Move To Nanaimo

27 August 2008

Fall is coming…

Posted by Ryan Coffey under: Uncategorized .

I found this a couple of weeks ago in one of the local newspapers. It was pre-emptive at the time as the summer was still in full swing but now that we are seeing the first murmurings of fall, it makes me think of the rains that will follow as fall becomes winter. Growing up on the island (that’s Vancouver Island to you non locals) I remember many a rainy day spent doing indoor activities and not being bothered by it at all. I must however admit that I feel a certain amount of jealousy because the kids have so much more available now.

Rain can dampen outdoor plans, but it doesn’t have to ruin the entire day.

Here’s a look at a few of Nanaimo’s best indoor playgrounds, where kids or the whole family can escape the bad weather and enjoy the day.

1) Jumping Jiminy’s Playland & Cafe

This 8,000 square-foot indoor playground is a kids’ paradise. The massive play structure, ping pong & air hockey tables, private party rooms, toddler section and 80-seat cafe keeps children entertained for hours. Parents or caretakers can relax in the cafe with a clear view of the whole facility. The menu has something for everyone and parents who need to get some work done can hook up to Jumping Jiminy’s wireless Internet for free. Admission is free for adults and prices range from $4.25 (children aged 10-23 months) to $9.25 for kids aged 4-12. There are discounts for three or more children. Located at #400-2980 Island Highway North, 250-729-0999.

2) Nanaimo Aquatic Centre

Families can exhaust themselves inside this massive water park. The swimming pool is open all day and the slides, hot tub, sauna, steam room and diving boards offer everyone something fun to do. Admission for children is $2.75, Adults $5.25 and a family day pass (maximum two adults and three children) is $10.50. 750 Third St., 250-756-5200.

3) Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing Centre

Pop in for a quick climb at this indoor facility with 7,500 square feet of climbing surface. The $7 per-person introduction lesson lets newbies try out the ropes twice to see if they like it. An all-day family pass (four members) is $60, but kids aged six to 18, who know how to belay and can do their own rope work can get an all-day pass for just $8. 4385-B Boban Dr., 250-751-7625.

4) Bowling

Brechin Lanes offers 16 lanes of computerized five-pin bowling.

Adults are $3.75 per game, 15 and under are $3.50 and shoe rental is $1.50.

For 90 minutes of bowling mania, families can choose the Kingpin package, which is one lane for six people including shoes, a jug of pop, a large french fries and six hot dogs all for $49.50. 1870 East Wellington Rd., 250-753-2341.

Splitsville gets the ball rolling with several 10-pin bowling lanes. Adults are $4.75 per game, children $4.25 and shoes are $2.50. 171 Calder Road, 250-754-2442.

5) Cyber City Adventures

It’s entertainment overload here. There are indoor and outdoor activities for those who aren’t scared of a little rain.

Inside, kids can play in the arcade ($25 for 85 tokens), laser tag ($9.99), or in the Tube N Tunnel soft play area (kids aged 2-5 cost $2.99, and kids aged 6-12 will cost $5.99 for an all day pass).

Go-karts rides cost $12.99 and the mini-golf is $5.99 or two for $10. 1815 Bowen Rd., 250-755-1828.

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