5 January 2009

Has anyone noticed the new kids play centres popping up across town?

| Peter Holland
Join the conversation
16

Whilst on Holiday, we were looking for ways to entertain the kids. We went out to DFO, mainly so that I could see what the fuss was about.

There is a new Kids play area called “Monkey Mania” and it looks pretty good. We found that it was a bit steep in cost, around $35 for the family, but the kids were keen, so in we went.

Now, I have been to Kidcity in Mitchell, Kids Rampage in Tuggeranong, The Fun Factory in Kambah and fought for a seat with many other parents, as our kids ran around and jumped and played and screamed.

Nothing in comparison to this new place. cost is a bit steeper, for one.

I was informed that the Monkey Mania concept was new, and this was the first centre in australia, the pilot. Why is it so expensive?

I have to say, for a play centre, it was the same as the others. The factors that are different with this one is that:

    1. once you are in, there are no pass outs. No shopping and leaving the kids with your partner. (yet – the section on their website for “drop n shop” is under construction)

    2. The cost of food and drink is pretty high as well

    3. 1-3 year olds are $9.50 per child. Over 3, and you are shelling out $12.50 per child.

here is the website link for more info.

They also have kid’s parties, but the cost is pretty high. I think we will stick to birthday parties at home…

There is another play centre at brand depot, but we haven’t been there yet, so I cannot comment.

What are the experiences of other parents with these Play Centres?

Join the conversation

16
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
David daniels9:29 pm 01 May 09

I took my son and three school friends to Kidzone at Westfield Belconnen. Big crosses from me. The lady behind the counter told me the place was booked for a private party – fair enough but whilst we were discussing our alternatives (with four six year olds) thae lady said ” I don’t mean to be rude but can you leave”.

For god’s sake lady – you are supposed to be runnibg a business that caters for families. The place was grotty anyway. I have told all the other families I know about my less than ordinary service experience at Kidzone Belconnen and i am now posting it online too. If the proprieters read this I hope they think twice about being so rude next time.

David daniels

Hawker ACT

BerraBoy68 said :

Cheers Peter. From your earlier post is just seemed like it was a CARMBA thing.

I like your comments on your ids holding hands etc…

My son is 6 and a half (the half is VERY important at that age!). My kids are still each other best friends and one is lost if the other has to go out to a party.

They still hold hands and cuddle occasionally but my son is losing interest in this now. It’s natural but sad.

The sticking up for each other bit is a bit of a handful, one kid was picking on the youngest the other day, prodding and pushing him. His brother stepped in, and I had to pull them off the small bully. He probably won’t do that again, one little kid suddenly became two angry little kids. and they don’t seem to care about the “no hitting” rule in our house, when one of them is in trouble….

Cheers Peter. From your earlier post is just seemed like it was a CARMBA thing.

I like your comments on your ids holding hands etc…

My son is 6 and a half (the half is VERY important at that age!). My kids are still each other best friends and one is lost if the other has to go out to a party. They still hold hands and cuddle occasionally but my son is losing interest in this now. It’s natural but sad.

BerraBoy68 said :

peterh said :

the fun factory offers special prices for CARMBA members, after my wife asked the manager for a discount. The manager agreed, and now we find that it is a great place for the kids to go to and let off some steam. (and if today is hotter than yesterday, there will be some steam)

Well that’s just discriminiation, pure and simple (said TIC). Actually, having said that, I’m not quite sure how me having two kids under 7 (18 months apart) is any different from a family with a set of 6 year old twins. It’s still two kids to handle and pay for. I do feel for parents of twins when the kids are very young though. It must be a challenge!

it is interesting, having 2 little boys that are 18-months old. But it is also a joy to see them holding hands, giving the other a cuddle before bed, and sticking up for each other.

the difference between the discount we get and you not getting one is simple: we asked if we could get one. If you asked the manager if you could get a discount, considering that you go there regularly, they might be amenable.

peterh said :

the fun factory offers special prices for CARMBA members, after my wife asked the manager for a discount. The manager agreed, and now we find that it is a great place for the kids to go to and let off some steam. (and if today is hotter than yesterday, there will be some steam)

Well that’s just discriminiation, pure and simple (said TIC). Actually, having said that, I’m not quite sure how me having two kids under 7 (18 months apart) is any different from a family with a set of 6 year old twins. It’s still two kids to handle and pay for. I do feel for parents of twins when the kids are very young though. It must be a challenge!

BerraBoy68 said :

$35?! That’s too steep to take the kids. I find teh Fun Cafoty at Kambah suits their needs but occasionally we hit Mitchell for Kids City.

the fun factory offers special prices for CARMBA members, after my wife asked the manager for a discount. The manager agreed, and now we find that it is a great place for the kids to go to and let off some steam. (and if today is hotter than yesterday, there will be some steam)

I was wondering what a caforty was ….

*chuckle*

Of course, that should have read “the Fun Factory”.

$35?! That’s too steep to take the kids. I find teh Fun Cafoty at Kambah suits their needs but occasionally we hit Mitchell for Kids City.

The Hellenic club is our favourite haunt. Ten bucks for a whole year, and you can take them whenever you want, and the food is great. Southern Cross isn’t bad either, but the food isn’t as good.

I’m afraid that Kidzone might go out of business with all these bigger fancy schmancy ones!

Last time I was there they really looked like they were struggling. It’s sad, because they were an old favourite haunt and it is so convenient to have them located in the mall rather than out at Mitchell or Fyshwick.

Kidzone at Belconnen Mall seems to be the cheapest, at $4.50 for a 3 yo. It’s heaps smaller than the others, but the kids don’t seem to mind. I also refuse to pay for adults, and usually sneak in my own snacks.

Agree VY, the Jumbo Jim play area is good value at nothing. Most malls have a small play area for free, which is great if you just want to kill half an hour in the air conditioning.

Language, VYBerlinaV8_the_one_they_all_copy!!

*chuckle*

VYBerlinaV8_the_one_they_all_copy5:57 pm 05 Jan 09

Bugger!

VYBerlinaV8_the_one_they_all_copy said :

I don’t mind paying a tenner to let young master berlina burn energy for an hour or two, while Mrs Berlina and I sit for a drink and snack, but no way known am I paying ‘adult admission’, so I can buy their food and drink…

We went to the one at Brand Depot on the weekend, and didn’t go in when we saw the prices. Instead we went to the food court there and let the boy play for free.

VY, scary thing is that they are cheaper than the one at DFO.

VYBerlinaV8_the_one_they_all_copy4:50 pm 05 Jan 09

I don’t mind paying a tenner to let young master berlina burn energy for an hour or two, while Mrs Berlina and I sit for a drink and snack, but no way known am I paying ‘adult admission’, so I can buy their food and drink…

We went to the one at Brand Depot on the weekend, and didn’t go in when we saw the prices. Instead we went to the food court there and let the boy play for free.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.