Running out of ideas to do with the kids on a chilly day? Our little family of three has discovered the play area which is part of
Henry's Family Restaurant at
Southern Cross Club in Woden.
You don't need the restaurant to be open to go and have a play, and you can buy your coffee from the bistro coffee shop and take it to the play area to sit at their (funky!) tables. They do a great pot of tea, carrot cake and banana bread for the little ones, all for reasonable club prices.
Yummy carrot cake
Banana Bread - perfect for the littlies
Have a rest and a cuppa while the kids play
As we went on a week day we had the whole place to ourselves. In the play area there is a ball pit, small slippery dip, climbing area and cute colourful dogs to move around or sit on. Also for the parents there are plenty of chairs to sit on inside the room.
Play area, great for under 5's.
Funky colourful doggies to sit on and move around
For the older kids there are old school video games and also new games with consoles. For the older child this could keep them entertained for hours.
When the kids are all finished there, it is all hands on deck in the games arcade to win as many tickets as possible to win a prize. As with other games arcades you spend more money than you win, but we found that some games win you more tickets - so make sure you try knocking down the clowns - that was a winner for our young girl. And with the balls light to throw, everyone can get involved.
During the week we had this games room all to ourselves
The balls are light for kids to throw
Jackpot!
As with all clubs, you would need to join the Southern Cross Club at Woden, which has a range of membership prices, but a family membership is $12 a year.
We think this is an untapped treasure during the week, as we have been a few times now and it has always been empty. I imagine the weekends and the times when Henry's Family Restaurant is open it would be heaving, but for a quiet week day cuppa and entertainment for the kids, it's a great way to while away a couple of hours.
Good luck, have fun, and enjoy some quality family time together - and take plenty of change!
