If you are looking to visit a soft play in Essex then check out this guide to soft plays in Essex. From small facilities best suited to preschoolers all the way through to huge play frames which will keep older children happy. There is a great choice of soft play centres in Essex. You can view them on a map at the end of the post to help you find your nearest venue.
|
| Soft play venues in Essex for toddlers through to tweens |
While there are attractions in Essex which include a soft play this list only includes standalone soft plays unless overall entry is under £10 per person.
I have included maximum age/ height information and if there is parking where this information is available. Prices, booking requirements and session times provided are as accurate as possible, but venues may change opening hours, prices etc without notice. Most venues recommend checking their Facebook pages for the latest information.
All soft plays require children to wear socks, and adults should bring some too just in case they need to go in the soft play too. It is recommended that arms and legs are covered, particularly if using slides to avoid friction burns. Most soft plays have food and drink available for purchase and ask you not to bring your own to the venue.
Sadly many of the soft plays in Essex have had to permanently close during the last couple of years and as more may need to in the future please check before travelling. Closures include: Cheeky Monkeez in South Woodham Ferrers, Creepy Crawlies in Chelmsford, Frankie's soft play in Romford, Wam Bam Boomerang in Burnham on Crouch and Wacky Warehouse at Moulsham Inn.
List of (Over 30) Soft Play Centres In Essex
Adventure Inside at Adventure Island, Southend
Adventure Island, Sunken Garden, Western Esplanade, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1EE
This big soft play is part of Southend's Adventure Island, but unlike the
“theme park” it is open all year round.
Age: "Under 10"
Toddler area (Play Pod) and main Play Stack spanning 6 storeys
£7 per person per child. Adventure Island annual passes also cover entry all year round, these are currently £60.
Open 11am to 6pm
Council pay and display parking in the area, no dedicated soft play parking
Age: "Under 10"
Toddler area (Play Pod) and main Play Stack spanning 6 storeys
£7 per person per child. Adventure Island annual passes also cover entry all year round, these are currently £60.
Open 11am to 6pm
Council pay and display parking in the area, no dedicated soft play parking
Ashlyns Play Barn, North Weald
5 High Road, North Weald Bassett, Epping CM16 6RZ
A medium size soft play with separate area for toddlers.
Open Monday to Wednesday 9am to 5pm, Thursday to Friday 9am to 6pm and 9am to 6.30pm on weekends with 2 hour time slots
Free car park
|
| Ashlyn's Playbarn |
Brewers Fayre, Chafford Hundred
Fleming Road, Unicorn Estate, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM16 6YJ
Age: No maximum age given, but maximum height is 1.45m
There is a small indoor play area in the Brewers Fayre restaurant plus a larger one that older children aged up to 12 can enjoy. They also have an outdoor play area. Prebooking recommended for the soft play (call to book). Under 1s are free
Open 12 to 7pm every day.
Come ‘n’ Play Cafe, Loughton. CURRENTLY CLOSED
65 The Broadway, Loughton, IG10 3SG
Age: 8 and under
This small soft play has a toddler area (strictly up to age 3 only, no older siblings) and a main play frame for ages 3-8 as well as lots of toys to play with and books too. They also offer private parties with a range of refreshment options.
0-11 months £2, 1-2 years £4.50, 2-8 years £5.50, adults £1 (with child), £2 additional adults.
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm and weekends 10am to 4pm (unless booked for a party).
Short stay public parking and pay and display car parks are available nearby.
Discovery Bay Adventure Play, Clacton Pier
1 North Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 1QX
Age: 12 and under
Separate play frame for babies and toddler and a role play area.
Online booking available. 0-11 months free, 1 - 3 years old £7, 4 - 12 years £8 and adults £1.50.
Open 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 6pm at weekends
No onsite parking, nearest car parks are Agate Road or High Street.
Go Bananas,
Colchester
9 & 10 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1BX
Age: 12 and under
Go Bananas has a Tiny Town area for age 4 and under with a huge variety of
activities for little ones to do and Aztec Adventure which is the play
frame for older children. Like most soft plays they do parties, unlike
most these can be for older children or even adults and they can do
sleepovers!
Prebooking not currently required. 0-5 months free, 6 months -
11months £3.95, 1 - 4 years old £6.95, 5 - 12 years £8.95 and adults
£3.
Open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 6.30pm, Sunday 10am-6pm
Free parking, free wifi.
Jolly Jungle, Dagenham
The Jolly Jungle, Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, Althorne Way, Dagenham, RM10 7FH
Age: under 12s and shorter than 148cm.
Part of Everyone Active at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre
Visits must be prebooked, which can be done
via the website. Sessions are 2 hours long. Juniors £7.90, adults free.
Monday to Thursday 10:00-7:00pm, Friday 10-7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 9.30am-7:00pm
although it can be closed for VIP exclusive hire parties so check ahead.
Jungle Adventure, Colchester
Peartree Retail Park, Moss Road, Stanway Colchester CO3 0LE
Age: Under 12s
A family run soft play and role play village with some additional bookable
activities like crafts.
Book online, prices vary for each age up to a maximum of £8.85 at peak times
for children aged 6 years upwards. Adults £3.10/ £3.60 off peak/ peak and whether prebooked
Open 9.30am to 5.30pm with role play village open from 9.30 to 2pm on weekdays.
Kidzz Kingdom Softplay, Harlow Leisurezone
Second Avenue, Harlow, CM20 3DT
Age: 0-10
A soft play inside Harlow Leisure Centre. It has a small toddler area and
a good size main play frame. Limited seating for adults.
Book online or at the main reception.
Wristbands in operation at busy times with a minimum of 50 minutes per
session. Prices start at £3.30 vary depending on age and peak times.
Open 9.30am to 17.30 pm, but closed for an hour at 1.30 on weekdays.
Parking is free, but you need to ask for a token for the barrier at
reception when checking in for your session.
|
| Kidzz Kingdom is inside Harlow Leisurezone |
Kids Kingdom, Southend on Sea
Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 4FA
Age: 0-12 and under 5ft 2 inches (approx 157cm)
A large indoor play space with plenty of activities for older children
including a “jelly mountain” and drop slide.
Under 1s £3.50, children under 2 £5.50, 2 to 4 years £7, 5 to 12 years £8 and adults £1.50. You can
book online here
Open 7 days a week: 10am til 6pm, Bank Holiday hours may vary.
Kidspace,
Romford
The Brewery, Waterloo Rd, Romford, Essex RM1 1AU
Age: 12 and under
A large indoor place space with lots of activities including a soft play
frame, a soft ball blasting arena, go karts, climbing area, toddler zone
and other interactive activities.
Prebooking required for a 2 hours session. Children under 1 are free, under 3 £9, age 3
to 12 £13.50/£14.50 and adults from £4.50.
Opening hours vary, but generally 9 or 10am until 7 or 7.30pm.
Nearest car park is “The Brewery”
Krazy Kidz Cafe, Ongar
156-158 High Street, Chipping Ongar, CM5 9JJ
Age: up to 8
A small cafe which is great for private hire parties with a small baby
area and a play frame which is good for toddlers to 5 year olds (I think
it’s a bit small for 8 year olds personally).
Open: 9 to 5 Monday to Friday and closed at weekends due to private
parties (check their FB page for early closing on other days too)
Under 2's £4, over 2s £6 entry.
Under 2's £4, over 2s £6 entry.
A small amount of street parking is available outside or a pay and display
car park is available near the library.
|
| Krazy Kidz Cafe is a lovely size soft play for Preschoolers |
Let’s Go Bonkers, Burnham on Crouch
Units 7 & 8 Station Industrial Estate, Foundry Lane, Burnham on Crouch, CM0 8RW
Age: 0 to 12 years and under 148cm
A soft play with two play frames
Sessions are bookable via their website. Prices: under 2 (including non-walkers) £3.50,
2-4 year olds £5.95, 5 and over £7.25.
Open daily 10am to 2.30pm.
Mace Playce,
Chelmsford
Unit 3, Cuton Hall Lane, Springfield Trading Estate, Chelmsford, CM2 6PB
A family run soft play with separate areas for over and under 5s as well
as a baby area and games area
Age: 0 to 12 years.
Non walkers £3.50 (or free with a paying
sibling), under 5’s £7.50, 5-12 years £8.50, adults £1.50
Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 11am
to 6pm. They close at 3.30pm on the first Tuesday of every month for their SEND session which runs from 4pm to 6pm.
Limited on site parking
Mace Playce City Centre, Chelmsford
68 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6JY
Age: 0-6. Children over 7 can come in, but not use the equipment. They have wifi, food and activity packs available to purchase.
A smaller version of the popular soft play in the city centre.
Non walkers £3.50 (or free with a full paying sibling), under 7s £7.50,
adults £1.50
Open: 9.30am to 3pm
No parking, but multi-storey parking available near by and there is a Tesco opposite where you get 3 hours parking with a £5 purchase (remember to scan your receipt at the machines on exit).
MegaPlay at the MegaCentre, Rayleigh
7 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7UT
Age: 11 and under
Located in the MegaCentre and run by a Christian charity
Prices range from £2 for under 1s (or free if accompanying a paying sibling) and adults to between £4.95 and £7.95
for children depending on age peak/ off peak. Sessions must be prebooked
online or by calling 01268779100
Open from 9.30 for 2 hour sessions with 30 minutes break in between
sessions for cleaning. Early closing Monday and Tuesday at 2pm.
Free parking available
Monkey Bizzness, Hockley
14 Eldon Way, Hockley, Essex SS5 4AD
Age: 11 and under, maximum height 5ft 2 (approx 157cm)
Separate areas for under 2s and under 4s, a role play zone, mini football
pitch and small quad biking area.
You can book online via the website. Under 1’s £4 (or free with a paying
sibling), Under 2’s £7, 2 to 4 years £8, 5 to 11 years £9, adults
£3, but there is a discount if you book in advance online.
Open from 9am most days. Timed session slots shown when booking.
Car parking available
Monkey Bizness, Rochford
6 Purdeys Way, Rochford, SS4 1ND
Age: not stated on website so if taking over 10s I recommending calling
for maximum age/ height rules
Prebooking not required. Under 9 months free, 9 to 12 months £3.95,
1 to 3 £7.50/ £8.50, 4 plus £8.50/ £9.50. Climbing add on for children over 4 years £2/ £2.50.
Adults £1.75/ £2.25 off peak/ peak
Open Monday to Sunday 9.30 to 6pm
Parking available.
 |
| The new monkey kingdom soft play |
Monkey Kingdom, Loughton
Unit G3, Monkey Kingdom, Sterling House, Langston Rd, Loughton IG10 3TS
Age: 12 and under
Medium size soft play with areas catering to children from 3 months up to 12 years (although it's probably minimal interest to over 8s). Sessions last 90 minutes. There is a cafe in the same building, but you have to leave the soft play area to access it. It's also worth noting that there isn't a lot of space for pushchairs, but they now have step free access.
Under 1 year - free, 1 to 4 year £9.50, 5 to 12 years £12.50, adults £2.50.
Open Monday to Saturday 9.15am-5.45pm, Sunday 9.45am-4.30pm
Walk-ins accepted when available but within normal session times.
Small amount of free parking for up to three hours with validation with additional parking at Sterling House at the weekend.
Monkey Madness Play Centre, Basildon
Monkey Madness, Miles Gray Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 3GN
One of the tallest play frames in the country and separate areas for under
5’s and babies/ toddlers.
Under 1s free, 1 to 3 £7.50, 4 to 8 £9.50, 9+ £10.50. Adults £1.50 (Based on 2 hour session)
Opening times: Monday
and Thursday 9.30am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 6.30pm, Sunday
and Bank Holidays 9.30am to 5.30pm. They recommend checking Facebook for early closing announcements on other days.
Parking available.
Monkey Puzzle
at Madison Heights Maldon
Park Drive, Maldon, Essex CM9 5JQ
Age: up to age 12.
The largest indoor soft play centre in the South East (according to their
website). Located inside Madison Heights “Entertainment Centre” which also
has bowling and roller skating.
No prebooking or time slots required. 6 to 11 months £2, 1 year £6, 2 to 4 £8.50, 5 plus £9.95.
Open Monday and Tuesday 9.30 to 3pm in term time and 5.30pm school holidays, Wednesday to Sunday 9.30 to 5.30 and 7 days a week in school
holidays.
Nickelodeon Adventure, Lakeside, Grays
612 The Quay, Intu Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM20 2AD.
Maximum age 12 (and maximum 2 adults a family)
Not strictly speaking a soft play, but it's a great inside adventure park
for little ones with themed areas including Paw Patrol.
You can book online or in person, but online is cheaper. Children under
90cm go free. Online price for children: £12.99 and adults: £5.99. Entry is for a 2.5 hour timed session, but off peak they don't seem to monitor this.
Open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday and school holidays 10am to 6pm
Plenty of free parking at Lakeside. The closest car parks are 10 and 12.
Partyman, Braintree
Partyman World of Play Braintree, Century Drive, Off Charter Way, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8YL
Age: up to 13 years
No need to prebook. 6-12 months £2.25/ £3.25, 1 to 3 years £5.95/ £7.95, 4
to 13 years £7.45/ £10.35, adults £2.85/ £4.50 off peak/ peak.
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 6.30pm, Weekends 10am to 6.30pm
Parking available
Partyman, Lakeside
Partyman World Of Play Lakeside, Unit 9 The Boardwalk, West Thurrock Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZP
Age: up to 13 years
A soft play inside Lakeside shopping centre with a separate area for
toddlers.
No need to prebook. 6-12 months £2.25/ £3.25, 1 to 3 years £5.95/ £7.95, 4
to 13 years £7.45/ £10.35, adults £2.85/ £4.50 off peak/ peak
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 6.30pm, Weekends 10am to 6.00pm
Lakeside has plenty of free parking. Parking near
the Boardwalk is closest to Partyman
 |
| Having fun at Partyman soft play |
Pickles Playhouse, Witham
Unit 12, 27 Crittall Road, Witham, CM8 3DR
Age: 7 and under
Book via the website for either 1, 2 or 3 hours and prices vary accordingly. Entry is free for 1 adult per child. Prices for 1 hour: under 6 months are £2, under 1s £4.50, 1 to 4 years £6.50, 5 to
7 years £7.25. Additional adults £2.
Free parking available
The Playbarn,
Sawbridgeworth
Parsonage Lane, Sawbridgeworth, CM21 0NG
Age: up to age 10 or 145cm
Separate baby and toddler area (for up to age 3), they also have some slides and climbing equipment outside if the weather is ok.
You can book into a timed session via their website. Under 1s £5, (or £1 if with paying sibling), over 1 £8.50, non playing children (eg over 10s) and adults £2.95 although first adult is free.
Tuesday to Friday it is open from 9.30 to 5.30pm, Saturdays 10am to 5pm. Closed for general entry on Sundays and Mondays.
Free parking available
Playpalz, Clacton On
Sea
Telford Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 4LP
Age: 12 and under
Playpalz has taken over and renovated the space owned by Rascals
when it closed in August 2020
Booking not required. Under 6 months free, 6 to 12 months
£2.50, 1 to 3 years £6.50, 4 to 12 years £8, adults £1.50. Weekdays in term time over 1s get a free meal between Midday and 6pm.
Open 7 days a week 10am to 6pm, but Monday from 3.30 is reserved for SEND children and
also possible private bookings in the week.
Free onsite parking
Rock Up, Lakeside
Lakeside, Thurrock Way, RM20 2ZP
Age: Under 8s
A soft play session within Rock Up which has climbing walls, separate
entry price for the soft play.
Advanced booking not required, but recommended and it's cheaper online.
Under 6 months free, 6 to 12 months £4.95, 1 to 7 £7.95, adult spectators free.
Slots available between 9.30 to 5pm daily.
Free car parking, park near the station for easiest access.
|
| Rock Up Climbing Centre has a good size soft play |
Small Monsters, Corringham, Stanford-Le-Hope
The Village Hall, Woolifers Avenue, Stanford-Le-Hope, SS17 7QT
A small soft play for younger ones up to age 6.
You can just turn up without prebooking, but check their Facebook page for closures,
0-5 Months free, 6-11 Months £1.00, 12-18 Months £2.50, 18-23 months £3, Children 2 years
& over £4, adults free
Mon-Fri 9:00am - 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm
Free wifi
Stay and Play, Basildon
Durham Road, Laindon, Essex, SS15 6PH
Booking required for peak times and timed sessions in operation, weekdays
prebooking often not required and unlimited stay available. Call 01268
491511 to book your session or book via their website. Under 6 months free with paying sibling, 6-11 months - £3, 1 year - £6, 2 years - £7, 3 years - £7.50, 4 years plus £8, adults
£2.
Monday to Sunday, sessions running: 09:00 - 11:00, 11:15 - 13:15, 13:30 -
15:30 and 15:45 - 17:45
White Elm Petting Farm, Bicknacre
White Elm Garden Centre, White Elm Road, Danbury, Bicknacre, Chelmsford, CM3 4LR
White Elm is primarily a farm with play areas, but it has a nice
softplay with toys and a day out there is cheaper than some standalone soft plays. It’s
located in the garden centres grounds (go past the restaurant and right). Soft play for under 8s only.
Prebooking required. Under 6 months free, children £7.95, adults £8.95
At weekends and school holidays sessions are 9am to 12.30pm or 12.30pm to 4pm (Playbarn closed 9am to
10.15am and from 3.30pm on weekends for private parties)
Free car park
|
| The Play Barn at White Elm Petting Farm is lovely for children age 6 and under |
Wild ’n’ Wacky,
Harlow
Mill Court, Edinburgh Gate, Harlow, Essex. CM20 2JA
Age: up to 12 years
Booking required for peak times, peak sessions 90 minutes.
Online prices: 6 to 12 months £3.25/ £3.75, 1 to 3 years £6.75/ £8.25, 4 to 12 years £8.25/ £9.25, adults £2.25/ £3.25 (off peak/ peak).
Online prices: 6 to 12 months £3.25/ £3.75, 1 to 3 years £6.75/ £8.25, 4 to 12 years £8.25/ £9.25, adults £2.25/ £3.25 (off peak/ peak).
Open 9.30 to 5.30pm.
Car park next door (but tariff applies). If you park in the right place there is free parking for up to 3 hours if you register your car details at reception.
360 play, Basildon
Festival Leisure Park, Festival Way, Basildon SS14 3WB
Age: 12 and under
A large soft play with a separate area for toddlers (upstairs) next to a
role play village. There is also a carousel, go karts and a climbing wall
(add-on fee for climbing)
Under 1s free, 1 to 3 from £6.85, 4 to 12 from £7.90, teens from and adults from £3.45. Additional 10% charge per person if not booked in advance.
Sessions are 2 hours, but if not at capacity you can stay longer.
Sessions are 2 hours, but if not at capacity you can stay longer.
Open everyday 10am to 6pm.
Free car parking
|
| 360 Play in Basildon has a huge soft play frame |
You might also be interested in these posts:
No comments
Thanks for your comment (unless it's spam in which case, why?)