Visitors to Trafford Quays in Manchester may well be familiar with the iconic Chill Factor building. Based underneath this is the UK's leading indoor play arena, Play Factore, a state of the art play centre for families to enjoy together. We were invited along to their Summer Holiday Play Factore Rio 2016 event and were thrilled to be able to experience this fun filled venue for ourselves.
Entering Play Factore, I was taken aback by the sheer scale of the play equipment from the UK's largest play frame, complete with tunnels, slides, obstacles and an integral sports pitch to the 40 metre long big red slide, which is Europe's largest. Laser tag, go karts and a zip wire, that runs right across the building, add to the entertainment. A dedicated Toddler Area gives a safe place for the under 5's to enjoy.
The staff at the venue were all so welcoming, enthusiastic and warm and clearly passionate about working at the Play Factore. The atmosphere was buzzing.
Play Factore is a place where children can burn off all their excess energy and test themselves physically on the play equipment. They can find different routes through the play frame, climbing up netting, clambouring over giant balls and crawling through tunnels. The maze like nature of the play frame keeps it exciting every time you enter.
The play frame is for children aged 5 - 16 years old, but adults are also allowed on to play, which is lovely for families who want to have fun together. Teens have as much fun as the little ones. The big red slide is the thrilling finale with four lanes for whizzing down at the same time. Perfect for a family race. For grown-ups who would rather leave the playing to the kids, there is plenty of seating to relax with a coffee.
The zip wire is a really cool activity for ages 6 - 16 years old, available during peak times at the venue. The wire runs from a tower at one side of the play arena, over the heads of other customers and coming to a stop at the landing pad on the other side of the building. The zip line team give children a full briefing and make sure everyone is safe and secure.
Freddy, who can sometimes get himself a bit overwhelmed by new experiences, absolutely amazed us by totally owning the zip wire! This was definitely helped by the lovely staff who were so encouraging and boosted his confidence, allowing him to overcome his nerves. It is so good for kids to feel the fear but do it anyway...so character building! He was so proud of himself.
As part of the Rio Event, there were Brazilian dancers and musicians entertaining the crowds and a big screen showing scenes from the Olympics, adding to the fun. Play Factore have various events through the year.
We were treated to some delicious food in one of the party rooms and enjoyed sampling the freshly baked pizzas from the in-house pizzeria restaurant along with baskets of chips, salad, garlic bread, nachos, fresh fruit salad and cookies. It was a real treat and the food was really good quality.
After a fantastic afternoon of playing, Freddy and his big sisters were thoroughly worn out. Play Factore is a brilliant venue offering state of the art play equipment for all the family. It's great to find a place that the teenagers can enjoy as much as the little ones. Everyone can let off steam and have fun.
Peak prices apply during the school holidays and the charge for a 5 - 16 year old is £11.95 for a two and a half hour play session. Adults are charged £3.95, babies between 6 and 11 months are £1.95 and children between 1 and 4 years are £7.95. The zip wire costs an extra £3.95.
You can find out about Play Factore, including their amazing birthday party packages for kids up to 16 years old at www.playfactore.com.