Best Soft Play Centres Near Whitley Bay
Acorn and Oak, The Treehouse, Runamokka, and Waves — Whitley Bay has more soft play options than you might think.
Whitley Bay is genuinely well served for soft play, with several dedicated venues right in town alongside the play facilities at Waves leisure centre. Whether you want a calm cafe with a play frame or a full-scale climbing adventure, there is an option to suit every age and energy level.
Acorn & Oak Play Cafe
Acorn & Oak on Whitley Road is a purpose-built soft play cafe aimed at children aged 0-8. It has a three-level play frame with slides, tunnels, and climbing, a large baby soft play area with sensory activities, and a dedicated sensory room available for private hire.
The cafe is a proper draw — comfortable seating, good drinks, and treats. Adults get in free. Sessions are bookable online. Open Monday to Saturday, with Sundays reserved for private parties. A polished, well-designed venue that gets the balance right between children's play and parent comfort.
Best for: Three-level frame, baby sensory, dedicated sensory room, adults free.
The Treehouse
The Treehouse on Claremont Crescent is an established soft play venue with 3,000 sq ft of play equipment for children up to age 8. The toddler area has a log climb, slide, and biff toys, while the larger frame has log climbs, rope bridges, and slides for more adventurous children.
The cafe serves freshly made coffee and quality food, including a children's meal deal. There is a free car park right outside at Whitley Lodge. It has been a fixture on the Whitley Bay family scene for years and remains a reliable favourite.
Best for: 3,000 sq ft, established favourite, free car park, meal deals.
Runamokka
Runamokka on Whitley Road is a soft play and cafe with a distinctly different feel. The upmarket decor features leather sofas, armchairs, and a calm, relaxed atmosphere — it is designed to make parents feel comfortable rather than endure a typical soft play experience.
It is a smaller venue than Acorn & Oak or The Treehouse, but if you are after a gentler environment with a good coffee, Runamokka is worth knowing about. A nice option for quieter play sessions with younger children.
Best for: Upmarket decor, calm atmosphere, good for younger children.
Waves Leisure Centre
Waves on The Links has a soft play area alongside its swimming pools (with wave machine and flumes), gym, and spa. The soft play is a smaller setup compared to the dedicated venues, but it is a useful add-on if you are already visiting for a swim or other activities.
Waves is part of the North Tyneside Contours membership network, so sessions are affordable. A practical option for combining soft play with a wider leisure centre visit.
Best for: Soft play plus swimming, flumes, and spa, all under one roof.
Know of another soft play near Whitley Bay we should include? Let us know via our contact page.