Where is the best soft play in North Shields?

Kiki's Kabin on Albion Road is the standout, a multi-award-winning 10,000 sq ft soft play in a converted church with a three-tier frame, ball pool and a large café, for children aged 0 to 12.

Is there soft play at The Parks Sports Centre?

Yes. The Parks on Howdon Road has a soft-play Play Den alongside ten-pin bowling and a sports hall, making it easy to entertain different ages in one visit.

Is there soft play near North Shields?

As well as Kiki's Kabin and The Parks in the town, The Dunes in South Shields has a giant multi-level soft play, reached by a short trip on the Shields Ferry across the Tyne.

Children

Soft Play in North Shields

Where to take the little ones to let off steam — a guide to the best soft play in and around North Shields, led by the award-winning Kiki's Kabin.

North Shields.live·10 September 2026

When you need to wear the little ones out, and stay dry doing it, soft play is a parent's best friend. North Shields is lucky to have one of the region's standout soft-play venues right in the town, plus a council-run Play Den and more options a short hop away. Here is our guide to the best soft play in and around North Shields.

Kiki's Kabin

The star of the show, Kiki's Kabin on Albion Road is a multi-award-winning indoor soft play set in a beautifully converted old church. Spread over 10,000 square feet, it has a three-tier play frame, two separate toddler areas, a car track, a large ball pool and a bouncy castle, catering for children from babies up to age 12. Crucially for parents, there is a huge café seating over 130 people, so you can enjoy a proper coffee while the children play.

Best for: Best all-rounder — a big, brilliant soft play with a café to match, for ages 0–12.

The Play Den at The Parks

The Parks Sports Centre on Howdon Road has a soft-play Play Den alongside its ten-pin bowling and sports hall. It is a handy, affordable, council-run option, and the mix of soft play and bowling under one roof makes it easy to entertain different ages in one visit.

Best for: Best for combining soft play with bowling for mixed-age families.

Just across the river: The Dunes

If you fancy a proper day out, hop on the Shields Ferry across the Tyne to The Dunes in South Shields, a large indoor complex with a giant multi-level soft play alongside bowling, an arcade and a café. The ferry crossing itself is part of the adventure for little ones.

Best for: Best for a bigger day out — a giant soft play reached by a fun ferry trip.

Tips for a soft play trip

Book ahead for Kiki's Kabin in school holidays and on wet weekends, when soft play is at its busiest.
Check age and height sessions — many venues run dedicated toddler times that are calmer for the very youngest.
Bring socks — grippy socks are usually required for both children and adults, and some venues sell them if you forget.

Run a soft play in North Shields we should feature? Get in touch.