Join These Daily Toddlers Storytime in Melbourne

Reading is all about adventure. When toddlers get wrapped up in a great book, it takes them on a journey; engaging their imagination and sense of wonder. This is even more fun with others – reading in company heightens emotions as your little bookworm accesses wonderful worlds. Collective reading lets your toddler gauge how everyone reacts, helping them understand those around them, and creating a community of book-lovers. And remember – when they see grownups reading, their interest in books will skyrocket. Here are 3 storytime settings in Melbourne.

Go to The Library

One of the best places to access storytime is at a library. While Melbourne has a host of world-class libraries, here are 3 standouts where your toddlers can hear a great yarn. Packed with themes of thrill, love, bravery, friendship and ingenuity, foster a deep love of books, and grow life-long readers.

At Library at The Dock, the children's area is amazing, with shelves of outwards-facing books, in-built seats and beanbags. What a setting for the weekly Preschool Storytime. At 10.30am, every Friday (during school terms), hear sensational stories; every second week, catch bilingual Hindi storytime.

At the State Library of Victoria, take your toddler to an inner-city storytime. In Spring 2019, the new Children’s Quarter will open its doors featuring fun, family-friendly qualities; when the new space opens, Storytime will start up again. Until then, put Play Pod on your schedule, it’s an interactive reading and singing session for kids under 8.

St Kilda Library is super child-friendly, complete with kid-sized bookshelves and coloured lights. Toddler storytime takes place on Wednesday 11am, Friday 10am and Friday 11am. For an extra-special experience, try Bedtime Storytime on the first Thursday of each month at 7pm; dress in your PJs and don’t forget your toddler’s favourite teddy.

Go Underwater

For a truly unique storytime, with live marine characters, captivate the kids at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Our team of experts will guide you through a feed or talk; these under-the-sea storytimes are some of the best in the city. To ensure you don’t miss out, check the daily feed and talk times. At the Bay of Rays, you can meet the gentle giants, our mesmerising rays. At our Oceanarium, hear some Tales of the Sea or for an epic animal account, get The Story of Pinjarra at Croc Lair. At Penguin Playground, your toddler can Meet the Keeper for some first-hand stories around this marine profession. Head to Rainforest Adventure for a Rainforest Discovery and uncover the Secrets of the Seahorse at Seahorse Pier. At our Rockpool, little ones can catch up with Stars of the Sea or go for a Journey on the Reef at Coral Atoll. Take your toddler to catch Turtle Teatime at Rainforest Adventure or have an Antarctic Adventure at Penguin Playground.

Go to Melbourne Museum

Every day from 11-11.30am (except school holidays), Melbourne Museum hosts a Storytime, which is included in museum entry. For all the story action, go to Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery; hear adventures and mysteries from the ‘Hello Possums’ collection. Whether your toddler is a fan of hungry caterpillars or very thirsty frogs, these are stories with a difference. Paired with museum collection items to make each tale more tremendous, ages 0–5 years can dress up for even more fun!