People need to know to AVOID THIS PLACE

Today, this venue earnt the 1star review I am currently gifting it. Although I admit, 1 star is generous. I would much rather award it ZERO if I had the option. I have visited many similar indoor playgrounds and have never been as disappointed as I was this morning visiting Little Dynamo’s.

Where to begin? So many negatives to choose from. Let’s start at the beginning.

Parking: There is none. A mere 10 spots are reserved for Little Dynamo Clients and the carpark is shared with about 14 other businesses. The venue is located in an industrial estate, so you’re competing with trucks, couriers and other irate Little Dynamo customers. Most are forced to either risk a fine and park illegally or go out of the boom-gated carpark to the busy streets of Alexandria.

Price: In comparison with competitors, this venue charges on the higher end. The prices are much cheaper at Monkey Mania or Jungle Buddies. The food prices are also inflated. Additionally, the venue fails to offer any holiday programs or events like face painting, arts & crafts or story times… other venues do this for a cheaper admission fee.

Product: As far as play equipment goes, Little Dynamo’s is ok. Big slides, and an air trampoline. It all works fine. The website says it is brand new. Well, it isn’t. In some locations, the safety netting needs repair. The play equipment isn’t very clean and could use some TLC after hours. The ‘3 and under’ section is a sad and sorry little area with very little appeal. There isn’t much to do there except for the little kiddies to be distracted by the coin operated ride on toys conveniently located to ensure children hassle their parents enough for them to drop their money into the slots. My main concern is the sheer number of children allowed onto the playground and no staff looking on. It definitely seemed risky watching 50 kids try to jump on the air trampoline at once. Risky enough for me to not allow my 3 yo to partake. Also, no aircon. Creating a humid, sticky unpleasant atmosphere.

Policies: This is where my biggest gripe lays. No Outside food is allowed. It is very clearly a money-making scheme. Management make it out to be in the interest of health and safety, but the ulterior motives are blatantly obvious. I had fruit packed (no nuts), some carrot sticks sandwiches for lunch. This was deemed as a risk and was confiscated upon entry. We were able to pick it up when we leave. I opted to not spend money on deep fried food and asked to collect the food I packed. My kids and I ate our lunch in the parking lot. There is a space near the entrance, amidst the venue dumpsters for those that refuse to eat the “café” food available. I remind you that the carpark is filled with trucks and other hazards. Not that management cares to offer picnic tables or similar for families. There certainly is the space for it.

Facilities: There are not enough toilets for the amount of people they are letting into the venue. There were unending lines of people waiting to use the toilets and it reminded me of the toilets at a festival. In fact, the cleanliness of these toilets was also reminiscent of those found at festivals. The most concerning this was the limited availability of parent’s rooms. And by limited, I mean…. None. For a venue whose main clientele are children, a parent’s room is must. The Ambulant/disabled toilets/parents’ room, were out of use today, or at least this is what I was told by staff when asked. For me this meant that I had to GO TO MY CAR to change my 1 yo’s nappy. Not good enough.

People need to know to AVOID THIS PLACE. Go to a more, well-established, well-operated and well-staffed indoor playground. Pretty much any other place you can think of. A free public park would do better.

Approximate cost: $17