Best Baby Play Gyms in Australia

Modern parenting is about finding the right balance between nurturing your baby's growth and creating moments of joy. While technology offers many tools to support development, nothing beats hands-on sensory exploration and physical play. Baby activity gyms are a fantastic way to encourage tummy time, stimulate your baby's senses and foster motor skill development - all while keeping them happily entertained.

Feeling a bit lost amidst the wide range of baby activity gyms available in Australia? This guide will help you navigate the best options on the market, highlighting key features like engaging toys, soft mats, and versatile designs that cater to your baby’s unique needs. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive into the top baby activity gyms in Australia for 2025!

What Makes a Great Baby Activity Gym?

Before we jump into our top picks, here are the key features to look for when choosing the perfect play gym for your little explorer:

1. Engaging Toys and Activities: 

• Sensory Stimulation: Look for toys with textures, sounds, and colours to spark your baby's curiosity and encourage exploration. Crinkly fabrics, rattles, mirrors, and varied shapes are great options.
• Age-Appropriateness: Choose toys that match your baby's developmental stage. For newborns, focus on high-contrast colours and simple shapes. As your baby develops, look for toys that encourage reaching, grasping, and manipulating.

2. Comfortable and Safe Mat: 

• Size: Choose a mat with enough room for your baby to move freely and comfortably. They should have enough space to stretch, roll, and eventually crawl.
• Texture: The mat should be soft and cushioned to protect your baby from bumps and falls. However, it should also be easy to clean and wipe up spills. Consider both plush and waterproof options depending on your needs.
• Easy Cleaning: Accidents happen! Choose a mat that is easy to clean and machine washable, or at least wipeable with a damp cloth.
• Breathability: Look for breathable materials like cotton or mesh to prevent overheating.

3: Versatility and Adjustability: 

• Adaptability: Select a gym that grows with your baby. Look for features like adjustable arches that can be lowered for tummy time and raised for reaching and playing. Some gyms also have detachable toys or play stations that can be rearranged to keep things fresh.
• Play Positions: Choose a gym that allows for different play positions, such as lying on their back, tummy, or propped up on their side. This will help your baby develop different muscle groups and explore the world from various perspectives.

4: Durability and Quality: 

• Materials: Look for gyms made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of playtime. Avoid materials that contain harmful chemicals or are prone to tearing.
• Construction: The gym should be well-constructed and sturdy to prevent it from collapsing or tipping over. Pay attention to the strength of the connections and the overall stability of the structure.

The Best Baby Activity Gyms in Australia for 2025

Here are the baby activity gyms that topped our list:

1. Skip Hop Discoverosity Play Gym

The Skip Hop Discoverosity Deluxe Activity Gym is a feature-rich play space designed to grow with your baby through key developmental milestones. It’s packed with engaging toys, stimulating sounds, and comfortable textures to support sensory exploration and motor skill development. Crafted in collaboration with experts in Montessori education, it offers a balance of calming simplicity and engaging sensory experiences. However, its higher price point compared to some other gyms might be a drawback for budget-conscious parents. Additionally, its larger size may not be ideal for smaller living spaces.

Key Features:

• Montessori Collaboration: Designed with experts in Montessori education to foster natural curiosity, independence, and a love of learning from an early age.
• Simple, Neutral Design: The gym's aesthetically pleasing design integrates seamlessly into any home decor, in line with Montessori principles of creating a calm and uncluttered environment.
• 27+ Developmental Activities: Encourages visual skills, self-recognition, grasping, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, focus, and concentration.
• Three Ways to Play: Overhead, seated, and tummy time configurations.
• Five Developmental Toys: Includes a Gradation Mobile, Exploration Mirror, Wooden Ring, Rainbow Rattle, and Teething Tree.
• Plush Sensory Playmat: Provides a comfortable play area with contrasting patterns and crinkle sounds, stimulating tactile and auditory senses.
• Tummy Time Cloud Pillow: Enhances tummy time experiences, encouraging core strength development.
• Parent Guide Cards: Six cards offer stage-based activities and expert tips on how to use the gym to support your baby's development.
• Sustainable Materials: Features FSC-certified wooden arches and OEKO-TEX fabric, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and safety.
• Size: Measures 106.7 cm in length, 85 cm in width, and 48.3 cm in height.

Why Parents Love It: Parents appreciate this play gym for its visually appealing design and entertaining features for babies. It's easy to assemble without tools, making it convenient for busy parents. The sturdy construction and value for money are also highly praised. Babies love spending time on it, which is a testament to its engaging and stimulating environment.

2. Convertible Baby Gym & Ball Pit

This convertible baby activity mat and play gym transforms from a play mat and tummy time mat to a baby gym, protective fence, and even a ball pit, adapting to your child's developmental stages from 0 to 36 months. It's a great way to encourage sensory exploration and motor skill development.

Features:

• Convertible: This multi-functional activity gym can be set up in multiple ways. Use it as a play mat, activity gym, enclosed play pen and even as a ball pit once bub is a older (balls not included). 
• Neutral Colours: The neutral grey tones blend seamlessly with your decor, creating a stylish and calming space for your baby.
• Large Size: The generous size offers ample room for two babies, making it perfect for twins, siblings, or playtime with friends.
• Sensory Stimulation: Engage your baby's senses with six adorable hanging toys that encourage exploration and development.
• Free Milestone Cards: The mat comes with a set of milestone cards to record your baby's first 12 months.
• Convenient Storage: Comes with an elephant zipper bag for easy storage.
• Safety First: Crafted from baby-safe materials and featuring a non-slip bottom, this gym prioritises your child's safety and well-being.
• Keep Baby Safe: The included protective fence provides an extra layer of security, giving you peace of mind while your little one enjoys their own space for exploration. This feature is especially helpful as your baby becomes more mobile!

This activity gym offers exceptional value, combining captivating features, versatility, and durability. It's a fantastic choice for nurturing your little one's development and fostering joyful playtime!

3. Tiny Love Super Mat

The Tiny Love Super Mat is an exceptional play space to nurture your baby's growth and exploration. With its extra-large size, this mat provides ample room for tummy time, rolling, playing, and interaction between parent and baby. It's filled with engaging textures, vibrant colours, and interactive features that stimulate your baby's senses and encourage motor skill development. Whether you're at home or on the go, this mat is perfect for creating a fun and educational environment that supports your baby's milestones. Plus, it's an affordable option for families looking to invest in a high-quality play mat without breaking the bank.

Features:

• Extra-large Size: Offers plenty of space for tummy time, rolling, and playtime, allowing for interaction between parent and baby. There's even room for older siblings or twins!
• Plush Padding: Your little one will love the plush padding that provides ultimate comfort and cushioning.
• Stimulating Sensory Play: Engaging textures and vibrant colours stimulate your baby's senses and encourage exploration. The mat includes a playful peek-a-boo tree, crinkly sounds, a soft carrot teether, shiny satin ribbons and more for sensory stimulation.
• Tummy Time Mirror: The built-in mirror extends tummy time and promotes self-discovery.
• Easy to Clean: The machine-washable mat makes cleaning a breeze.
• Portable: Easy to fold and carry for ultimate grab-and-go portability.

Why Parents Love It: The Tiny Love Super Mat has been praised by thousands of parents for its spacious design, vibrant colours, and engaging features. Parents appreciate how the mat provides ample room for tummy time, rolling, and playtime, allowing for quality interaction with their baby. The plush padding ensures comfort, while the variety of textures and toys keeps babies entertained and stimulated. The mat's ease of cleaning and portability make it a practical choice for families. Many parents also appreciate the mat's ability to accommodate siblings or friends, making it perfect for playdates and family bonding.

4. Bright Starts Tiki Toy Bar Activity Gym

The Bright Starts Tiki Toy Bar Activity Gym is an excellent choice for parents looking for an affordable and engaging play space for their baby. It's the most budget-friendly option on our list, offering great value without compromising on quality. This play mat provides a comfortable and stimulating environment, ideal for maximising fun in compact living.

Features:

• Affordable: The most affordable play mat in our selection, making it accessible to all families.
• Space-Saving Design: The compact size makes it easy to store and travel-friendly, perfect for smaller homes or apartments.
• Soft and Comfortable: It provides a plush surface for your baby to lie on, ensuring comfort during playtime.
• Stimulating Design: Features engaging colours and patterns to stimulate your baby's senses and encourage exploration. It includes three detachable toys for your little one to enjoy at home or on the go.
• Expand the Fun: Customise playtime by attaching up to three of your baby's favourite toys to the included link loops.
• Easy to Clean: Machine washable for easy maintenance, perfect for dealing with spit-up and drool.

Why Parents Love It: Parents appreciate the Bright Starts Play Mat for its affordability and practicality. It's a great choice for families on a budget who still want to provide their baby with a fun and educational play space. The mat's ease of cleaning and portability make it a favourite among busy parents. Plus, its soft and comfortable design ensures a happy and relaxed baby during playtime.

5. Ingenuity Cozy Spot Reversible Duvet Activity Gym

More than just a playmat, the Ingenuity Cozy Spot Reversible Duvet Activity Gym & Play Mat creates a stimulating and nurturing environment for your little one to explore and grow. This activity gym combines comfort, play, and convenience in one versatile design.

Features:

• Cloud-Like Comfort: The ultra-plush duvet mat creates a soft and safe landing spot for your baby to play and relax.
• Reversible Design: The reversible playmat offers two unique designs to keep your baby engaged, and it's machine-washable for easy cleaning.
• Detachable Toys: Includes five detachable activity toys (silicone apple toy, plush bear, wooden ring toy, mirror, and bead rattle) to engage your baby's senses. Note: Some versions may include a tummy time pillow. 
• Easy Storage and Portability: The SlimFold wooden toy bar features a foldable design with handles, making storage and travel effortless.
• Gender-Neutral Design: The neutral design, including toys, fits perfectly into any nursery.

The Ingenuity Cozy Spot Reversible Duvet Activity Gym & Play Mat is a versatile and comfortable option for parents seeking a stimulating and cozy play space for their little ones. With its soft mat, engaging toys, and foldable design, this activity gym will become a favourite spot for your baby to play and explore.

6. Tiny Love Boho Chic Luxe Gymini

The Tiny Love Boho Chic Luxe Gymini is a stylish and developmentally rich activity gym that brings a touch of bohemian elegance to your baby's playtime. With its natural materials, calming colour palette, and engaging activities, this gym creates a serene and stimulating environment for your little one to explore and grow.

Features:

• High-Quality Materials: The mat is made of premium fabrics, ensuring durability and comfort.
• Boho Chic Design: Features a stylish design with natural wood elements and a calming colour palette, fitting seamlessly into modern home decor.
• Versatile Design: Includes a stand-alone wooden toy arch that can be used even when your baby is sitting up. The adjustable arches allow you to customise the gym to suit your baby's developmental stage.
• Engaging Toys: Features a baby-activated musical sloth doll, a plush take-along koala hug-doll, a giant leaf kicker with a rattle, and a mirror for extended tummy time.
• Machine Washable Mat: The soft and plush mat is machine washable for easy cleaning.
• Customisable: Allows you to attach similar toys from other manufacturers, making it highly versatile.

Why Parents Love It: Parents adore the Tiny Love Boho Chic Luxe Gymini for its exceptional quality and engaging features. The lovable characters, like the musical sloth, keep babies entertained and stimulated, while the variety of textures and sounds support their development. The mat's softness and comfort make it perfect for tummy time, and its versatility allows parents to customise it with other toys. The high-quality frame and attachments justify the investment, making it a worthwhile choice for families seeking a durable and effective activity gym.

Choosing the right baby activity gym is an investment in your child's early development. From sensory exploration to motor skill development, these gyms provide invaluable opportunities for learning and growth. We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision, ensuring you select the perfect activity gym to align with your baby's needs and your family's lifestyle. By choosing the right gym, you're supporting your baby's growth and creating a nurturing space where they can explore, learn, and thrive.

Lulu Babe editors independently select and write about products we love and think you'll enjoy. This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.