We recently visited Run of the Mill Soft Play in Stockport on a Saturday morning and wanted to share our experience with other families. Overall, while the centre offers good value for money, there are a few things to consider before your visit.
First, let’s talk about the positives. We arrived just after 9am, right when the centre opened, and it was lovely and quiet. This made for a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of space for our children to play freely without the usual chaos of a busy weekend soft play, which to be honest is something I dread.
If you’re looking for a calmer experience, I highly recommend visiting first thing. The pricing is also incredibly reasonable. We paid just £6.95 per child for unlimited play, and adults are free, which makes it one of the more affordable soft play options around (Jan 2025).
The soft play centre features a range of areas for different age groups, including a toddler section, a larger climbing structure for older kids, and a small baby zone. There’s no denying that the space offers good variety for children, and it’s great for those with older kids who need more active play.
The larger play zones are fun and provide plenty of opportunities for kids to burn off energy. However, it’s worth noting that the soft play equipment is quite old and looks a bit tired in places. Some parts of the structure feel worn down, and certain areas, like the ball pits and the middle section could really benefit from some updating.
In terms of cleanliness, while the staff do clean the surfaces, it could be more thorough. Given the age of the equipment, it doesn’t always feel as fresh or hygienic as some other soft play centres we’ve visited. If you have babies or toddlers who tend to mouth toys and play equipment, I would personally be cautious, as it doesn’t feel entirely clean. Older children won’t be as bothered, but for younger ones, it might be worth considering a visit elsewhere if cleanliness is a high priority for you.
As for the food, we weren’t particularly impressed. The on-site cafe offers a selection of snacks, drinks, and hot food, but the quality isn’t great. We tried a few things, and I have to say I’d avoid the food in the future and go elsewhere for lunch.
While the facility offers good value for money, and is great for older kids, it does have its downsides. It could definitely benefit from a more thorough clean and some updates to the play equipment. For the price, it’s a decent option to get children out of the house when the weather isn’t great and burn off some energy but if you’re looking for a more polished experience, you may want to explore other alternatives. That said, if you’re on a budget, it’s hard to beat the value Run of the Mill offers.
It’s somewhere we would return to because of the cost but would definitely not eat there again.
For soft play reviews in Cheshire, check out my guide.
