Overview
Ah to be young, answerable only to the demands of tiny attention spans and boundless energy. After a long week of being an adult (maybe you even had to wear a suit *shudder*), isn't it time you threw off the shackles of this overly corporate, sometimes-cynical world and got that marvellous imagination of yours going again? Or try and tap into that elusive child-like energy? Get stuck into some sugar, whirl round and round on a ferris wheel or get fiercely competitive over a game of Street Fighter. Here are eight spots where you can fully regress this weekend, from your childhood favourites to adult brands of immaturity.
ARCHIE BROTHERS CIRQUE ELECTRIQ
Step right up! The flashing lights and 'Bing! Bing! Bing!' of old-school arcade games, squeals and crashes on the speeding dodgem cars, ten-pin bowling and an interactive movie cinema — all of the grown-up thrills are ready and waiting at this Alexandria arcade (from the creative minds behind Holey Moley). There's an in-house cocktail bar (serving spiked shakes) and plenty of food, too, so bring your friends and your excitement for a night of nostalgic fun.
75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria
POTTERY CLASSES
It's a travesty that most day jobs don't let us spend near as much time with our hands in clay as school used to. You can find ceramics classes for all levels at Clay Sydney (in its Marrickville and Enmore studios); or head to Darlinghurst's September Studio to play with clay in amongst the blooms at the flowers-meet-ceramics space. You could make a mug for your mum, like you would've when you were her sweet and innocent child; or, you could take on the task of a dinner set, and bring a one-of-a-kind dining experience to your everyday.
PINOT AND PICASSO
Make sure to wear your paint smock (not your best frock) when you turn up for your session at Pinot and Picasso. There's a theme to suit every artistic proclivity — channel your inner Frida Kahlo, explore the human form or paint your pooch — and the classes are BYO, so you can be sipping vino while your create your masterpiece. With locations all over Sydney, it's time to lean in to craft time.
SEA LIFE SYDNEY AQUARIUM
If you're not enthusiastically looking forward to a trip to the aquarium, you've either developed the trademark adult-esque sense of cynicism or simply forgotten the magic of the depths. At Sydney's Darling Harbour offering, jellyfish rhythmically dance past towering viewing windows, there are fairy penguins in residence and even a tunnel that will have you walking alongside sharks. After your oceanic explorations, continue your fun long into the night at one of the nearby restaurants.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney
HOLEY MOLEY
Need a competitive outlet? Holey Moley is here with the goods. Your putts will meet partying at the golfing digs that see you swing your way through 18 fantastically on-theme holes. There's a neon-lit Pac-Man maze and an expertly recreated lounge room from The Simpsons; plus the chance to putt your way through Westeros — sitting atop the Iron Throne and all — and Hobbiton. Get a group together or verse your partner — after all, a little bit of rivalry is healthy.
LAWN BOWLS
If you still think a game of lawn bowls is exclusive to a population of people post-retirement age — all exclusively wearing their crisp whites — you need to head to the green, stat. Awaiting you and your gang is a sun-soaked afternoon — sans shoes — with bowls-club priced beers and the perfectly slow pace of the game. We've found the ten best spots for you to let the good times roll.
Kajo Merkert, Destination NSW
LUNA PARK
His smile may be horrifying (not to mention those eyelashes), but you can't help but be drawn to the moon that guards Luna Park. Recently undergoing a $30-million makeover, the magic of the harbourside fun park is better than ever. Take a spin on the ferris wheel high above the water, stick to the walls as you whirl round and round in The Rotor or get nostalgic with the old-fashioned games in Coney Island. Kids in tow or not, buzzing energy and excitement is guaranteed to be unleashed at Luna Park.
Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point
RAGING WATERS SYDNEY
If you're after a day of honest, child-like joy, Raging Waters Sydney is the place to head. In the realm of waterslides, there are steep drops and loops galore, rainbow race tracks to get competitive and slower options for the more cautious among us. This stand-out wet and wild day-tripper is just a 40-minute drive from the centre of Sydney. Opening hours fluctuate with the seasons, so make sure to check out the website before getting in the car.
427 Reservoir Road, Prospect
If you are looking for more places to channel your inner child, head to visitnsw.com.