I visited the UK’s largest playframe that is ‘soft play on steroids’ with four floors of activities
AS seasoned soft play samplers, my boys thought they had seen it all - until I took them to family favourite Riverside Hub in Northampton to check out the UK’s largest playframe, set over four floors.
You know you're onto a winner when your tween's eyes light up in wonder and you hardly see your children from the moment you arrive until home time.
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Described by one industry insider as a soft play on steroids, there's so much to do here that it's a struggle to fit it into the two and a half hours that each session is allocated.
We could have happily spent the whole day and still have gone back for more.
What's even better is that Riverside Hub, which has been making a name for itself for the last decade, is just around the corner from Billing Aquadrome.
So it's perfect for a visit if you're checking out some of the new facilities at one of the UK’s oldest holiday parks, that's not long been under new ownership and has had a massive amount of investment in the last couple of years.
With three boys aged between five and 12, it can sometimes be difficult to find somewhere that has enough to keep all ages happy as the older two are getting a bit big for soft play, but that certainly wasn't a problem here.
Laser tag, crazy golf, two climbing poles, go-karts and even arcade machines all included in the price.
The main issue is keeping an eye on all your children as they head off in opposite directions to make the most of everything on offer.
While the youngest was taking a spin on the carousel, my middle son was clambering up the two 10m climbing poles, one in the shape of an oak tree and the other a beanstalk, in the centre of the hub.
There's a mezzanine floor with extra seating that's perfect for cheering your little climbers on as they get to the top.
And you'll also find a fantasy village playground up there for youngsters to enjoy.
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Downstairs, my sons really loved being able to take on the free arcade machines that would be pay per play elsewhere.
And the go-karts were a big hit too, with short queue times despite how busy the venue was.
There's a dedicated toddler space with ball pits and slides as well as sensory areas for babies and little ones with SEND, so that everyone can enjoy their visit
And even when your time slot comes to an end, the fun isn't quite over as there's a hack that means you get a free toy every time you turn up.
Don't forget to ask for your child's free slap band on the way out after your first visit - if they show it on future visits, they'll receive a free toy of their choice.
It makes a nice change from loyalty schemes aimed at parents, which usually involve getting a free cuppa after you've bought a certain number of hot drinks.
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One thing you definitely need to be aware of here is the limited parking, as the hub is located on a busy industrial estate.
You'll need to book entry and car parking in advance to guarantee a space, with the parking attendants directing new arrivals to fill slots as other drivers leave.
I paid about £50 for four of us, including a £2 parking charge, and I think that's money well spent for everything you get included.
The cafe on site was also good value. We tucked into a freshly made pizza for just £8.50, but kids’ meals were only £4.50 a pop.
As with most indoor play spaces, you can't bring your own food, but you can always time your visit so it doesn't clash with mealtimes if you don't want to pay to eat out.
Riverside Hub was certainly a revelation and lived up to its reputation. We will be back!
Here's more on Riverside Hub for anyone planning a visit.
And another huge indoor play area with five floors of attractions, six-lane slides and a ferris wheel.
Lilidorei is a magical village with its own fantasy lore, including nine clans of magical creatures like elves, trolls and fairies.
The magical creatures celebrate Christmas throughout the year, meaning Lilidorei always has a sprinkle of festive magic - even in the summer months.
State-of-the-art sound and lighting systems bring each of the fairytale houses to life, with visitors able to peer through windows and ring doorbells.
The sprawling 40-acre fairytale-themed land is also home to Elfwin Drin - the world's tallest play structure and you'll find it in Alnwick, Northumberland.
Standing at 85ft, Elfwin Drin is taller than the Angel of the North.
The towering play structure is actually the King of Lilidorei's castle and doubles as a huge playhouse.
It features everything from tube slides and bridges to towers and a sliding pole.
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