Gambado Soft Play Centre

The moment we entered Gambado Chelsea, Lucia's face lit up. We'd visited other soft play centres before, but this was the biggest and brightest. I really liked was the fact there was a separate area for 0-2 year olds, so you could relax knowing your little one wasn't about to be mowed down by a speeding six-year-old.
There's a cafe, serving sandwiches, drinks, and healthy snacks, so my friend and I sat down for a cuppa and a catchup, and could still easily watch over the kids inside the secure fenced-off play area. Lucia had a blast playing on the slide, clambering over the soft foam bricks, and interacting with the other kids.
Then something else caught her eye - a brightly coloured kids' carousel. The rides are included in the cost of entry, so all Lucia had to do was line up, decide between the pony and the steam train (the pony won) and we were off! We checked out the dodgem cars, although we decided to leave them for the older kids - for this visit, at least.
I let Lucia have a play on the main climbing frame - which was just enormous. It had loads of fun activities, including roundabouts, slides, ball pits, and climbing ropes. Lucia went mad racing around climbing and sliding and playing, and I could see her confidence and coordination improving as she navigated her way around, following the lead of the older kids.
If you have older kids, who don't need constant supervision, there's a chill out area for grown ups, where you can read the papers, and use the free wifi. There's even a telly, so Dad (or Mum!) can keep an eye on the footie score while the kids play. As well as the soft play sessions, you can sign up for a range of classes, from crafts to kid's rugby. There are also Gambado soft play centres in Beckenham, and Watford. Entrance prices vary at each, so it's best to check their website for details. At Chelsea you'll pay a maximum of £7.45 for children aged 1-2, and £9.45 for kids aged 3-10, while each adult costs £2.50, but when you register you'll often receive special offers and discounted entry prices. You can also buy yearly passes: unlimited visits for one adult and one child will cost you £120, or £240 for two adults and up to three children. If you get in quick, there is currently a 20% discount.
* Our trial visit was offered compliments of Gambado Chelsea
www.gambado.com