Escape the winter blues - our favourite indoor places for Adelaide kids!
Ahhhh, it's here. In case you haven't noticed, winter is well and truly on its way for Adelaide. It's hard enough to try to and muster up some sort of energy in these dreary, dark conditions. Throw in trying to come up with fun ideas to entertain your children inside all day and we can guarantee when that teeny weeny bit of sun goes down, you have passed out on the couch due to pure and utter fatigue. Never fear mums! The Nanny Diary has compiled a list of all the best indoor places to visit in Adelaide, where the kids can run wild and expend as much energy as possible.
1. LATITUDE
Location: North East Road
Cost: Under 5 ($10), students ($12.50)
Latitude is an indoor activity complex that combines trampolines and a climbing park. Suitable for all ages, it's bound to entertain the kids for ages! They have a specific Kid's Only Zone which is for under 5's only and comes complete with a foam pit, indoor playground and a ball pit. If your kids are a little bit older, they can try their hand on the tramps or even the different rock climbing walls. Mum and Dad - chill out with a coffee at the cafe that overlooks the entire warehouse, or if you're feeling adventurous, give it a go yourself! They even host birthday parties.... What more could a winter baby ask for!
2. JELLY BEAN PLAY LAND
Location: Trimmer Parade
Cost: Toddler aged 1-3 ($9.50), after school special ($5), mega-entry 4yrs and over ($11.50)
Having only recently opened, Jelly Bean play cafe caters for those on the west side looking for a fun, entertaining, safe and enjoyable time. Open any day of the week, you are guaranteed to have an awesome time with top of the line equipment and activities. Kids of all ages will love the adventure that comes with this place!
3. INFLATABLE WORLD
Location: Morphett Vale
Cost: Under 4 ($7.00), 5 and over ($14.00), Adults ($14.00)
With no need to book prior, its the perfect place to head on a weekend for a fun day as a family. Your entry cost gives you two hours of unlimited fun with all kinds of equipment. The opening times vary quite a bit so best to check out the website for all information! We thoroughly recommend this place for all ages (including adults!). It's guaranteed to having you exhausted by the end of it, but the BEST fun while you're there!
4. SPLODGE
Location: Diagonal Road, Marion
Cost: Prices vary depending on the amount of children attending on a certain day, so head to their website to check it out.
http://splodge.com.au
Splodge cafe is a play cafe aimed at providing creative entertainment for children of various ages. There are no ball pits or climbing frames, it's all about craft and exploring. The venue encompasses 6 rooms and a garden and their overall goal is to increase the fine and major motor skills of children through a variety of different activities. They have parties, events and workshops, as well as a perfect boutique cafe for all the mummies and daddies!
5. CINEMA
Location: Marion, West Lakes, North Adelaide, Elizabeth, Norwood, Mitcham
Cost: Varies between cinemas
Heading to the movies is a great way to escape the dreary weather and the kids love it! There are so many family-friendly movies either currently showing or about to hit the cinemas so why not make an afternoon of it together. Here's a list of our favourites that are showing now or are about to be released:
Angry Birds Movie
The Jungle Book
Zootopia
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows - coming June 9th
Finding Dory - coming June 16th
Kiss Your Ice Goodbye (new Ice Age) - coming June 23rd
Ratchet and Clank - coming July 28th
The Secret Life of Pets - coming September 8th
Storks - coming September 22nd
6. CROCS PLAY CENTRE
Location: Churchill Road, Kilburn
Cost: Under 1 (FREE), 1-2years ($9.50), 3-5years ($11), 6years + ($11.50). All prices are applicable to a school day, cost is slightly higher on weekends.
This play centre is INCREDIBLE! I had heard raving reviews about it, but until I actually went there myself with 3 kiddies last week, I didn't believe it was seriously that good. I was so wrong! Croc's Play Centre has something for everyone! The babies section was so well thought out, with the area enclosed and completely padded so there would be no crash landings for those starting to find their feet. The big kids have their choice between a huge jumpy castle, indoor bike track, guns that shoot foam balls or a 'Speed' slide, they will be entertained for hours! They also have a Muffin Break inside for the adults plus plenty of seating and a top of the line parent's room. Give this place a definite 10/10!
7. KINGPIN BOWLING
Location: Norwood
Cost: prices vary depending on what day and time you go there, so head to their website to check out all details
http://kingpinbowling.com.au/norwood/pricing/
Think you've done bowling before? Think again. Kingpin combines the best of 3 worlds. Bowling, laser skirmish and a games arcade. For $10, you can buy the kids a half hour games card for the arcade which means they can play whatever they like for as long as they like! Personally, I think I had more fun shooting the basketballs than the kids, but they were all over me in the motorbike racing! We had a great time bowling, whilst some kid friendly tunes were belted out then followed it up with a crazy half hour in the arcade. Highly recommend for anyone with energetic kids who need to expel some energy!
8. ICE ARENA ADELAIDE
Location: Thebarton
Cost: Family ($60.00), 4-14years ($15.00), Adult ($17.00), Under 3 (Free)
With Winter well and truly upon us, why not make the cold weather fun?! Head to the Ice Arena for something new and exciting! The kids get to try their hand at a new skill, and you get to laugh at them falling on their butts (just kidding!). Seriously though, why not stay active and have fun with something that everyone can enjoy! During the school holidays, they even have Snow Play which is specifically designed for kids under 5 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
