We have super-duper exciting news! The Little Lane Play Village & Café – that beautifully curated, pastel-hued mini town that opened in Erina in early 2025 – just opened a second venue in Tuggerah! And it’s every bit as dreamy as the original.
This is imaginative play at its sweetest. Think a tiny beachside town brought to life with custom cubby houses, ride-on ponies, mini police cars, a fish ’n’ chip shack, and a tiny café run by even tinier baristas. It’s the kind of place where kids step inside and instantly disappear into their own little worlds – and where parents slow down, breathe out, and finally get to enjoy a hot LooLoos coffee.
We were lucky enough to receive an invite to their Tuggerah preview opening – and honestly, it completely stole our hearts. The Little Lane is genuinely the loveliest indoor play space we've ever taken our children to.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about the brand-new Tuggerah venue, their much-loved Erina playspace (for anyone who hasn’t visited yet), their birthday parties, and – sshhhh – a few exciting surprises coming soon.
Scroll down to take a peek… or tap the button below to book now.
A quick Little Lane 101 (for anyone who hasn’t visited Erina yet)
The Little Lane Play Village & Café are beautifully curated indoor spaces designed especially for children aged 1–7. And just quietly… it’s every bit as delightful for grown-ups as it is for the littlies.
The first venue popped up in Erina in March – and it quickly became a go-to for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Why? Because this is a place where childhood magic feels close, and where parents get to savour a slow moment too.
The new Tuggerah venue has that same Little Lane magic: calming colours, soft curves and thoughtful touches everywhere. The aesthetic is stunning, and you find yourself wandering around mentally adding things to your Christmas wish list… one of those wooden scooters… that felt fruit set… oh gosh, Santa definitely needs to bring that pony.
And it’s really no wonder – every toy has been purposefully chosen, the decals are bespoke, the cubbies are custom made.
Another thing that makes this space so wonderful is that they don’t just jam in the crowds. Between each session they close for a full reset and clean, so every family gets to enjoy The Little Lane at its best – tidy, fresh and ready to explore. The tacos and ketchup are set up in the fish ’n’ chip shack, the cars are in the mechanic’s bay, and the little dressing room (complete with pint-sized makeup table) is neatly laid out with nail polish, lippie and dress-ups. It’s honestly irresistible.
But it’s not just the aesthetic that makes this a space you’ll want to meet friends in again and again… it’s the thoughtfulness. This is a space designed by parents, for parents. Every “wish list” detail has been considered and delivered.
Even the bathroom is thoughtful — nappies, wipes, nappy bags and slippers are all laid out for you like a tiny hotel turn-down service.
New Play Spaces You’ll Only Find at Tuggerah
The Tuggerah village has its own personality – soft pastels, sandy yellows, ocean blues, and playful pops of colour that feel like stepping into the sweetest little beachfront town. Every façade looks like it belongs in a picture book: the Fish & Chip Shack, the Little Local Store, the Police Station, the Little Theatre Co… it’s all been styled to absolute perfection.
Inside each tiny “building” is a world waiting to be explored. Kids dart from one to the next – riding ponies, running cafés, solving “cases,” hosting talent shows, frying chips at the take away shack and trying on costumes in the theatre dressing room. If your little one is big on pretend play, this is their dreamland.
And then there’s the Surf Tower. Bright, airy and sun-kissed, it’s complete giant binoculars for spotting dolphins, a lifeguard ring, pastel surfboards and plush mermaids and octopus. It’s whimsical, nostalgic and so beautifully made you’ll catch yourself wishing for a full-sized version at home.
The Calm Corner – A Truly Beautiful Touch in Tuggerah
One of our favourite additions at Tuggerah is the Calm Corner – a cosy, softly lit retreat tucked away in the play village. It’s intentionally designed for little ones who need a moment to regulate, take a breather or simply escape the buzz for a minute.
It’s filled with plush toys, soft mats, affirmations on the walls (“I am safe. I am calm. I am loved. I am strong. I am brave. I am kind.”), and gentle colours that feel instantly soothing. We watched so many children wander in on their own – taking a quiet moment, curling up with a teddy, regrouping before heading back out to play.
It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that says everything about Little Lane: this is a space designed with heart and real understanding of how small humans move through their days.
Café treats + complimentary drinks for grown-ups
Every adult visiting with a child is treated to a $5 drink credit – think LooLoos coffee, tea, matcha, milkshake, iced drink… your choice. The café also serves toasties, sweet treats, kids’ lunch packs and daily specials, plus takeaway for anyone passing through the area.
You can join in the play or sit with a friend and watch your little one explore… happily, independently, joyfully. It’s honestly the loveliest indoor play space we’ve ever taken our children to. We are so incredibly lucky to have these wonderful venues right here on the Central Coast.
Shhhh we have the goss on what's coming soon
We had a chat with The Little Lane's owner Corinne, and she shared with us a little whisper about what’s coming next…
- The Little Lane kids memberships will be going live very soon (these will be available for both Erina and Tuggerah locations).
- They will soon be starting mother & baby social groups and playgroups that will include free play, craft and story time.
- They have some Christmas and school holiday activity sessions lined-up – join their mailing list or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Host a gorgeous party at The Little Lane Play Village & Cafe
Did you know that The Little Lane is available for birthday parties, too?
They throw the cutest birthday parties going. Whether you want to book the whole venue or keep it small with a cupcake celebration, there’s a package to suit your little one’s big day. Parties come with a dedicated host, your choice of catering or BYO snacks, and access to all 10 imaginative play spaces. There’s even a party room you can theme-up with fun add-ons such as decorations, a birthday cake and party bags.
The Little Lane is a party space where both parents and kids win. While the tiny tots play, parents get to enjoy a high-quality café experience with locally roasted LooLoos coffee and treats all in an aesthetically gorgeous, calm and thoughtfully designed setting.
A birthday adventure so good the kids will want every party here… and the adults will be volunteering for chaperone duty.
The Little Lane Play Village & Cafe parties
Party options: Birthday parties can be booked as a full venue hire (up to 40 people in Erina and 50 in Tuggerah - across kids and adults), or as a shared venue fully-catered Picnic Party (6-10 children) or Cupcake Party (2-10 children).
Age Group: 1-7 year olds.
Food options: Catered and self-catered options.
Bonuses on some packages: Party host. Party room. Reserved table. Clean up included. Air conditioning. The birthday child is made to feel very special with a little gift from Little Lane!
Special deal: When you book a party at The Little Lane, Mention Playing in Puddles to receive a free return visit to The Little Lane for the birthday child.
The Little Lane Play Village & Cafe
2 Locations: Shop 4, 210 The Entrance Road, Erina | 3/8 Pioneer Avenue, Tuggerah.
Open: Daily. Session times: 8.45am-10.30am; 11.15am-1pm; and 1.45pm-4pm. Book online to avoid missing out.
Age Group: 1-7 year olds. Older children are welcome if they are accompanying younger siblings (and play gently), plus they have a designated area for non-walkers too.
Food on site? Yes, they have a fabulous on-site cafe. See our description above for details.
Phone: 0421 585 854
Email: [email protected]
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The Little Lane's website
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Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
