Maximum Skating

Looking for something to keep the older kids active? Or perhaps learn a new skill, or even rekindle an old one? Maximum Skating offers a HUGE skating rink for rollerskate and inline skate sports. They have activities and sessions for all ages from pre-schoolers to adults and cater for individuals through to corporate groups, birthday parties and schools. If you've never skated before or if - like me - the last time you wore rollerskates was when Madonna wore a ra-ra skirt, Maximum Skating hold regular learn to skate sessions for both kids and teens/adults.

Maximum Skating is found at Max Arena, an international sized rink (52m x 25 m) surrounded by hockey tempered glass barriers. There is plenty of seating for spectators and a kiosk provides coffee and snacks. We've found the staff to be very friendly and helpful.

Ample underground parking and a ramp up to the front door for strollers or possibly those already wearing their skates.

Max Arena can be found at 75 Anderson Road, Smeaton Grange (at the end of Anzac Avenue).

For more info check out their website at: http://maximumskating.com.au or find them on Facebook for up to date events and session times.

Vrooom

If you're looking to entertain older kids - tweens and teens - then you can't go past FastLane Karting at Minto for an adrenalin rush. Kids aged 8-11 can race in special junior karts while those age 12+ have access to karts that travel at up to 55k per hour. There are even double karts that adults can drive and take along a young child (4-7yo). The track itself is 500m long with plenty of twists and turns for added excitement.

You need a licence to drive, this can be done on the spot via onsite computers and an easy to use registration program. Under 18s require their parents permission to race. Helmets are supplied and instructions are given. There are staff on the course who observe the action and wave flags to indicate dangerous driving or activity - or help out when karts get stuck in the tyre wall!

Our tweens went for a party - they had three races and a hot dog and slushy. FastLane Karting have packages available and cater to a variety of groups. They also run a regular Kids Karting Club. The games room has slot machines and a pool table for downtime between races with plenty of seating that overlooks part of the track. It is easily accessible by stroller and there is plenty of nearby parking. There is a kiosk selling drinks and snacks.

FastLane Karting has a comprehensive website providing details of packages and they're also on Facebook. You'll find FastLane Karting just behind Pizza Hot on Sweetenham Road,  Minto, just near the corner of Campbelltown and Ben Lomond Roads. It's open 7 days from 9AM until late.

Casula Powerhouse is an easy 20 minute drive from Campbelltown. It started life as a power station but is now an arts centre. If you're interested in architecture it's worth visiting to see the way the art gallery, theatre and artists' residence has been integrated into the original building.

If you're interested in something beyond art and architecture, consider doing a ghost tour of the powerhouse. These are held monthly and conducted by the Australian Paranormal Phenomenon Investigators (APPI). Tours last two hours and include a light supper. Recommended for people aged over 14. For more info check out the Casula Powerhouse website,  the APPI website or Family Fun in Sydney.