If
you haven’t been to Livingston’s latest facility
for kids yet….GO NOW! More than a soft play, this
is a huge converted warehouse with two main play sections,
one for under 4’s and babies and a HUGE adventure area
for the over 4’s, including slides, tunnels, climbing
frames etc. In addition there is an inflatable 5-aside pitch!
So be in no doubt, the kids will be happy for their 2 hours,
but the best thing is, so will the parents! I visited
recently with a friend with our two 3 ½ year olds and my one
year old. We had a great time.
There
are three comfortable seating areas with sofas where groups
can meet for a chat and there are lots of tables and chairs
around the main play areas so that you can enjoy a drink or
even a meal and still keep an eye on the wee ones. The food
is reasonably priced, varied and good quality and the kids
sandwich bag is excellent value and healthy for only £2.50.
There are plenty of highchairs and how nice it was to see
a staff member actually cleaning a highchair with an anti-bac
spray after the group had left.
We
were welcomed by friendly cheerful staff at all points during
our visit and one of the girls even played with my baby in
the ball pool while I had my lunch. There was plenty of other
staff walking around the play areas keeping a watchful eye
on events and preventing adventurous stray toddlers from entering
the large adventure area.
The
age limits on the play areas need clarification. I was
advised the large area was for over 4 but it was up to my
discretion whether my 3 ½ year old could go on. There was
no way he would have settled for the small area once he had
seen and tested out the big adventure area and to be honest
he was totally fine, confident and safe on it. If it was say
a Friday afternoon or weekend with bigger school kids on it,
then I would not have let him on the large area.
Another
parent commented it would be useful if the large and small
adventure areas were divided in some way preventing the more
‘insistent’ of toddlers from trying to gain access.
A barrier would be both a physical and psychological restraint.
A dividing barrier of sorts would also be useful to separate
the play equipment from the café area where children are otherwise
free to run around.
Another
point to note is parents are not allowed on the climbing equipment
to help any stranded child. Staff are on hand to help with
that though some children may find a lack of parental contribution
daunting.
If
you have been frustrated or stressed by visits to small claustrophobic
soft plays, with poor lighting, poor air quality and questionable
cleaning policies then this is a totally refreshing change!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
www.tumblezone.co.uk
Tel: 01506 44420
