Lakeside Soft Play was a firm favourite with lots of nominations in the last Red Kite Days awards which wasn’t a surprise. The first time I visited I had been looking for a half way point to meet a friend from London, somewhere my little one could run around and a chance to relax and catch up with my mate with a wedge of cake. It turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.
Lakeside Soft Play is situated in the grounds of Liquid Leisure, an Aqua Park near Datchet so has plenty of free parking and is easy to get to. It’s a fairly small soft play, perfectly suited to babies and pre-schoolers. My 2 year old was able have little independence by exploring on his own as it was all accessible for him and I could see him at all times.
There’s also a central baby area with soft play shapes and space to roll about in and everything is clean and well maintained. Tucked into the corner, there’s also a little area with toys which is ideal to put down a baby who’s just sitting while you have one of their great coffees.
They set up parties in the main room by the cafe but when it’s open play, there’s a quiet corner with seats and books if you want to tuck yourself away.
What gives Lakeside Soft Play the edge as a Mum of a little one is that they also have a great café with yummy food and properly good coffee. Home baked goodies and an emphasis on quality food with local organic ingredients where possible you don’t feel like you’re compromising.
The café and soft play area are both filled with light so you don’t feel like you’re hanging out in a warehouse style soft play and it’s definitely more chilled out than the big mega indoor places for older kids. The staff are also friendly and helpful
Not far from the airport, the day we visited my son was totally taken with the airplanes passing overhead on their descent. If the weather is good they have a little outdoor area too and if it’s so good that there’s a heatwave, they’ve got air con too.
Lakeside Soft Play is open 7 days a week but is also a popular party venue so do check their Facebook page before visiting and at busy times it’s worth booking online in advance.
Find reviews of all the best soft plays in Berkshire from Windsor to Newbury on Red Kite Days.
