67+ Best Soft Play in London: There’s One Near You!
Finding a great new soft play in London can be frustrating. They’re not all listed on Google Maps, and many don’t even have websites. Some are hidden in the back of churches, some are inside cafes, and many don’t advertise their existence!
We’re approaching the long winter, and if your toddler is anything like mine, they’ll be climbing the walls unless you give them something else to climb.
When the weather gets dreary, indoor playgrounds in London are a must.
Here I’ve got you covered with an exhaustive list of indoor playgrounds in London. I’ve scoured the internet to bring you this up-to-date collection of the best soft play in London, and there’s definitely one near you.
I’ve also included if they have air conditioning, for those sweltering summer days, and pricing, where available.
Ready? Here we go. This is the best soft play in London: West, North, East, South, and Central London.
P.s…I have not included my photos from any of these places because I won’t put strangers’ children on the internet. To see inside, click through to their websites!
The Best Soft Play in West London
There are so many excellent indoor playgrounds in London in the Western boroughs. Here are the best:
1. Hullabaloo at the Sheriff Centre, West Hampstead
This shared community space in West Hampstead is one of the best soft plays in London, and it’s open Monday to Saturday from 9-5. There’s a cafe, tables to get your work done, and even a post office for the ultimate convenience.
From £5.
2. Mel’s Soft Play, Maida Vale
Mel’s soft play is based in a community hall, with a ball pit, slides, riding toys and big foam blocks for building fun.
Tollgate Community Hall – 17 Kilburn High Road. Tue Wed 10:00-11:00 & Thursdays 9:30-10:30, £5 per session.
3. Playworld, Westfield Stratford City, Stratford (air conditioned)
Inside the mall you’ll find 4 play areas, and they’re all free to attend. There’s even one outdoors for sunny days!
4. Gymboree Play & Music, Kensington
Gymboree sponsors a variety of pre-booked and drop-in soft play sessions for all ages at this Earl’s Court location.
5. Sammy’s Soft Play, West Kilburn
Located inside Yoga Loft, Sammy’s is available for pre booking or drop in (if there’s space). They offer a baby area, a toddler climbing frame, and a cafe to grab a coffee while your kids play.
Open Daily 9-5 for 1 hour sessions, from £4.50/child.
6. Gambado, Fulham (air conditioned)
One of the largest soft plays in London, Gambado has something for all ages. Older kids can climb on the massive frame, while littles can climb around in the baby area. The cafe offers lots of food and drink options.
Open daily; sessions from £3.25.
7. Kidzania, Westfield Mall (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)
If you’re going to splurge on a children’s play area, this is the place to do it. Tickets are pricey, but you could literally stay all day in this wonderland where children get to do adult things safely and while having a lot of fun!
Open daily, from a whopping £35/kid. Make a whole day of it to get your money’s worth, and get some shopping done at the same time.
****As of JAN 5 2024, KidZania is CLOSED****
8. The Garden at the Science Museum, Kensington
Buried in the basement of the Science Museum is this soft play that’s great for all ages. You won’t get your little one to leave the water tables! It gets crowded at peak times, so it’s best to go in the morning or very late afternoon.
Free, open daily from 10am.
9. Maida Vale Soft Play
This community-run play space for under-3s has limited opening hours and you must book ahead. Moberly Sports Centre, open Monday 10-11, Tuesday 2-3 and Thursday 10-11.
10. Topsy Turvy World, Brent Cross (air conditioned)
A great soft play in West London near Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
Open daily from £3 per child.
11. Flip Out Brent Cross (air conditioned)
More of an adventure park than a soft play, but there’s a toddler area too. Older kids can do the trampolines, obstacle course, climbing, frames, and donut slide, while the littles can play in the soft play zone.
From £9 per session; book ahead to save.
12. Maggie & Rose Kensington & Maggie & Rose Chiswick
Maggie & Rose is a chain of beautiful family members clubs, but you don’t have to be a member to stay and play in the soft play at the beautiful cafe. For the price of a coffee you can stay and play for hours.
13. Play Base, National Army Museum, Chelsea
A top-notch museum play area, Play Base offers a variety of play structures, a canteen, a large play tent, a military jeep, and a toy-packed storeroom. Kids eat free in the museum’s airy Cookhouse cafe, and the galleries are packed with interactives.
From £6.25 per child.
14. Kidz#1, Ealing
Featuring a London theme, Kidz#1 offers a main structure, a massive cafe, a VR experience, a mini sports arena, and a 7D cinema. The main structure is manageable enough for kids to explore on their own while parents enjoy a coffee.
From £8 per child.
15. Hamleys, Westfield White City
Not a traditional play space, but Hamleys Westfield White City outlet offers LEGO play tables, a Playmobil area, and giant Barbie packaging for photo ops. It’s free to use and there’s no pressure to buy anything.
16. Jaego’s House, Kensal Rise (members only)
A plush family club offering a drop-off kids’ club, chef-led restaurant, and chic lounge with kids’ area. Membership is required but it’s one of the more affordable options.
17. Jungle Monkeyz, Pinner (air conditioned)
A massive adventure space and soft play, Jungle Monkeyz is great for all ages.
From £11.50 for a 90 minute session.
18. Snakes & Ladders, Brentford
A massive indoor and outdoor play space, you can spend all day at Snakes & Ladders. There’s a great cafe, too. From £7.70.
Soft Play in North London
Some of the best soft play in London are in the leafy Northern boroughs. Here are the best soft play areas and indoor playgrounds in North London:
19. Gymboree, Hampstead
The Hampstead branch of Gymboree offers a variety of pre-booked and drop-in soft play sessions for all ages. Prices vary.
20. Britannia Leisure Centre Soft Play, Islington
In Islington, you’ll find the massive (and newly renovated) Britannia Leisure Centre, which offers soft play for children daily. Book ahead; prices vary but it’s very affordable.
The centre also features a ‘Leisure Water’ – an interactive water-play area with a slide. It’s also next door to the brand new playground at Shoreditch Park, which is amazing!
21. PACE, Camden, Various Locations
If you live in Camden, you have it made. Not only for the excellent schools, but for this awesome variety of free and cheap indoor play areas.
The PACE centres in Camden offer drop in sessions during term-time for parents and toddlers for soft play and socialising.
Camden Square: Wednesday & Friday, 9:30am-12pm from £2.
Fairfield: Thursdays, 10am-12pm. FREE.
Fortune Green: Fridays, 10 am -12:30 pm. FREE.
22. Treetops Soft Play at Talacre Community Sports Centre, Camden
This large community sporting centre has something for everyone, but the soft play for littles is one of the highlights.
From £2.45.
23. N20 Kids Club, North Finchley (air conditioned)
This beautiful soft play area is really nice and clean, with a cafe that has all sorts of options. There’s play for all ages!
Open daily, from £3.
24. Sobell Leisure Centre Soft Play, Islington (currently closed)
With areas for under 2s and over 2s, there’s something for all ages here. Plus, it’s super affordable! (UPDATE: the soft play and trampolines are currently closed).
25. Little Dinosaurs, Alexandra Park
In the Ally Pally you’ll find this charming community play area with indoor/outdoor play, a lovely garden, and a cafe.
From £6.50/child.
26. Kidz Adventure Play Zone, Wood Green (air conditioned)
A large and lovely indoor playground in North London with a cafe, big climbing frame, and lots of space to relax while your kids play.
From £5 for 90 minutes.
27. Clown Town, North Finchley (air conditioned)
With a new dedicated under-3s play area, this place is great for older and younger kids. Plus there’s a cafe for the parents!
From £3 per session.
28. Inflatanation, Colindale
A vast inflatable park filled with bouncy castles, slides, and various inflatable attractions. It can be crowded on weekends; consider visiting during the week.
1 hour from £8.50.
29. Ding Dong Fun Bus, Tottenham
A unique venue combining a bus and a soft play area located in a community centre, offering affordable entry and kid-friendly food.
30. King’s Cross Station Family Waiting Room, King’s Cross Station
A convenient family waiting room with a slide and interactive features, ideal for families waiting for trains. It’s a lifesaver when you’re about to take an energetic toddler on a long train ride!
31. Curiouser, Hampstead
Offers a variety of classes and a stylish family lounge. Book ahead, or purchase a class pass. Prices and times vary.
32. Poppets, Islington
A charming play cafe inside this posh little baby shop, with indoor and outdoor play options and a lovely cafe.
33. Old Bank Coffee House, East Barnet
Features a playroom in a former bank vault, with lots of classes offered and a delicious cafe and bakery!
34. Maggie & Rose, Angel
Maggie & Rose is a member’s club, but you don’t need to be a member to use the soft play in their beautiful cafe! For the price of a coffee you can stay and play for hours; the membership just gets you access to the rest of the vast space.
35. Rainbow Soft Play & Cafe, Cockfosters
Near Bramley Park is this hidden gem of a soft play in London, with a bright, cheery atmosphere and 4 daily sessions.
Open 7 days per week. From £7.50.
Soft Play in East London
36. Sebright Children’s Centre Stop & Play, Hackney
If you live in Hackney, you can play for free at the Sebright Children’s Centre. Check their schedule for times.
37. Tiller Leisure Centre Rascals Play Area, Isle of Dogs
This hidden gem on the Isle of Dogs is one of the best indoor playgrounds in London. Inside the Tiller Leisure Centre is a great soft play for kids in East London.
Open 7 days a week; must book in advance.
38. Kidzmania, Hackney
From £4 your little one can play in this lovely little soft play area, while you enjoy a coffee from the cafe.
Open daily 10-3 except Thursdays. From £4.
39. Macaroni Penguin, Royal Docks
A standout play café with modern decor, custom-designed play structure, and friendly staff and bubble teas. There’s a baby-sensory area and a classroom hosting a weekly schedule of kids’ classes.
From £5.50 per child.
40. The Can Club, Forest Gate
A concept café offering a welcoming environment for kids and adults. The owners – all ex-teachers – have created a space that balances decor, food, and play opportunities perfectly.
No fees, memberships, or booking requirements, making it an inclusive space for everyone.
41. The Mill E17, Walthamstow
This free play area is open from Tuesday to Sunday, offering a variety of toys, arts and crafts in its playroom. Tea/coffee is available, or families can eat their own food at the communal table.
42. Kidspace, Romford (air conditioned)
A massive space offering a variety of activities including towering climbing walls, go-karting, and multiple slides.The venue is more suited to older kids due to the challenging activities available, but there’s some activities for younger kids, too.
From £9.50.
43. Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford
A one-of-a-kind space offering permanent themed story spaces, a renovated Story Garden, and a variety of storytelling shows. Features attractions suitable for crawlers and up, with a changing program catering to different age groups.
This place is an interactive wonderland. From £12 for adults plus child.
44. Role2Play, Walthamstow
A role-play centre owned by two local mums, offering a variety of play areas including a supermarket, a hair salon, a theatre, and a tiny house. Surrounded by a real-life café serving coffee, cakes, and kids’ snacks. From £8.50.
45. Mudlarks, Museum of London Docklands, Canary Wharf
An interactive children’s gallery within the Museum of London Docklands, offering a variety of dock-themed play areas. Book a free session in advance as they can be short and are in high demand.
46. Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre Soft Play, Walthamstow
A clean and manageable soft-play area housed in a secure room, suitable for 0-3s.
Features electronic doors, picnic tables, and toilets with baby changing.
Soft Play in South London
47. Gymboree Play & Music Putney
The Exchange Shopping Centre 1st Floor, Putney High Street
Gymboree sponsors a variety of pre-booked and drop-in soft play sessions for all ages in Putney.
48. Gymboree Play & Music East Dulwich
Gymboree sponsors a variety of pre-booked and drop-in soft play sessions for all ages in East Dulwich.
49. Riverside Soft Play
Riverside Soft Play is run by RPCA, who offer free soft play sessions for community members. Pre-book via their Facebook page, and donate if you can! Salmon Youth Centre, Bermondsey.
50. Discovery Planet, Surrey Quays
You can play daily at Discovery Planet – a large indoor play area with something for everyone – from £3.50. Great for a rainy day by the docks!
51. Apple Tree Children’s Cafe, Herne Hill, Brixton & Peckham Rye Locations
Have a treat and a coffee while the children play in these charming little cafes in South London. 1.5 hour sessions from £7.50.
52. Little Giggles Stay & Play, Putney
From £6 your child can play, have a snack, and you can mingle with other parents in this charming little play area inside a Rugby Club. Great for making new parent friends!
Open T, W, Th 9:30-2:45 inside Rosslyn Park Rugby Club.
53. Cheeky Chops, Twickenham
A new addition to London’s under-5s scene, balancing adventurous play frames with stylish interiors. Offers lengthy sessions and a tempting menu, making it worth the trip for those not based in SW.
From £4.50.
54. Substation, South London
A stylish bouldering centre with a wildlife-themed family room and a small slide. Offers 90-minute sessions during the week and private family inductions. Features a stylish cafe where you can grab lunch and play board games post-session.
Family fees and times vary.
55. Kidspace, Croydon (air conditioned)
A soft-play-meets-activity-centre scenario for 0-12s, offering a gigantic, maze-like wooden play frame, the soft-ball arena, the Toddler Village soft-play zone, climbing walls, and more.
The allotted two-hour time slot is nowhere near long enough to try out all the activities available! From £9.50.
56. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Home to two interactive play areas – Ahoy! for 0-7s and All Hands for 7-12s – and The Great Map, a giant floor atlas with moveable ships. Ahoy! offers a child-sized fishmongers, net-enclosed sensory area, an air-hockey game featuring foam boats, and more.
Museum entry is free; there is a £3 fee for the children’s gallery during school holidays and weekends.
57. The Moustache, Sydenham
A cafe/bar with a hidden kids’ area in the basement, offering a selection of toys and a relaxing environment. The toy selection is better than in some designated ‘play cafes’!
58. Tots Town, Deptford
A role-play cafe offering a playable grocery store, beauty salon, library, diner, and doctors’ surgery. Tables are placed inside the gated play area, allowing adults to sip coffee right next to the action. 1 hour slot for £7.50.
59. Wavelengths Leisure Centre Soft Play, Deptford
In this massive modern leisure centre (with pool!), there’s an excellent soft play that’s super affordable. From £2.15.
60. Totstars – Toby’s Adventure Club, Streatham
Offers a traditional ‘soft-play’ room for babies and a main play area dominated by an amazing wooden structure. Features rope tunnels, slides, wobbly bridges, a sandpit, and an on-site cafe.
The entrance fee is scaled per child age, from £3.
61. Bertie & Boo’s Adventure Island, Balham
Aimed at under-5s, it offers four whole play areas including a pirate-themed climbing zone, a role-play and disco room, and a large restaurant area. The menu is extensive, with lots of baby- and toddler-friendly options, and there’s even prosecco available.
From £7.50 per child.
62. Picnic, Kingston
An excellent play town for epic role-play with all the essentials and a large picnic-themed play space. The cafe is excellent, with almost every meal available as a child’s portion.
From £4.50.
63. Peckham Levels, Peckham
This large shopping and dining centre offers some cool play spaces for kids and great food options. Parents can enjoy the rotating arts exhibitions. Free.
64. Polka, Wimbledon
Offers a huge indoor play den and an incredible outdoor playground with its own custom-designed wooden treehouse.
Drop in for free whenever the theatre’s open, or book ahead for one of their classes or story time.
65. Hobbledown Heath, Hounslow
This is mostly a vast outdoor adventure park, but the indoor playbarn is also second to none (and massive!). It’s one of the more inventive indoor play spaces with its crocheted climbing webs, drop slide, sky bridges, digital games, and more.
The Playbarn also houses the cafe, so you can enjoy your lunch in peace when the kids. From £13pp.
Soft Play in Central London
Central London is a bit of a desert for soft play; there aren’t many indoor playgrounds in London toward the centre of the city. But there are a few, and here they are:
66. Sorted! Postal Museum, Russell Square
There’s so much to love about the Postal Museum for all ages, but the soft play is particularly fun for little ones.
From £4 when you book ahead.
67. All Aboard at the London Transport Museum, Covent Garden
One of the best museums in London for kids, the soft play inside doesn’t disappoint either! This museum is pricey, so make a day of it and enjoy everything it has to offer.
68. Squish Space, Barbican
An under-5s drop-in space offering a range of sensory materials designed to encourage open-ended, imaginative play. The sessions sell out quickly, so book your tickets 48 hours in advance.
Free, but you must book ahead!
The Best Soft Play in London: Final Tips
Do you know of a soft play or indoor playgrounds in London that aren’t on this list? Please email me at jen (at) LondoninRealLife (dot) com. I’d love to keep this is a current master list for all parents tearing their hair out in the wintertime.
Happy soft playtime!
More on Life in London:
Where are the Best Primary Schools in London? Here’s What the Data Says
Pros and Cons of Living in London
Raw Truths about Living in London
