Soft play in and around Saffron Walden
Need somewhere for little ones to burn off energy on a wet day? Here are the proper soft play centres within about half an hour of Saffron Walden, with prices, opening hours and distances so you can pick the right one fast. Always check the venue's own site before you set off, as times and prices can change.
JustPlay Saffron Walden
Our very own proper soft play, tucked away at the bottom of Shire Hill. There is a big climbing frame for the brave ones and a separate baby and toddler area, and grown ups go free with a paying child. Free parking and a café make it an easy rainy day win.
Distance from Saffron Walden: About 1 mile, roughly 5 minutes by car
Opening hours: Mon, Tue and Thu 9am to 3pm, Wed and Fri 9am to 6pm, weekends 9am to 3pm
Under 1s £4 (free with an older sibling), ages 1 to 4 £8, adults free.
Bury Lane Fun Barn
A big farm themed soft play with its very own gated area for under 5s, complete with sit on farm animals and a mini wavy slide. The first adult goes free, so book ahead, then treat yourself in the café or the farm shop.
Distance from Saffron Walden: About 13 miles, roughly 25 minutes by car
Opening hours: Term time weekdays 9am to 5:15pm, Saturdays and school holidays 9am to 5:15pm, Sundays 10:45am to 4pm (booked sessions)
Weekdays in term time: 6 to 11 months £4.25, 1 year £5.50, 2 to 4 years £8.75, first adult free.
Little Monsters House of Fun
A proper soft play with slides, ball pools and rope nets, plus a small area just for babies and toddlers. Sessions run in two hour slots and booking ahead saves you a pound. The café brings freshly made food to your table, which feels like a treat.
Distance from Saffron Walden: About 13 miles, roughly 25 minutes by car
Opening hours: Daily from 9:30am, two hour sessions, last session ends 5:30pm on weekdays (6pm Thu and Fri in term time) and 4:30pm at weekends
Booked ahead off peak: under 1s £3, ages 1 to 4 £7, adults £2.
Welcome to the Jungle
A jungle themed soft play just outside Bishop's Stortford, with a sensory room and a café right beside the play area. It welcomes children from newborn, and parking is free. Book ahead as sessions fill up.
Distance from Saffron Walden: About 15 miles, roughly 25 minutes by car
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 9:15am to 5:30pm, Sat 9:15am to 4:30pm, Sun 9:30am to 4:30pm
Little Hadham, near Bishop's Stortford. Prices on their website.
The Playbarn
An indoor play barn near Sawbridgeworth, a little further afield but handy for a long wet day. The café cooks food fresh to order, so you can make a morning of it.
Distance from Saffron Walden: About 17 miles, roughly 30 minutes by car
Opening hours: Tue to Sat, timed play sessions only, closed Sun and Mon
Sawbridgeworth. Prices on their website.
Dobbies Little Seedlings
A budget friendly hour of play at £3.50, inside the restaurant at Dobbies near Melbourn, for little ones up to 8. Kids eat for £1 with an adult main and parking is free. Book ahead to be sure of a slot.
Distance from Saffron Walden: About 14 miles, roughly 25 minutes by car
Opening hours: Hourly sessions Mon to Sat 9:15am to 3:30pm, Sun 10:30am to 3:30pm. The last session of the day is walk in only.
Shepreth, near Melbourn. £3.50 per child (£3 for Dobbies Club members) for 60 minutes of play, ages 0 to 8, adults free.
The Zone
Brilliant value, with a separate area for ages 0 to 3 full of soft blocks, a ball pit and play mats for babies. The café has a five star hygiene rating. Give them a quick call on 01440 710071 before you go.
Distance from Saffron Walden: About 12 miles, roughly 25 minutes by car
Opening hours: Term time weekends 10am to 4:30pm, school holidays Thu to Sun 10am to 4:30pm
Haverhill. Ages 3 and under £3, ages 4 and over £6, adults £1.
Contact
❤️ Helping parents decide what to do next with trusted local knowledge, updated every week.
About • Our Promise • Privacy Policy
© 2026. All rights reserved.