Monkey Mania

Monkey Mania Casula is a new indoor play centre situated at the Crossroads Homemaker Centre, 10 minutes from Campbelltown up the M5 or Campbelltown Road. With eight themed rooms it's a fantastic place for a party or school holiday fun for kids 2-12. There's a huge 'ball o city maze' climbing frame and basketball court for the bigger kids plus a separate toddler area. There's also ride-on dodgem cars at additional cost ($3 for five laps). We went on a weekday during the school holidays and found that the pictures on the internet did not match our experience.

As is typical of most indoor play centres, no outside food or drinks can be consumed on the premises (except for baby food). Cafe options were limited; the quiche we we ordered was fairly average but service was very prompt and friendly. The kids nugget and chips meals were a generous size for $6.00 each. The cafe is counter service only which can be challenging if you're on your own with bags and a stroller. There's plenty of tables and seating available. The toilet / baby change area is bright, large and mostly clean although the toilet seat in the ladies was broken on the day we were there. There's a toddler seat available in the baby change area, comfy chairs for breastfeeding behind privacy curtains and a microwave for heating baby food.

Entry fee:
Under 1 Year FREE
1 to 2 years $9.50
3 years & over $12.50
Adult $3.50 (incl. drink)

There are discounts available for multiple visits and an annual membership provides additional benefits. The centre is open 10-5:30 Monday to Friday and 9:30-6pm weekends. I'd like to see earlier opening times on a weekday for those parents that drop older kids at school and then want to entertain toddlers and pre-schoolers.

The ball o city maze features a funnel which shoots balls into the air which is great fun for the kids but it should be noted that the loud whooshing sound it periodically makes may frighten some littles. Also remember to take socks - no bare feet allowed.

Verdict from the kids in the family is that Monkey Mania is 'way better' than the other indoor play centres in the area so I guess that means we'll be making a return visit.