Soft Play Near Me Blog
Best Soft Play in York (2026 Parent Guide)
Find the best soft play in York for babies, toddlers and older kids — plus birthday party venues, SEN-friendly sessions and money-saving tips for North Yorkshire families.
Looking for the best soft play in York? Whether you're planning a toddler day out, searching for baby-friendly sessions, or booking a birthday party, York and North Yorkshire have a brilliant range of indoor soft play centres for every age group.
From the city centre to Haxby, Strensall, Poppleton and further afield towards Tadcaster, Selby and Malton, you'll find everything from cosy toddler play cafés to large multi-level adventure frames.
Browse soft play venues near you: /york
Why families love soft play in York
Soft play is hugely popular with York families. It provides a safe indoor space for kids to climb, slide and burn off energy — perfect for rainy days, school holidays and weekends when you need a reliable plan.
- Indoor fun all year round — whatever the weather
- Dedicated baby and toddler zones
- Large adventure play frames for older kids
- Birthday party packages at most venues
- Cafés and comfortable parent seating
- Great school holiday and weekend activity
Best soft play in York: what to look for
When choosing the best soft play in York, consider:
- Age separation (baby/toddler areas away from older children)
- Cleanliness and maintenance
- Clear visibility so you can supervise easily
- Seating and café quality
- Party availability if you're planning a celebration
- Quiet/SEN sessions for calmer play
Start exploring: /york • Toddlers: /york?filter=toddler
Toddler soft play in York (1–3 years)
If you're searching for toddler soft play York, look for venues with dedicated under-3 zones. These areas typically have mini slides, soft tunnels, ball pits, role-play corners and sensory features — all designed so little ones can play safely away from bigger kids.
- Mini slides and soft climbing frames
- Soft tunnels and crawl spaces
- Ball pits and padded shapes
- Role-play corners (kitchens, shops, cars)
- Calmer weekday morning sessions
Browse toddler-friendly venues: /york?filter=toddler
Baby soft play in York (under 1s)
Many York soft play centres run dedicated baby sessions for crawlers, early walkers and sensory exploration. These are ideal once your baby can sit or crawl confidently.
- Padded floors and low-height equipment
- Baby-only / under-1 sessions
- Sensory toys and soft mats
- Comfortable seating for parents and feeding
Soft play birthday parties in York
Planning a birthday? York has excellent soft play birthday party venues across the city and North Yorkshire. Most party packages include a private or reserved room, timed play sessions, food and drink, and a party host.
- Reserved or private party rooms
- Timed play sessions
- Food and drink packages
- Party hosts and add-ons
Explore party venues: /york?filter=parties
Cheap soft play in York: money-saving tips
Looking for cheap soft play York? Prices vary across North Yorkshire, but there are easy ways to keep costs down.
- Visit weekday mornings or early afternoons
- Avoid peak weekend and school holiday times
- Check sibling and multi-child discounts
- Look for memberships or loyalty schemes
- Book birthday parties early for better rates
SEN-friendly / autism-friendly soft play in York
York has a growing number of SEN-friendly soft play sessions. These typically feature reduced capacity, lower music volume, softer lighting, predictable session times and supportive staff.
- Reduced capacity sessions
- Lower music volume
- Softer lighting
- Clear session times
- Staff awareness and support
Local tips: parking, cafés, quieter times & what to bring
- Quieter times: weekday mornings are best for toddlers
- Bring socks: required at most venues
- Spare clothes: especially for younger children
- Parking: suburban venues usually have free parking; city centre can be tricky
- Café tip: check allergy-friendly options in advance
More soft play near York
If you're happy to travel slightly outside York, there are excellent options in nearby areas:
FAQs – Soft play in York
What is the best soft play in York?
The best soft play in York depends on your child's age, your location and whether you need toddler zones, party facilities or quieter sessions.
Are there toddler-only sessions in York?
Yes, many York soft play centres offer weekday toddler sessions with reduced numbers and dedicated under-3 areas.
How much does soft play cost in York?
Prices vary across North Yorkshire, but most sessions cost between £5–£10 per child depending on peak or off-peak times.
Which soft play centres in York do birthday parties?
Many venues across York offer birthday party packages including private rooms, food and a party host.
Are there SEN-friendly or quiet soft play sessions in York?
Yes, several venues offer quiet or SEN-friendly sessions with lower capacity, reduced noise and calmer environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soft play in York?
The best soft play in York depends on your child’s age, your location and whether you need toddler zones, party facilities or quieter sessions.
Are there toddler-only sessions in York?
Yes, many York soft play centres offer weekday toddler sessions with reduced numbers and dedicated under-3 areas.
How much does soft play cost in York?
Prices vary across North Yorkshire, but most sessions cost between £5–£10 per child depending on peak or off-peak times.
Which soft play centres in York do birthday parties?
Many venues across York offer birthday party packages including private rooms, food and a party host.
Are there SEN-friendly or quiet soft play sessions in York?
Yes, several venues offer quiet or SEN-friendly sessions with lower capacity, reduced noise and calmer environments.