Playtime for Younger Children From soft play to role play, Joanne Townsend looks at local destinations ideal for reception and key stage 1 children.
Lost World
Full of Beans
Location: Unit 5b, Serpentine
Location: Unit 3, Sedgefield Court, Bourne PE10 0YD Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-6.30pm. What's on offer: This café offers soft play with a three-tiered area that
Green Shopping Centre, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8BE
Opening Hours: Monday-
will capture youngsters' imagination. While adults are tucking into a wide array of cold and hot drinks and delicious cakes, the children can play in the fun area that has 28 different activities, slides and an interactive tablet.
Friday- 9.30am-5pm term time, 10am-5.30pm school holidays, Saturday- 10am-5.30pm and Sunday- 10am-3.30pm.
There is also an area for younger siblings to enjoy and the play structure is easily overlooked by the tables.
What's on offer: With an
Why it’s great for this age range: From the slides to the tunnel, the
Amazon rainforest theme, this soft play centre, located in Serpentine Green, offers a fun new experience for children. Lost World has several indoor soft play areas with a dedicated section for toddlers, a fun spiralling slide and plenty to climb and explore.
soft play is perfectly designed for the younger age group. Reception and key stage 1 children will play independently and will grow confidence on the soft play.
Extras: Keep an eye on Full of Beans social media for discounts. Birthdays: They offer exclusive hire parties.
The centre also has an interactive gaming wall that is unique and fun for children to try. For mini adventurers, there is the option of five-metre climbing walls with a timer to encourage their competitive streak. A true stand-out option is their 360 degree volcano slide. If they reach the top, they get to go down the exciting slide.
Why it’s great for this age range: The theme stands out and younger children will love this unique design. The soft play will capture their interest without being too daunting and the interactive wall is a fun extra. They will love having a go at trying the climbing wall and volcano slide which offer a great opportunity to enhance their climbing skills.
Extras: You can get a free hot drink when visiting with the advert on
www.fullofbeans.co.uk
The PlayTown Location: Unit 5, Meadowpark Ridge Industrial Estate, Essendine, Rutland PE9 4LT
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm.
What's on offer: A role play centre that sparks the child’s imagination with 12 fun themed areas including a vets, a shop, a fire station and a café. With fun toys and costumes, The PlayTown is creatively designed as a little town with plenty to explore and play with during the hour and a half session.
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Birthdays: They offer birthday parties during their sessions and also do exclusive hire.
Why it’s great for this age range: Roleplay is such an important
www.lost-world.co.uk
part of early development and this centre is specifically aimed at children under seven. From building their social skills to sparking their imagination, The PlayTown offers a fun yet educational experience that this age range will love.
Safari Play Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8SB
Extras: Themed sessions at seasonal times such as a Christmas event. Birthdays: They offer exclusive hire parties on weekends and mini
Opening Hours:
parties during their sessions.
Monday-Sunday 9.30am-6pm (6.30pm on Saturdays, Sundays and School holidays).
www.theplaytown.co.uk
Location: 18 Coningsby Park,
What's on offer: The biggest
Petite Street
soft play frame in the East England region, Safari Play has two large areas with plenty to explore. From fun safari-themed slides to sports activities, this soft play experience is thrilling and challenging for kids.
Location: 21 High Street, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7DU
Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday
Safari Play also has fun rides on cars and its very own Volcano slide that will boost your child’s climbing skills. Another great feature of Safari Play is their role play area which has a bakery and a builders' hut the kids will love. This area also has interactive play that the kids will enjoy.
Why it’s great for this age range: Younger children have their own three-tiered area to play in, or if they are confident enough, they can go on the larger frame which has numerous slides and soft play to enjoy. The role play area is great for their development and there is plenty of room to move around so it’s not too overwhelming for younger children.
Extras: They offer a cheaper price for after-school adventures and you can buy an annual pass. There is a Jungle Kids Holiday Club during the holidays and they hold SEND events. Claim a free drink with the advert opposite.
10.30am-2.30pm , Saturdays 10.30am3.30pm.
What's on offer: A roleplay centre with a variety of playrooms that include a police station, a diner and vets. With numerous toys, activities, and opportunities to dress up, kids can try out different professions. There is also an outdoor area with a variety of ride on toys, bikes and a playhouse to use.
Why it’s great for this age range: A great opportunity to develop communication skills, the under seven age range can learn more about professions and make new friends. Young kids will love the themed rooms and can play outside too.
Birthdays: Themed parties can be held throughout their sessions.
Extras: Petite Street offers themed events with characters. Birthdays: Exclusive party hire is available.
www.safariplay.co.uk/peterborough
www.petitestreet.co.uk
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