If there were ever two words guaranteed to divide the generations, it’s these: soft play. Toddlers, pre-schoolers and older kids love it, and parents tolerate it, hoping it’ll keep their children happy, dry and occupied for a couple of hours while they have a quiet cup of something hot (dream on). Whether soft play conjures up images of dusty ball pools or happy children, it serves a purpose, especially on rainy days when you just can’t face a wet walk to the park (check out our ideas for things to do on a rainy day in York here) or when it’s just too hot to be outside. Thankfully, York is lucky to have some excellent indoor play options that are clean, fun and have a whole variety of activities to keep little ones (and bigger ones) on the move until it’s time to go home. Here’s our pick of the best.
Soft play in York
1. The Web Adventure Park
Offering almost 7 acres of indoor and outdoor activity for children of all ages, The Web Adventure Park is one of the best places to play in York. The indoor, soft play area is huge, with massive climbing frames, astro-slides, ball cannons, sensory area and sports zone. There’s a decent area for non-walkers, ride-ons for toddlers, a dance floor and roleplay village. Outside are animals, fairground rides and a huge adventure playground with a water play area. It’s a bit more expensive than other options, but there’s nothing else like it in York and you can easily spend a day there. The Web Adventure Park, Cliftongate Business Park, Wigginton Rd, York YO32 2RH – Visit The Web Adventure Park website
2. Agility York
Agility isn’t your typical soft play, but York’s indoor fitness park offers plenty of fun for kids, including a Gladiators-style ninja warrior course. For little ones up to three, there’s a dedicated soft play area with slides, a climbing wall, and building blocks located within the café so you can relax with a drink while keeping an eye on them. Younger children can also take on the larger ninja warrior course during special Ninja Warrior Tots sessions. Agility Parks, London Ebor Business Park, Millfield Ln, Nether Poppleton, York YO26 6QY – Visit the Agility York website
3. Toddlers World at York Leisure Centre
Situated within the Sports Hall at York Leisure Centre, Toddlers World is a fun and interactive soft play session for children in York aged from 6 months up to 5 years. The Jungle Bouncer has an integrated soft matting area with jungle animal play shapes. There’s also a separate matted area with more fun soft play shapes. Toddler’s World is perfect for burning off energy and socialising with friends, and it’s really good value too. York Leisure Centre, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Dr, Huntington, York YO32 9AF – Visit the York Leisure Centre website
4. Oxygen York
With a colourful ball pit, mini obstacles and dual slides, the soft play area at Oxygen York is the perfect place to keep babies and toddlers entertained and active. Little ones can have fun, explore and interact with other children in a safe space away from the big kids. The soft play area is reserved for children aged 0-5 years. There are Toddler Stay and Play sessions at the trampoline park in York for tiny free jumpers! Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, Rawcliffe, York YO30 4XU – Visit the Oxygen York website
5. Flip Out York
Flip Out York has a dedicated soft play area for younger children (under 160cm) where kids can run, jump, climb and flip. A popular choice for toddlers, it’s guaranteed to wear them out. Flip Out, 3-7 Rose Ave, York YO26 6RU – Visit the Flip Out website
6. Crazy Tykes
Located a short drive from York, Crazy Tykes is a popular indoor play centre catering for 0 to 13-year-olds. Expect a multitude of slides, multi-sports area, basketball nets, softball cannons, ball pools and a separate toddler area for under fours. There’s a cafe serving hot and cold food, and an outdoor play area too. Crazy Tykes, 650, Thorp Arch Trading Estate, Wetherby LS23 7FJ – Visit the Crazy Tykes website
