Taking Your Grandchildren to Soft Play: What Grandparents Need to Know

If someone has asked you to take the grandchildren to soft play and you’re not entirely sure what that involves, you’re not alone. Plenty of grandparents feel a bit uncertain the first time round. What is it exactly? Will it be too noisy? Do you have to climb in with them? And what on earth do you wear?

Take a deep breath. We promise it’s far easier - and far more enjoyable - than you might think. Whether you’re a nan, grandad, nanna, or gramps, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you can relax and enjoy a wonderful day out with your grandchildren.

What Exactly Is Soft Play?

If the last time you took children to a play area it involved a rusty climbing frame in the local park, soft play might come as a pleasant surprise. A soft play centre is a large indoor venue filled with padded climbing structures, slides, tunnels, ball pits, and all sorts of colourful equipment designed for children to explore safely.

Everything is cushioned. The floors are soft. The edges are rounded. It’s purpose-built for little ones to run, climb, slide, and bounce to their heart’s content - all under one roof, regardless of the weather.

At Bubbles World of Play, we have dedicated play areas designed for different age groups, so whether you’re bringing a toddler or a primary-school-aged child, there’s something perfectly suited to them. Younger children have their own separate zones away from the bigger kids, which is something grandparents often find very reassuring.

Will It Be Very Noisy?

Let’s be honest - children having fun are rarely silent. There will be excited squeals, the odd bit of shouting, and background music. It’s lively, but it’s not overwhelming. Most grandparents who visit us for the first time say it’s far less chaotic than they expected.

The key is that the space is large and well-designed. Sound spreads out rather than bouncing off the walls, and the soft materials absorb a fair amount of noise. It’s certainly nothing like a packed shopping centre on a Saturday afternoon.

If you’re someone who prefers things a little quieter, read on - we’ll share the best times to visit when it’s naturally calmer.

Do You Need to Go In With Them?

This is one of the most common questions grandparents ask, and the answer is refreshingly simple: it depends on the age of your grandchild.

Under 4s

For very young children, an adult does need to be nearby and supervising at all times. With toddlers, you’ll likely want to be in the soft play area with them, helping them up the smaller slides and guiding them through tunnels. The toddler areas are designed to be easy for adults to move around in, so you won’t be squeezing through tiny spaces.

Ages 4 and Over

Once children are a bit older and more confident, they tend to be off like a shot. You can absolutely sit in the seating area and watch them play. They’ll come back to you when they’re hungry, thirsty, or bursting to tell you about the amazing slide they’ve just found.

There’s no expectation whatsoever that grandparents need to be climbing through the play equipment. You’re there to supervise, enjoy watching them, and be ready with a drink and a snack when they need a breather.

Safety and Security: How We Keep Everyone Safe

This is often the biggest concern for grandparents, and quite rightly so. When the parents have trusted you with their precious little ones, you want to know they’re safe and sound. At Bubbles World of Play, we take security seriously.

Check-In and Check-Out

When you arrive, every child and adult in your group is registered at reception. Nobody can leave the building without going through the proper check-out process. This means you don’t need to worry about a little one wandering off towards an exit.

CCTV Throughout

Our entire venue is covered by CCTV cameras, which are monitored throughout the day. This provides an extra layer of security and means that staff can keep an eye on all areas of the play centre at all times.

Exit Alarms

Our doors are fitted with alarms, adding another layer of protection. No child can leave the building unnoticed. It’s one of those things you hope is never needed, but it’s very reassuring to know it’s there.

Trained Staff on Hand

Our team members are always on the floor and happy to help. If you need a hand with anything - whether it’s finding a little one who’s disappeared into a tunnel, getting a highchair, or just asking a question - they’re there for you.

Clean and Well-Maintained

We clean and sanitise our play equipment regularly throughout the day. We know grandparents (and parents) care about hygiene, and so do we. You can check our FAQs page for more details on our cleaning routines.

Where Do Grandparents Sit?

You certainly won’t be standing around wondering where to perch. At Bubbles, we have plenty of comfortable seating areas with clear views of the play zones. You can sit down, relax, and watch your grandchildren having the time of their lives without craning your neck or standing on tiptoe.

Many of our seating areas are positioned right alongside the play structures, so you’re never far from the action. If your grandchild waves at you from the top of a slide, you’ll be able to wave right back.

There are tables and chairs for when you want to sit and have a cuppa, and we keep the seating areas clean and tidy throughout the day.

Good Food and Proper Coffee

Gone are the days when soft play meant a vending machine and a packet of crisps. At Bubbles, we have a proper food and drink menu with hot meals, snacks, and drinks for both children and adults.

For the Grandchildren

Children’s meals are well-portioned and affordable. Think hot dogs, chicken nuggets, sandwiches, and plenty of fruit and healthier options too. We cater for various dietary requirements, so do let us know if there’s anything specific you need.

For You

Here’s the part grandparents really appreciate: proper coffee. Not instant from a jar - real, freshly made coffee. We also serve tea (obviously), cold drinks, and a selection of cakes and treats. There’s nothing quite like sitting with a flat white and a slice of cake while watching your grandchild zoom down a slide for the fifteenth time.

Many grandparents tell us that the café is one of their favourite parts of the visit. It’s a chance to sit, relax, and enjoy a moment of calm while the little ones burn off energy.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

This is where a bit of insider knowledge goes a long way. Soft play centres naturally have busier and quieter periods, and as a grandparent, you’re in a brilliant position to visit during the calmer times.

Midweek Is Your Best Friend

If you have the flexibility, visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday during term time is ideal. The school-age children are in lessons, and many parents are at work, which means the centre is noticeably quieter. It’s perfect for grandparents who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, and it’s especially good for younger grandchildren who might feel a bit overwhelmed in a busier session.

Early Morning Sessions

Arriving when we first open is another excellent strategy. The play areas are fresh, the café is quiet, and you’ll have plenty of space. By mid-morning things pick up a little, but you’ll already be settled in and enjoying yourselves.

Avoid School Holidays If You Can

During half terms and school holidays, soft play centres get busy - that’s just the nature of it. If you can plan your visit for term time, you’ll have a much more relaxed experience. If you do visit during the holidays, aim for the first session of the day.

Book in Advance

We always recommend booking your session ahead of time, especially if you’re planning a special grandparent-grandchild day out. It guarantees your spot and means no disappointment when you arrive. You can book your tickets online in just a few minutes.

What to Bring

You don’t need to pack as though you’re going on holiday, but a few essentials will make your visit smoother.

The Essentials

• Socks for everyone - Socks are required in the play areas for hygiene reasons. Grip socks are ideal if you have them, but normal socks are absolutely fine. We do sell socks at reception if you forget.
• Comfortable clothing - For the grandchildren, anything they can move freely in. For you, whatever you’re comfortable sitting (or playing) in. Trainers or flat shoes are best.
• A change of clothes for little ones - Especially for toddlers. Spills happen, and it’s always nice to have a spare outfit in your bag.
• Nappies and wipes - If your grandchild is still in nappies, bring everything you’d normally take out. We have baby changing facilities on site.
• Any medication - Inhalers, EpiPens, or anything else your grandchild might need. Make sure the parents have told you about any allergies or medical needs.

You Probably Don’t Need

• Toys from home - There’s more than enough to keep them entertained.
• Packed lunches - Our café has everything covered, and it saves you the hassle of preparing food before you leave the house.

Tips for Making It a Brilliant Day

After welcoming thousands of grandparents through our doors, we’ve picked up a few tips that make the day go even more smoothly.

Let Them Lead

Children love showing grandparents what they can do. Let them take you on a tour, show you their favourite slide, and decide what they want to play on next. It makes them feel important and gives you a chance to see their personality shine.

Don’t Rush

There’s no need to cram everything into an hour. A soft play visit is meant to be leisurely. Let the children play at their own pace, take breaks for snacks and drinks, and enjoy the time together. Some of our grandparent visitors stay for two or three hours and say it flies by.

Take Photos

The parents will love seeing pictures of their children having fun with their grandparents. And honestly, there’s nothing better than a photo of a grinning child at the top of a climbing frame with their nan or grandad beaming up at them from below.

Ask the Staff

If you’re not sure about anything - how the sessions work, where the toilets are, whether a particular area is suitable for your grandchild’s age - just ask. Our team genuinely enjoy helping and they’ll make sure you feel comfortable and confident.

Enjoy It

This might sound obvious, but some grandparents come in feeling a bit nervous and forget to actually enjoy themselves. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll wonder what you were worried about. Watching your grandchildren play, sharing a meal together, and making memories - that’s what it’s all about.

What If It’s Your First Time at Soft Play?

If you’ve never visited any soft play centre before, we have a first-time visitor’s guide that covers the basics of what to expect. It’s written with everyone in mind, but it’s particularly helpful if the whole experience is completely new to you.

Don’t feel embarrassed about being a first-timer. We see new visitors every single day, and our staff are always happy to walk you through how everything works when you arrive.

A Day They’ll Remember

There’s something truly special about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. A soft play visit might seem like a simple outing, but to a child, a day out with nan or grandad is an adventure. They’ll talk about it for days afterwards. They’ll ask when they can go again. And years from now, they’ll remember the time their grandparent took them to play and sat with them over a juice and a biscuit.

You don’t need to be sporty, energetic, or an expert in children’s entertainment. You just need to turn up, be present, and enjoy the moment. We’ll take care of the rest.

Ready to plan your visit? Book your tickets online and we’ll see you soon. If you have any questions at all, have a look at our FAQs or give us a ring - we’re always happy to help.