Mega mini-golf / putt-putt

One of the newest attractions is Mega Mini Golf located in Rose Street, Campbelltown (off Blaxland Road on the other side to the pound). We went today for a 5 year old birthday party. It's a great place for kids aged 3 and up and they supply different club sizes to suit ages / height.
The golf 'course' of 18 holes is divided into three sections - jungle, Egypt, and Wild West. Some of the holes are easy, others challenging but all are fun. There's a 'cafe' area outside of the course with a small selection of drinks and foods which is stroller friendly for parents waiting for older kids to complete the course, although it's fun for adults too! You can take a stroller around the course but it's challenging negotiate and some lifting may be required over small steps. The course is not wheelchair accessible.
For parties, there's a party room upstairs and a staff member plays party games with the kids and serves chips, lollies and hot food (party pies, sausage rolls). Kids aren't taken around the course by staff but adults are allowed to go with them to supervise. The staff members we spoke today were all helpful and friendly.

During the school hols, Mega Mini Golf is open from 9am everyday. Normal opening times are 10am to 6pm Mon-Thurs and to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission prices are $8.90 for children 15 and under and $12.50 for adults. A family pass (2 adults, 2 children) is $36. Party packages start from $179 for 8 children.

Here's the website: http://www.megaminigolf.com.au/ and they're also on Facebook.

It's that time of year again...

The Fisher's Ghost Festival has kicked off and there's lots happening this weekend with the street parade, family fun festival and Fisher's Gig on Saturday, and Fisher's Kids on Sunday at Campbelltown Arts Centre. As part of Fisher's Gig, there'll be fireworks going off at 9pm on Saturday so if you're near Bradbury Oval, a) head outside for a look and b) make sure your pets are locked away safe.

If you feel like heading out of Campbelltown for some tranquility, Bingara Gorge at Wilton are running some free events including a yoga class and story time plus a twilight cinema on Saturday. On Sunday they've got kids gardening and a science show. For more info, check out the website.

For something cultural, the 141st Scottish Highland Gathering is being held at the Castle Hill showground. This is a family event with dancing, bagpipes, haggis hurling (what the?), a vintage car display plus food and drink stalls. For more info, check out the Facebook page.

With so much happening in the Macarthur area and surrounds this weekend - and predicted good weather - it's going to be hard to make a choice. Where are you planning to be?

Little Kids Zone

Club Playdays at Minto has reopened as Macarthur Indoor Sports Arena as Little Kids Zone indoor play centre. It features the same set up and equipment as Playdays with a slightly different menu.

The centre is great for children aged 2-5. There's lots of room for them to run around, jump, ride and pretend play. The play area takes up a couple of fully shaded netball courts and all areas are easily overlooked by the tables in the cafe section where you can get drinks, snacks and light meals.

Little Kids Zone is open from 9:30 to 2:30 Monday to Friday. I can't find a website for them but they have a Facebook fan page. Prices are around $7 entry per child.

Shining Stars Baby and children's market

This is a great initiative for both parents struggling financially to buy all the things needed for a new baby and young children, or for people wanting to sell baby and children things in good condition but no longer needed.

The Shining Stars Baby and Children's Market is being held this Sunday 31st October (Halloween!) at Campbelltown Civic Centre (91 Queen Street, just down from the police station) from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Entry is $3 per adult.

The markets are held indoors so will go ahead whatever the weather and there's plenty of parking just across the road in Broughton Street.

Man Vs Wild parody - Campbelltown

Last week, a friend sent me a link to this YouTube video via Facebook. It's a take-off of the popular Man Vs Wild show featuring Bear Grylls and features 'Bear' taking on the 'wilds' of Campbelltown. I thought Part 1 was very funny. Part 2 is a bit slapstick and juvenile. I was going to post it on here but it's definitely not rated PG.

This week, the video has made the front page of the Macarthur Chronicle. Apparently it's upset some local big knobs although I think there have been worse portrayals of the area, including episode two of the Secret Millionaire which describes Campbelltown as: "...has a long history of public housing, low-income families, substance abuse and crime..." The show was widely criticised for only focusing on the very worst areas. At least the YouTube parody features the beautiful grounds of the University of Western Sydney.

I guess when it comes to Campbelltown Council, Uni students are an easier target than Channel Nine. At least we can thank Eric Grothe Jnr for his video, Campbelltown My Home Town by Eric Grothe Jnr as featured on the Matty Johns Show (Channel 7).

Have you seen the Man Vs Campbelltown video? What do you think?

Want to know more about Panjo?

If you've driven into Campbelltown from the North, you no doubt would have noticed the imposing building on the corner of Rose Payten Drive and Campbelltown Road that is destined to become the Panjo Destination Centre 4 Children.

The development of this centre stalled a few years ago due to financial difficulties but is now back on track and set to become a landmark for the area. The multi-story building is designed to be a one-stop-shop for parents and will include a child-care centre, swimming pool, themed restaurants and cafes, a medical centre, skating ring, shops and more.

For a look inside, check out this video or join the Facebook fan page. The website is still under construction.

What's On in Macarthur

Every month, Visit Macarthur produce a guide to what's on in the area. This can be picked up at various spots around Campbelltown including the Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre in Old Menangle Road (just down the road from Rydges Hotel), libraries and swimming centres. You can visit their website or download the October guide here. (PDF)

There's a few things happening in October that have caught my eye including an open day at the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living which is also holding some free workshops this month, and the OPA! Greek Festival at the Wizard of Oz Funland in Leumeah.

There's always something happening in Camden and Campbelltown so be sure to check out what's on.