I’ll put my hands up and admit I’m not the biggest fan of childrens play centres. They’re busy, they’re loud and they trigger my anxiety like nothing else. But my daughters Jessica, 10 and Emily, 7, don’t miss out – my hubby takes them. Therefore when I said we were off to check out one Europes largest indoor playground, Fun Shack, he genuinely asked ‘Are you ok’?
Fun Shack, Newcastle
Fun Shack contains over 30,000 square feet of entertainment, and there is something for kids aged 0-14. With three centres in the North East, we visited our nearest based in Benfield Business Park, Byker. We travelled by car and parked no problem. But if travelling by public transport, it’s around a 15 minute walk from nearest metro station, Walkergate.
We were handed an orange coloured bag for the girls to put their shoes in as we arrived, then the kids were off to play. You are allowed 90 minutes play and the colour of bag indicates which slot you’re in. Similar to swimming pools, families with a certain colour bag leave when announced over the tannoy. This I liked as it should eliminate issues when it’s time to leave as when your play time is up kids, it’s up.
We arrived at 11.00. And although still quite a few families there, because the centre is spread out over such a large area, I considered it quiet. Perfect infact. We took a seat at a table and the girls were off to play.
First up was climbing the Giant Volcano then sliding down the chute. Then the Donut Rubber Ring Slide before making their way through the Giant Play Frame to the Four Wave Slide. I followed them around but only to grab a few photos for this blog, then sat back down with my husband and enjoyed the peace. Who wouldn’t?
Funshack Activies
We barely saw the girls for the next 90 minutes, only returning to ask for a much needed cold drink. Although I’d often hear ‘Hi Mum’ above my head as they walked over the rope bridge.
The Giant Play Frame is the biggest I’ve seen in any play centre. It includes four floors of tunnels, climbing nets, swings and a giant snake slide. The girls also enjoyed the Pirate Ship Arena. And had fun with the canons, launch tubes, ball blasters. And Jessica had a quick kick about in the football court.
I forgot to take any cash with me, which I’d meant to do so the girls could have a go on the Go Carts and Bumper Buggies. These do have an additional cost of £1 and £2 respectively, but are something the girls have enjoyed at other adventure centres.
The girls also spent quite a bit of time on the trampolines. What I like about Fun Shack is in the past we’ve paid to take the girls trampolining, or climbing, or to a ‘small world’ experience. Fun Shack has all of that with a small climbing wall in the frame, and a Tiny Toon including a Pizza Take Away and Boutique for the younger children to dress up for some role play and use their imaginations. So there’s a little bit of the more popular activities children enjoy.
And there’s quite a large soft play section dedicated to younger children. Each activity is occupied by a member of staff meaning they are at hand if any problems should arise, and to stop the older children entering areas meant for toddlers and babies.
What did we think?
We really enjoyed Fun Shack. I particularly liked how the seating area is in the centre of the activities. Meaning I could pretty much see the girls at all times, keeping my anxiety and need to be a helicopter mum to a zero.
We didn’t try any food unfortunately from quite a varied menu, as we’d not long had breakfast before setting off. But we did try a slush. What can I say, I love a slush and only £2 each. I’ve paid more on days out with the kids.
The girls had a fantastic time and we’ll definitely be making a return visit. The staff were polite and asked the girls if they’d had a nice time as we signed out. And when one memeber of staff noticed I had my camera, encourage me to get closer to get a better pic of the girls.
Thank you Fun Shack for a fantastic morning.
Prices
Entry to Fun Shack depends upon the age of the child, and time of your visit. So please check out the website for prices and locations. There is also an additional cost of £1 per adult, but I know I’d still be happy to pay, so please don’t let that put you off.
And for £30 you can purchase a summer pass, which allows you unlimited visits throughout the summer holidays.
If you plan on going to Inflataspace on the same day which is literally right next door, you’ll receive a 50% discount with your receipt.
*This was a gifted experience in exchange for social media coverage. Thoughts and opinions entirely genuine, and my own.