There were smiles, backflips and games played galore at the Launceston Entertainment Complex on Saturday, as families flocked back to the venue for the first time since COVID-19 forced it to close.
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Youngtown resident Janice Thiele and her three children were among the VIP members granted special early access to the venue ahead of its official reopening on Monday.
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Ms Thiele said it was one of the happiest days her children had experienced in recent months which were dominated by tough restrictions and orders to stay at home.
"My kids were arguing with each other and I was probably going a bit crazy ... I was constantly doing craft and baking," she said.
"They get a bit of cabin fever and when they've only got themselves to play with that makes it challenging.
"My kids love being here [Launceston Entertainment Complex] and seeing all the other kids interact and having a great time, they're pretty happy."
While juggling her work commitments and parenting responsibilities had been a challenge, Ms Thiele was happy Tasmania managed to halt the number of new COVID-19 cases diagnosed.
"We're very lucky in Tasmania I feel so fortunate to be living where we live," she said.
"My kids, because of my situation, were able to go back to school because I was an essential worker and that was great because like most parents, home schooling was a challenge."
Launceston Entertainment Complex owners Susan McGee and Scott Doughty said they were glad their business was back making people smile again.
"We decided to invite all our members for a members only event on Saturday because we've missed them and they've helped us with feedback and testing out our processes so everyone can feel safe and supported," Ms McGee said.
"We're fortunate because we had a massive space, we can still have our normal numbers but we've decided to reduce things by 25 per cent so that people feel comfortable.
"Through this whole thing we have found that people are very aware of how close someone is to them and there could be a little bit of anxiety so we want to reduce that for everyone."
Numerous changes had been made to allow the business to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms McGee said.
"We've created a new booking system so every experience is now bookable online and it's much better if people book online," she said.
"We've spaced out the amusements."
Mist foggers and increased sanitisation procedures were also introduced, along with changes to the obstacle course attraction.
"It was always a fairly confined space, but we've opened it quite a bit with more seating and spacing," Ms McGee said.
In addition to fun at the Launceston Entertainment Complex, Ms Thiele said her family planned to catch up with friends and head out to parks during the school holidays.
"We're actually going to Cradle Mountain for the first time on Monday and I think there's going to be snow which will be amazing," Ms Thiele said.
"The boys are going to a holiday program at the Door of Hope for one day."
School holiday activity ideas
- Kid's Paradise
- Launceston Lanes
- Village Cinemas
- Local libraries
- Tasmania Zoo
- Arts and craft
- Cooking
- Rascal Robot Art Space
- Parks or playgrounds
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
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