Soft play in London

[Kate3150]

Thinking of taking my toddler to London sometime in December. Can anyone recommend a good soft play suitable for a 2 year old? I’ve had a look online but not much really comes up. TIA X

Soft play in London is much the same as anywhere else, I imagine, and seems like a bit of a waste of a trip; but if you want to mix up soft play and some sightseeing / culture, the Museum in Docklands has a soft play area and other child-friendly bits.

The Discover Story Centre in Stratford is also a good shout but gets busy and you will need to book ahead.

Where in London?

Hullabaloo at the Sheriff Centre in West Hampstead is fantastic. It is inside the most beautiful church and also has a lovely cafe and a bar!!!!

Sorry should have said we’re meeting with friends (potentially) and looking for something to entertain toddler. Not sure if we’ll bother to be honest, as probably will be more hassle than it’s worth with travelling, naps etc but if we find something suitable for DS it might be a nice day out x

It’s not quite conventional soft play but Squish Space in the Barbican is pretty good for little and wouldn’t be too much a compromise on your itinerary since the Barbican is interesting in itself.

Or maybe a playground would be a better bet to get some energy out? Lots of great ones in the big parks!

@LakeShoreD- Yes, I was thinking a park would be nicer but I guess it’s just weather dependent 😞. I would really like to go but feels a bit daunting for the first time with a little 2 year old live wire lol.

Some great suggestions on here which I shall look into 👍🏻

The National Army Museum in Chelsea has a toddler friendly play space (Play Base). Adults are free. You do need to book a time slot in advance.

I meet friends at th South Bank centre, free, has a cafe, they don't mind kids running about, you can go and down in the lift and if the weather is ok you can walk five minutes towards the London eye a d there's a nice playground. Might be hardcore busy at the weekend though.

Where are you thinking of meeting friends so we can make useful suggestions

Well probably near St Pancras/Kings Cross but we don’t mind travelling a bit further out than this x

Have a look at the Instagram profile bablands.london her guides are great

Turbine hall at the Tate is good for letting off steam often, check the exhibits but often they are child friendly and there is lots of space. It's free

There's a nice one in Hammersmith opposite Charing Cross hospital that also has an ice cream bar

Gambado in Chelsea looks good but I haven’t been there personally so can’t give a review, it’s too far from me and I live in London so I’m sure you are going to want to go somewhere to where you are staying you won’t want to travel across London for soft play.

Gambados is amazing for children- one near us closed down, but I hear the Chelsea one is a carbon copy.

Thanks for all the great ideas 👍🏻👍🏻

The Playbase at the Army Museum is one of my favourites for my two year old.

I’ve been to Gambado once several years ago
I’d say it’s very expensive for a toddler as there’s a lot that’s too big for them

It’s also dark and windowless as I recall so not a nice space- whereas the National Army Museum is nice to be in and has other exhibits for older dc and adults plus a nice cafe

Squish space at the Barbican? You need to book and tickets are going quickly but it’s a couple of tube stops from kings cross. If the weather is ok, Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard at kings cross is good for a scoot/run around.
Depends what day it is but N1 inflatable fun have drop in sessions for soft play close to the area. Have a look on their Instagram.
I second the bablands.London suggestion on Instagram, she’s bloody amazing and I love her. Tbh I’d be tempted to look on her blog as she does a monthly round up of all good toddler friendly things all over London. I wouldn’t come all the way to visit London just for some soft play!
Would avoid kidzmania in Hackney if you are tempted. It’s filthy.

Oh also if you’re stuck, a lot of the better leisure centres have soft play options. Also some have trampoline parks and a couple have good splash pools. Cheap as well.

There's one at the postal museum in Holborn.

Ah just saw kings Cross area

Hmm chelsea will be a pain from there

Have a look at the Postal Museum - never been (not my side of London) but has a kids play area that looks good. And what 2 yr old doesn’t love a postbox??

Omg yes! Sorted at the postal museum. It’s ace, both of mine love it.

If the weather is good, Coram's Fields is an amazing park/playground near King's Cross. Although it looks like the city farm bit is closed at the moment and the cafe is only open at weekends. The playground is still fantastic though and you could pick up a coffee from Lamb's Conduit Street across the road:

www.coramsfields.org/