14 soft plays to explore in Bristol

Before becoming a parent, it’s likely you have no idea that the world of soft play exists. It’s a place where children can go bonkers, within reason, and be safe; a place where, as a parent, you can semi-relax, knowing your child is having fun whilst also releasing all that stored-up energy. In the last five years, I’ve found many safe heavens that I go to because my children like them, and I can get a little bit of a break from the madness.

Cairns Road Cafe
Cairns Road Baptist Church, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7TH

My staple go-to is Cairns Road Cafe. There are separate play areas for babies, toddlers and under 5s, and not only is the soft play free but they also serve delicious homemade cakes and lunches that are very good value for money. It’s open until 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

PlaySpace Indoor Play and Party Centre
85 Barrow Road, St Phillip’s, Bristol, BS5 0AE

My children are a little older now and want to be challenged by more obstacles, which is why we go to Playspace. The softplay area is much bigger, but not daunting, and there’s more variety. The bonus for me is they also have a good selection of coffees and cakes, which we often treat ourselves to, plus it’s all very secure. Admission prices vary depending on age and start at £1.50 for under 1s.

Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Soft Play Cente
Argyle Morley Church, 5 Whitefield Road, St George, Bristol

Cheeky Monkeys offers lots of variety for both my four-year-old and two-year-old: this soft play has both a ball pit and bouncy castle (their favourites) as well as all the usual one-level soft play accessories. Admission is reasonably priced at £2.95 for children aged two and above.

Jungle Chums Soft Play Centre
Acorn Farm, Green Lane, Milbury Heath, GL12 8QW

Hidden down a little lane near Thornbury Garden Centre is a new find for us called Jungle Chums. Again it’s not too big and has plenty to keep the children entertained. This soft play caters to the abilities of both younger and older children and the bonus for me is that they have a good healthy menu. Admission prices vary depending on age starting at £1.50 for over 6 months.

Thornbury Garden Centre
Milbury Heath, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 8QH

As the kids have got a little older, we’ve become keen gardeners. What I mean is, my husband does the gardening whilst the kids and I try and help without getting in his way. This means we also like to visit garden centres, and Thornbury Garden Centre has become our go-to. The added attraction is that after we’ve settled on what greenery to buy, we can reward ourselves with a coffee and cake from the cafe whilst the children explore the intimate soft play, which is only £2.

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Noah’s Ark Play Centre
828a Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5LQ

Noah’s Ark Play Centre has everything kids want, from the two-storey play play frame with tunnels, slides and soft play obstacles, to the dedicated toddler area. Then whilst the children are busy wearing themselves out, us adults can sit back and relax whilst trying something from the cafe menu. Admission prices vary depending on age, starting at £1 for under-1s.

Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre Explore Adventure Play
Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, BS32 9BS

The newly refurbished soft play at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre has three storeys and there is something for everyone. The layout also makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids whilst relaxing in the cafe area. Admission prices vary depending on age, starting at £3.80 for under-2s during off-peak times.

Bristol Jump
22 Concorde Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5TB

If we’re feeling particularly brave, then I agree to go to Jump, which, for my children, is like hitting the jackpot. This is a labyrinth of a soft play and it also has two bouncy castles. There’s something for everyone including sectioned areas for different age groups and plenty of variety. Admission prices vary depending on age and start at £1.50 for under-1s.

The Play Shed Soft Play Centre
Rainbow Court, Armstrong Way, Yate, BS37 5NG

This new soft play facility in Yate isn’t too big and offers a little something for everyone. It’s a good space for meeting up with friends with children and either getting stuck in or sitting back and watching the young ones blow off steam. Admission prices vary depending on age, starting at £1.75 for over 6 months.

The Eastfield Inn Play Cafe
219 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4NQ

Located at The Eastfield Inn, this play cafe is free and has plenty to entertain the under-4s. Plus you could always treat yourself to a mid-morning coffee and a cheeky slice of cake. Admission is free for babies, toddlers and children aged up to four years.

Jaq’s Leisure Soft Play
Kemps Garden Centre, Coalpit Heath, Bristol, BS37 8QZ

Located inside Kemps Garden Centre, Jaq’s Leisure Soft Play has something to entertain all ages, from a soft farmyard area for the little ones to the more challenging play frame area, including a ballpit. Admission prices vary depending on age and start at £1 for children aged under 12-months.

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KudaCan
7 Dongola Ave, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 9HG

A one-stop-shop for all things soft play, KudaCan ticks most of the boxes. An adventure play zone that meets the needs of children up to age seven, plus a dedicated area for under-2s. Add to this the KudaCafe with its varied menu and everyone should be happy. Admission prices vary depending on age and start at £3.50 for over children over six-months.

Eddie Catz
Cribbs Causeway Retail Park, Bristol, BS34 5TX

Located inside Mothercare at Cribbs Causeway, Eddie Catz has lots to offer with a four-storey play frame and a dedicated toddler and baby area, plus a cafe serving hot food and snacks. Admission prices vary depending on age and start at £2.50 for children under 12-months.

iPlay Soft Play Ltd
Broadwalk Shopping Centre Broad Walk Knowle Bristol BS4 2QU

iPlay has a two-storey play area that includes rope bridges, tunnels and slides as well as a dedicated area for under 3s. And after all the running about and climbing has finished then the iPlay Cafe is at hand for refuelling on home-cooked meals and thirst-quenching drinks. Admission prices vary depending on age, starting at £1.50 for under-1s.