EMF Jnr play centre, Nerang

EMF Jnr have made a name for themselves with their two play centres (see my EMF Jnr Pacific Fair review here), which are without a doubt the biggest and the best on the Gold Coast.

It was created as the perfect place for parents to drop their kids off to play while they train, but it also encompasses kids specific training rooms, a creche, a party room and an epic play centre. Their training program includes children’s acro, bootcamp, dance, boxing and mums and bubs, all accessed through an EMG Jnr Membership. But what parents will be pleased to know, is that the play centre is also available for casual access!

The play centre is divided into 5 different zones – toddler play, trampolines, jumping castle, kids play and Ninja Warrior. The areas are all connected by a walkway and open spaces with cafe tables for parents to sit and watch – however the EMF Junior space is securely gated, with access only able to be provided by a staff member, so children are pretty safe confined within the centre.

The Toddler Play area is separately gated, so little ones can’t run off! In here you’ll find a great miniature version of the kids play zone, with a ball pit, climbing tower with obstacles, slides, mini roller coaster and see saws. It’s perfectly designed for little ones with varying levels of confidence and all kids will have fun in here.

The jumping castle is one of the biggest I’ve seen! With tunnels, slides, obstacles and things to climb, kids of all ages will love this space. For those wanting to bounce a little more, the epic trampoline area is probably my favourite feature of the play centre. An enclosed space with five trampolines around a foam pit, and three trampolines on the walls, this is the place for mastering all those tricks and jumps!

The main play zone is a huge structure with plenty of options. Tunnels lead in all different directions, a number of big slides provide a fast way down, swings hang from underneath the structure and a huge ball pit is at the base of the race slide. For even more fun, there is a palm tree with swinging balls to hang off and spin round!

Finally there is the Ninja Warrior course, an epic course for those 120cm and taller. This is an added cost ($35) for an hour long session and only available on select days as it must be supervised by an EMF employee and participants have to complete a safety induction.

Onsite facilities at EMF Junior include a cafe, toilets, parents room and a party room. There is plenty of car parking on site, and the centre is easily accessed from the M1, making it a perfect location for anyone on the Gold Coast. The centre can be busy on weekends and after school, but given the size of the facility it definitely doesn’t feel anywhere near as crowded as regular play centres – this place is a game changer. If you’ve got little ones not in school, visit during school time and have run of the place!

Need to know:

• Address: 33 Hinkler Drive, Upper Nerang
• Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm, Saturday 8am – 4pm, Sunday 8am – 3pm
• Website: https://emfpc.com.au/clubs/emf-jnr-nerang/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emfjnr/
• Price: Casual visits are $10 per child on weekdays, $15 per child on weekends, school holidays and public holidays. Adult entry is free. 1 Hour on the Ninja Warrior course is $35 per person.