FAQ
What is PLAY NOOKS?
We are PLAY NOOKS. We've created a variety of play areas filled with engaging age-appropriate toys and activities to suit all interests, from the youngest babies to the busiest of preschoolers and beyond. Whether your child loves to build, create, pretend, or simply explore, they'll find a nook that's just right for them.
What age children are allowed?
Play Nooks is designed for children aged 0-7 years old. Our play areas cater to a range of developmental stages, providing engaging and safe activities for babies, toddlers, and young children up to the age of 7
Who needs to book a ticket?
Adults are free of charge and do not need a separate ticket when booking a session. Babies under six months are free when accompanied by an older, paying child. If the child attending is under six months and there is no older sibling, the full session cost applies.
You must book an individual ticket for each paying child.
When do your sessions run?
Pre-booked stay and play sessions:
Tuesday -Friday : 9.30-11.30 & 12.30-2.30
Saturday- please check booking form for times and number of sessions.
You can book sessions here.
The Coffee Nook is open Tuesday -Saturday 9:30-3:00
Why is the calendar blank on the day i wish to book?
It could be that the session you are looking at is closed for private hire. Or due to staff holiday.
Alternatively, if we have themed sessions running (such as Halloween or Christmas) then the sessions wont be under the usual morning or afternoon booking tabs, instead you will need to click on the tab that covers that period (e.g. Halloween Bookings / Christmas Bookings). This is more likely to be the case around the school holidays.
If you are still having trouble booking then feel free to send us a message and we’ll do our best to help.
Do I need to stay with my child?
Yes, PLAY NOOKS is a play venue designed to inspire quality playtime with your child. You are responsible for your child at all times. PLAY NOOKS is set up with engaging play invitations by qualified teachers who are ready to welcome you and make you and your child’s playtime feel extra special. See our T’s and C’s for more information.
What can you expect at Play Nooks??
Here are some of our indoor ‘NOOKS’
Sensory dark room
Creative, messy and investigative play area
Imaginative role play
Beautiful baby nook
Small world setups
Outside, we have hands-on, open-ended play emphasising natural materials and loose parts. Children can play their way, whether pouring, scooping, digging, or cooking up a storm in our water and sand kitchen.
What are the rules of play?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we ask that all children are supervised by an adult at all times. Please be mindful of others, take care of the play equipment, and enjoy responsibly. For a detailed list of our rules, please visit this link.
What should my child wear?
Inside is a strictly shoes-off, socks-on zone to help us keep it lovely and clean for you. We do have socks to purchase on-site for £1.
We recommend your child wear clothes they don’t mind getting a little messy, as we cannot guarantee all art activities will wash out.
Outside involves water, sand, and natural resources, which can get messy. Please bring a spare change of clothes in case! Please prepare for the weather—whether that’s sun hats and suncream for sunshine or waterproofs, wellies, and coats for chillier days.
We are an indoor and outdoor venue, so we recommend shoes that are easy to put on and off so children can quickly move from indoor to outdoor adventuring!
Do adults need to wear socks too?
Yes they do . Please bring socks for yourself and your child . It helps keep our venue clean for everyone to enjoy.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed into PLAY NOOKS sessions or inside the The Cafe Nook. However well behaved dogs are welcome in the outdoor terrace area of The Cafe Nook.
Where are we?
We are on the same site as Banham Zoo. Follow directions to the zoo and its car park. You can see our venue from the car park (just before the Banham Zoo entrance). You can find detailed instructions on how to find us here.
Is there free parking?
Yes! Arrive at Banham Zoo car park, where we have free shared parking on the site and some specifically allocated labelled spaces in a row nearest our venue.
Can I get a coffee and cake?
YES!
Whilst booked onto your session, you can order yummy cakes and hot drinks served in closed cups. As our venue has mostly open nooks, you should be able to savour a few minutes with a treat while your child is busy playing.
Is there a separate cafe?
We have a lovely courtyard cafe called The Coffee Nook, which is open to everyone. While it adjoins PLAY NOOKS, it is entirely separate. Our cafe is open from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm Monday to Saturday and serves a range of hot and cold beverages and yummy baked treats in a cosy and relaxed setting.
Do you have socials I can follow?
Certainly! You can currently follow us on both Facebook and Instagram. We’d love to hear from you!