soft

AS SNOW turns to rain, the UK is once again experiencing a wet and windy spell, so what better place to head to with the kids than soft play?

Across the UK there are lots of indoor attractions featuring playgrounds and soft play.

They make the ideal wet day out as often, they include features for both younger and older children.

And pretty much every single one has that all important cafe for onlooking parents…

Woodlands Family Theme Park, Devon

Home to Devon‘s largest soft play, Woodlands theme park is a great spot for miserable weather.

Inside, visitors will find drop slides, ball pools, climbing tubes and obstacles.

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The area is for children over 90cm tall.

Then there is also the Ice Palace, which is split into two sections – one for toddlers under 95cm and one for children up to 125cm.

In the Circus Drome Zone at Woodlands there is even more soft play with the Big Top Soft Play where there are stacking cubes, soft play blocks and interactive puzzlers for kids under 110cm.

In this zone there is a Circus Bouncy Castle too and the Acrobats Challenge with nets, rope swings, ball pools and slides for kids between 90cm and 140cm.

And finally, in the Toddler’s Village Zone, there is a Mermaids Ball Pool with slides.

An adult or child under 92cm costs £16.50 to enter and children under 92cm tall are free.

Play Factore, Manchester

Play Factore in Manchester claims to be the biggest indoor family entertainment arena in the UK.

Inside, visitors can head on the tallest standing indoor slide in the UK as well as head to a laser tag arena.

Kids can enjoy a bounce on the interactive ValoJump trampolines too and a zip wire.

In the Toddler Area, there are two floors of play designed for kids under the age of five.

It is safety gated as well so no running off moments occur.

Inside the Toddler Zone, there are tunnels, three different slides, soft play areas, an immersive interactive room, balance mats, touch screens and obstacles.

For older kids, between five-years-old and 16, there is a play frame, which is dubbed to be the largest in the UK.

Inside there is a network of tunnels, slides and obstacles including bubble balls and spider nets.

Sporty kids can head on the inbuilt football pitch or basketball court too.

Peak general admission varies depending on the age of a visitor.

For six to 11-month-olds, it costs £3.95 each and then for one to four-year-olds it is £12.95 each.

Kids aged between five and 16-year-old cost £17.95 each and parents cost £5.25 each.

Riverside Hub, Northampton

The Riverside Hub in Northampton has several different zones for visitors to explore.

For example, there are the Role Play Villages where kids can use their imagination to explore a make-believe world, with a cafe, shop, witches house and tooth fairy dentist.

For kids a little older and braver, there are a number of climbing activities including a beginner-friendly oak tree and a 10-metre beanstalk.

In the Toddlers at Riverside zone, there are a number of ball pits, activity walls and a gentle waterbed.

There’s a giant play frame as well with four levels featuring slides, games, themed zones and even a football pitch.

Ticket prices usually cost £7.50 per adult and children between one and three-year-old are £12 and finally, kids between four-year-old and 17, cost £15 each.

Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse said: “There’s so much to do here that it’s a struggle to fit it into the two and a half hours that each session is allocated.

“We could have happily spent the whole day and still have gone back for more.

“With three boys aged between five and 12, it can sometimes be difficult to find somewhere that has enough to keep all ages happy as the older two are getting a bit big for soft play, but that certainly wasn’t a problem here.

“Laser tag, crazy golf, two climbing poles, go-karts and even arcade machines all included in the price.

“There’s a mezzanine floor with extra seating that’s perfect for cheering your little climbers on as they get to the top.

“Downstairs, my sons really loved being able to take on the free arcade machines that would be pay per play elsewhere.

“And the go-karts were a big hit too, with short queue times despite how busy the venue was.”

Flip Out, various

There are several Flip Out locations across the UK – which means you likely have one near you.

These indoor adventure and trampoline parks feature interconnected trampolines, foam pits and stunt walls making them ideal for burning energy.

Some of the newer locations, such as Canary Wharf, also have other attractions such as laser quest, bumper cars and interactive football.

Keep an eye out for special events too, as sometimes there are After Dark DJ nights for teens and Mini Flippers sessions for kids under the age of five.

Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse headed to Flip Out Coventry with her three children.

She said: “Based in a former department store in a city centre shopping mall, you enter through a hall of mirrors and an arcade before exploring 13 attractions set over two floors of fun.

“With a ninja warrior course, laser tag, bumper cars and drift trikes, I hardly saw the older two while we were there.

“I think the dark space and graffiti vibe of the upper floor really appealed to my 11-year-old and 13-year-old, feeling a bit more grown-up than the bright lights and primary colours of soft plays aimed at younger children.

“But there was still lots to love for primary aged children here too.

“My six-year-old enjoyed the inflatables, roller rink and football zone.

“For little ones, there’s a dedicated toddler soft play next to the cafe area, so they can play in safety while tired parents have a rest nearby, hot drink in hand.”

Family tickets for two hours are normally £65 for four people or £80 for five.

The Playhive, North Yorkshire

The Playhive at Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire is one of the country’s largest indoor playgrounds – and claims to be one of the biggest in Europe.

While the attraction is not your typical soft play venue, it does features soft play elements.

For example, there is a Baby Bee Play Area for little ones under two-years-old that features soft play.

There is also a bouncy castle.

However, most of the other features are for older children such as the jungle-themed climbing walls.

The whole attraction is heavily themed too, so there are rocket walkways, spaceships, submarines and planes.

A 90-minute session starts from £13.50 or you can also purchase a ticket with access to the full Adventure Park, including outdoor attractions, from £23.50.

In other attraction news, England’s little-known theme park to get two new rides this year in massive multi-million pound expansion.

Plus, first look at the UK’s new Bluey rollercoaster – the first-of-its-kind in the world.

Egypt has been ranked as the leading African country in global soft power influence for 2024, according to a report by Business Insider Africa. The report, based on the Global Soft Power Index published by Brand Finance, places Egypt 39th worldwide with a soft power score of 44.9 points.

South Africa and Morocco follow Egypt in the continent’s rankings, securing second and third place with scores of 43.7 and 40.6 points, respectively. The index also noted that “Egypt secures the gold for its ‘rich heritage’” while the UAE ranks number one in the Middle East and 10th globally. Globally, the US leads with a record-high score of 78.8 points, an increase from 74.8 in 2023.

The Global Soft Power Index assesses the perceptions of all 193 UN member states, evaluating countries based on eight pillars: business and trade, international relations, education and science, culture and heritage, governance, media and communication, sustainable future, and people and values.

Soft power is defined as a country’s ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. Countries like Egypt are leveraging diplomacy, culture, and education to enhance their global reputation and build goodwill.

Meanwhile, China which sits on third place on the global index has been expanding its influence in Africa over the past decade and is currently hosting the China-Africa forum, with African leaders keen to explore investment and loan opportunities. China, the world’s number two economy, is Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting $167.8 billion in the first half of this year.

READ: Egypt’s Al-Azhar condemns Israeli offensive in occupied West Bank

Keeping the kids entertained on holiday is a non-stop job, especially when sunshine isn’t guaranteed.

Thankfully, Devon has loads to offer families, from days spent building sandcastles on beaches to adventure parks with fun rides and animals to meet. 

There are plenty of options if you’re looking to keep on a budget, with free things to do around the county, from events to museums that don’t cost a penny. 

We chatted to local experts and Sun readers who know Devon well to find out what they would recommend to families heading there on a £9.50 Holiday. 

We’ve also added in our own tips, plus Tripadvisor top-rated family attractions, so you and your family will have a £9.50 Holiday to remember… 

Fun on the farm

If you and the family are based in North Devon, a day out could be well spent at The Big Sheep, around a 45-minute drive from Croyde and its surrounding beaches.

Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park, said: “The Big Sheep is a family-friendly theme park with animals and attractions – including North Devon’s biggest and fastest rollercoaster.”

The park is a good rainy day option, with an indoor playground including giant slides, a baby sensory room and cafe.

Winter indoor play is from £4.50 for adults, £6 for kids, £4 for children under 3 ft and £2 for babies.Tip: Book online for the best rates.

On the south coast, the top-rated Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has free entry and parking.

Spark their imaginations

Forget stuffy museums – The Box in Plymouth is packed with fun, interactive exhibits to wow your kids.

It’s free to enter, and has also been voted Best Family Attraction in the 2024 Muddy Stilettos Awards for Devon.

You can expect awesome artwork and creative activities such as the weekly sensory art sessions for one to four-year-olds (tip: these have an additional cost of £7 for the first child and £4 for each additional child).

Don’t miss the free Friday storytelling sessions – half an hour that will engage under-fives. 

Free daddy daycare

Dads (or male guardians) can make the most of free soft play sessions that take place every Thursday in Plymouth.

The Dads N’ Dinkies club has been recommended by Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay holiday park.

She said: “On Thursdays, Barnardo’s runs a Dads and Dinkies session, which is free soft play for dads and the children.

Mums can have a rest while Dads take the kids down to the YMCA for a play.”

Sessions run on Thursdays at 1.30pm. Tip: pre-booking essential. 

Go to the big screen

On a rainy day, nothing beats the cinema.

And the Everyman Cinema in Plymouth comes highly-rated for families by Gem Krupa.

She said: “As well as adult sessions in the evening, the cinema has family-friendly screenings in the day.

It’s not that much more expensive than a regular cinema ticket but it’s a really cool experience.

There are sofas and armchairs in there. You get a blanket and a menu and you can order cocktails, or burgers and desserts.”

Family tickets are available. 

Steam train magic

Sun reader Richard Tilley from Devizes in Wiltshire has visited South Devon numerous times with his family, most recently staying at Parkdean Resorts Torquay.

Richard, 62, recommends exploring the South Devon coastline by steam train and ferry, like he did with his children when they were younger.

He said: “We used to take the family on the steam train from Paignton to Kingswear, then hop on a ferry over to Dartmouth and back. The kids loved it – it now brings back happy memories.”

Tickets from £14pp for a family of five. 

Tripadvisor’s Top 5 things to do in Devon with kids

Devon’s top-rated family attraction is Kents Cavern, a prehistoric labyrinth of underground passages in Torquay.

Kids will love exploring this cave, which was home to ancient humans sheltering from extreme weather and hunting Ice Age animals.

Nearby, Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens is also highly rated by Tripadvisor users, allowing you to step inside a miniature world.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh and The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth also make the top-rated list. 

WE’VE taken a look at how to spend a family day out for FREE across multiple locations in the UK.

We’ve pinpointed three UK counties brimming with free activities for all ages, ensuring everyone stays entertained without spending a single penny.

And with activities covered for all ages, you can be sure there’ll be no getting bored.

Sussex: Beach days, railways and pirate festival

Across Sussex there are plenty of free things to do, meaning that you can take the kids out for an action-packed day of activities without breaking the bank.

If you’re visiting when the sun’s out, head to one of the many beautiful beaches in the county.

Camber Sands is perfect for families with its sprawling stretches of golden sands, perfect for bucket and spade days and paddling in the water.

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It’s a top choice due to its nearby facilities including parking, cafes and loos – perfect for parents of young children.

A sunny day is also the perfect time to go for a family bike ride.

The South Coast East route will take you along the coast, past stunning cliffs and landscapes.

And if the children (or Dad) are into steam trains, there’s multiple ways to enjoy them in Sussex – without booking a pricey ticket.

The Bluebell Railway is a great spot to visit, with its interactive “SteamWorks” exhibition at Sheffield Park station, and its own outdoor playground at Kingscote station.

There is no charge for platform entry on non-service days, and the gifts and models shop often remains open on these days too – just check their website ahead of time.

You can also head to Hotham Park, a short walk from Bognor Regis town centre, where there’s a popular miniature railway.

The park is free to enter if you’re wanting to stroll and have a look around.

But there’s loads to see and do for an optional small fee, such as crazy golf, a boating lake and kids’ adventure play area.

And if you do visit with some change in your pocket, the Hotham Park Railway is only £2.50 for adults and £2 for kids (under 2s go free).

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends Hastings in Sussex for its annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

It’s a pirate-themed weekend with free things to do including a treasure hunt, craft workshops and kids pirate tattoos.

Lastly, Sussex is home to some fantastic free museums.

The Shipwreck Museum is free to enter, and is full of fascinating maritime artifacts.

Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum in Chichester for families.

It also has free entry, and kids can learn about history covering the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Lincoln: Horse sanctuary, lakeside picnics and history museums

There’s loads of free and cheap things to do for families in Lincolnshire.

So much so, that there’s a Facebook group with more than 15,000 members sharing free things to do with the kids “in and around Lincoln”.

If you’ve got any mini history buffs in the family, they’ll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

The museum takes a deep dive into life in the county, from 1750 to the present day.

There’s an authentic WWI tank, interactive exhibitions and group quiz sessions.

Similarly, The Lincoln Museum is another indoor attraction well-worth the visit.

Aside from the fascinating exhibitions, it offers “Play at The Lincoln Museum” – a free activity centre packed with activities for younger children and a play zone for babies.

For older kids, there’s lots of interactive games and trails too.

Alternatively, just 20 minutes from Lincoln you’ll find Bransby Horses.

The charity owns a 600-acre site which is home to over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Visitors can walk through to admire the animals and set up for lunch at the designated picnic area.

There’s also a play park, cafe and gift shop.

Entry is free, although donations are recommended upon visiting to support the charity.

Sun reader Sarah Al-Aidi recommends Hubbard’s Hills – a vast green space near Louth with plenty of trees and a water valley.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks” she says.

In the park you’ll find a play area and plenty of scenic picnic spots by the river – and it’s a great place to bring the dog, too.

Devon: Free soft play, giant animal models and discovery trails

Whilst Devon is known for it’s family-friendly beaches, there’s more to it than building sandcastles and wasting away your change at the arcades.

One of the best ways to explore the county is by undertaking one of its many outdoor discovery trails.

Haldon Forest near Exeter has a popular family activity trail which often has new themes depending on the time of year.

It’s a beautiful winding trail which ends at a picnic spot, home to an impressive Gruffalo sculpture.

And for kids of all ages, geo-caching can make for an exciting and energy-burning day out – and can get your kids away from their screens.

Geo-caching in Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks is a fantastic way to get the kids to explore the outdoors.

Hidden around the parks you’ll find stashes of hidden items known as caches.

They’ll often have quirky items in to trade, as well as a log book to record your win finding the geo-cache.

In fact geo-caching happens all over the UK, and all the rules are on the geo-caching website.

Plus, the Royal William Yard Geo Trail in Plymouth is a fascinating look back in time to 380 million years ago.

And whilst you’re visiting Plymouth, dads can make the most of free soft play.

“On Thursdays, Barnardo’s runs a Dads and Dinkies session, which is free soft play for dads and the children” says Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay holiday park.

“Mums can have a rest while Dads take the kids down to the YMCA for a play.”

The free soft play sessions take place every Thursday at 1.30pm. Just make sure to prebook first!

Lastly, on the outskirts of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey you can’t skip out on The Jolly Roger.

Here you’ll find incredible showrooms displaying giant animal and dinosaur models – and the best part is, it’s free to visit.

There’s also models of race cars, fairies, and at Christmas time the showroom even gets decked out with Santas and sleighs.