Like oil and water, productive shopping and kids just don’t mix! We’re either being dragged into the nearest toyshop, retrieving unwanted items from the trolley, or facing a barrage of tuts and cold stares from other shoppers. Fear not, the majority of large shopping centres now have that sanctuary of cushions, nets and multicoloured balls, the playcentre! Here are five of the best, picked due to their size and proximity to the largest numbers of Mums and Dads in need of a little retail therapy!
Intu MetroCentre; Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
The outdoor play area at intu Metrocentre Qube is designed to provide challenging fun for children from 3-10 years old. With a fireman’s pole, climbing walls, and dance chimes there are plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained and give mums and dads a rest! Find out more.
KidZania London; Westfield, London
**Book with Picniq and save up to 30% off family tickets**
Have your kids ever dreamt of becoming a pilot, a firefighter, or the next award-winning singer? Kidzania is a child-size city inside the shopping centre! With over 60 real life role-play activities in the bank, on stage or fighting crime on the streets as a police officer! KidZania is a real life role play experience for 4-14 year olds, blending learning and reality with entertainment.
Buy tickets here.
Bluewater; Greenhithe, Kent
With various play areas to choose from; Bluewater is the perfect hangout for you, your friends and your family whilst letting your little monsters have some serious fun! Check out the Pirate Cove Adventure Park with caves, cascading waterfalls, pedallos and two 18-hole adventure golf courses! Children and parents alike can enjoy these outdoor spaces complete with sandpits, climbing equipment and picnic areas! Find out more.
Bullring Shopping Centre; Birmingham
Teenie Weenies at the Bullring offer two dedicated multi-tiered soft play areas, allowing children to play in a fun exciting environment! For the older kids why not check out the The Junior Frame. With activities designed to stimulate and challenge children including; a spider’s web, ball pits, zip wires, rope bridges, and a variety of slides. For the little ones the Toddlers Frame provides younger children the chance to play and have fun with mum and dad. Find out more.
Intu Trafford Centre; Manchester
Approximately five miles west of Manchester city centre, the Trafford Centre is hard to miss! Here the soft play area is designed for kids under 10, and includes a huge ball pool, slides, climbing nets, tube crawls, rope swings etc. For children under 6 there is the Little Tikes play area.
Not enough? then how about the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, SEA LIFE and Paradise Island Adventure Golf. Plus the ODEON cinema shows a range of family films and host ODEON Kids film screenings on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Find out more.
Remember that children must be supervised when in the play area at all times. Why not give Dad a break from telling you how great you look at the changing room door and release him into the ball pit!
