Am I a bad parent because I'm already thinking of ways to occupy my kidlets in the school holidays? Actually I confess, I enjoy having the kids home, spending time as a family and creating memories. So, if like me, you are on the lookout for activities that are fun for the whole family, not affected by rainy weather and get the kids active and away from their screens, then Game Over is your number 1 priority for these school holidays.
Game Over Gold Coast
Located at 88/108 Siganto Drive Helensvale, Game Over is half way to the Gold Coast if you're coming from Brisbane and super easy to get to on the Logan Motorway if you're coming from Ipswich. The huge Game Over sign at the entry to the brightly coloured red and yellow building is the giveaway that you have arrived. The squeals of delight from children bouncing with excitement in the back seat will also be a hint that you are about to have a fast, fun family time.
Game Over is a great choice for school holidays as it keeps the kids active and is a physical and mental challenge. Being indoors you don't even have to check the weather forecast. There are four activity areas of go karting (7 years and up), laser tag, clip and climb and a littlies kart track (4-6 years). There is also a games arcade area on the lower level. For those who are happy to watch and take photos, there is a great café with a viewing platform. The café offers a good quality hot coffee, cold drinks, snacks and light meals. The staff are happy to organise birthday parties but don't think this is just for the kids. "Growed-ups" can get in on the action and join the races and corporate functions and adult parties can be arranged as well.
Game Over Indoor Karts
According to my 13 year old son, the Go Kart track was the coolest. He lost all ability to communicate as he stood wide eyed in speechless awe gazing at the 38 high speed, Italian built, electric powered karts lined up next to the two level track complete with tunnel. The website describes the kart track as exhilarating. I think my son, who was mesmerised by the karts whizzing around the track, would completely agree. There are 22 adult and 16 junior karts which go on your height and age. The races alternate between junior and adult so everyone gets a fair chance.
Game Over Indoor Kart Track
The track design can be changed for variety and challenge and they have all been tested and given the tick of approval by Craig Baird who, my son informs me, is the King of the Porsche Carrera Cup Series. The karts can be controlled electronically by staff for junior races and to ensure everyone's safety as well.
Clip 'n' Climb is the action packed climbing adventure area. The first centre of its type in Australia, it has 16 colourful, themed climbing walls and challenges including the death defying 8 metre high 'Leap of Faith', 'Stairway to Heaven', double jungle gym, double speed climb and the 'Twister Tower'. There is a good mix of challenges for the littlies and big kids. In fact, the littlies were often the fastest at scaling the walls. Clip 'n' Climb offers 45 minute climbing sessions but be aware the 'Leap of Faith' is priced separately.
Clip and climb speed wall
I watched a mix of littlies and bigger kids join my two and strap into safety harnesses, take flying leaps and scale the walls like Spiderman and Spiderwoman. What a confidence booster it was for master 13 and miss 14 to scale the towers, pushing through their shaky legs, doubt and fear to smack that buzzer when they reached the top. The smiles on their faces were priceless when they literally looked down on their achievement. Ok, yes I admit I got teary with mummy pride. Next time we visit, I am definitely having a go myself.
Clip and Climb Tower
The Laser Tag is a purpose built post-apocalyptic themed laser tag arena simulating the end of the world as we know it. Step first into the briefing room to discover your mission, move to the armoury where you strap on the latest Gen7 Laser Force battle suit vest and phaser. Then step into the dimly lit arena with swirling fog, interactive hidden targets and thumping sound track where up to 24 people can play at once.
Check the website for all the details including prices and their package deals. There are a number of safety requirements such as closed-in shoes and some age and weight restrictions for all of the activities on offer so make sure you do check the website before you plan your trip. As this is an adventure based physical activity there is some risk and you will need to accept the conditions of use for yourself and your children.
