(AD-PR Visit)
Address; Pavilion Shopping Centre, Thornaby, TS17 9FD
I visited with my sons Kamron (6) and Leo (11 months), my sister and my nephew Harvey (16 months). There was parking at the shopping centre which is free for 3 hours, and it was easy to get to from Darlington. It took us around 20 minutes to drive. It was around a 3 minute walk from the shopping centre car park, opposite the library in the centre.
🙋♀️ARRIVAL
We arrived just after lunchtime, and it was easy to spot as it had a very bright colourful front. This immedietely made us feel welcome and looking forward to our visit before we even entered.
Staff were friendly when we arrived and it was pretty quiet at first for a bank holiday! It did get busier though after we had been there for around an hour, but there was still enough seating and it didn't feel too overcrowded to me even though it turned out to be one of their busiest days they said.
⚽️PLAY AREAS
The main soft play area was fab for children under 8 I would say. My 6 year old loved it and gave it a 9 out of 10. Although it's not as big as some soft plays we've been to with larger slides and play equipment to climb, there was still plenty of room for him to run about diving over under and over and through the tunnel, there was some crazy mirrors, spinning pole and a wavy slide which he enjoyed and with his cousin Harvey too.
There are some role play sections but in all honesty these didn't seem that popular (they are the soft foam block type. I personally have found when visiting different soft plays that this type of role play equipment isn't as popular as when it's actual toys for the role play like wooden items for the shopping items for example). If your child enjoys this type of role play though there was a good selection.
There was a baby part of the main play frame with some activity boards, foam steps and a mini foam slide, foam blocks, soft footballs, a sensory play nest, some inflatable ride on animals and some ride on cars too, which they all had a go on and seemed to love!
This soft play was perfect for my nephews age I thought as he's at the age of running around exploring, and all of the soft play was in view and easy to get to him when needed. Leo was happy enough crawling around in the lower parts of the soft play. It would be good to have a few more baby toys if there was anything to add to the equipment, but it is kept very clean which was a bonus and I know this can be more difficult with baby toys. I think the sensory room which I mention below makes up for this.
✨SENSORY ROOM;
For private hire they have a fab sensory room, it's a decent enough size with good equipment in it including a ball pit, bean bags, sensory mats, bubble lamp, activity boards and sensory sequin boards. It's a nice relaxed alternative for babies and older children that may benefit from this. And it's not badly priced either for exclusive use of it.
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY
There are main toilets and a seperate disabled access toilet with baby changing. The building was fully accessible too for wheelchair users, and the role play areas and baby play section as well as some of the other soft play areas including magic mirrors and a spinning pole are on the lower part of the play frame, so there's a good amount on the ground for those with limited mobility.
🥪FOOD AND SEATING
The softplay equipment and tables were all very clean. We ordered some food and this was ok. We got some crumpets with dairy free spread for Harvey, and a kids hot meal for Kamron and I got a jacket potato with tuna and cheese. Leo just tucked into a bit of all of our foods. I would have preferred my cheese melted on my jacket potato but that's just me being picky. They don't have baby food pouches if you have a baby that is spoon feeding but you can bring your own and they will warm them up. It was busy when we ordered so the food did take a bit of time but expectations were set for so this when I ordered so it wasn't a disappointment and we were enjoying our time in the soft play anyway. Prices were reasonable for the food and the entry prices are reasonable too I think particularly for under 3s when comparing to similar venues.
Dietary requirements and Allergens; They can offer gluten free options including toasties and jacket potatoes and they can also offer these options dairy free including paninis too. Also some of the kids meals are dairy free. If you ask they will kindly let you know what is available as this may change occasionally.
I also had a look in the party room too and it looked good and a decent enough size, loved the themed walls :D
💭FINAL THOUGHTS
We will definitely visit again. They have various events on at different times too including character sessions. Blippi had visited on the morning session before we got there. Leo really seems to enjoy watching at the moment so we will have to return for one of these sessions I think! Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for future events.
I initially thought it may have been a bit young for Kamron but he really enjoyed it and found enough to burn off energy and enjoyed a chill with his little brother and cousin too. It's definitely perfect for babies and toddlers though.
It is also opposite the library and they hold children's events there so this could be a good option to combine. The centre has a few shops too if you needed to grab a few things whilst there.
If you are interested in visiting this venue you can follow their page on Facebook for updates or further info at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067524945839
It is generally walk in, no need to book unless there is a special event on.
I hope you enjoyed reading, please feel free to share and leave a comment :)
Comments