The Ultimate Guide to Soft Play at Hungry Horse
What to do when boredom strikes
Every parent knows the unmistakable signs when boredom is creeping in. The toys are scattered, the giggles are fading, and even screen time’s lost its magic.
Let's face it, finding ways to keep children entertained can feel like a full-time job. Especially when parents are running low on energy themselves and need a well-earned break.
You might try to whip out the board games or bundle everyone out the door for a walk. But when it comes to family time, pubs with soft play are always a surefire hit.
From the bouncy ball pits to the swinging ropes, long tunnels, and big slides, the soft structure lets little ones blow off some steam without the risk of a hard fall. Meanwhile, parents get to sit down, rest their tired feet, and maybe even enjoy a drink and a snack. It's fun and freedom for the kids and a rest and rewind for mums and dads. Talk about a win-win!
If you’re looking for soft play pubs near you, why not consider a Hungry Horse?
Soft play shouldn’t be hard work!
You’ve packed the kids into the car and got yourselves out the door. Now what? Here’s our handy tips to make soft play stress-free and slide into the fun…
Check out local providers
Nothing takes the shine off a family day out like a long drive and traffic jams, so opt for something closer to home. You’ll spend less time on the road and get to the fun that much faster! If you’re looking for a soft play pub near you, checking out your nearest Hungry Horse.
Make sure they’re within the age limit
Some soft play spots have a minimum age limit, so double-check your little one’s good to go. And if you’re bringing older kids, watch out, as some zones may be reserved just for the tiny tots.
Bring spare socks and a change of clothes
Soft play means no shoes, so slip on clean and matching socks. Parents, this goes for you too, because you never know when you’ll need to dash in and tend to your little one. Leave the holey socks with the toe peeking through at home. Better yet, bin them already!
Let your kids know the rules
Different soft play centres have their own rules, but we think a few basics always apply. Firstly, no eating in the actual play area. There's allergies to consider and also nobody wants to fish out mouldy bananas or chewed-up cereal bars from the ball pit. Keep those plasters stuck on tight too, and no sneaky nappy removals. Finally, remember the soft mats aren’t a wrestling ring. Soft play does NOT mean tackle time!
Why Hungry Horse should be your go-to for soft play
We don't mean to toot our own horn but hey, if the ball pit fits. At Hungry Horse, we offer something special for the whole family, but our pubs with Wacky Warehouses really reach new heights.
Just picture the scene. It’s been a LONG day, and yet it’s somehow only lunchtime. Your tank is running on empty and you need some help. Hungry Horse has plenty of pubs across the country, so your local is never far. You’ve found one with a Wacky Warehouse and now the thrill of fun is on the horizon. You’ve parked up, unloaded and the kids have just spotted the soft play ahead. Their little faces finally burst into big grins, and they run off while you pull up a chair.
As the nation’s biggest soft play area provider, Wacky Warehouse has family fun down to a fine art. The biggest slides, the bounciest ball pits, and even colourful craft corners to unleash creativity.
Let them play with their siblings, hang with their friends or make memories with new mates. They can run riot while you reset.
We haven’t forgotten the under-5s.
Our Tots Club keeps the little ones entertained throughout the weekdays. Plus, our play areas are indoors, so you can join the fun come rain or shine. And considering how shy the British sunshine can be, that’s definitely a big plus!
We’ve got a packed bar, so why not enjoy a frosty pint while you wait? Feeling peckish? You can order from our pub food menu packed with tasty classics. Better yet, you can feed the whole family, as our deals run from Monday right through to Sunday. Big dishes, big flavours and big value. It’s what we do best.
In fact, you’ll find value at every turn. Like our Play Passes, which can let your child have fun for as little as 33p. With flexible durations, your little adventurers get all the fun, minus the spend.
Our Two Week pass works out to just 64p per day, while our One Month pass is just £14, and our Six Month option is £65, which works out to a £20 saving!
Dig in to our dishes
If you’re stopping by, you might as well tuck into a tasty plate. The kids will certainly work up an appetite in our Wacky Warehouses, and you deserve a bite to eat too.
At Hungry Horse, our pub food menu is brimming with classic plates to tease those tastebuds. We’re talking stacked and juicy burgers, yummy curries with all the trimmings, fiery grills with flame-grilled flavour, and perfect puddings to please everyone.
With kids’ menus, everyone can pick their favourites. And with daily deals, you can really push the boat out.
Soak up the summer in our beer gardens
There’s no better place to soak up a summer’s day than a beer garden, and after your little ones have burned off some energy, a bit of fresh air is just what they need. Kick back with an al fresco drink or tuck into an outdoor feast while the good vibes roll.
Rain on the radar? No problem. With covered seating and heaters, the fun keeps flowing whatever the weather. And with outdoor play areas on hand, the kids stay entertained while you enjoy that extra pint or dive into a sharer plate.
An easy exit
One of the best parts about visiting a Hungry Horse with soft play? All the fun and none of the fuss. The kids can run wild while you sit back. There's no toys scattered on the carpet to tidy up, no crayon-covered walls, and no sofa cushions left looking like a trampoline.
As for the food, you can chow down without the chore. No hot oven to sweat over, no table to set, and no mountain of dishes waiting in the sink. Just quality time well spent. When you’re done, just get up and go.
Find your nearest soft play at Hungry Horse
After some family fun? Consider Hungry Horse. Whether you’re looking for somewhere close to home or you’re away and need a pub with soft play near you, just enter your location into our handy pub finder.