The Play Factory - Thornaby - Image 1

The Play Factory - Thornaby

Thornaby, United Kingdom•4.4(590)•Play Café, Soft Play Center

Explore a 3-level multi-level play frame with endless activities, plus cafeteria serving home-cooked meals and freshly ground coffee.

The Play Factory Thornaby is a premier indoor leisure facility designed for families seeking engaging play experiences. At its heart stands an impressive 3-level play frame as tall as a house, filled with carefully designed activities that keep children entertained and active for hours. The venue prides itself on offering original and unique play structures that cannot be found elsewhere, ensuring each visit provides fresh excitement and discovery. Beyond the play frame, the venue features an on-site cafeteria where parents and children can relax and refuel. The qualified catering team prepares food fresh on the premises, offering more than typical soft play fare—including home-cooked main meals, daily specials, light snacks, and freshly ground coffee. Comfortable soft seating areas and additional tables create a welcoming space for the whole family. The Play Factory is an ideal destination for children's birthday parties, with customizable party packages that include all necessities plus add-on options. The venue also features Tazerz—Teesside Lazer Tag located upstairs—perfect for children aged 6 and over seeking additional entertainment. Since opening in 2014, the facility has become a popular choice for families across Teesside looking for quality indoor play and dining experiences.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:30 – 18:00
Tuesday: 09:30 – 18:00
Wednesday: 09:30 – 18:00
Thursday: 09:30 – 18:00
Friday: 09:30 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 18:00
Sunday: 10:30 – 18:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Book in advance

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

Cafeteria

On-site cafeteria offering freshly prepared home-cooked main meals, daily specials, light snacks and freshly ground coffee, with soft seating and table areas.

Google Reviews

4.4(590 reviews)
C
Claire

Claire

2 months ago

Attended for the first time for a birthday party. Seemed very good value for money, and my son had a wonderful time (he's 3). It's very big inside with plenty of play spaces for children of all ages! The staff seemed very pleasant and helpful. They certainly go the extra mile for the birthday child. The party room is really good for a nice little private area for the children to eat. Inside, there was a disco atmosphere with disco balls / lights and children's music playing. Haven't rated 5* due to the toilets being slightly unclean. None of the flushes seemed to work in the girls' bathroom, and parking is extremely limited considering the size of the establishment. Would visit again, though.

R
Rachel Serrell

Rachel Serrell

6 months ago

Although this is a fairly pricey for a soft play, you get 2 hours of play, and more if you don’t leave at the two hour mark as they don’t check and don’t rush you out the door… although 2 hours for us is enough tbf. The food is DELICIOUS and the portion sizes are huge. So food is worth the money. Staff are always polite so I would say 5/5 for this place and it’s worth the money overall.

J
JP Young

JP Young

9 months ago

The play area is good. But it's so poorly monitored. The past few times I've been in, theres feral kids in there punching and bullying other kids etc. Tell the staff and they don't care. Definitely don't feel it's safe to take my kids there.

W
Wendy Milton-Jones

Wendy Milton-Jones

a year ago

The kids love it, and it is a fun few hours out for everyone. Although it is expensive at £11.95 for kids and £8.50 for over 1's and I am sure adults get charged too, cos my bill was £32 plus. Food is great, so compliments to the chef. But for a family of 5, the cost can soon add up. And then u have drinks on top of all that too. So wot was suppose to be a cheap afternoon at the soft play with the grandkids, ended up costing £60 to £80 quid, which is not cheap or good for families on a budget 🤔

M
Mia Nguyen

Mia Nguyen

a year ago

Great place for kids and family. We went to on Sunday, and they were full of service, staffs were friendly. The things have been cleaned so well. Many toys and activities. Many tables and chairs as well. Highly recommend.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at The Play Factory - Thornaby

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 The Play Factory - Thornaby

Is The Play Factory - Thornaby free to visit?

The Play Factory - Thornaby is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is The Play Factory - Thornaby dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at The Play Factory - Thornaby.

Is there parking at The Play Factory - Thornaby?

Yes, The Play Factory - Thornaby has on-site parking.

Is there food at The Play Factory - Thornaby?

Yes — Cafeteria is on site at The Play Factory - Thornaby. On-site cafeteria offering freshly prepared home-cooked main meals, daily specials, light snacks and freshly ground…

Is The Play Factory - Thornaby pushchair-friendly?

The Play Factory - Thornaby 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 The Play Factory - Thornaby?

The Play Factory - Thornaby is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to The Play Factory - Thornaby by public transport?

The Play Factory - Thornaby isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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