Soft Play Durham – Indoor Soft Play at Thorpe Farm
Best Soft Play Near Durham for Young Children
Soft Play Near Durham – Indoor Soft Play at Thorpe Farm
If you’re looking for soft play near Durham, Thorpe Farm offers one of the best indoor soft play experiences for young children in County Durham and Teesside.
Located just a short drive from Durham, our indoor soft play centre is designed for toddlers and young children to climb, slide, explore and burn off energy in a safe, supervised environment. Whether you’re planning a weekend family day out, a rainy-day activity, or a treat for the kids during school holidays, Thorpe Farm’s kids soft play near Durham is the perfect destination.
Alongside the play area, families can also enjoy our farm shop, café, and family-friendly facilities, making it easy to spend a relaxing few hours together.
Best Soft Play Near Durham for Young Children
Parents searching for children’s soft play in Durham often want somewhere that is safe, clean, and designed specifically for younger kids.
At Thorpe Farm, our indoor soft play area is built with families in mind. Children can enjoy:
Climbing frames and soft obstacles
Slides and tunnels
Ball pits and interactive play zones
Age-appropriate play areas for younger children
Soft play is ideal for toddlers and young children because it allows them to develop coordination, balance, and confidence while having fun. Our play equipment is designed to be both exciting and safe, giving parents peace of mind while their children explore.
Because we focus on younger families, the atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and relaxed — perfect for toddlers who are still discovering the world around them.
Why Families From Durham Visit Thorpe Farm
Although there are a few indoor soft play centres in Durham, many families choose to visit Thorpe Farm because it offers more than just soft play.
Located near Barnard Castle, Thorpe Farm is a popular family destination with plenty to enjoy before or after playtime.
Families visiting from Durham love that they can combine soft play with:
A visit to our award-winning farm shop
Lunch or coffee in our family café
Browsing the farm park and seasonal events
Exploring the surrounding countryside
This means your trip becomes a full family day out, rather than just a short visit to a play centre.
For many parents, it’s the perfect balance — children get to play, and adults can enjoy a relaxing break too.
Indoor Play Areas for Toddlers and Children
Indoor soft play is one of the best activities for young children, especially when the weather isn’t ideal.
Our kids soft play near Durham is designed so children can:
Stay active in a safe indoor environment
Build social skills through play
Improve balance and coordination
Burn off energy in a fun way
Soft play is particularly beneficial for toddlers who are learning to climb, crawl and explore. The padded equipment helps reduce the risk of injury while encouraging children to try new movements and challenges.
Parents can relax knowing their children are playing in a clean and supervised space built specifically for family visits.
A Relaxing Space for Parents
A great soft play centre near Durham isn’t just about the kids — it should also be enjoyable for parents.
At Thorpe Farm, our café and seating area allow parents to watch their children while enjoying a coffee, lunch or snack.
Families appreciate:
Comfortable seating areas
Fresh food and drinks from the café
Baby-changing facilities
A relaxed and welcoming environment
It’s the perfect place to meet friends, catch up with other parents, or simply enjoy a break while the children play.
Planning a Soft Play Day Out Near Durham
If you’re planning a visit to soft play near Durham, Thorpe Farm is easy to reach by car and makes a great destination for:
Rainy day activities
Weekend family outings
School holiday days out
Playdates with friends
Toddler activities during the week
- Family parties, you can view our party packages here.
Many families combine soft play with a visit to the farm shop or café, turning a simple activity into a memorable family day out.
Because the play area is indoors, it’s also a reliable option when the weather changes — something every parent appreciates.
Opening Times, Entry, and Safety
The soft play centre is open daily from 9.30am – 4.30pm.. Please note, the facility is suitable for children aged 0-8 years to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We have strict hygiene and safety protocols in place to provide peace of mind to all our visitors.
Time slots are:
9.30am – 11.30am
12pm – 2pm
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Prices:
Age 0-1 yrs – £2.00
Age 1-8 yrs – £5.50 to £7.00
Adult ticket (18+) – £1.00 (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Childminder Soft Play Tickets
Childminder (Adult 18+) – £0.00
Child (0-1 yrs) – £1.80
Child (1-8 yrs) – £4.95
Weekdays only from Monday – Friday
FAQs
Yes, its £1 per adult (over 18s)
Peak times are school holidays and weekend period
The soft play is suitable for children aged 0-8 years old
No, don’t worry if you haven’t pre-booked, you can ‘pay and play’ on arrival but we do advise pre-booking if possible to avoid disappointment
Both children and adults must wear socks at all times. Socks are available to purchase if you forget to bring your own.
Please note: Only food purchased in the courtyard restaurant/ Café or Farm Shop may be eaten in the soft play seating area
We don’t currently offer SEN sessions, but it’s something we’re looking into for the future. If you’re interested in booking a group SEN session, please contact our team at admin@thorpefarm.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help
To cancel your session, please email admin@thorpefarm.co.uk or call our friendly team on 01833 627242 and we’ll be happy to help. “please note: no refund will be given upon cancellation
You can find out more and book your party here
The Soft Play area is designed for children aged 0–8 years. Older siblings are not permitted to use the play frame, but they are welcome to accompany you and use the seating area.
Our lift makes it easy to bring pushchairs and for wheelchair users to access the seating area comfortably.
Yes we do, we have a dedicated ticket for childminders. The Childminder Ticket is a discounted admission offered exclusively to registered childminders. To qualify, customers must provide valid proof of their childminding business at the time of booking or on arrival. Acceptable proof includes (but is not limited to) an Ofsted registration certificate, public liability insurance for childminding, or a valid membership card from a recognized childminding association.
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Make a Day of It
Why not start your visit with breakfast at The Courtyard, explore Peel house and browse our antiques, gifts, and Farm shop area, and then let the kids burn off more energy in the play park and heritage wood, walking and feeding our friendly animals on site.
