Top 3 Soft Play Centres for Family Fun In Chelmsford, Essex

Do you agree?

February 05, 2025

Hey Chelmsford Parents!

Families in Chelmsford, Essex are spoiled for choice when it comes to indoor entertainment for children. Soft play centres offer a safe, fun environment for kids to burn off energy, develop motor skills, and socialise. This article will explore the top 3 soft play centres in Chelmsford, comparing their features, facilities, and overall experience.

Grading System

To help parents make an informed decision, we'll use a 5-star rating system for each centre, considering the following factors:

  • Play Equipment Quality

  • Cleanliness

  • Age Range Suitability

  • Food and Beverage Options

  • Value for Money

1. Mace Playce

Mace Playce is a family-run soft play centre that has become a local favourite in Chelmsford. With two locations in the city, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience for children aged 0-12 years.

Features

  • Separate areas for under and over 5's

  • Dedicated baby area

  • Games area

  • Party facilities

  • Snack bar

  • Surprise character appearances

Ratings

  • Play Equipment Quality: ★★★★☆

  • Cleanliness: ★★★★★

  • Age Range Suitability: ★★★★★

  • Food and Beverage Options: ★★★★☆

  • Value for Money: ★★★★☆

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Mace Playce stands out for its commitment to cleanliness and wide age range suitability. Parents appreciate the separate areas for different age groups, ensuring safety and appropriate play for all children. The surprise character appearances add an extra element of excitement for young visitors.

One satisfied customer shared, "Fantastic soft play! It's a large indoor play area full of soft-sided climbing blocks, slides, lots of toys for toddlers. Interactive activities on the walls and big push pedal cars".

2. Riverside Leisure Centre Soft Play

The Riverside Leisure Centre offers a multi-level soft play area perfect for children aged 0-7 years. This council-run facility provides a budget-friendly option for families in Chelmsford.

Features

  • Multi-level main frame with obstacles and netting

  • Separate sections for under 3's and 3-7 years

  • On-site café (Paddy and Scott's)

  • Dedicated accessible toilet and baby changing facilities

  • Breastfeeding-friendly environment

Ratings

  • Play Equipment Quality: ★★★☆☆

  • Cleanliness: ★★★★☆

  • Age Range Suitability: ★★★☆☆

  • Food and Beverage Options: ★★★★☆

  • Value for Money: ★★★★★

Overall Rating: 3.8/5

Riverside Leisure Centre's soft play area offers excellent value for money, especially for those with an our Chelmsford card. The facility is praised for its cleanliness and accessibility features. However, the age range is more limited compared to other centres.

A TripAdvisor review highlights the value: "Good value soft play. Only £3 on a Saturday and I think in the week £3, plus you get £1 back if you use their car park".

3. Little Monsters House of Fun

Located in nearby Great Dunmow, Little Monsters House of Fun is worth the short trip from Chelmsford for its award-winning soft play experience.

Features

  • Action-packed soft play area with slides, ball pools, and crawl tubes

  • Designated area for babies and toddlers

  • Outdoor play area and garden space

  • On-site café with freshly prepared meals

  • Party facilities

Ratings

  • Play Equipment Quality: ★★★★★

  • Cleanliness: ★★★★★

  • Age Range Suitability: ★★★★☆

  • Food and Beverage Options: ★★★★★

  • Value for Money: ★★★★☆

Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Little Monsters House of Fun has earned its reputation as the "Best Soft Play & Children's Party Venue" in Essex. The centre excels in all areas, with particular praise for its cleanliness and food quality.

A satisfied parent commented, "The best soft place we have visited and will continue to visit even though it is an hour away from home. Very friendly staff, food is lovely, and the softplay is always clean. We have a lovely day every time!"

Comparison and Conclusion

When comparing the top 3 soft play centres in Chelmsford, each offers unique advantages:

  1. Mace Playce: Best for wide age range and character appearances

  2. Riverside Leisure Centre: Most budget-friendly option

  3. Little Monsters House of Fun: Highest overall quality and cleanliness

Mace Playce is an excellent all-rounder, catering to a wide age range and offering good value. It's ideal for families with children of different ages who can enjoy separate play areas.

Riverside Leisure Centre provides a more basic but very affordable soft play experience. It's perfect for younger children and families on a budget, especially those with an our Chelmsford card.

Little Monsters House of Fun, while slightly further afield, offers the highest quality experience. Its cleanliness, food options, and overall facilities make it worth the trip for a special day out.

When choosing a soft play centre, consider your child's age, your budget, and the specific features that matter most to your family. Whether you're looking for a quick energy-burning session or a full day out with meals included, Chelmsford's top soft play centres have something to offer every family.

Remember to book in advance where possible, especially during peak times and school holidays. With these fantastic options available, children in Chelmsford have plenty of opportunities for indoor adventure and fun, regardless of the weather outside.

Let us know your thoughts!