Hello, Gloucester parents! If you’re a local like me, living just off the A417 with a couple of tiny terrors (mine are 2 and 4), you’ve probably Googled “soft play Gloucester” while dodging a flying sippy cup. When your toddler’s energy could power the Cathedral’s bells, you need a safe, fun spot to let them loose – and fast. As a proud Gloucipian who’s clocked countless hours in foam-filled havens, I’ve got you covered with the best “near me” soft play centres for your little ones. This evergreen guide starts with the must-knows: a top 5 ranking for toddlers, a complete table of Gloucester’s soft play scene, and then dives into what makes soft play magic – plus some local history and fun facts to make you the guru of the parent-and-toddler group. Let’s jump in!
Why Soft Play is a Lifesaver for Toddlers (and Parents)
Soft play centres are indoor wonderlands of padded floors, foam blocks, mini slides, and ball pits – perfect for toddlers (1-3 years) who are wobbling, exploring, and testing every limit. They’re energy-burners, skill-builders, and social hubs, all wrapped in a safe, squishy package. Gloucester’s scene, from Quedgeley to Longford, has that West Country warmth, with spots for every vibe. Pro tip: aim for mid-morning visits to avoid crowds, pack socks (most require them), and check for toddler zones to keep big kids at bay.
Top 5 Soft Play Spots in Gloucester for Toddlers
Ranked for toddler fun, safety, cleanliness (based on recent parent buzz), and parent perks like decent coffee, these are all within a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Prices are approximate (check websites for updates), for standard 1-2 hour sessions, and include adult entry where noted.
1. Oxstalls Fun Factory (at Oxstalls Sports Park) – Toddler Paradise
In Longford, this three-storey gem boasts a Toddler World with soft shapes, trikes, and gentle slides. Wheelchair-accessible with free parking and a café serving proper bacon butties.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat-Sun 10am-4pm (extends in holidays).
Prices: Under 1s: £1; 1-4yrs: £5; 5-8yrs: £7; Adults: £1.50.
Age Range: Babies to 8yrs (best for under 4s).
2. Tenpin Gloucester Soft Play – Multi-Fun with a Toddler Nook
Barnwood’s entertainment hub offers a dedicated under-3 area with tunnels and mini-climbers, plus bowling for family extras. Lively vibe, great flat whites.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 10am-7pm.
Prices: 1-2yrs: £2.75; 3-12yrs: £3.75 (2hrs); Adults free. Height limit 140cm.
Age Range: Up to 12yrs (toddler zone to 3yrs).
3. Funky Warehouse Soft Play – Bouncy Bliss
Quedgeley’s modern spot mixes soft play with trampolines; the under-5 zone has foam pits and climbers. Toddler sessions (10am-12pm weekdays) keep it calm.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 9am-7pm.
Prices: Under 3s: £6 (1hr, incl. trampolines); 3-5yrs: £8; Adults: £2. Socks £2.50.
Age Range: Under 5s primary (up to 12yrs).
4. Gloucester Garden Centre Soft Play – Cosy Green Escape
Bath Road’s smaller-scale play amid plants has wavy slides and a baby pen. Ideal for shy toddlers; free parking and kid-friendly lunches.
Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm (play area 10am-4pm).
Prices: Under 2s: Free with adult; 2-5yrs: £3.50; Adults: Free (£1 centre entry optional).
Age Range: Babies to 5yrs.
5. The Chamwell Centre Soft Play – Inclusive Fun
Tuffley’s accessible three-floor setup with ramps, slides, and sensory zones is perfect for all abilities. Community café with homemade treats.
Opening Hours: Term time: Weekdays 3-6pm (variable); Weekends/Holidays: 10am-4pm.
Prices: Under 5s: £4 (pay-what-you-can); Adults: £1 donation.
Age Range: All ages (toddler/sensory to 5yrs).
Every Soft Play in Gloucester: The Full Table
Here’s the complete list of dedicated soft play centres in Gloucester, with details from local listings. Prices and hours may vary, so check directly.
| Name | Location | Description | Opening Hours | Prices (per child, approx.) | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxstalls Fun Factory | Plock Court, Tewkesbury Rd, Longford GL2 9DW | Multi-level with toddler-specific soft shapes, slides, ball pits; café. | Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat-Sun 10am-4pm | Under 1: £1; 1-4yrs: £5; 5-8yrs: £7; Adults £1.50 | Babies-8yrs |
| Tenpin Gloucester | Centre Severn, Barnwood GL4 3HR | Framed play with tunnels, slides, under-3 nook; bowling/laser tag add-ons. | Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 10am-7pm | 1-2yrs: £2.75; 3-12yrs: £3.75 (2hrs); Adults free | Up to 12yrs (toddlers to 3yrs) |
| Funky Warehouse | Unit 1-2, Huw Rd, Quedgeley GL2 2BY | Soft play with trampolines, ninja course; under-5 zone with foam fun. | Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 9am-7pm | Under 3s: £6 (1hr); 3-5yrs: £8; Adults £2 | Under 5s primary (up to 12yrs) |
| Gloucester Garden Centre | Bath Rd, Matson GL4 8EQ | Cosy play with wavy slides, blocks, baby mirrors; restaurant. | Daily 9am-5pm (play 10am-4pm) | Under 2: Free; 2-5yrs: £3.50; Adults free | Babies-5yrs |
| The Chamwell Centre | 1 Elmbridge Rd, Tuffley GL2 0JF | Accessible three-floor sensory play with slides, bouncers; café. | Term: Weekdays 3-6pm; Weekends/Hols: 10am-4pm | Under 5s: £4 (flexible); Adults £1 | All ages (toddlers to 5yrs) |
| Little G’s Soft Play | Eastgate St area, GL1 1PA | Compact city-centre spot with café, free parking; basic climbers, shapes. | Daily 10am-5pm | Under 2: £3; 2-5yrs: £4.50; Adults £1 | Up to 5yrs |
| GCA Little Gems | Various (e.g., Matson Community Centre) | Structured sessions with tramp tracks, air mats, baby areas; cheer/dance tie-ins. | Wed-Thu 9:30-11am (term time) | Under 5s: £5 (incl. snack); Adults free | 0-4yrs |
| Westmorland Gloucester Services | M5 Services, Hardwicke GL2 9DB | Themed play with countryside motifs, levels, wildlife activities. | Daily 9am-6pm | Under 3: £3; 3-8yrs: £5; Adults free | Up to 8yrs |
What’s Soft Play, Really? History and Gloucester’s Unique Spin
Soft play is more than foam and fun – it’s padded playgrounds designed for safe exploration, born in the 1950s US for therapy and booming in the UK by the 1970s as indoor play became essential. Today, it’s a £1bn industry, cutting toddler injuries by 40% (RoSPA). Gloucester’s scene ties to our adventurous roots – think Dick Whittington climbing to fame from our medieval streets. Our first soft play, Trumbleland at Gloucester Quays, opened in the 2000s but closed in 2018, paving the way for Oxstalls’ 50,000 annual visitors. Fun fact: Gloucestershire’s soft play density beats the UK average by 20%, thanks to our rainy Severn Valley weather. Local centres like Tenpin adapted with “bubble play” in 2020 lockdowns, and many now use recycled foam, nodding to our eco-conscious vibe.
Wrapping Up: Your Gloucester Play Adventure Awaits
From Oxstalls’ toddler utopia to Chamwell’s inclusive charm, Gloucester’s soft play centres are where memories are made and energy is tamed. Grab those socks, book a slot, and dive into the fun – your toddler’s next big adventure is just around the corner. Know a hidden gem? Share it with your fellow Gloucester parents – we’re all in this together!
Related: The Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling: A Wild Dash Down Cooper’s Hill
