Best Soft Play in South Shields

Rainy days in South Shields do not have to mean bored children. The town has some excellent indoor play options, from the largest soft play area in the North of England to a smaller, more intimate venue for younger children. Here is where to find the best soft play in South Shields.

The Dunes Adventure Island

The Dunes Adventure Island on Sea Road is the big one — the largest indoor soft play area in the North of England. The main play area is themed around a galleon ship with five levels of giant slides, rope bridges, an indoor football pitch, and foam cannons. It is enormous, and older children will happily spend hours in there.

For younger visitors, there is a separate dedicated toddler area with smaller slides and a sensory section. The toddler sensory area is available Monday to Friday during term time, between 10am and 3pm, at no extra charge.

The Dunes also has ten-pin bowling, an arcade, and several food outlets, making it a full day out under one roof. Admission costs around three to six pounds fifty for children, with adults paying one pound.

Best for: The largest indoor soft play in the North of England — five levels of slides, rope bridges, foam cannons, plus a dedicated toddler area and ten-pin bowling.

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Jumbo Jim

Jumbo Jim at 2 Garwood Street is a smaller, more intimate soft play venue designed for children aged eight and under. It has a multi-level play frame with slides, a ball pit, and climbing areas, along with a separate baby and toddler section. The venue also has a trampoline area.

Jumbo Jim is a good choice for parents of younger children who find The Dunes too large or too busy. The space is clean, the staff are friendly, and the cafe serves hot drinks and snacks for parents.

Best for: Soft play for children aged eight and under — multi-level play frame, ball pit, trampoline, and a separate baby and toddler area.

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Haven Point (leisure waters)

Haven Point on Pier Parade is not a soft play venue in the traditional sense, but the leisure waters with slides and water play areas function as an excellent alternative. Younger children love the splash zone and the shallow pool, while older children can use the flume slides. It is a strong option when the children want something active but different from the usual soft play frame.

Adult swim sessions cost around five pounds twenty, children five to seventeen pay around three pounds seventy-five, and under-fives are one pound ten.

Best for: Leisure waters with slides, splash zones, and a shallow pool — a strong wet-play alternative to traditional soft play.

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Tips for visiting

The Dunes can get very busy during school holidays and weekends — arriving early is the best strategy. Jumbo Jim is quieter and better suited to weekday mornings with toddlers. Haven Point runs regular public swim sessions, but check the timetable online as the pool is sometimes booked for lessons or clubs.

For outdoor play options, see our guide to the best playgrounds in South Shields. For more family activities, see summer activities and free things to do.

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Looking for more? See our guides to after-school clubs and swimming in South Shields.