The Pod Soft Play
The Pod soft play centre is an excellent facility for babies and children up to the age of 11 years old. It is situated between Kingston and Ham, and is well worth the trip over the river. The main attraction at The Pod is the two-storey play frame, which is more than big enough to keep the children entertained for a couple of hours, but also small enough to be manageable when you’re on your own (the children are always within sight!).
The play frame is complete with various slides and tunnels, a ball pit which keeps the kids amused for ages with its suction tube system and vertical blower, and plenty of other areas to climb and scramble around. There is also a slightly scaled down area specifically for children aged three and under. For children under 24 months or with special educational needs, there is a separate multi-sensory room, which has recently been refurbished. Alongside The Pod soft play in the Hawker Centre, there is a cafe which is perfect for refreshments and lunch during your visit. It sells tea, coffee, and snacks, as well as a hot menu including favourites like sausage & chips, fish fingers or pasta for the kids, paninis, sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
The Pod also caters for parties, with slots on Thursday & Friday afternoons, and on Saturday & Sunday mornings and afternoons. There are two packages available – one for 25 children and one for 30 children – both of which include exclusive use of The Pod for 1hr 45mins, inclusive of food and a party host. Parties can be booked online.
The Pod can be found at the YMCA Hawker, Lower Ham Road (junction with Richmond Road), Kingston KT2 5BH. It is open for 2hr sessions from 9.00am-5.00pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 9.00am-3.00pm Thursdays & Fridays, and 8.15-10.00am on Saturdays & Sundays. All weekday sessions are for walk-ins only (there will be a waiting list in operation if it reaches full capacity), but weekends can be pre-booked. For more information, please call 020 8296 9747.
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