A couple of weeks ago we went for a soft play session at Snakes &Ladders in Syon Park in Middlesex. I had never been there before but since they have just spent £2 million on renovations we knew it was going to be good. And it really was good. My two-year old son and six-year old daughter disappeared in the giant soft play frame and came out rosy-cheeked and out of breath. The main frame is really big and roomy and there’s plenty of climbing and sliding to be done. There’s even a mini sports pitch.
There is an Imagination Station where children can play in a red London bus, a kitchen, a post office, a hospital, a shop and a construction area complete with giant blocks. My daughter, Moozles, ignored this area completely. Dubz loved it, especially the bus.
There is also a section for Under Threes. Dubz raced in, and when his big sister went after him, she was turned away. I thought this was really good as I get so annoyed when there are older children wrecking havoc in the toddler section. Dubz only stayed in this bit for 10 minutes as he preferred the main climbing frame.
We found the actual soft play frames and play area to be terrific. But there are two issues that I have to mention. The main issue and my biggest problem with Snakes & Ladders was the food. First, the cakes and treats were not fresh. We bought two millionaire’s shortbread. Neither child could eat even half. I had a taste and it was sickly sweet. Also, there was no fruit on offer. Later we ordered them each a burger. They cost £4.50 each and we had to wait 20 minutes for them to be cooked, so I had high hopes. But the patty looked to be a cheap quality and tasted like it had been microwaved. Again, the kids did not eat half and we had to feed them a second lunch when we got home.
The second issue was the entry cost. Although we were given four free tickets to review Snakes & Ladders, I was surprised at the cost. During peak times, for the four of us, it would cost £21.80. Most of the soft plays we go to cost us less than £15 during peak times. Although the soft play itself was quite good, I think the food lets it down. Until they sort out the quality of their food, they should allow people to bring in their own food. And that would counterbalance the high entry costs.
It’s a shame the food was so disappointing as this place looks amazing with something for every age group x
It was such a great place, the food really was a downer.
£22!!! For bloomin softplay?? Blimey bab. You need to come round these parts where it is like £3 for just the kids and they get toast and pop! I once had a small minor row with a soft play lady as I brought in my own wotsits. Despite forking out for a full lunch. I was livid! xxx
I am used to high prices, but this took the biscuit. And because we hadn’t brought socks (cause it’s summer and my kids haven’t worn socks in months), they charged us £1.50 per pair of socks.
A great place to take the children on a rainy day! I love that they have a kitchen and other imaginative play areas as well as the soft play. I agree that it does sound expensive and the food didn’t look very nice either. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
Never heard of adults being charged entry too. In Scotland we pay up to £5 per child. Adults are free. Considering you spend money on food and drink inside they should be making it as affordable as possible. I’m sure I end up spending £30 in the good ones, including entry and refreshments
Normally in London, if they charge for adults it’s only £1 but £2.50 each was excessive. Well we spent £16 in food and kids were starving afterwards so felt cheated.
The imagination stations remind me of the play areas in some children’s museums in the US – always great for kids – but how disappointing that they can’t offer quality food at a good price. #countrykids
This is so often the case with kids venues. It’s crazy that they focus so much (and spend all that money) on the place itself and the equipment, only to let itself down with bad food. There’s a real gap in the market here!
We went to LEGOLAND last year and similarly the food was awful and so overpriced. Picnic next time I think.
Heledd x
http://www.runninginlavender.com
Wow, expensive. I love taking my kids to these types of places but they are expensive. We don’t make it very often as a result.
I’m kind of glad that my two have grown out of soft play areas. That said, they always enjoyed them and I think it was just me that didn’t! The food sounds like our local one – also called Snakes & Ladders so I’m guessing it could be a chain with the same food in each. #countrykids
Wow! looks massive and amazing design! My son loves soft play and I am sure he would love to play here #countrykids
I was impressed by your initial review and always like to find new places to take the kids when I’m staying over at my Mum and Dad’s, but disappointing about the price and food. I normally pay £10 for the two kids at our local place on a Friday afternoon (recently gone up from £8.50) and we nearly always take our own treats (last time I smuggled in a pack of four Sainsburys doughnuts!) although we do spend our money there too on coffees for us and ice lollies for the kids so I reckon they do alright out of us!
Looks like a lot of fun, but shame about the food. So many places do this and I found it difficult when our children were younger. The food at these kind of places rarely offers healthy options. Nevertheless, a great place for indoor play and to burn off some energy, especially when the weather is playing up! 🙂