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Four Fun Soft Play Areas in Essex for Sensory Play With Your Little One

As a parent, finding engaging activities that ignite my child’s imagination and curiosity is so important to me and something that brings me so much joy to see his world light up as he experiences the world around him. Sensory play is more than just fun—it helps develop motor skills, supports cognitive growth, and gives your little ones a chance to explore the world around them. “When your child engages in sensory play, they’re helping their brain develop and learn from certain aspects of their environment,” says occupational therapist Suzanne Messer, MS, OTR/L.


If you’ve been following along with my blogs, you know I’m a big fan of Kiddos Play Cafe. It’s a gem in Essex for sensory play and creative fun, but it’s not the only play cafe in the area where your child can explore their imagination while you enjoy a moment to relax. Here are four other fantastic play cafes in Essex that both kids and parents will love.

A mother lovingly holds her young daughter in a golden field at sunset while giving her daughter a kiss on the temple, while the little girl smiles warmly at the camera. The little girl is wearing a floral-patterned dress with her hair tied up in braided pigtails.


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A close-up of a toddler's hand resting gently on her floral-patterned dress, capturing a soft and intimate detail of a moment shared outside.

Little Play Village


Little Play Village is a beautifully designed space where kids can dive into imaginative play. With seven themed areas like a mini supermarket, a construction site, and a hair and beauty salon, this soft play area sparks creativity and role-playing fun. Parents can sit nearby with a warm drink, while watching their little ones fully immerse themselves in the experience. They are open Monday through Friday with 4 play session times to choose from: 09:00 - 10:30, 11:00-12:30, 13:00 - 14:30 and 15:00 - 16:30. 


Address: 327-331London Road

Hadleigh, Benfleet

Essex

SS7 2BT


A young girl in a floral dress looks curiously up with wide brown eyes  in a golden field at sunset.

360 Play Basildon


360 Play is the ultimate destination for a full day of fun. With a giant indoor play frame for kids aged 4-12 years old, a toddler play frame and a baby sensory area, as well as a sensory and messy play area for your little ones wanting to explore more of their artistic side, it offers an unparalleled sensory experience. Their focus on imaginative and active play ensures that kids are able to get out tons of energy and leave happy and tired. 


Play Session Times are 2 hours long and they are open everyday from 10:00am to 6:00pm 


Address: Festival Leisure Park

Festival Way,

Basildon

SS14 3WB


A family portrait of four exuding happiness and joy. The mother in a flowing white dress holds her oldest daughter in a floral dress who is reaching up to her younger sister held by her dad, in a matching floral dress and tapping her nose. The family is smiling and laughing.

Monkey Madness, Basildon


Monkey Madness is a vibrant and dynamic soft play area that caters to children of all ages. From a toddler-friendly play zone to one of the tallest play frames in the UK for older kids, to a delicious cafe there’s something for everyone. They also host fun-themed activity days that make each visit a unique experience.


Address: Miles Gray Road

Basildon, Essex SS14 3 GN


Tots World


Tots World is perfect for parents of  younger children looking for a safe and engaging space to explore. The sensory-rich soft play area is designed to help kids develop their motor skills while having fun. Your little one can explore eight different sections with each section representing its own country and experience role play sets related to that country.  Parents will appreciate the cozy cafe and the friendly atmosphere that makes every visit relaxing and enjoyable. 


Website: Tots World

Address: Walton Hall Farm

Walton’s Hall Road

Linford, Stanford-Le-Hope Essex SS17

ORH, Stanford le Hope, UK





Four Soft Play Areas in Essex Your Little One Will Love


Watching your children explore, laugh, and grow through play is one of the best feelings as a parent and these four soft play areas in Essex are sure to excite your child’s imagination and wonder. As an Essex family photographer, I believe capturing these joyful moments is just as important as experiencing them. Why not take the next step and preserve these memories with a beautiful family session?


Let’s create stunning photos that highlight the love and laughter your family shares. Click here to book your session today, and let’s make memories that last a lifetime!

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Zee Gunchev is an Essex family and newborn photographer with years of experience in the lifestyle photography area. She focuses on capturing genuine moments in soft, dreamy tones and natural light to be savoured for years to come. Her timeless images and effortless style are chosen by many Essex families to document important milestones and life stages. 

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@2025 Zee Gunchev Photography All Rights Reserved I Essex Family Photographer

Zee Gunchev is an Essex photographer specialising in family, maternity and newborn photography. She offers lifestyle and studio family photography in her emotive aesthetic style.

 

Zee serves the Essex area, including but not limited to Brentwood, Chelmsford, Shenfield, Hutton, Billericay, Ingatestone, Basildon and beyond. 

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