I'm aiming for our twins 1st birthday party to be at a soft play centre. I've got the Wacky Warehouse at Coal Aston in mind but would appreciate any other recommendations please?
Has The Farm on Farm Rod definitely gone? I was really hoping to use that one as I could have it exclusively for an hour or two.
I can do that at Wacky too but only at 9.30 am!
I know there's a new one near M'hell, not had a look yet though.

hello
The one on farm rd has got one,
but theres also one at top of kent rd which you can have that one exclusively

Just rang them and they said they don;t have it anymore :S

There's a fab one at Heeley/Meersbrook in an old church I think it's on Kent Road somewhere but I can't remember what it is called :huh:

It is very reasonable in pricing too!!

ABC or Playzone seems familiar

Its called playtime, my nephews have had a fewparties there and had a fantastic time.

Its called playtime, my nephews have had a fewparties there and had a fantastic time.

Wahoo that's the one....


Playtime
11 Nicholson Rd
Sheffield, S8 9SU
0114 249 3947

It was starting to bug me that I could not remember the name. geez I go there often enough!!!

:)

Would the mega centre be suitable ???

Its on bernard street S2. I took my little lad and he enjoyed it

Give Children's Information Service a ring, as well...they will send you out masses of information on all resources for children in Sheffield (that they're aware of), including soft play centres, kiddies classes, pubs and restaurants that welcome children, etc. 0114 2756699.
They also give lists of nurseries and advice, etc for parents with children starting school.

Will look into all of these - thanks everyone :)

We rented out Tots to Tens in Hillsbrough for my son's birthday last year and it was great! They even let us bring our own food in

MegaCentre on Bernard Road is good - my son had his party there, although a little bit older - a time of play, and good food to eat and nice people too.

Mega Centre Megakidz is a good place to have a party. Their party deal it good and the centre is very friendly. I've been to a couple of parties there and had nothing but good things to say about them. The number is 2725077.

Its our baby boys birthday in April and we want to do something to celebrate. We thought of maybe hiring a room or venue but want somewhere the adults can get a drink but babies will also be catered for. Any suggestions welcome as we need to start booking and I can't think of anywhere.
Any ideas other than hiring a room etc also welcome.

How many people are likely to be attending? Could you not do a buffet at home maybe, you know the kids will be catered for there!

If you do hire somewhere could you get hold of some mats like they use in schools etc and put them together with some toys etc?

When my little one turned one, I had a joint birthday party with a friend at Sheffield Wildlife Trust Headquarters. Their education team do parties for children. I believe usually 3 years and up, which was the age of the other child, and we had several older children there. Cosycub joined in where he could, and seemed to enjoy it. There were arts and crafts, games and stories, all with a wildlife slant, of course. Really, really nice staff who had as much fun as the kids.
I believe they will go out to other venues...but if all the children are under three, it may be worth waiting a couple of years.

SWT rent out the main hall and other meeting rooms, and have a kitchen and a nice garden. There is a pond, and access to the road, so you can't just leave the kids to it, someone needs to be watching them. However, I didn't find it a problem, and they can do pond dipping as well.

If you want to look into it, ring Sheffield Wildlife Trust on 0114 2634335 and ask for the education team.

I am definitely considering doing it again this year - cosycub will be two in April.

Don't know about costs but maybe hire one of those party buses

we hired a bouncy castle for the back garden and did all the food at home. older kids had something to do(and the 1 yr olds) it was fab, kept everyone out of the house too! i can get you a phone number if you are interested

We went to the Wackey Warehouse with our twins on their first birthday, it was fab and age appropriate for them and other kids who came too. Snacks and drinks for the kids and various for adults too.

personally i had it at home and send out invite showing 2 times and asking people to tell me which time/s they were coming. 2pm was snacks and 5pm bbq (under marque as it peed it down in aug!!) but yes, people took the mickey and same to both, didnt tell me, cost a fortune and ruined my carpet and garden with their badly beh children!
id suggest keeping it small and for close family until ur babes is old enough to decide what he wants to do and where to go.
and if anyone on here is going to a party-keep ur kids under control!! i found family members kids were so rude and naughty while parent sjust drank and chatted! i was knackered! never again!
macdonalds anyone??(kidding)

Thanks for all the suggestions. Would have liked to have a bit of a do at home but my house is tiny. Will phone round some of the other suggestions though and get prices etc. Going somewhere else for the party also has the advantage of not having to tidy up too!!!

The one at Megacentre is excellent - they also have a great cafe area for the grown ups to sit and chill. I'd definitely recommend it - the staff are really friendly and the kids love it.

so, babybabychickens is now 9 months old, and someone asked me what we'll be doing for her birthday the other day. after looking horrified and replying that it really was far far too soon to worry about, i started worrying about it.

what is expected of a first birthday? we have 3 un-mixable bits of family that might want to be involved, plus 3 separate and entirely un-mixable friend-groups. the friend groups are easy - tell people it's her birthday, bake a cake, tell them to bring wine. the family are less easy, and there's a limit to how many weekends i intend to spend celebrating babybabychickens's birthday. any ideas? is it even normal to celebrate a first birthday properly? do babies notice decorations, or is that just for the adults? balloons? cake? gams? tell me about your celebrations, please, such that i can steal ideas.

bc

IMO babys first birthday should be a time for you all to sit back and congratulate yourself on surviving the first year.

Babybabychickens won't give two hoots if a party is thrown, babybabychickens will be more interested in eating the wrapping paper from the pressies... :hihi:

my little now nearly 3 loved his first birthday party an my lil girl is 9 mths old an she is havin a first birthday party

We took our kids to a soft play centre and invited lots of friends kids to come along, parents drank coffee and kids played nicely. Then we went to a pub for a lunch with friends with and without kids and finally we went to my Mums for a little tea party.
So, all friends and family done in one day, no mess at home, girls had fun and pressies throughout the day and loved it.
Balloons were a hit and bubbles, lots of bubbles.
OH parents don't live in Sheffield so they had antoher tea-party type thing when we visited the following weekend.
Maybe you could part of the day at home and part out - it would give a distinct deadline for certain parts of things to be over and done with and people to go home - allowing you control over who mixes with who and where, thereby preventing any difficult situations you might anticipate.
Maybe out somewhere for late morning and early afternoon then home for a barbecue since it will be June (estimate on the 3 months).
Our girls obviously had no concept of what was going on but loved every second of it :)

Threads merged :)

imo, a bday party for a 1yr old is just a excuse for the adults to let there hair down, the baby will poss sleep through it, and wont remember it, save the money for future partys that they can enjoy. we had the party bus its great but more suited to older kids mine was 6yrs when we had it. just get a cake some sandwiches, and crisps and invite grandparents or close relitives but keep it small.

can anyone give me suggestions on where to take my daughter and some friends from nursery for her 4th birthday :confused:

Erm... your house, play some games chuck some food in and a disco in the living room. :thumbsup:

There are some links and suggestions in the parenting group, see my clicky link in my signature below.

isnt there a place down darnel, jungle something, which is an indoor play centre, they also do birthday parties

jungle mania

This thread might be of use, it refers to first birthdays but most, if not all of the places would be appropriate:
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=193278&highlight=birthday+party
this one might help too
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=139514&highlight=soft+play

Camelot play castle Rotherham ....Great ...Absolutely fabulous !!

goto camelotplaycastle.co.uk - or pm me and i'll find the number

If she likes to dress up like a princess etc ...and you get the whole place to your party :D - (not like some of these other play areas) where they have about 9 party's going off at the same time :thumbsup:

My daughter loved to have old fashioned party cos no one else did that! pass the parcel, musical bumps etc held in our church hall. Brilliant and i never heard one kid moan.Always had a theme teddy bears picnic toy story etc.
hope all goes well what ever you decide on

Babyboo, many nurseries hire out their large rooms at weekends for parties, etc. The University of Sheffield nursery on Brunswick Street (where Babytee goes) hires out a large room, adjacent to a kitchen, toilet and outside playground with use of indoor soft-play equipment and piano for £25 for 2 hours - bargain!

Last time I went to a parent's evening there we all had a lovely glass of wine so there's obviously no problem if you want to toast baby-babyboo's first year in the world (within reason, presumably!)

Hi, my daughters 3 rd birthday will soon be on us and I wanted to book somewhere soon. I would like a nice place that her and her little friends can have a bit of a bite to eat and a run about and play, but for a reasonable cost.

anyone got anywhere to reccomend, - have your little ones had a party and you thought it was brill and good value anywhere?

anyone done anything a little different to soft play areas (not that im not wanting soft play, just would like all the options)

Thanks

Previous threads have info for you:
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=193278&highlight=birthday+party
this one might help too
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=139514&highlight=soft+play
and this one
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=193278&highlight=birthday

Depends where you are I suppose ...
We had our twins birthday party at camelot castle in Rotherham
Really really Good value and private !
You get the whole place to yourself there's a soft play area and there's a cold buffet and games to play .
The buffet is served in a banqueting style room and the birthday girl/boy sits at the head of the table on a throne whilst all the other kids sit around ....They are also encouraged to dress up.
The party lasts two hours and there's an area for adults to drink tea/coffee and chat .
Like I said the beauty is - there is only your party there ....I'm booking it again for this year ...
Search camelot castle on the net

Price was in Feb this year £99 for 15 kids all play and food included and I think it's 5 per head any extra kids ...:D
Woth every penny for us and all of the adults agreed it was worth the travel.

Junglemania
Pleanty for the kids to do, cheap and decent food!

i also used castle camelot at rotherham and would really recommend it! i had my 2 years old sons party there and there was nowhere i was nervous about them climbing/adventuring to as i seem to find at some places! Had a lovely 2 hours and no mess 4 me to clean up!

hi.

i have a bouncy castle for hire,it`s 12ft x 14ft ideal for childrens garden parties.

6 hrs(all day) for £50 or you could have it for 4 hrs for £35.

hope i can help,if not please remember me for future.

HAPPY DAYS BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE 01142555207.

Have you tried the MegaCentre in Sheffield which is on the tram route to Meadowhall.
They have one of these ball pool type play areas inside and they do a great deal on childrens parties.

Hiya,


My little girl is 1 in August, so we have just over 2 months to plan her 1st birthday but I am not sure what to do- what did you all do for your LO's 1st birthday????

:)

Just do what they did with "Robert" when he was a baby .....

Dress her up, smear some chocolate around her mouth, put a piece of cake in one hand and a balloon in the other.

Take a photo, put it in a frame and as she grows up, tell her what a wonderful party she had.

She'll never know the difference! :hihi:

who is the party for? for other kids, your family or for your mates and she'll be pretty much the only child there?

our friends had the first few birthdays at home, and now the kids have friends and like to throw themselves round more they hire a hall such as the scout hut or cricket social club for a couple of hours - try your local church if this is what you were thinking of :thumbsup:

who is the party for? for other kids, your family or for your mates and she'll be pretty much the only child there?

our friends had the first few birthdays at home, and now the kids have friends and like to throw themselves round more they hire a hall such as the scout hut or cricket social club for a couple of hours - try your local church if this is what you were thinking of :thumbsup:

Hiya, well it's pretty much only going to be our families, and neither are huge. She is the only young child in the immediate family, and I don't fancy a big do with everyone (all friends, both families- even the distant relatives) being there. I know they don't remember at this age, just wanted to celebrate her first year on earth lol.... I know they can go to soft play warehouses etc. when they are a bit older, but maybe not at 1?

Have a bbq at home have some friends and family round, we did that for the first couple of years so you dont have to cart loads of baby stuff around and you can put your child down for a nap if tired.

When Sccop jr was one he really loved balloons, so we bought about a hundred and after he'd gone to bed the night before his birthday me and Mr Scoop blew them all up so that they filled the whole living room.

He was delighted and of course we had a little tea party at home for our family, where he learnt the joy of ripping the paper off hundreds of presents.

It was lovely.

Have a bbq at home have some friends and family round, we did that for the first couple of years so you dont have to cart loads of baby stuff around and you can put your child down for a nap if tired.


Why didn't I think of that!!! We (unfortunately) live in a tiny 4th floor flat but I suppose at her great-grandmas or her grandma and grandads we could, should be nice and warm with any luck on 8th August!

Thanks:hihi:

you could by a childs bouncy-castle or ball pool for the gaden for your daughter and the rest of you have a bbq that way every1s happy but make you you buy one of the small bouncy castles my next droor neigbour has the same sort of thing but the child cant get out of it becuse there is inflated bars going across it that way you dont have to have eyes in the back of your head :)

how about graves park
You could have a picnic, go to the farm and im sure last time i went they have a bouncing castle,all depends on the weather i supose
good luck:)

i need ideas what to do for my little girls first birthday can't seem to think of anything good

There's a huge thread on this Chryll so I'm going to merge it, there's lots of ideas for you there and some feedback from events too.

I recommend Kidsland in Rotherham Town Centre. We had a wonderful party for my 4 year old all the kids loved it and the food was really good.

I use Just for Kidz on John Street, indoor climbing centre with ball ponds and all sorts, great staff, was a wonderful day, you can go for parties or just drop in during the school holidays for an hour or 2

i wouldnt let a little one go to jungle mania, i went yesterday and wouldnt let my dog go again never mind my child it was like a nut house, dirty and no supervision what so ever

I've found someone that does bouncy castle hire local with a covered dome one too if the weather looks changeable. Call Michael or Danny on Sheffield 244 4979 or their mobile 07947 866237 or 07806 574175. I met them last week at the B&Q Cancer fund weekend and the kids really enjoyed the inflatable slide and bouncy castle.

hi all, im a member of staff at jungle mania after reading some of your comments on jungle mania i am sorry some of you feel this way, i can assure you that jungle mania has taken your comments in to consideration and over the last few weeks we have had major changes, we have daily activities planned for the children, which all children enjoy very much, anyone who has any issues while visiting us, should speak to a member of staff or management who will be happy to help.

Is your statement an official statement on behalf of Jungle Mania?

[pedant's hat]Spellcheck! :gag: [/pedant's hat]

:)

.

Is your statement an official statement on behalf of Jungle Mania?

I hope not, 'cos the spellings atrocious :hihi::hihi:

well i only went with my daughter on thursday and it was awful the floor was dirty there were older children running about like idiots knocking the babies over, they were running up and down the slide and the babies couldnt get into the under 5s area, the staff where more bothered about playing with 2 children that i presume where children of a friend or another person that worked there. There was a girl running a sticky session in the room at the back and she looked board stiff no interaction with the children at all, i understand that its the parent that needs to look after to the children which is all well and good but some dont and then there needs to be some supervision, i am a trained assistant teacher so do know what i am talking about and like i said on another thread i wont be returning because it is just an accident waiting to happen

hi all my name is jade whitbead i am a member off staff at jungle maniaafter reading some of your comments on jungle mania i am sorry some of you feel this way i can assure you that jungle mania has taken your comments in to concideration and over the last few weeks we have had major changes we now have a variety of activities for the children i can also asure you the equipment is well supervised it is the parents responsibility to supervise there children however we still supervise the children so i am very happy to say if you come back to jungle mania you will notice the change also i am i have 2 younger sisters aged 22 months i have been to many play centres mega centre elsecar pirate ship and alpherbet zoo and i can asure you we are the cheapest and i am a qualified level 2 child care assistant and you have my word that we care very well for your children to be happy and safe if you wish to contact me you are more than welcome when you come to jungle mania you will more than likely see me or one of my cauleges on the equipment if you wish to contact email and i will email back
j.whitbread

It's very much appreciated that you've made the effort to come online and say all this, JM is developing a bad reputation and this is the kind of reponse parents want in order to recreate faith in your facilities - however, it is very difficult to read your statement as there are lots of spelling errors, punctuation problems and so on, it doesn't make you look professional at all.
My personal opinion is that staff supervising a childrens play facility like JM should have NVQ level 3 qualifications if not level 4. Level 2 is for basic playwork and is practically the lowest rung on the ladder, it does not inspire confidence.
At least one of your staff should be a level 4 to run the project and at least one member of staff during each shift should be level 3 qualified in order to create the most professional, safe and appropriate play facility.
Personally I haven't been to your facility because everytime I phone up to make enquiries no one seems to be able to handle my call or answer my questions.
My comments are a genuine response which I hope will help. It is very difficult to give people honest feedback face to face, people tend to talk behind ones back instead and vote with their feet.
Perhaps if you spellcheck and resubmit your message it will be viewed with more interest?
Good luck!

Is your statement an official statement on behalf of Jungle Mania?

no i just wanted to let people know about our changes as i am a customer at jungle mania as well as a staff member thanks for your reply

I hope not, 'cos the spellings atrocious :hihi::hihi:


no its not offical sorry about spelling

Hi there,

I live very close to JM and as such have been several times and I have to agree with the posts above, it seems badly managed and I have seen a couple of kids getting really nasty bumps on the head because they are just left to run riot. I appreciate parents should look after their children, however, it is the duty of the "qualified" staff to maintain a safe environment.

I have not been in the summer hols and don't intend to. I feel that for the price you pay it's not anywhere clean enough (lots of spills, stains and sticky carpet) and there is insufficent interaction from the staff there.

Sorry just my opinion.

Anne

Cosywolf and I have just been and investigated Playtime (http://www.playtimesheffield.co.uk/findus.html) at Heeley - clearly a well kept secret IMO.
Well, it's clean, it's fun and has a pretty good range of things to keep the kids entertained. The baby/toddler bit isn't fabulous but it could be much worse IMO and since parents can join in the the fun there's nothing to stop you charging around the upper echelons with them - providing you're a bit flexible. There's this level climbing thing which takes you up, a big steep slide for the more adventurous kids (and parents). There's also a slightly more tame curly snake slide.
The ball pool to end all ball pools resides on the lower level and there's a bouncy castle upstairs which is pretty good.
Cleanliness is a big deal there - can't argue with that.
The only downfalls I found we're that one loo doesn't have a seat - but since there are two more there's no need to cry about it. The prices are slightly elevated in the school holidays which is a bit of a shame and the food there isn't especially health conscious - however, you can take your own so again it's not so bad.
We took Cosycub at age 2.5 and the Twingles at 21 months and a great time was had by all.
Cosy and I agreed we shall be going again!

Oh, I'll be going again all right...though the ball pool is scary, lol. Cosycub was determined to burrow in and I thought I'd never find him. As for that slide...no thanks!

It was brilliant fun, too...we were allowed to climb all over the place, and though it helps if you're young and tough, us oldies managed it all right. Though we didn't get up to the very top.

I thought it was good that the only ways to get up to the next level were self-limiting. Children who are too young or too small would not be able to get up to the next bit, so you wouldn't have to be constantly stopping them following older, bigger kids.

Great fun, and a fabulous workout for the parents, lol

Hi All Parents And Carers Out There.
We Are Currently In The Process Of Setting Up A Play And Party Centre In The Mosborough Area.
As Parents Of Young Children Ourselves, We Have Spent Alot Of Time In Different Play Centres And We Are Wanting To Offer Something A Little Different To Our Customers.
As Well As The Play Structure,activity Area, Soft Play Area For Toddlers And Cafe Area We Are Looking To Provide Seperate Private Party Rooms For The Childrens Party Packages To Ensure A More Personal And Quality Party Experience At No Additonal Cost.We Are Looking To Offer Other Additional Childrens Services In The Near Future(to Be Updated).
Please Feel Free To Coment On Any Of The Above Including Any Other Concerns That You May Have Regarding Soft Play Centres So That We Can Provide You With A Quality Service And Environment Throughout!

I took BabyBonny to one of these sorts of places and it was divided into separate 'zones' depending on the age/ability of the child so for example, the littlest one's could play quite safely in their area without them straying into an area more suited to older children.

The 'Big Tops' at Dinnington has a lot of things that aren't particularly child friendly - low, square coffee tables for example, and a big slide area where little one's can stray into.

Whereabouts in Mosborough and when will you be opening? Perhaps we could have a forum day out! LOL

A play centre in Mosoborough would be great!

Mother and toddler sessions would be good, with simple crafts. I'm struggling to find good toddler groups!
My biggest problem about play centres is when all the big kids take over the baby area and no member of staff ever move them to their place to play! So child friendly staff is a must.
Also most in most play centres the baby area is tiny, so a good baby area would be great!
As i'm sure everyone will tell you, cheap healthy food is a must. and clean toilets! The kids i know tend to sometimes miss the toilet!!
Good luck with it all and i'll look forward to trying it out!!

Sarah x

Decent coffee that doesnt cost the earth and somewhere comfortable for the parents to sit. Also some thing for the bigger kids - i have a 12 year old who comes with us to play centres with me and the little ones and there is nothing for them to do. Maybe consider something for them.

Dont have sweeties and drinks easily accessable to the little ones either - ideally well behind a counter so they cant touch.

Have milk for the little one to drink without charging a £1 a glass.

And none of those machines with tacky rubbish in them that cost £1 a go it can be expensive enough for a couple of hours out - the cost of getting in, a drink each and maybe a snack, without having to fork out as we leave.

Lol x

:thumbsup:THANKS SO MUCH TO YOU ALL PLEASE KEEP THESE COMMENTS COMING THEY ARE A REAL HELP AS WE WANT TO GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME!
WE WANT TO TRY AND CATER FOR ALL CHILDRENS NEEDS AS WE KNOW HOW INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN CAN BE!
AS PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN WE REALLY UNDERSTAND HOW IT FEELS WHEN YOUR TODDLER GOES OUT OF SIGHT FOR EVEN A SECOND SO WE REALLY WANT TO FOCUS ON HOW WE SET UP THE SEATING AREA IN RELATION TO THE PLAY STRUCTURE TO ENSURE VISIBLE LINE OF SIGHT AT ALL TIMES.
WE ALSO WANT TO PROVIDE FOR THE OLDER CHILDREN WITHOUT MAKING THE AREA UNSAFE FOR THE LITTLE ONES.
ALTHOUGH WE WILL NOT BE THE BIGGEST PLAY CENTRE AROUND WE ARE REALLY HOPING WE WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST.
AS THEY SAY BIG IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER!
WE ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT OUR VENTURE AND APPRECIATE ALL OF YOUR VIEWS!
WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED ON WHEN WE WILL BE OPENING.

I like how a certain family restaurant in Sheffield has cctv cameras in the play area with lots of screens dotted around in the restaurant so that parents can keep an eye on their children whilst they play.

There's another thread like this which might be worth looking at, I think that was about setting up.
Also there's a thread about soft play centres in general which discusses the pros and cons of various places which already exist. That would have a huge list of pointers for you :) ANd what to avoid.

Hi simo1432, I live in Mosborough and have a 6 month old. Was just curious as to where in Mosborough your new venture will be based? Sounds good, I was hoping to get my daughter to one of these when she is a bit more mobile.

hi Wend
Thanks for the response, we will be based in westfield and are looking to be open early December.
Will be also looking at organising parent and toddler group within the play centre, so will look forward to meeting you.
Will keep you posted on any updates.

Hi there
Where abouts in Mosbrough will you be and is it easy to find, And when is it likely to be open

Cheers Nichola

We like to take our young kids to various soft play centres in and around Sheffield. - great fun. :D

HOWEVER.

What is it with certain parents who don't watch their kids properly, they just let them go and sit back with a magazine and coffee, paying little attention to what their little one's are doing.

Today - at the soft play centre, a little boy, aprx 3 / 4 approached my two year old and decided to become his friend, arrrhhh. NO!

It wasn'y long before my little boy was being told "I've got a shi*ty arse...I've done a shi*ty poo" !!!! :rant:

My little one is only two and I refuse to let him here things like that as he likes to try repeating most words... where was parent..... who knows! Luckily we tricked him into going down the slide and then ran the other way and hid in the ball pool!

Why don't some parents want to play with their kids in these places, I know it's nice to have a rest but not for the whole time...

THEN COMES THE NEXT PROBLEM

Because we like to go in with them as their only one and two, you end up with all the other kids following you round trying to be your best mate because your showing some interest!

I don't pay my money to look after your kids who are stuck on climbing frames crying their eye's out or wet themsleves going down the bumby slide with no one watching them.... you also see tiny tots who can only just manage to walk climbing 25 feet of padded stairs following the other kids.....

SOFT PLAY - NOT INVINCIBLE LAND!!! :huh:

There are many parents who do watch their kids but i think some others could do a bit more... WHO AM I TO SAY.

NO OFFENCE TOWARDS ANYONE JUST HAVING A RANT :rant:

Rant over! :hihi:

I'm going to move this to the parenting group, where I'm sure you'll find a few like-minded opinions.

I know that the staff are not paid to be childminders, but it might help if there were more and they paid some attention to what was going on...then they could have a word with the parents in question/ do something about inappropriate use of the equipment - little ones in the older sections getting squashed, older ones in the little ones section, doing the squashing. Some parents can be pure evil when you point out that their child is behaving badly. It helps if a member of staff does the telling off.
Unfortunately some people just don't seem to take a lot of interest in what their children are up to. And to be fair, some are probably nattering child-free for a precious ten minutes and would be sorry to hear that their child was causing problems.

I have grown to hate these places and become a complete 'soft play snob' due to sevral bad exeperiences with other kids and parents in these places. I only go to playspace in Ranmoor now, and I fear that will shut down as it always seems quiet. You are right though some parents see it as a break or sitting service and just leave there kids to it.

I agree - I have been sick of looking after other people's kids too - the mother's just sitting their nattering/reading and totally ignoring their children.

I have now just got so hardskinned though and will ask the mothers to politely get off their backsides and watch their kids!!!

That sounds like a very frustrating experience... I've not been to a soft play yet as bub's only ten months but no doubt will venture to one soon (as weather gets worse and his mobility improves). I have no interest in babysitting other people's kids either. I'll have to make sure I frequent the Ranmoor Playscene as it's closest to me to. How much does it costs to get in? I suppose I should just bite the bullet and go really but I have to say the idea of soft play centres hardly thrills me...

Anyone know of any pregnant womans groups in Sheffield?! sat in the house all day, day-time tv...really does get boring! My OH thinks I love the internet more than him now! :D x

Hi, there's a group run by the National Childbirth Trust called Bumps n Babes which quite a few heavily pregnant ladies go to. It's on Tuesdays from 10 til 12 down at St Andrews Hall on St Andrews Road in Nether Edge.

Thankyou! I Shall Find A Number For That!:D

Hi I live in Mosborough, and look forward to your new venture, 1 thing I wanted to mention was, I am slightly disabled and find it very difficult to run around after my 2 year old, most of the time my husband comes with us to places like this, but it would be nice to go on my own, would there be any one there to get my son out of any danger if I could not get to him, ie under or on top of something!
As for something for parents that are bored I would love to meet up and do some crafts or something, I have lots of materials to share if wanted,

I find it hard to understand a lot of parents these days anyway to be honest, I have a very chatty 2 year old boy, who loves to say hello to people, we were in a lift today and he saw a little cute girl about the same age, with her mum, and of course he said hello several times, and the said little cute girl just stared at him, said nothing. I know we are not to encourage our little ones to talk to strangers but surely to say hello to a fellow cutie, I would have encouraged her to reply if she was mine.

Hi floralfoote, I don't live anywhere near Mosborough, but if you were able to come to jellytots sometime (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 1pm-3pm, Victoria Methodist Hall, Chapel Walk in Town) I'm sure someone would be happy to help out with running after the little one...and we'd love to meet you (I go Mondays).

thanks cosy wolf, I might try and come down one day,

Something for the younger school child at half term would be helpful. Our 4 year old has just started school and I know he will be bored in the holidays. Unfortunately the nursery he went to before school is now full and cant take him at half term and school holidays. It would be helpful if you did half term or school holidays sessions for people like me.

I think one thing that needs stressing in these places is the fact that parents have to take responsibility for their children and not just sit drinking their coffee, reading a magazine when their little boy/girl is terrorising the other kids!

You need an active assertive manager - or, if you are doing it yourself, you need to train your staff to be confident to walk up to mothers/fathers not looking after their kids and wake them up. Basically (as a common example), if kids are running up slides (dangerous) and no one is there supervising, you need to take the child to the Mum and say so!!!

I love the centre at Darnall (don't like the one in Mosborough as its dark/dingy) - but the staff seem to be on cloud 9.

We drive miles to go to easy tigers in Chesterfield. We do it for two main reasons...

It's clean - really clean!!!!
and
Parents are encouraged to get ont he play equipment with their kids - not only does this make the experience more fun, paricularly for shy kids, but it also means that you don't spend the whole time wondering if your little one is stuck in some corner somewhere where you can't see them crying or hurt

In addition, they do nice coffee

I took our 4 year old to Easy Tigers yesterday, as he was invited to a party. I dont know about supervising him ... I couldnt see him most of the time. I am going to try this at half term if I dont come up with something else. They also have a nursery opening soon and will do day care.

Finally, after months of trailing all over Sheffield to all the other soft play centres, we have found the place for our daughters 1st birthday.


Tots to tens: Run by kids and ignorant
Alphabet zoo: Filthy
Megakidz: What a hole
Funzone: Way to busy and full of irresponsible parents


Call me fussy but when you turn up at these places that take probably £100 a day (Maybe more, maybe less???) and you turn up, wanting to give them £70-80 in one shot, you'd think they would be a little more interested in you and put some time aside from their magazine to show you around and tell you what they have to offer...NOPE, instead you get ignorant young girls who are there for the money, wouldn't know what to do with a cloth & polish / hoover etc etc and have no time for you, just want your money.

Went to the pirate ship last night and I believe the lady was called Ann, assume she was a manager, anyway, she welcomed us and invited us to have a look around and come get her if we have any questions, my partner went for a look around and I got straight into questioning her, within 5 mins we had decided that was the place for her b'day. Clean, tidy and we even witnessed 1 girl pick up a hoover and another tidying away loose balls, cleaning tables etc. Great place, even the food is healthy and more than just something that is whacked in a deep fat fryer for 5 mins....

PIRATE SHIP GETS MY VOTE HANDS DOWN ABOVE THE REST...:banana::banana::banana::clap::clap:

The Pirate Ship (assume at Fox Hill) is a very nice place and the kids love it however I feel that any venue that can whack there prices up by well over a £1 on day one of the school holidays is down right rude.

We have been going for some weeks to the toddler session on Tuesday's however example the coffee has gone up between 50 & 70p + it's the most expensive place to get in.

Also went to a 2 year old party a couple of weeks ago they charged for 2 babies and the food was pure fried tosh - it is nice from the menu but the birthday food is fried rubbish + what kids venue runs out of ice cream for kids birthdays?

Finally, after months of trailing all over Sheffield to all the other soft play centres, we have found the place for our daughters 1st birthday.


Tots to tens: Run by kids and ignorant
Alphabet zoo: Filthy
Megakidz: What a hole
Funzone: Way to busy and full of irresponsible parents


Call me fussy but when you turn up at these places that take probably £100 a day (Maybe more, maybe less???) and you turn up, wanting to give them £70-80 in one shot, you'd think they would be a little more interested in you and put some time aside from their magazine to show you around and tell you what they have to offer...NOPE, instead you get ignorant young girls who are there for the money, wouldn't know what to do with a cloth & polish / hoover etc etc and have no time for you, just want your money.

Went to the pirate ship last night and I believe the lady was called Ann, assume she was a manager, anyway, she welcomed us and invited us to have a look around and come get her if we have any questions, my partner went for a look around and I got straight into questioning her, within 5 mins we had decided that was the place for her b'day. Clean, tidy and we even witnessed 1 girl pick up a hoover and another tidying away loose balls, cleaning tables etc. Great place, even the food is healthy and more than just something that is whacked in a deep fat fryer for 5 mins....

PIRATE SHIP GETS MY VOTE HANDS DOWN ABOVE THE REST...:banana::banana::banana::clap::clap:

I agree with you Ricon, tried to think of a decent venue for our minishinyhappy 3rd birthday and Pirate Ship was winner out right.

Lovely staff, helpful and you feel valued as a customer. It in 3 weeks so will let you know end result! XX

We've booked our twins party at Playtime in Heeley, only one member of staff but it's a small venue and incredibly clean and organised.
MIght give Pirate Ship a whirl one day when we're at a loose end.

Yes the Pirate ship is clean but after having 2 birthday partys there, we wont be going back !!

The first was my Daughter 3rd birthday, they were late serving food, they brought they cakes biscuits ect in just five minutes after bringing out the sarnis ect, so the kids didnt hardly touched there main meal and went straight onto filling them selfs up with crap. One of the parents went to buy a coffee (while the kids were still eating) and they refused to serve her as our party was due to end in five minutes. At this point we hadnt even sang happy birthday.

Our next Party there was for her 5th Birthday and she begged and pleaded for it here again so being the push overs that we are we gave in and book here again, BIG mistake, the young girl that was taking care of the party came in lighted the candles on the cake turned the lights out, and then asked me who the birthday girl was. Oh and the food was also late again!!

Finally, after months of trailing all over Sheffield to all the other soft play centres, we have found the place for our daughters 1st birthday.


Tots to tens: Run by kids and ignorant
Alphabet zoo: Filthy
Megakidz: What a hole
Funzone: Way to busy and full of irresponsible parents


Call me fussy but when you turn up at these places that take probably £100 a day (Maybe more, maybe less???) and you turn up, wanting to give them £70-80 in one shot, you'd think they would be a little more interested in you and put some time aside from their magazine to show you around and tell you what they have to offer...NOPE, instead you get ignorant young girls who are there for the money, wouldn't know what to do with a cloth & polish / hoover etc etc and have no time for you, just want your money.

Went to the pirate ship last night and I believe the lady was called Ann, assume she was a manager, anyway, she welcomed us and invited us to have a look around and come get her if we have any questions, my partner went for a look around and I got straight into questioning her, within 5 mins we had decided that was the place for her b'day. Clean, tidy and we even witnessed 1 girl pick up a hoover and another tidying away loose balls, cleaning tables etc. Great place, even the food is healthy and more than just something that is whacked in a deep fat fryer for 5 mins....

PIRATE SHIP GETS MY VOTE HANDS DOWN ABOVE THE REST...:banana::banana::banana::clap::clap:

If you want somewhere nice to take a mobile 1 year old you need to get yourself to Meadowfarm near Chapeltown.

Been today and the play area is fab (not soft play area) but there are loads of toddler level toys with tables for them to stand at plus the food isn't bad. Sandwhich and chips about £5 so not bad as you can just have a drink and don't have to pay for the children to get in - kids meals about £3.

I agree with you Ricon, tried to think of a decent venue for our minishinyhappy 3rd birthday and Pirate Ship was winner out right.

Lovely staff, helpful and you feel valued as a customer. It in 3 weeks so will let you know end result! XX

About the same time as baby ricon'etta...26th of this month, can't believe a year has gone by already.

About the same time as baby ricon'etta...26th of this month, can't believe a year has gone by already.

Also a Scorpio then, strong willed and independent l bet! Get ready for the next couple of years if your is anything like mine, wouldnt change her for world but so independent she scares me, no fear and
stands her ground till the end. (dont know where she get it from! LOL):hihi:

It must be her dad!! :hihi:

we had our daughters birthday there in july and they were great i will be returning next year my mum also takes her to the todler morning on a thursday which she enjoys.

I know its possibly a bit further than you would want to treck, but I can whole heartedly recommend the BIG TOPS soft play centre in Anston, Just off the A57 at Todwick cross roads. It is clean, well run, they serve fantastic coffee, and have very comfy leather sofas to sit on while the kids play. There are two separate areas so that the babies dont get squashed by the biggies.
Not sure about prices, but I would pay that little bit extra to go somewhere half decent than go to a dive like alphabet zoo!! (never again)
They also do parties....
C xx

If you want somewhere nice to take a mobile 1 year old you need to get yourself to Meadowfarm near Chapeltown.

Been today and the play area is fab (not soft play area) but there are loads of toddler level toys with tables for them to stand at plus the food isn't bad. Sandwhich and chips about £5 so not bad as you can just have a drink and don't have to pay for the children to get in - kids meals about £3.

Went there for 1st time last week, had a sandwich and drink with a friend with her twins. Must say did seem very nice, though wouldn't of hurt 1 of the staff to have offered to help the lady with 3 glasses and a new born in her arms. (Don't worry i helped). There was a party of little tots at the time and they all seemed happy enough as did mummies.:)

they serve fantastic coffee, and have very comfy leather sofas to sit on while the kids play
C xx

TBH that's not really the situ' I'm looking for, we're not taking her to get her of our hands for a bit, no offence your kids might be a bit older but we will be with her the whole time.

We had our eyes on big tops but we've got people coming from all over the country and some in Sheffield who don't have cars (Us being one) and no room in other cars, so that soon went out of the window. Besides, we would have to check the place out 1st and it's a long way to go, just to check it out :)

Finally, after months of trailing all over Sheffield to all the other soft play centres, we have found the place for our daughters 1st birthday.


Tots to tens: Run by kids and ignorant
Alphabet zoo: Filthy
Megakidz: What a hole
Funzone: Way to busy and full of irresponsible parents


Call me fussy but when you turn up at these places that take probably £100 a day (Maybe more, maybe less???) and you turn up, wanting to give them £70-80 in one shot, you'd think they would be a little more interested in you and put some time aside from their magazine to show you around and tell you what they have to offer...NOPE, instead you get ignorant young girls who are there for the money, wouldn't know what to do with a cloth & polish / hoover etc etc and have no time for you, just want your money.

Went to the pirate ship last night and I believe the lady was called Ann, assume she was a manager, anyway, she welcomed us and invited us to have a look around and come get her if we have any questions, my partner went for a look around and I got straight into questioning her, within 5 mins we had decided that was the place for her b'day. Clean, tidy and we even witnessed 1 girl pick up a hoover and another tidying away loose balls, cleaning tables etc. Great place, even the food is healthy and more than just something that is whacked in a deep fat fryer for 5 mins....

PIRATE SHIP GETS MY VOTE HANDS DOWN ABOVE THE REST...:banana::banana::banana::clap::clap:

Just to update you RICON, our party on Sunday at Pirate Ship was great, stress-free, great atmosphere, food was not the healthiest option but over all, I was very pleased and was happy mummy as my DD was happy.

Would use again, no probs. :thumbsup:

Thanks Kerry, quite looking forward to it now, only 3 days left...what food option did you go for, cold, mixed or hot, we've gone for the mixed and wouldn't mind some opinions...

Thanks :thumbsup:

Well the play area :thumbsup:
The party room :thumbsdown with a capital T:

They rushed us in, the food was crap and they rushed the kids to have it, threw most of it away without asking if the kids wanted anymore, cake came in, candles went out and cake very shortly followed...the ice-cream was in within seconds and the pirate "Someone dressed up which was part of what we paid for" popped his head round the corner of the door, looked and waved at our daughter and left...??????

Then they rushed us out...no time for the kids to have a dance, o games or anything...I was short of being disgusted and will never, ever have a party there again.
We'll play there but party...:huh: NO CHANCE

Reporting back on the latest soft play news:
Our twins second birthday party last Sunday at Playtime, a huge success, great venue, no problems with anything at all, very relaxed and chilled out but the catering was very average 1970's cold buffet stuff. A big thumbs up otherwise !

We then hit the Wacky Warehouse in Dronfield on Wednesday (31st) in a bid to avoid the scroungers at the front door, that place had what's called a 'Sparkle' but they neglected to even clean the play equipment. My OH found the most disgusting and huge clump of fluff and muck in a corner and the staff were entirely unperturbed. There were clearly many more amounts of it in the gaps between the gaps and padding around the play area. We won't be hurrying back.

So, in a final bid of desperation we decided to make the trek over to Space Play Zone so that we know we have a back up plan on really horrible days. The play area is great and we totally approved of that, the member of staff serving us had no idea how much to charge nor how long we could stay and clearly didn't care - a perk in some ways.
The overwhelming stench of grease as approaching the door is most offputting.
Our girls had a wonderful time but we had trouble sharing their experience whilst trying to remove the sleeves of our clothes from the sticky and gunky tables.

However, Jellytots is much better, no gunk on tables, no 1970's buffet, no dirt wedged in peculiar gaps :D Just good, clean fun and a very exclusive clientele :D

virgin gym on broeadfield road is good if a little expensive a two hour party , good food . soft plsay area

Went to Junglemania last week for the first time and it was really good. The prices are very reasonable for soft playtime and a free cuppa. In comparison, I went to Easy Tigers for the first time this week and was very disappointed that they were charging holiday time prices, when it is term time in Chesterfield.

Hi everyone
I'm after taking my little one to a soft play area. He's 18 months old and we live in S5.
Heard some not very good things about Jungle Mania and ideally wanting a place that has a seperate part for little ones. I've heard of megacentre but dont know anyone who has been. Can anyone give any suggestions at all or if you have been to megacentre give me your opinion.
Many thanks

My little girl is 18 months old, and she loves Tots to Tens just behind Owlerton Stadium. Its great for her age, they have an enclosed toddler area, with slides and a ball pool. Its reasonably priced too, costs about £3.00ish and you can stay as long as you want. The food is also great, freshly cooked and good value. We often go and have our dinner there, my son, who is 6, plays in the bigger area, and my little girl in the toddler area, its bliss. They play and I relax!:D

The Pirate Ship is great, just off Halifax Road.
Easy Tigers is good as well, in Chesterfield near Dronfield Bypass.

Have fun!

Hi there,

I have been to most of them at some point & I think that it depends when you go. I love the toddler morning at SpaceFunzone on Tuesdays. Really well run with & they have a good sing song with the instruments etc, However in the holidays it can be a mare, packed, short staffed, a long wait for food etc. DD1 received a nice bite on her arm last time we were in. I know that kids will be kids but the same child bit someone else & thumped another one inthe space of about 20 mins.

Tots to Tens is quite good - Babybell loves the ball pool & the toddler area. I think if you are having a large party & can afford it you are better hiring a place altogether. I think that you can hire Tots to Tens if you have at least 20 people. You know there are only your kids in there & you won't be rushed or hassled.

I have been put off the Pirate Ship as they had a massive price hike on food & drink at the beginning of the school hols. I haven't been back since:(

Lisa xx

Hi everyone
I'm after taking my little one to a soft play area. He's 18 months old and we live in S5.
Heard some not very good things about Jungle Mania and ideally wanting a place that has a seperate part for little ones. I've heard of megacentre but dont know anyone who has been. Can anyone give any suggestions at all or if you have been to megacentre give me your opinion.
Many thanks

Hi
My best friend is opening a play centre eary December near Halfway.
Keep any eye out, its called kidz Kingdom.I know its quite a way from S5 but i reckon it will be worth the drive!! :hihi::hihi:

Hi
Can you go into the play area with the little uns carscan1975? It sounds really good what you've said of it

Tots to tens in my opinion is a dive, megacentre is a grot-hole, funzone is rubbish...trust me, I've done my research as I done a lot of looking round in the last few months for my daughters 1st birthday which was last week...

We finally settled on pirate ship (http://www.thepirateshipltd.co.uk) 'which was really clean, the staff are always running round cleaning up and are really there for the customer which I found a lot of them are not...

However....and it is a big, HOWEVER, don't book any parties there because they can't cater for them properly, it all seems rushed.

Alphabet zoo near meadowhall is also pretty good, it's quiet and out of the way so not as packed as the others.

Hope you find one that suits...

Hi
My best friend is opening a play centre eary December near Halfway.
Keep any eye out, its called kidz Kingdom.I know its quite a way from S5 but i reckon it will be worth the drive!! :hihi::hihi:

I can't wait for this to open. Hope it beats the one already in Halfway that is dark and grotty.

Please ask your friend to ensure parents watch their children. Don't let them kids run UP the slide when little ones come down it. Also ask her to ensure people check the toilets regularly to ensure nappy bins are emptied and toilet seats cleaned!

Will surely be there when it opens in December. Would be an idea to put dates down on the publicity also to give people an idea of opening...i.e is it 1st December???

I can recommend Playmania at Elsecar Heritage Centre. It's clean food is good and has a nice area for tots as well as older children but can get very busy .

Tried most of the above, however the best (but a bit pricey) in my opinion has to be Easy Tigers, on the way to chesterfield, just of the Dronfield bypass.
Very clean, massive play area which parents can pretend to follow there kids (but in reality are playing on the slides themself) friendly staff, good food...
its not very convienient location, but is great to give the kids a treat once in a while.

Big Tops at Dinnington is a favourite of ours. Massive area and seperate area for tots.

Well the play area :thumbsup:
The party room :thumbsdown with a capital T:

They rushed us in, the food was crap and they rushed the kids to have it, threw most of it away without asking if the kids wanted anymore, cake came in, candles went out and cake very shortly followed...the ice-cream was in within seconds and the pirate "Someone dressed up which was part of what we paid for" popped his head round the corner of the door, looked and waved at our daughter and left...??????

Then they rushed us out...no time for the kids to have a dance, o games or anything...I was short of being disgusted and will never, ever have a party there again.
We'll play there but party...:huh: NO CHANCE

Oh I hope your little one was too engrossed to notice how rushed it all was. I agree the play area is great, and we were lucky with the party room then, although not impressed with the food.

The "Pirate" terrified most of our young party, not good idea as most youngsters are scared of these characters no matter what they are. Well Iggle Piggle might have gone down a treat!!

I think will start early and plan now for next one, good party venues hard to find in Sheffield, there is a gap in the market for anyone enterprising!! :) xxx

I can't wait for this to open. Hope it beats the one already in Halfway that is dark and grotty.

Please ask your friend to ensure parents watch their children. Don't let them kids run UP the slide when little ones come down it. Also ask her to ensure people check the toilets regularly to ensure nappy bins are emptied and toilet seats cleaned!

Will surely be there when it opens in December. Would be an idea to put dates down on the publicity also to give people an idea of opening...i.e is it 1st December???

Hi
I have passesd the message on and im sure she will make sure all of the above is carried out, she has a 2 year old herself and knows what its like at other play centres.Also they will have seperate party rooms from the play centre so this will insure that the party is private and not at all rushed.
They have put an advert in the local magazine and we will be in crysal peaks on Sat 14th of this month marketing and taking party bookings.
Its looking like Kidz Kingdom will be opening on Mon 3rd December fingers crossed.No doubt i will see you there!! :hihi:

Hi
I have passesd the message on and im sure she will make sure all of the above is carried out, she has a 2 year old herself and knows what its like at other play centres.Also they will have seperate party rooms from the play centre so this will insure that the party is private and not at all rushed.
They have put an advert in the local magazine and we will be in crysal peaks on Sat 14th of this month marketing and taking party bookings.
Its looking like Kidz Kingdom will be opening on Mon 3rd December fingers crossed.No doubt i will see you there!! :hihi:

Sorry its Sat the 17th in Crystal Peaks

Oh I hope your little one was too engrossed to notice how rushed it all was. I agree the play area is great, and we were lucky with the party room then, although not impressed with the food.

The "Pirate" terrified most of our young party, not good idea as most youngsters are scared of these characters no matter what they are. Well Iggle Piggle might have gone down a treat!!

I think will start early and plan now for next one, good party venues hard to find in Sheffield, there is a gap in the market for anyone enterprising!! :) xxx

Hi

My friend is opening a play centre Kidz Kingdom near Halfway early December.

We will be inside Crystal Peaks on Sat 17th Nov near Adams and McDonalds marketing and taking party bookings.

If anyone has any queries, come and see us on the 17th or e mail me back and i will be happy to answer any questions.

:hihi::partyhat:

Hi

My friend is opening a play centre Kidz Kingdom near Halfway early December.

We will be inside Crystal Peaks on Sat 17th Nov near Adams and McDonalds marketing and taking party bookings.

If anyone has any queries, come and see us on the 17th or e mail me back and i will be happy to answer any questions.

:hihi::partyhat:


Great, its complete other side for me but, I bet if you keep from making the mistakes of other centres you'll have a winner on your hands. GOOD LUCK!!:)

Hi
Can you go into the play area with the little uns carscan1975? It sounds really good what you've said of it

Sorry, been off line for a while. You cant really go into the toddler area with the little uns, but when you see it you will realise that there is no need. Its all padded, and they cant get out easily on their own, so you can just sit and watch them play.
I know that someone posted that its a "dive", but it isn't in my opinion. Its a kids play area, not spotless, but not a dive!!!:roll:

Pirate ship is great, for older children. They don't really cater for children under 2. I didn't feel that I could let my little girl play without following her everywhere. The toddler area is tiny, there isn't a ball pool, and bigger kids go in it so its not really safe.

Playmania at Elsecar is good, see above post. Seems quieter on a week night than weekends..lots of parties. The staff don't seem to mind you getting on the equipment to rescue or encourage, like some places do. Worth a look I'd say.

ive taken my little boy to tots to tens today its only £2 and he loves it :)

The staff don't seem to mind you getting on the equipment to rescue or encourage, like some places do.

Adults are allowed on the equipment, which is why I enjoying taking my son there once in a while..

can anyone tell me where the new play area at halfway is, we went to look for it yesterday (i dont think it opens till next week) and couldnt see any signs of it ty

I wish I could help but once you know please let us know.

Hi, just thought i'd post about playspace the new indoor play area in ranmoor, went today for first time today and thought it was really lovely, nice and clean lovely fresh coffee and the best of all was their fab yummy menu with humous breadsticks and veg for kids and fresh fruit and yoghurt and not a sweety in sight although they do have cake, they even had a projector showing the rugby keeping daddy v happy The only drawback is its expensive at £4.95 for 11/2 hours play. Nice for a treat though.

can anyone tell me where the new play area at halfway is, we went to look for it yesterday (i dont think it opens till next week) and couldnt see any signs of it ty

Hi

Kidz Kingdom opens Monday 3rd December!!!!!

Its 3 carley drive, Westfield,s20 8nq.

The phone number is 0114 2475989.

When you get to Direct cars, at the traffic lights you turn right then take first left.

see you there no doubt

Hi

Kidz Kingdom opens Monday 3rd December!!!!!

Its 3 carley drive, Westfield,s20 8nq.

The phone number is 0114 2475989.

When you get to Direct cars, at the traffic lights you turn right then take first left.

see you there no doubt

I've been invited to go along on Saturday with my son for a test run, and I'll be looking forward to letting you all know what it's like.
I can't wait - I'm hoping I'll get to play, too :D

cant wait i am only 5 mins away so will be there, we should have a sheff forum meet lol

Right, Kidz Kingdom, Westfield...

Well, we went today for the pre-opening event (this is where I declare an interest and say they are friends of the family, but I went with an open mind, I swear). And we had a fantastic time. I was really impressed, and I just wish it was closer to where I live. Actually, I might have to move...:love:

It's big and open plan, brightly decorated with a castles and dragons theme - hand painted and lovely. There's plenty of seating, both normal and kiddie sized, and even a couple of comfy sofas and chairs, hoorah!
Good sized loos with stools and potties to help little people, and a nice baby changing room.
Upstairs there are 2 party rooms that were set up with bright little picnic tables, and chairs for adults, and disco lights for when the disco mood takes you, lol. Again, beautifully decorated in bright colours and hand painted murals.

The play stuff is great...it is split into a smaller netted climbing area for under 4s and one very big one for over 4s, with other open areas for drawing and crafts, driving Little Tikes cars and playing with cars, trains, etc. And a sports area. The age limits are recommendations only, btw, so whatever you feel your child is up to.
The little people's netted area has a ball pool, slides, stuff to climb, different levels, spiderweb to climb through - safe for tiny ones, but also fun and challenging for up to 4 year olds, which is what I often find lacking in the toddler area of other play centres.
The big play section has masses of levels, a fantastic long, wibbly double slide, air cannons, rollers, a mini zip frame, spiderwebs to climb through, holes to climb up through or drop down through - oh, just loads and loads. None of the kids who were there came up for air, and a good many adults had to be dragged out at the end of the session, too :D

That's the other good thing - yes, you are allowed to accompany your child into the play areas...fantastic fun!

Food looked a reasonable price, kiddie-friendly menu. Real coffee, yummmm! Nothing that will excite you, but plenty that toddlers will eat as well as baked potatoes, salads, etc.

The owners are lovely. They have young children of their own, so they based it on what they wanted and needed from a play centre, and that really shows.

Prices: Very reasonable!
£3.00 at off peak times (9.30-3.00)
£3.75 at peak times (3.00-6.30)
£3.75 during holidays
That price is for a 2 hour session, but happily during off peak times, if it isn't too busy they won't be watching the clock.
And they are open 7 days a week!

Parties start from £6.95 a head, and sound great...I have the brochure here, but I suggest you go along, have a play (ahem, let your kids have a play ;)) and see for yourself.

I loved it, my OH loved it, the grandparents loved it, and above all, Cosycub was in heaven. I hardly saw him unless i was playing with him, and I was happy that he was safe when I took my eyes off him...btw, you can see all through both netted areas without actually venturing in, so no mystery-screaming-child-finding episodes. :hihi:

If this is still opening tomorrow - can we have details of address/times please? Would love to pop along in the morning!

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=2891493&postcount=114
The info and a review of Kidz Kingdom - I got an early play yesterday - it's fantastic!

Sounds really good Cosywolf. I'm going to have to pay it a visit. What's parking like? This is where I think most of these type of places fall down as they have very little parking available.

Well, there was a fair amount of parking, but we packed the place out, so we ended up parking on the road outside - it's on an industrial type estate, so that wasn't a problem, space or traffic-wise - and I daresay it wouldn't fill up so quickly normally (though for their sake I hope it does).

Hi - A big thumbs up for Tots to Tens from me. I have 3 aged 8, 7 & 13 months. The older ones love the slides & babybell loves the ball pool in the toddler bit.

I think they have a toddler morning Monday & Wednesday which gets really busy.

Threads merged

We went along today! Really pleased! I live this side of town so to have something worthy of a visit close by is great.

Second what Cosywolf has reviewed. It is bright and clean - please keep it that way! Great play areas for the kids and friendly "on the ball staff"

I have only one really tiny critisism - and I hope it is constructive and it can be passed on to the owners!!! - The little section for the under 4's, there is a ladder to the top where you have to pass through a little hole to get to the top of the slide...well, I would prefer to be at the top of the slide with my little one to send them down as they aren't at that stage where they can sit themselves down without falling flat on their face! I imagine (and I checked it out today) - that it would be really easy to remove this barrier (i.e the string type square with minute hole in) and replace it with dangling tubes/two twirly poles so that adults can also get up there to help their smallest ones down - otherwise it is pretty difficult to look after/manage the really small ones who do want to have a go! Please pass it on but only as a suggestion from a tried and tester who was really pleased but wants to sit her little one down the slide.

Otherwise, everything great. Will be a regular visitor with the kids as will their grandparents!

Well done!!

Thanks, Liose...I'm planning on heading over there tomorrow, and will try to remember to mention it to someone (I have an awful memory, otherwise I'd promise - sorry:D)

Just a quick note to let you all know that Kidz Kingdom is now fully open and we look forward to seeing you all. We aim to give your kids a great place to play safely, and for everyone to eat freshly cooked food and drink freshly ground coffee. Thanks to everyone who's been to visit us at kidz kingdom already and we look forward to seeing you all again. If you have any comments or feedback about our centre please contact us on our website. We appreciate your views to help us provide a great place to visit.
Thankyou to liose for visiting us we are so pleased you enjoyed it.We have taken on board your comment re the spiders web on the 1st level of the toddler area and appreciate your feedback. We did consider dangly snakes instead but thought that as the area is for upto 4 yrs we needed to consider something a little more challenging. We will keep an eye on this area and see what the other visitors think and if it becomes a problem we will look at changing it. if my little one is anything to go by (shes 2) before you know it your little one will be climbing through and down the slide like lightning.
thanks again for everyones support and feedback.
please visit us oline at kidzkingdomplay for all information or call 01142475989.
thanks again.

I have just got back from kids kingdom at halfway, it is really nice, very clean and has very helpful staff, Hannah loved all the play area but she was to scared to go over the cargo net up to the third level but she is only just 2, i loved the fact that you could go on and play with the kids, hannah loved it too. Dont know how many the centre holds but there was about 25 kids in this morning all under 4 and the baby area was quite full even though some where in the bigger section, but is a highly recomended from me and the best laid out and cleanest play centre i have been to, i will def be going again very soon WELL DONE !!!!!!!

OH has been taking kids to Kidz Kingdom.

Following the vein of posts about reviewing playcentres I shall follow on with another response about Kidz Kingdom.
I've been twice now. My girls are both just two and can manage all the equipment. (For twins see mountain goats!)
I can see them pretty much anywhere in the whole room from the seating area which I like. I really prefer to be able to see them whenever possible and I think they gain some reassurance from being able to see me, that was a big plus in my eyes.
The whole thing is very clean (but then it is new!) and the set up of the equipment is diverse so it keeps being fun and novel for long periods of time.
I like the drawing area, that's a nice twist which gives them a little time to chill out from the endless zooming about.
The staff are lovely, everyone has been very polite and pleasant and it doesn't seem to be a strain to them. In some places the staff seem to be nice because they have to, not because they choose to.
The food is fine. Better than some places I've been to and the prices correspond to that but it's reasonable.
Baby changing area with wipes and nappy bags, nice touch. Child friendly loos, also good.
The loos aren't well sign posted and I've seen lots of people heading for the disabled loo or gents in confusion, most people eventually seem to figure it out though.
Limited parking but then it was heaving for a while today and I still managed to find a space at the back, just keep going round the building in an anti-clockwise circle and you'll find it.
My only complaint was the price today, £3.75 each. Apparently because afterschool and weekends are peak times. So, my twins cost £7.50 to get in. I was expecting the £6.00 I paid last time so it felt like a bit of a kick. There is a loyalty card scheme, you get a stamp on a card, once it's full (10 visits) you get a free play session. So, you could see it as averaging out at roughly £2.70 per visit.
I love the decor and design, a castle theme. One of my girls is fascinated by the star cloth overhead by the loos and she rather likes the colour changing cut out cross on Rapunzels tower too. It's quite understated but nice. I'd probably add bunting flags to some of the more obvious structural aspects of the building to more enhance the castle theme.
The food area is called The Dragons Diner, again in keeping with the theme (kingdom, castles etc), another nice touch.
So, be prepared for price changes at certain times or days but then relax as your kids have a wild time

Hi
Been along to Kidz Kingdom today, kids loved it! Will be definetly going again.
A big:thumbsup:from me!!!

Tots to Tens at Hillsborough (down by the dog track & turn right) was fantastic on Saturday the 22nd of Dec 07 for our granddaughters birthday, there was a disco which did games for the kids to enjoy and competitions for dancing etc. The food was fresh (they were making the sandwiches during the beginning of the party) we had exclusive use for 2 hours (plenty of time for all the age ranges) but the BEST bit of all was the fact that they let adults enjoy all the play amenities too. Wonderful!!

Hi, just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for my daughters 3rd b day. She has lots of little friends whose birthdays all fall at the same time, as a result we have 5 soft play invites over the next 3 weeks. I'd like to do something different but can't face having them all to mine. Any ideas??? Shes really excited so can't just pretend its not happening. (that sounds so mean, i don't quite mean it like that).
I was also wondering if their is an alternative to asking for presents?? Would it be rude to just ask for no presents on the invite? Its just she has so much stuff and most of the crimbo pressies are still untouched, the house is starting to feel very cramped with all the toys and i really feel most are unnecessary. Would appreciate suggestions.

Maybe take a few out to Butterfly world at Aston ....I'm sure if you search it on the Net you'll find it. Have a read.....Lots of animals and stuff - they do a kind of little party and play games ...I've been to a few there ...;)
With the invitations slip some paper in explaining a present is not necessary, but if they would like too, maybe ask for a voucher for ELC as an alternative or WHSmiths and get the little one some pre school learning books ... :D

I don't think it would be rude to ask for no presents - it would probably be a relief for most parents. Perhaps you could ask them to bring some food instead, and have a picnic, or if it's indoors, an indoor picnic. You can hire a hall, get small bouncy castles/ships for indoor play, a few games, some megablocks, etc and you're away

Another alternative for presents is to ask them to donate to one of the schemes like Oxfam runs, where they can give money to buy books for schools in developing countries, or goats, etc...Your daughter will receive a card that says 'so-and-so has given you a goat', and all about how the goat will help the person it's ben donated to. Then you, and they, are doing good, you don't have a houseful of toys, and your child learns a little bit about people in other places, and how they live.

Or, if you're not asking them to pay for a presnt, you can ask them to pay for their entrance into one of the more expensive options for a birthday party, like Magna.

Hope that helps.

Messy party, I've done an event where we did decorating balloons, face painting and similar stuff,they all dressed up fancy dress too. It was at someone's house and it worked well.
(I face paint btw :D)

hi saw this on here awhile ago opening at xmas anyone no where abouts it is went to playland at halfway at weekend didnt no it had shut down can anyone help thanks

apparently it's near Direct Cars. i would imagine if you go through the lighjts at direct cars it will be in the small estate on your left with Reny Martan.
or pm Frenchie,she knows.

Do you mean Kidz Kingdom in Westfield? It opened just before Christmas, and is fantastic.

Here is a link to a thread, the last few pages of which mention/review it: http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=139514&page=8&highlight=Kidz+Kingdom

The address is: 3 carley drive, Westfield,s20 8nq.

The phone number is 0114 2475989.

When you get to Direct cars, at the traffic lights you turn right then take first left.

I'll merge this thread when you've had enough time to find it...

im thinking of having my daughters 5th birthday party here has anyone ever had one here or been to one?.Also is there a minimum number you have to invite,What is the food like etc thanks in advance

Have a look at the soft play centre thread for some feedback on jungle mania.
I'll merge this one soon.

There's another thread like this which might be worth looking at, I think that was about setting up. Also there's a thread about soft play centres in general which discusses the pros and cons of various places which already exist. That would have a huge list of pointers for you :) ANd what to avoid.

Hi, new to all this but can't find the thread as mentioned above about setting up. If anyone could point me in the right direction, have looked everywhere:roll:

Me and my sisters are looking to set up a soft play area, but need a bit of help!

Where are you thinking of setting up?
I'll have a look for the thread.

Where are you thinking of setting up?
I'll have a look for the thread.
Not really sure yet, only a couple of weeks into discussions, looking at other similar places, eg big tops at dinnington, jungle mania at darnall to name a few, want to find an area where no such facility exists. I've got 2 little ones myself and I know I don't want to travel far!

woodhouse needs something like this, i know someone tried to set one up near us but ran into problems with fire regulations but we need one thats not a bus ride away, i know lots of parents having a toddler myself that would like a local one

One of the messages was here http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=2596650&postcount=59 so the follow on posts will give you a lot of info most likely.
I would honestly say - start a new thread, ask the questions you want to ask - use the poll facility and make sure you find out what parents really like and what they really hate.
This whole thread deals with people who hate certain venues because they are dirty, ones with no reliable opening hours, ones where the staff are untrained (even though they don't have to be) or rude. etc etc etc
I especially like Kidz Kingdoms layout because I can see my kids pretty much anywhere in there.

woodhouse needs something like this, i know someone tried to set one up near us but ran into problems with fire regulations but we need one thats not a bus ride away, i know lots of parents having a toddler myself that would like a local one
Thanks for that, will definately look at it!

One of the messages was here so the follow on posts will give you a lot of info most likely.
I would honestly say - start a new thread, ask the questions you want to ask - use the poll facility and make sure you find out what parents really like and what they really hate.
This whole thread deals with people who hate certain venues because they are dirty, ones with no reliable opening hours, ones where the staff are untrained (even though they don't have to be) or rude. etc etc etc
I especially like Kidz Kingdoms layout because I can see my kids pretty much anywhere in there.

I've read all that post and found it useful, it's just that there is so much to think about!

I haven't been to kidz kingdom but will need to do some research (whilst my toddler enjoys himself too of course!) Checked out Easy Tigers on sun morning (can't believe how busy it was!), but it's way too far for me.

Will surely make sure I keep reading everyone's comments and take on board criticisims (haven't spelt that right have I?)

Our main concern at the mo is finding the right venue in the right area and how much it will all cost!

Will start a new thread when got more info! Might also ask the owners of kidz kingdom for any guidance they may like to share.

Thanks very much and will keep you posted!

I don't know how often they use the forum, might be a good idea to send an email message if they've put that option in their contact details (click on their name in the original post).
Otherwise go there and ask :)

Silly newbie! Didn't mean to post that on here! will take your advice

Hi - seeing as this thread has been brought up again I just wanted to comment on Tots to Tens at Hillsborough. It has really gone downhill over the last few months.

I have previously sang its praises on here but I have had a few bad experiences lately. The food service is rubbish. Half the menu isn't available. One day they had no sugar at all for the drinks. The girls serving kindly gave me her own sweeteners to use. They also also had no vinegar at all! Chips without vinegar is sacrilage.

It seems to be run by young kids who try there best. They are not at fault & I always feel really sorry for them. There is often only one taking the money, cooking & serving drinks. The place just doesn't seem equipped to serve food.

A few friends had a really bad experience last week so I am boycotting it at the moment.

I am not sure what the service is like for a party (will lift the boycott for the day). I am going to one next week so will let you know.

Has anyone else found had problems?

We are going to try Kidz Kingdom next week. Its a bit of a trek for us but has been highly recommended by several people.

I've just been and tried Big Tops at Dinnington, probably only wise for drivers unless you want your kids to kip on the bus or train. 30 mins drive from Sheffield City Centre, 15 mins from Rother Valley ish. Near M1 J 31.
Full details on recommendations/venues link here http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=3402646&postcount=8
3 out of 5, you can't see all of it from one place so if you have more than one child you have to have roving eyes and be prepared to move about, no time for a cuppa. Unless you have kids old enough to come to you when necessary.
But read the full details, I'd say for variety it's worth making the trip.

I have had problems at Tots to Tens too. I used to like it there, my son is 5 and has autism and he knew all the staff there and felt comfortable.
In recent months it has really gone downhill.

It all seems to stem from when the people who own Spacezone took over Tots to Tens.

It is now seriously understaffed and most of the old staff have left to be replaced by youngsters. As another poster says there is sometimes just one member of staff to serve people and cook the food, tidy round etc.

The food is absolutely dire and half of it not available......what is the point of advertising omelettes when the staff say they have no idea how to cook them????
The place looks grubby and messy.
Also these days you cannot seem to go on a weekend as it is fully booed with private parties.
I tried one more time during the school hols but it was just awful.
Am not going back and I have heard many other parents say this.
I lke Playspace at Ranmoor.....it can be expensive if you have more than one child but it is much nicer.
I was going to try Jungle mania but comments on here put me off to be honest.

hi claire 1970 after reading your thread why not come and have a look at kidzkingdom for a party venue. thanks

kidz kingdom is fab u wont be dissapointed

Hi, thanks for that.
I dont drive unfortunately......i see it is near Crystal Peaks....could i get there by Supertram?
ta

You can get there by tram, it's either one or two stops after and then you'll have to walk a couple of hundred yards on grass, no footpath but worth making the trip IMO.

Alphabet Zoo near Meadowhall apparntly has had a refit Has anyone been there recently?

Well my little man will be 1 in October :D and me and my partner cant decide where to have his party :help:.
I wanted to go to some where like Alphabet zoo or Pirate ship, but my OH thinks its a silly idea because he wont be able to much. He thinks we should have it at our local pub, and have party games and disco!! but like i said he wont be able to do much there either.
I had my eldest party at Alphabet zoo and she seemed happy enough sat in a high chair filling her face with buns :hihi:
I also had the idea of taking him to Thomas land as he seems to like playing with Thomas the tank stuff.
Where do you think is a good place for a 1st birthday party?? :)

at home, with a few members of the family round. it'll be too overwhelming for a little un to have a big party somewhere and they'd probably spend most of it in tears! blow a few balloons up, assuming he likes them, do a little buffet of party food that he can eat, and wrap up some choc buttons or something and play pass the parcel, the tearing off paper bit is fun lol

That's what we did, for speedy number 4's first birthday a couple of weeks ago - we had a BBQ in the garden in the afternoon with family and close friends. I'd just had speedy number 5 tho, only 9 days before, so didn't want too much work to do. Mum and sis cleared everything away for me, then as the kids went to bed, a few of the adults stayed behind and we sat in the garden having a beer or 3 :hihi:

Staying at home is a good idea...... I will do a small buffet and bbq, and have party games.

Get lots of photos -- save them for his 18th!
We went to a party where a "slide show" presentation of 1st b'day pix was projected on the wall throughout the 18th. Very impressive!

Get lots of photos -- save them for his 18th!
We went to a party where a "slide show" presentation of 1st b'day pix was projected on the wall throughout the 18th. Very impressive!

what a great idea!!!

baby biffalo was 1 on thurs (oh how time flies) and we had a family party at home. He loved it but he was so tired by the end of the afternoon i was glad we hadnt hired anywhere.

My son fell asleep face down in his birthday cake on his first birthday. I think it's nice to celebrate in the family but don't expect your child to care one way or another. I think 3 year old is early enough to think of a more organised party. Then you can have fun taking them somewhere like the butterfly park.

My little Dymond-boy is one in October too..as are most of his baby friends... so we decided to have a joint do (more for us really than the babies.. they won't care one way or the other as long as there's things to play with!) so there'll probably be 8 of us round someone's house.. food, drinks and silliness..
I think a big party will be more stressful for you than it'll be fun! just my opinion.. and there's plenty of years to come for big event parties!

will probably have to have a do on his actual birthday though or the grandparents will go mad!

I'm going to merge this thread with the one on the sticky at the top of the page, there is loads of suggestions on there

Hi Clare,

Babybell was 1 last October & we just had a joint party with my sister (her daughter was born 3 days after).

We had it at her house. Oct is a fab time as the shops will be full of Halloween stuff so you can really go to town with the decorations. My sis did a great job & had games for the older ones like mummy making (wrapping each other up with cheap loo roll) & apple bobbin etc. We had a barbie for the adults as it was fine although a bit cold & usual party stuff for the kids. Its my turn this year though, lol!

we took my daughter to alphabet zoo on amos road a couple of weeks ago and we had a nice party. the children had a great time playing on the soft play areas and the birthday party there was value for money! we used http://www.playbarnfinder.com/ to find the details if anyone is interested :)

stu & emily

I haven't read al lthe thread because there is loads so if someone already said what I have im sorry.lol.

I have to say, I love the Alphabet Zoo and Im sure my son does too :hihi:
We had a little party there the other week with Young mums group because it's now the holidays :( and I have to say we enjoyed it. The people that run the Alpha Zoo are so nice and friendly and they don't really mind if we play on the equipment (which we normally do) :) They are even open on a Sunday should anyone wish to take the kiddies. It is free for under 1's then I think its about £2 for over. But you can stay in as long as you like and they have a cafe etc..

I also like the Mega Centre but I think Its probably more for a little older ones where as the Alpha Zoo more for younger ones (tots) IMO. Mega Centre serve sandwiches for £3.20 but Alpha Zoo serves hot food and cheap! Mega Centre is not open on a Sunday though. But I do like both places. :P

So anyway, If you want soft play areas try these. I also heard Jungle Mania (Near Darnall) is meant to be good but I have not been here yet so don't know.

hello, i've been to these places elsewhere, one was called Hickory Dickory's and they are great for rainy days, they are big padded areas with ball pools and slides and climbing frames but all safe and the best ones have a cafe where you can retreat back and let the little'uns get tired out whilst you have a cuppa. but are there any in sheffield? i've not heard of any but i'm sure there must be
cheers in advance x

Have a look at this thread for quite a few opinions on most Sheffield soft play centres: http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=139514&highlight=Kidz+Kingdom

You'll find a couple more if you do a search on soft play

Hi,

Yes there are plenty of these in Sheffield. The Mega Centre (hyde park tram stop near town) its free for under 1's and then £2 per child over and can play allday. This has a little cafe that sells hot and cold drinks and sarnies.

There is also Alpha Zoo (near Meadowhall) this is also free for under 1s and I think its about £2 or £2.50 for every child after. This has a little cafe that sells almost anything. Bacon butty, chips cheese anything really.

There is also Jungle Mania (Darnall) but Im not sure on the price or anything.

Theres plenty more around just a case of asking people.

many thanks for this, all the parents i know are first timers with under ones so we're all new to it, i've found one near me thanks to the link from cosywolf, i didn't find anything when i searched on this forum before as i didn't separate the words soft and play but typed softplay instead! duh! xxx

any ideas for party suggestions for my daughter? She will be 8 in January. I think shes getting a little old for soft play areas really, and would rather do something with a handful of friends instead of inviting the whole class! I can't afford a lot as its literally just over a week after christmas. I tried to book mcdonalds last year but they don't 'do parties in the school holidays' :confused: and I've found a few places are the same!
I took her and her cousins to the panto last year, it was good fun but I think she needs something different this year! Plus her grandma wants to take her to one on her own.
Zebra do you still do party stuff?

any ideas for party suggestions for my daughter? She will be 8 in January. I think shes getting a little old for soft play areas really