Stay & Play - Image 1

Stay & Play

Basildon, United Kingdom•4.5(166)•Play Café, Soft Play Center

Explore an indoor soft play center with sensory rooms, character meet-and-greets, birthday parties, and take-away food for families with children from birth onwards.

Stay & Play is an indoor children's soft play centre located in Basildon, Essex, offering a variety of attractions and activities for families with young children. The venue features dedicated play sessions available for online booking, with flexible scheduling and no time restrictions during weekday term-time visits. The centre provides multiple specialized experiences catering to different needs and interests. A dedicated sensory room is available for children from birth, offering a calming environment suitable for those requiring sensory-friendly play. The venue hosts regular character mornings featuring popular characters like Baby Shark, held fortnightly and advertised through their social media channels. Beyond traditional soft play, Stay & Play offers comprehensive party hosting services for birthday celebrations and special events including Easter events, Christmas celebrations, and discos. The venue also organizes adults-only spiritual evenings featuring local mediums. On-site dining is available through their take-away service, making it convenient for families to enjoy food during their visit. The facility is designed to accommodate families of all types, from babies through older children, ensuring inclusive play experiences. With online booking systems in place and a focus on family-friendly entertainment, Stay & Play provides a comprehensive indoor play destination for the Essex community.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:00 – 15:30
Tuesday: 09:00 – 17:45
Wednesday: 09:00 – 17:45
Thursday: 09:00 – 17:45
Friday: 09:00 – 17:45
Saturday: 09:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Take-Away

Food and beverage service available for takeaway

Follow:

Google Reviews

4.5(166 reviews)
S
Sarah Campion

Sarah Campion

2 months ago

My little girl had her 5th Birthday here a few weeks ago. Absolutely brilliant the staff can't fault them. Value for money with their party packages. So helpful. Definitely use them again. And their food is lush. Thankyou so much to the lady who looked after us all

A
Amrit Bahara

Amrit Bahara

3 months ago

Thank you so much for making my daughter’s 5th birtnday party a memorable one! Angel was fantastic and all the girls really helped to make the day run smoothly! We had lots of compliments saying how well everything was organised and will be back to visit! The soft play was the perfect size for the children too!

K
K M

K M

3 months ago

Daughter love it here. Good size and secure so not constantly worrying about where they are. Staff are brilliant and the cafe is actually really very good - genuinely good coffee and food with great selection. Will be sad when she has outgrown it!

E
Elena Gabriela Timofte

Elena Gabriela Timofte

6 months ago

Today I visited this place for the first time and it was nice, is smaller compared to Monkey madness Basildon. However, I was confused because of the parking space. They should change the sign towards the end of the soft play building, by mistake I went to the nursery parking which is very limited and of course I went to the nursery and the reception lady was annoyed.. I attached the parking space where you should normally go.

B
Ben Eastwood

Ben Eastwood

8 months ago

Finally, someone has actually cracked the code for how a soft play should be run! The soft play: Immaculate. So clean it almost looked like it had not opened yet, which makes a refreshing change from the usual layer of dust you could sculpt pottery from. The equipment caters for every age and ability, and the attention to detail throughout the entire place is genuinely impressive. That awkward in-between stage where your child is too big for the baby zone but too small for the main area is solved. There is a perfect medium-sized section just for them. The food: Fantastic. You can confidently say, “Let’s meet with the kids and grab lunch there,” without mentally preparing for disappointment. The menu is extensive and puts every other soft play café I have visited to shame, and I have been to more than 18 in the last three years. The staff: Friendly, helpful, and clearly proud of the place, which makes the whole experience even better. And yes, I will bother to leave a review. If you have bothered to put an RFID card or QR code on the till because you value my feedback, the least I can do is tap it. If you are looking for bad food and a thick coating of dust, absolutely avoid this place. Otherwise, you have found a winner. Criticism: 19th of November is early for Christmas music, but that’s me being miserable!

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Stay & Play

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Stay & Play

Is Stay & Play free to visit?

Stay & Play is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Stay & Play suitable for?

Stay & Play is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Stay & Play dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Stay & Play.

Is there parking at Stay & Play?

Stay & Play doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at Stay & Play?

Yes — Take-Away is on site at Stay & Play. Food and beverage service available for takeaway

Is Stay & Play pushchair-friendly?

Stay & Play isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Stay & Play?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Stay & Play.

How do I get to Stay & Play by public transport?

Stay & Play isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
Kiddy Compass