Inflatable World Doncaster
The topic for today has me toying with the idea of a new blog category. Unfortunately the category won’t fit in my header so if anyone can suggest how I can shorten the category “Sweet! I wish this was around when I was a kid” don’t be shy. A New Zealand franchise import, Inflatable World’s are popping up all over Melbourne. In the midst of a Melbourne heatwave (39 degrees Celsius today) I was looking for an indoor air-conditioned place for the kids to blow off some steam which led me to the Doncaster venue.
Battling it out on the jousting podiums
As it turns out Inflatable World would have been a sort of crazy heaven for the ten year old me of 1986. The reason – it echoes the Australian 80s television institution “It’s a Knockout”. While I didn’t get to watch my kids today dress up as penguins and be hosed off a moving carousel I did see them leap like frogs over inflatable lili-pads. I laughed as they fell off into a sea of plastic. I joined them over a surprisingly exerting inflatable obstacle course fronted by a plastic wooly mammoth. It was amazingly satisfying witnessing my two sons who I had repeatedly told to cool it in the car battle it out gladiatorial style on padded pylons with jousting sticks. The resounding cries of “He has to pay a penalty” and “Kill him” left me only slightly uneasy.
Inflatable World Doncaster
In the interest of explanation to my overseas readers, “It’s a Knockout” was a popular family show in the 1980s that pitted teams representing the Australian states against each other in ridiculous physical challenges. It has some similarities to the U.S shows “Gladiator” and “Wipeout”. Inflatable World is basically an indoor playground that ups the ante on the standard jumping castle and therefore appeals to both big and little kids.
There is a substantial play area for under 5s which rivaled that found at any indoor playground.
A few things I liked about Inflatable World:
- If my son ever has to jump off a building into a inflatable mattress like they do in the movies he now has experience doing so – One of the play areas had him jump of an inflatable cliff into a big air pillow.
- I realized my son’s are tougher and more loyal to each other than I thought. I got the surprise of my life when I looked up and saw my four year old battling an oversized bully more than twice his size on the podiums. I was about to comfort my little guy as I saw the bully swat him off but my six year old jumped immediately to his defense and tried to pummel the big bully off the podium. Alas the bully prevailed but brotherly teamwork was the real winner.
- Any repressed resentment that I never got to be on “It’s a Knockout” were quashed as I quickly learnt I wasn’t real good at crazy physical challenges.
I realised Bub 2 is more frog than human
Practicing for a role in “Man on a Ledge 2”
I wish I had one of these in the time out corner – a bungy cord that pulled the boys back to the wall every time they tried to run away.
Practicalities:
Inflatable World Doncaster is located at 350 Blackburn Road Doncaster East but there are other locales around Melbourne, and I am told Tasmania.
It is open weekends and school holidays.
There is a small cafe onsite.
Socks must be worn and parents are encouraged to have a go with their kids (you better believe I did).
The price for 5 years and over is $14 (including playing adults). An under 5 and accompanying adult is $14.
Sessions last 2 hours but it is exhausting play – we didn’t last this long.
In short, Inflatable World is not a classy, foodie, or luxury travel destination. It is however a great place to take kids in Melbourne when the weather is either too hot or too yuck or just when they are driving you mad.
PS. I promise my next post with be a classy beach/wildlife one.
Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. You can join us on Facebook or Twitter to receive updates to your news feed.
That looks like so much fun. I LOVED that show. When can we go to Melbourne?? 🙂
If you come to Melbourne drop me a line and we can take the kids together.
I remember going to see It’s a Knockout LIVE as kids. How fun! Love the review, love the photos, love the detail. Great useful post. If I was in Melb, I would be there.
Oh those bullies on the inflatable playground! There’s one at every indoor play center. Glad to hear your kids have each other’s back.
xo
You got to see It’s a Knockout Live? You are my new blogging hero! There seems to be heaps of Inflatable Worlds popping up in Melbourne at the moment so I think the odds of a couple making it to Brissy is reasonable – you may get to go to one of those before long.
Hello
What time do you open and is this suitable for a 7 year old on her own, being supervised by grandparents.
Sounds good on this website though
You would need to check with the individual centres regarding times but absolutely this is a great activity for a 7 yr old and grandparent
This looks so cool! The perfect place for a workout…this looks like exercise I’d love to do (I realise it’s supposed to be for the kids 😉 ) Were you the only people there?!
It was great that adults are able to play there too – usually it is only the kids that get a go. It was all trickier than I thought though – I ended up a bit bruised the next day! There was hardly anyone there I think as it is new.
HI there, I’m from South Africa and wondered if you sell these to SA?
I would be very interested and would appreciate a reply with approx cost and whatever
else would be needed?
Thank you
Jackie Mills
Hi Jackie. This is just a review of Inflatable World. I’d suggest you contact the company directly this is their website http://www.inflatableworldoz.com.au Good luck!
Interested in getting a franchise from you.
Please reply with details.
Thanks
Jackie