If there were ever two words guaranteed to divide the generations, it’s these: soft play. Toddlers, pre-schoolers and older kids love it, parents tolerate it, hoping that 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 and indoor play in and around 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. The Laughing Giraffe
The Laughing Giraffe is a friendly and welcoming indoor play centre in Boroughbridge, offering active and engaging play. It’s an exciting and secure environment where children can develop skills through play. They can interact with other children, become confident in climbing, exploring and developing their independence, but most importantly there is lots of fun to be had! The Laughing Giraffe, 7 Becklands Close, Roecliffe, York YO51 9NR – Visit the Laughing Giraffe website
3. Agility York
There are lots of fun and games to be had for children at Agility, York’s indoor fitness park with a ninja warrior course. There’s a little soft play area for children up to three years old with slides, a climbing wall and building blocks, right next to the cafe so you can relax with a drink while keeping an eye on your child. Younger children can also attempt the larger ninja warrior course during the Ninja Warrior Tots sessions. Agility Parks, London Ebor Business Park, Millfield Ln, Nether Poppleton, York YO26 6QY – Visit the Agility York website
4. 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 6 months – up to 5 years. The brand new Jungle Bouncer has an integrated soft matting area with jungle animal play shapes. There is also a separate matted area, again with more fun soft play shapes. Toddler’s World is perfect for burning off energy and socialising with friends. York Leisure Centre, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Dr, Huntington, York YO32 9AF – Visit the York Leisure Centre website
5. 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
