Yahoo Lifestyle 
Outrage over $300/month play centre membership
A new children’s play centre is raising eyebrows in Sydney.
Nubo, which is opening in Chatswood in the city’s north, touts itself as a unique and innovative learning experience that allows parents and kids to enjoy quality time together.
The space, which has a decidedly Scandi feel, aims to nurture kids’ curiosity by offering three kinds of playtime; free play, facilitated play with an educator, and structured workshops.
Even the name ‘Nubo’ has a special significance, and means ‘cloud’ in Esperanto, a language invented in the late 1870’s to foster harmony between people from different countries.
It all sounds pretty good, right?
Only there’s a catch: innovation comes at a cost, and it’s the price tag that’s really got parents talking.
Many mums and dads who have been eagerly awaiting the new Nubo centre – after one first opened in Alexandria – have been shocked by the cost of membership that is over $300 a month.
“Waited so long for this to finally open & now I found out it’s a crazy monthly fee to visit! Over $300!” one person commented to Nubo’s Facebook page.
“The pricing is out of control!! I’d love to have $300 a month spare play money, but that isn’t realistic when you have young children,” another mum said.
While some were just confused about what the price includes.
“What exactly do you get for $300 per month?? Is it just entry? Maybe a bottle of wine each visit for the parents,” someone suggested.
While the centre, which is finished with natural materials, is clearly different to your standard plastic-filled play centres, there certainly is a large leap in price point.
For instance, Brookvale’s Little Rascals, also in the north of Sydney, offers membership for $400 for a year, while you can pay just $215 for a two-year membership at Balmain’s Little Nicholson Street Play Centre.
Be spoke Nubo Chatswood representatives who stand by their services saying, “it is definitely value for money”.
“What you’re paying for is an unlimited access to the centre and all workshops ranging from science, technology, drama, cooking and arts.”
However, Nubo is highly recommending parents come in for a casual visit before signing up for the whole hog, with single visits costing a much more reasonable $10/hour for children under 2 or $12.50/ hour for children over two.
And unlike other play centres, this one isn’t just for the kids, parents aren’t simply encouraged to watch their kids, but to get involved and interact with their kids as they play.
“We’re all about enhancing quality time with your child,” the Nubo representative said.
Whether this takes your fancy is up to you, but it’s definitely a try before you buy type of experience.
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