Bad experience in a play centre - worth spending more for kids?

LFreakycat on 09/07/2014 - 20:36
Last edited 09/07/2014 - 20:38

Took my kids to Monkey Mania Top Ryde shopping centre. I paid $22 for my daughter to go there, that was $14.5 the kid, each adult paid $4 for entry including a drink ( 2 adults) . My little one is 11 months old and I let him to play in the under 5 area. Then a staff told me I need to put socks on him or pay $3 for a pair of socks just for him to crawl on the mat. I asked him why I wasn't told about this at the entrance and he told me his job was to tell people this (extra charge??) I don't really mind if I was told beforehand and just happy to pay it. But not after my two kids are inside and was forced to leave if I don't buy it.

When I complained to the staff, he told me twice to talk to his manager, but my kids were there for fun. I wasn't there for arguement, so I left. There were other play areas in Top Ryde shopping centre and they were obviously better than Monkey Mania - brighter and bigger under 5 play area. Just a mistake to pay extra to go there. My daughter played for only 20mins and had already got bored. My little one was happy to crawl on the floor but was forced to leave.

The sad thing was I told my daughter to finish her Maths exercise so I would take her to Monkey Mania. She was unhappy as the place was such a disappointment. Next time, I better save myself a few dollars and take her to the free play area and use that money to buy her a new toy.

Home & Garden

Comments

    • Freakycat on 10/07/2014 - 10:49

      Didn't really check the FAQ online before going to a place like that. Really planned ahead only if we are going to places like the theme park and easter show. But anyway, save myself all the trouble if I don't need to go there.

  • itajac on 09/07/2014 - 21:33
    +2

    Most if not all indoor play centres require children to wear socks in the play area. It can be a pain to remember to take socks with you when you're going there or in hot weather, but unfortunately that's the way it is. Shopping centre playgrounds are also good n cheap ;)

  • scrimshaw on 09/07/2014 - 22:09
    +1

    Socks have to be worn in all play areas, it's a general rule that also applies in the play area of Mcdonalds.

    It's for hygiene reasons — prevents skin disease from spreading. Did the staff member tell you this?

    • Freakycat on 10/07/2014 - 10:54
      +1

      No, not at the entrance when they can actually see my kids and what they wore. Just prefer they told us and signs shown at the front counter. In fact, I had no problem as I knew Broadway's play area had sign there clearly shown.

  • JediJan on 09/07/2014 - 23:53

    When my son was toddler/pre school age we lived in the Far northern tropics. I never went anywhere without 3 sets of clothing including underwear. Became quite adept at being prepared for just about any scenario. Also carried a small 6 pack styro esky for drinks.

    Although it appears a health and safety regulation that wasn't clearly displayed I would have thought a refund from the manager wouldn't have gone astray … everyone happy. Your daughter could have had the cash to spoil herself, and possibly others with. I used to spend my valuable few dollars of pocket money buying my younger brother treats … encourages sharing and generosity … and a little self importance too :o)

  • Geewhizz on 10/07/2014 - 06:56
    +1

    Yeah, I've been caught out on the socks thing too. It wouldn't irk so much if they charged a decent price for the socks.

    • JediJan on 10/07/2014 - 15:14
      +1

      I guess a quick visit to BigW or Kmart could fix the problem … wailing tot in tow though I guess. My son used to throw tantrums and run amok and out of shoe shops … Had an adversion to shoes! Oddly enough his preschool in northern tropics used to encourage the bare feet approach (not compulsory)… not all the parents did though. I do feel for you young parents with headstrong toddlers; some of us out here do remember what it is like and know it is not "undisciplined" tots and "bad" parenting. The others have memory problems or just plain lucky LOL!

      • Geewhizz on 11/07/2014 - 05:58
        +1

        The difficulty is, you generally don't find out about the sock requirement until you're actually THERE - not so much of an issue if there's a BigW or Kmart nearby, or it's not bucketing down rain, or whatever.

        • scrimshaw on 11/07/2014 - 16:00

          not so much of an issue if there's a BigW or Kmart nearby

          Well the OP did go to the Top Ryde shopping centre, I'm sure there were plenty of outlets to buy from.

  • Brodenn on 11/07/2014 - 14:02

    Reminds me of this thread…
    Different state, same organisation?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/109989

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