinary.

What started as a small indoor playground in Melbourne has grown into Australia's most beloved children's amusement park network. Our journey began when Emma, a former primary school teacher, and Marcus, a child psychologist, noticed that children learned best when they were actively engaged and having fun. They envisioned a place where families could spend quality time together while children developed essential skills through play.

After months of research, planning, and collaboration with early childhood development experts, the first Playland Family location opened its doors with just three play zones and a small team of five dedicated staff members. The response was overwhelming - families traveled from across Victoria to experience our unique approach to entertainment and education.

Today, we operate multiple locations across Australia, serving over 100,000 families annually. Despite our growth, we've never lost sight of our original mission: to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every child can explore, learn, and grow while having the time of their lives.

Playland Family founders Emma and Marcus in the original playground

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

To create extraordinary play experiences that nurture children's natural curiosity, creativity, and confidence while bringing families together in joyful celebration of childhood.

Safety First

Every decision we make prioritizes the physical and emotional safety of children and families. Our facilities exceed all Australian safety standards and undergo regular third-party inspections.

Learning Through Play

We believe that play is the highest form of learning. Our activities are designed by educational experts to promote cognitive, physical, and social development naturally.

Inclusive Community

Playland Family welcomes children of all abilities, backgrounds, and circumstances. We're committed to creating an environment where every child feels valued and included.

Meet Our Leadership Team

The passionate people behind Playland Family

Emma Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO

Emma Richardson

Co-Founder & CEO

With over 15 years in early childhood education, Emma brings deep expertise in child development and learning psychology. Her vision of education through play has shaped Playland Family's unique approach to entertainment. Emma holds a Master's in Educational Leadership and remains actively involved in designing our educational programs.

Marcus Chen, Co-Founder and Child Development Director

Marcus Chen

Co-Founder & Child Development Director

Marcus combines his background in child psychology with practical parenting experience to ensure every Playland Family activity promotes healthy development. His research on play-based learning has been published in several educational journals, and he regularly speaks at international conferences on child development and family recreation.

Sarah Thompson, Operations Manager

Sarah Thompson

Operations Manager

Sarah ensures the seamless daily operations of all Playland Family locations. With her background in hospitality management and passion for customer service, she has developed our comprehensive safety protocols and staff training programs. Sarah's dedication to excellence has earned our parks multiple industry awards.

David Martinez, Creative Director

David Martinez

Creative Director

David brings imagination to life through innovative playground design and themed experiences. His architectural background combined with a deep understanding of child psychology results in play spaces that are both beautiful and developmentally appropriate. David leads our expansion projects and ensures each new location maintains our high creative standards.

Our Achievements

Recognition for Excellence in Family Entertainment

100K+

Families Served Annually

Over 100,000 families choose Playland Family each year for their entertainment and educational needs, making us Australia's most trusted children's recreation destination.

15+

Industry Awards

Recognition from Australian Family Entertainment Awards, Safety Excellence Institute, and Early Childhood Education Council for outstanding service and innovation.

98%

Customer Satisfaction

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, with 98% of families rating their experience as excellent or outstanding.

Key Milestones

  • 2010: First Playland Family location opens in Melbourne
  • 2013: Expansion to Sydney and Brisbane locations
  • 2016: Launch of educational STEAM programs
  • 2019: Achievement of carbon-neutral operations
  • 2021: Introduction of virtual reality learning experiences
  • 2023: Opening of sensory-inclusive play areas

Community Impact

  • Accessibility: Free admission for children with special needs
  • Education: Partnerships with 200+ Australian schools
  • Charity: Over $500,000 raised for children's charities
  • Employment: 150+ local jobs created across all locations
  • Scholarships: Annual educational scholarships program
  • Sustainability: 100% renewable energy operations

What Our Community Says

Voices from families who trust Playland Family

Rebecca Foster with her children
"Playland Family has been a lifesaver for our family! My twins, aged 4 and 6, have learned so much while having incredible fun. The educational programs are brilliant - they don't even realize they're learning while they play. The staff treats every child like family, and the safety standards give me complete peace of mind."
Rebecca Foster
Mother of Twins, Sydney
James Wellington, school principal
"As a primary school principal, I've partnered with Playland Family for educational excursions for three years. Their STEAM programs perfectly complement our curriculum, and students return excited about learning. The way they integrate education with play is truly exceptional - it's exactly what modern education should be."
James Wellington
Principal, Melbourne Primary Academy
Linda Chang, grandmother with grandchildren
"I bring my grandchildren here every week, and it's become our special tradition. At 68, I'm amazed by how much I learn alongside them! The multi-generational activities are wonderful, and the staff always makes me feel welcome. Playland Family truly understands that play brings families together."
Linda Chang
Grandmother, Brisbane

Our Playland Family Journey

Moments that capture our story

Children participating in STEAM learning activities
Families enjoying outdoor playground activities
Birthday party celebration at Playland Family
Safety training session for Playland Family staff
Award ceremony for Playland Family achievements

Ready to Join the Playland Family?

Create magical memories with us today

Whether you're planning a birthday party, looking for educational programs, or simply want to give your children an unforgettable experience, Playland Family is here to make it happen. Contact us today to learn more about our programs, schedule a visit, or become part of our growing community.