PROMOTION
Play Factore is Manchester’s biggest indoor play centre with all sorts of record-breaking fun like the biggest play frame in the UK and the largest indoor slide in Europe. There’s laser tag arena, zip wire, go karts, proper dance space, acres of soft play and a huge café, complete with a professional pizza oven. What’s really unique about Play Factore, though, is that there is something for all ages with almost everything included in the entry price.
My eldest says that, according to his mates at school, Play Factore is the cool place to go
Kids can go through the laser tag arena as many times as they like at no extra cost. To the side of the supervised football pitch and dance arena, there are mini go-karts for the over fives. Rides are included as standard – again, as many goes as you like – with close supervision by a team of friendly helpers. If your under-5 fancies a go, that’s no problem either,they just have to ride on with mum or dad.
The under-5s facilities include a supervised toddler area that’s ideal for those with more than one child to look after. I took my twins who are nearly two and, after a few nudges in the right direction, they were soon running up and down the ramps, taking advantage of the curly slide or the slides you can hold hands on and whizz down together. The joint slides were a particular favourite; having one each was a bonus. There’s a racetrack with loads of trikes to explore too plus a little ‘guard’s house’ in the middle for those who don’t feel the need for speed.
To my surprise, the twins did stop and take a breather now and then - the touch-screen TVs and giant beanbags were perfect companions. Before long though, they were back in the sensory room playing ‘virtual piano’ with their knees and squealing with glee.
For older kids there’s plenty to get to grips with - the giant soft play frame being a huge buzz – and the zip wire is worth the trip alone. The wire runs across the whole complex, swooping low over the dance space and café to a hut on the far side. There’s a small extra cost per flight, with full tuition and supervision provided. But from the look on my eldest son’s face at the end, the experience was worth every penny.
With seating for more than 200, the café caters for every taste, from ice-cream to kid-size margarita pizzas, served fresh from the oven. Gourmet burgers and a chorizo and chilli oil pizzas with fresh rocket garnish offer excellent value for mum and dad. Everyone’s favourite pasta is on the list, with the option to choose your shape (gnocchi, spaghetti and so on) and sauce (double cheese, tomato and basil, Bolognese or even meatballs). There are loads of healthy snacks to order too.
My eldest says that, according to his mates at school, Play Factore is the cool place to go. In fact, I can see it becoming a weekly ritual for our gang. Everyone had great food and great fun – plus I noticed that you can hold your child’s party at Play Factore – which is a definite possibility for the twins’ next birthday. Hire one of the party pods, complete with party host, music dock, and food included in the price, before whizzing down the massive slide – 40m to be exact – with four lanes to race down. Smiles really do comes as standard at Play Factore.
To view the Play Factore ‘Parents Go Free’ offer please click here.
Address: Play Factore, Trafford Way, Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Manchester, Lancashire M41 7JA
Phone:0161 748 6851
