The best soft-play centres in London

Got an ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’ approach to soft play? Croydon behemoth Kidspace is the one for you (if your eardrums can take it). Split into distinctively designed zones, it features enormous undulating slides, climbing walls, go-karts, mini-golf, ball blasters, multi-sensory toddler areas, trippy UV-lit tunnels and much more. Billed as suitable for anyone under 13, it’s particularly good for older kids who like a challenge and for grown ups who still find giddy joy in hurling themselves down children’s tunnel slides. Also in Romford.

Museum of London's Mudlarks gallery is wildly popular with parents looking for an affordable, imaginative spot for under-eights to let off some steam. As well as a dock-themed soft play – complete with a squidgy DLR carriage – there are giant building blocks, divers’ helmets, tiny cranes and a waterplay table you may well have to forcibly drag the kids away from. You'll need to book your 45-minute session in advance, with tickets £3.50 per person, regardless of whether you're big or small. 

In truth, the indoor play area at socially conscious West Hampstead venue the Sherriff Centre  is hardly unique. There’s the usual jumble of ball pits, slides and netted walls, with separate sections for babies and under-11s. But, while some soft plays offer parents little more than a few chairs and an erratic vending machine, this place is nestled in the striking, vaulted interior of St James Church. That means you can grab a coffee or some cake from the Sanctuary Café while your charges scramble madly over vinyl-covered foam.

Set sail for Greenwich's Maritime Museum and you'll find adventures galore, including a giant ocean map, The Cove sea-themed playground, and costumed character encounters every Saturday. But the jewel in the crown is the freshly revamped indoor Ahoy! play zone, which is full of nautical fun for under-sevens. You won't find ball pits or classic soft play here. But there are role play areas including a fishmonger, an 18th century galleon, and a seaside ice cream hut, plus loads of interactive games inspired by Greenwich's seafaring past.

If your children are happiest when they’re bouncing from colourful space to colourful space, they’ll have a ball at Inflata Nation. The Colindale venue boasts everything from a gigantic lagoon-themed ball pit with a volcano, inflatable slides, and an obstacle course, all of which are guaranteed to wear the little tykes out so you can have peace and quiet come home time.

Cheery staff and masses of things to do mean Gambado is eternally popular, despite the hefty entry fee. Kids soon vanish into the depths of the thrilling multi-level climbing frame, which incorporates ball ponds, slides (enclosed twirly tunnels plus bumpy ones large enough for parents to join in), trampolines, assault courses and mini dodgems. Under-fours get a soft-play section, including sensory lights, sounds and textures for babies. You can refuel on healthy fare at the café, with great views of the mayhem unfolding around you. At weekends, it’s usually full of birthday parties.

This Tottenham soft play space doesn’t just have a fun name, but a myriad of entertaining bits inside to keep the kids happy. Let them run wild through the rainbow-hued array of platforms, slides and ball pits while you tuck into some of the affordable – and tasty – food from a distance.

This freshly reimagined Bethnal Green museum is a wonderland for older kids, offering design-led exhibits exploring toys through the centuries. But pre-schoolers haven't been forgotten: Young V&A's small, lushly carpeted soft play zone is a micro museum that's perfect for crawlers and toddlers, with furry display cases, sparkly exhibits, and tunnels to venture through. 

Did you know there’s a sci-fi theme park under Camden Market? Babylon Park is part of a small international chain of mini-amusement parks that packs in a number of kiddie-friendly rides. Head to the Gymboree area for a soft play extravaganza and, when you’re done, check out the other attractions, from an alien ride to a baby rollercoaster.