6 Classy Indoor Play Venues For Edinburgh Kids
- Laura Vida
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
As a parent, you can easily get fed up with soft play. This is particularly true for those who crave space, a bit of atmosphere, and good food when out and about. Here are our favourite spots for dreich days. All can be booked for parties.
Our ideal age: 0-1 years
Why we like it: Meet fellow mums while your baby plays safely in this cosy, gated space. There are bookable baby classes and art activities for preschoolers too. A small, friendly independent serving great coffee, cake, or a light lunch.
Turtle Dove Play Café, Davidson’s Mains
Our ideal age: 0-5 years
Why we like it: A good sensory area for babies. Climbing for toddlers. For older kids there is a big soft play frame with a slide and ball pit. Plus plenty of role-play space, prams etc. There are plenty of tables in two rooms and a well-stocked café serving lunch, coffee and sweet treats. Staff are always friendly and often seen entertaining little people!
MakeBelieve The Baby Play Place, West End
Our ideal age: 0-5 years
Why we like it: A high-end, homely soft play to keep you warm and cosy while your kid plays. Set in multiple upstairs/downstairs carpeted rooms. For younger kids there are plenty of sensory options including a ball pit and a swing. For older kids, there is a construction area with a generous quantity of Big Blue Blocks and role-play and climbing facilities. Snack bar also available on entry. Drop-in, or become a member.
Jungle Tumble, Musselburgh
Our ideal age: 0-7 years*
Why we like it: One of the least pricey options available. Parents gush about how friendly the staff are. Sensory areas, slides, tunnels, climbing, swing and more. And yes, there’s a café, and classes available to book.
Whitekirk Hill Play Barn, outside North Berwick
Our ideal age: 2-9 years
Why we like it: Best for preschoolers+. But babies are welcome. The main barn is beautiful (spacious, light, colourful, lots of wood). There are multiple climbing and sliding opportunities plus an upstairs den and construction area. I’ve rarely seen kids looking so excited. A 2-hour session costs between £2 and £6 depending on your child’s age (incl. £1 for the adult). There’s a fab, spacious café, selling good coffee next door. And plenty of seating and snacks for parents in the barn itself. You’ll also find a couple of climbing frames and a digger/sand pit outside.
Almond Valley, Livingston
Our ideal age: Walking-13 years
Why we like it: This venue has so much to do (inside and out), it’s hard to exhaust the options. Loads of indoor climbing, digging, soft play, trampolines, bouncy pillows, go-karts, tractor and train rides, farm animals to see and pet. Check out the website for the full list, which changes by the season. Annual passes are well worth buying. Personally we’d take a picnic as there are tables in a huge, sheltered barn. But there is also a spacious canteen-feeling café selling decent coffee. Definitely worth making a day of it.
