SOFT PLAY AREAS are set to reopen from May 17- much to the relief of parents who are eager to keep their kids entertained.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the reopening in Monday press conference (10 May).
However, deciding which soft play areas to visit can be tricky- and you need to decide fast as places are expected to fill up quickly.
Here are some soft play areas with the best reviews- and what previous visitors have been saying about them:
What are the rules about attending soft play?
It’s not yet known how soft play centres will operate when they reopen- as there aren’t any direct guidelines available.
However, here are some of the rules and guidelines that were in place across many soft play areas when they were allowed to reopen after previous lockdowns:
- Reduced visitor capacity
- Face coverings for people age 11 and over
- Online pre-booking
- Temperature checks for staff and visitors
- Removing tables and chairs to separate family groups
- Perspex screens at reception and cafes
- Hand sanitiser units and extra hand washing stations
- Increased cleaning
- Air sterilisation and ventilation
- New cafe procedures
- Antibacterial fogging
- Removal of loose play items such as ball pits
The best-reviewed soft play areas in Worcestershire
All Things Wild, Honeybourne, Evesham
Reopening date: 17 May
Price: £12-£14
Rating: 4.5 based on 144 reviews
What reviewers have been saying:
Soft play is just one of the areas your kids can play in at this Nature Centre.
One person wrote: “Absolutely brilliant. I haven't been her for 18 months and I was amazed at the improvements made in that time. Both my toddlers absolutely LOVED it.”
The Kidz Barn, Aggborough, Kidderminster
Reopening date: 31 May
Price: £1-£5
Rating: 4.5 based on 144 reviews
What reviewers have been saying: “Always been impressed with their level of cleanliness and professionalism but even more so since reopening after lockdown. Would not hesitate to recommend.”
Another wrote: “First soft play place we have taken our 14 month old as I thought they were all for older kids, I have seen another one nearby and it looked too basic to keep her entertained, but the kidz barn kept her entertained for the whole time we were there!”
Imagination Street, Astwood Bank, Redditch
Reopening date: 17 May
Price: £6.50-£9
Rating: 4.3 based on 725 reviews
What reviewers have been saying:
Kate Skyrme said: “Ideal place for kids to let off steam so they sleep well!
“ Ample parking on an industrial estate, large soft play frame with other games and iPads etc around the edge.
“Plus separate trampolining section with hoops, tumble runs.”
Another wrote: “Another great visit, we took our daughter for a bit fun and exercise.
“The staff are always polite and working hard to provide a great visit.”
Little Acorns, Everoak Industrial Estate Unit
Reopening date: 21 May
Price: £6 per child for 2 hours
Rating: 4.3 based on 240 reviews
What reviewers have been saying:
Fiona Dugmore said: “Absolutely brilliant! The kids loved it.
“The food was great, the staff were lovely and we can't wait to come back again.”
Another wrote: “Absolutely wonderful place, so worth a trip.
“My son loved this place when he was little and now my daughter is loving the experience. The staff are always helpful and it is always super clean.”
Joe’s Jungle Soft Play, New Meadow Rd, Redditch
Reopening date: 17 May
Price: From £5
Rating: 4.2 based on 252 reviews
What reviewers have been saying: “We go here often as the baby/toddler section is closed off and staff are vigilant to keep over 3's out, so young kids don't get hurt.
“The toddler section is also gated so they can't disappear and has a seating area within it so you can play with your little one but also let them interact with the other kids while you supervise”
Another said: “Great place to keep the kids happy while chilling out. Food was very good and generous portions. The coffee is good too. The price is great and the staff are very helpful. Highly recommend”
360 Play Town Redditch, Evesham St, Redditch
Reopening date: 17 May
Price: £3.50-£5.50
Rating: 4.3 based on 240 reviews
What reviewers have been saying:
Jessie Barker said: “Absolutely love this place! My son is autistic and we go to the SEN nights once a month, there so much to play on including a carousel!”
Another wrote: “My 1 year old loved it! I think more resources for younger children would push it to 5 stars. The baby play area is very small compared to play areas and activities for the older children.”
Cheeky Monkeys, Cherry Orchard, Worcester
Reopening date: 17 May
Price: £3-£5.50
Rating: 4.2 based on 144 reviews
What reviewers have been saying: “Friendly staff, good play space, good value food and drinks and great entry price. Compared with other soft play places it feels nice and relaxing, not too chaotic.”
Lea wrote: “This place isn't as good as others in the area, but it's often pretty quiet.”
Another said: “Love this place! Both kids go crazy here and the staff are so welcoming, helpful and kind. They really know how to make you feel welcome.”
Wacky Warehouse- Strawberry Field, Charity Crescent, Evesham
Reopening date: 17 May
Price: £3-£5.50
Rating: 3.7 based on 79 reviews
What reviewers have been saying:
One person wrote: “Great place to take the children, especially when you want to tire then out but have a rest yourself.
“The girls serving are lovely but always busy and there's never enough of them. Also the play equipment is in serious need of a deep clean...don't send the kids in with white socks.”
Another wrote: “Friendly staff who were quick to clear tables.
“Foods plentiful and cheap. If quiet allowed to stay as long as you like making it very good value for money.”
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