Learning Through Play – The Made to be Messy Way
If you’ve ever spent longer setting up a messy activity at home than your toddler spent playing with it, Made to be Messy might just become your new best friend. As Perth’s only purpose-built messy and creative play studio, it offers little ones a rich, sensory experience—without the clean-up stress that usually follows!
We recently attended our first session of the newly reformatted Creative Crew (All Explorers) and I could instantly see how much thought had gone into the update. The theme was Build It Up! Construction, and the focus was on fine motor skill development—woven beautifully through every activity.
Kai couldn’t get enough of dipping Duplo blocks into paint and stamping them onto paper. What looked like colourful fun was actually building hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, colour recognition and dexterity.
There were cutting stations with different scissors, playdough for rolling and squashing, a sandpit full of trucks and a STEM science experiment (magic balloon!) that had him wide-eyed with wonder.
Makedo cardboard tools were available for open-ended construction and creativity, while potion play, wet and dry sensory bins and the indoor-outdoor freedom meant Kai was constantly discovering new things to explore.
We loved it so much we came back for Love Bugs the following week, which focused on social and emotional awareness. Activities included cookie decorating (eating it was a must), Mother’s Day handprint crafts (or the freedom to create whatever they wanted), a glitter eruption experiment in the STEM lab and themed play around butterflies, bees and bugs galore. The kinetic sand, sensory trays and potion play all returned, with even more charm.
Kai was smiling the entire time. He thrived on the open-ended, child-led opportunities, from choosing whether to participate in the science experiments to flitting between the indoor stations and outdoor sandpit. The staff were amazing—not just supervising, but engaging in play, modelling techniques and offering support when needed. I especially loved the posters placed around the studio, highlighting the educational benefits of activities like technology, puzzles, reading and construction.
By the end of the session, Kai was well and truly worn out—a sure sign of a successful morning of play!
Sessions to Suit Every Age and Stage
Made to be Messy now offers three class types, each tailored to your child’s age and stage:
- Little Learners (6–18 months): Gentle, sensory-rich sessions for babies and early movers.
- Creative Crew (All Explorers): Mixed-age sessions for toddlers and preschoolers, blending messy play, creative arts and STEM exploration.
- Curious Kids (5–12 years): A more advanced class with process art and STEM challenges, perfect for school-aged children seeking screen-free, hands-on fun.
All classes are grounded in open-ended, play-based learning—where children are encouraged to play, learn and develop at their own pace, in their own time.
A Peek at What’s Coming
Future themes include: Wildlife Walkabout, ABC with Me, Room on the Broom, Winter Wonderland, It’s an Emergency, Outback Adventures, Down on the Farm and Once Upon a Rhyme. Each week introduces fresh inspiration with a blend of messy play, creative activities and STEM fun—all cleverly linked to early learning goals.
Thoughtfully Designed for Families
Founded in 2020 by Laura, an Early Childhood Teacher and mum of two, Made to be Messy was born from a passion for child-led, hands-on learning. Every inch of the purpose-built studio in Heathridge has been created with families in mind. There’s a STEM zone, glow room, messy art area and an outdoor space complete with a sandpit and the iconic Made to be Messy ship (including a slide).
The studio is fully enclosed and inclusive, with baby change facilities, accessible toilets, and everything from aprons to puddle suits and lab coats on hand to keep little ones comfy while they play. It’s a space where your child can truly explore, create and connect—without any pressure or need for perfection.
Tips for Visiting
- Dress for mess and pack a spare outfit—slime happens.
- Arrive a little early to get your child settled and comfortable.
- Book online—spots fill quickly with each week’s new theme.
- Bring snacks and water for after, especially for car naps (yes, Kai was out like a light!).
Details
Location: 9/99 Caridean St, Heathridge WA 6027
Ages: 6 months to 12 years
Sessions: Little Learners, Creative Crew, Curious Kids
Birthday Parties: Available with customisable activities (BYO food)
Bookings: Casual visits or Class Pass options available
Teacher Tip: Watch for the educational posters in each area of the studio and the staff insights during your visit—so much learning is happening behind the scenes!
If you’re looking for a space where children are free to explore, make a mess and develop essential skills in a warm, supportive environment—Made to be Messy delivers, every time.
We’ll definitely be back again soon, learning through play the Made to be Messy way!
- About the Author
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Adriana Turk is a Melbourne-born mum raising her adventurous two-year-old in Perth, her new home. A teacher with a passion for play-based learning, Adriana shares her journey through Perth Toddler Adventures, an Instagram account dedicated to budget-friendly outings, natural playgrounds, and hands-on activities for little ones. With a focus on creating magical everyday moments and connecting with Perth parents, Adriana blends her teaching expertise and love for adventure to inspire families to embrace learning through play and discovery.
