Yesterday I took the 4yo to a birthday party at an indoor play centre. It was full of inflatable bouncy houses, slides and obstacle courses…
We used to go to soft play a lot back home (in the wet and cold, they fulfil a useful purpose!) – those child heaven, parent hell places full of climbing frames, slides, ball pools and noise. With a cafe in the corner selling tea, coffee and sugary snacks! We haven’t found their equivalent here (and we have looked!).
This place is probably the closest I’ve seen, but lacking in the comfy seats or tea for the adults!
As soon as the kids were let loose in Room 1, they were off! Running, sliding, bouncing and screaming…
Unlike most places I have been in the UK where parents are actively discouraged, if not banned, from entering the play area (even to rescue stuck children), here parents were more than welcome to join in!
And, the 4yo quickly realised this.
So, I found myself negotiating obstacle courses: climbing and sliding and squeezing. Slipping back down slopes, wondering how on earth small children make it to the top. Trying again, channelling my inner child (which was never very adventurous to begin with) and flinging myself up and over. Listening to the hysterical giggles of my 4yo as he tried to pull me down slopes by my feet, and held my hand as we slid down slides.
[I wouldn’t normally publish such blurry photos but 1. the 4yo was in constant motion 2. it is difficult to get good photos when you are also being bounced…]
Just when we thought it was over, we were ushered into Room 2, which had an even bigger slide. And, yes, I had a go on this one too. Just the once: it was very high and very slippy and very fast!
Room 3 offered pizza, cake and goodie bags. And a seat :)
And, what did I find on my return home? A small boy fast asleep in the car, exhausted from all the playing and running, climbing and laughing.
A perfect afternoon of play, for both of us :)
Dropping in from #magicmoments linky (and getting distracted by the cake and fins!). Looks like you had a breeze, and nice to be able to go on the equipment….though one of the things I used to liek about soft play was the chance for a (relatively) quiet coffee!
Yeah, I miss that! It was such a great way to pass a rainy morning :)
Wow, that sounds like a perfect fun afternoon together. It’s great when you get a chance to get stuck in with all the fun (why should children have all the fun?)
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
It was fun – more than I would have expected! And the look on his face was worth every indignity trying to get up the slopes :)
wow that looks like a fab place, lovely that parents are encouraged to play too!
It was good fun!
Amazing fun for you both Sara! You really can’t under estimate what a tonic for the soul play actually is. Us adults should take the lead from our kids more often ;-) #lettkidsbekids
True enough, I was a little reluctant to begin with, but so glad I joined in :)
Brilliant! This looks like great fun (for both you and your son)! It’s great fun being a kid all over again :) x
Thanks, it was fun :)
Wow I’m surprised they don’t have softplay over there! I suppose there is much more to do?! I have to say I always go on the softplay with the kids, have never been asked not too and there’s usually loads of parents in there! Maybe it’s just in my area! Lol x
We haven’t found one like the ones we had at home yet, they must exist somewhere, but no luck yet! The ones we went to in the UK weren’t keen on parents going inside – not that that stopped them really!
Lovely photo! He looks like he’s having so much fun! x
He really did!
Good to know you’re getting stuck in. I cannot imagine going to a soft play area and not joining in!!!!! I think I may embarrass Lucas thought!! :) #letkidsbekids
Ha! I wasn’t all that keen to be honest, but I’m glad I did, we had a blast!
That looks loads of fun (for both of you?!) x
It was – I took a bit of convincing, but yes it was good fun!
That slide looks like it could be great in the summer…outside…with washing up liquid and a hosepipe! #letkidsbekids
You’d go flying! Off the end :) Good fun though!