Paddlepod | Cafe with FREE Soft Play (+ Classes for Little Ones)

This is an advert for March 2022. Any shares beyond this have not been asked or paid for. Thanks to our writer Jennifer for this post. 

Myself and my youngest, Thomas (3) were so excited to be invited to play at PaddlePod Newcastle (Killingworth) recently. The centre, along with PaddlePod North Tyneside (Shiremoor), are well known and loved across the North East for their state of the art swimming pools, so we were intrigued to see what fun we could have whilst staying out of the water. 

The Killingworth centre is easily accessible by car, and has its own free car park. There is also a bus stop just a few minutes walk away, with regular services to the city centre. The address is: 

PaddlePod 

Silverbirch Drive

Camperdown Industrial Estate

Killingworth

NE12 5AB

Upstairs you will find a cafe, play area and a soft play suitable for ages 0-5. These areas are open for drop in visits between 9am-3pm Monday- Friday, and entry is free when making a purchase from the cafe. 

The soft play is a great size for younger children. Almost all areas are visible from the seating area, meaning you can relax and enjoy a hot drink, without wondering if you are going to need to send in a search party to locate your child.

The colourful frame has two levels and includes a double slide, fun bubble window and wooden wall-mounted puzzles. The space feels very bright, clean and well-maintained.

The age limit feels perfect;  toddlers can roam free without the worry of being trodden on by older children.

One thing to note is that the temperature in this room gets pretty toasty, so I would definitely recommend wearing layers when you visit; we both had very rosy cheeks when we left! The soft play can be hired out for private parties - please contact the centre for more information.

The additional play area is in a different part of the cafe, and is a fully enclosed space with interactive wooden wall toys. Thomas adored the large wooden take on marble run, and spent a long time adjusting sections of the track to see how the balls would roll down them. There is also a cosy reading corner; perfect for snuggling down and sharing a story.

Although a fab day out in themselves, these areas are also ideal for the younger siblings of those having lessons. I know from personal past experience at other venues that it can be a real struggle having my older daughter taking part in a class while Thomas has an hour of sitting and waiting (neither of which are particular talents of his).

PaddlePod’s play areas provide the perfect solution to this predicament, and provide a fun and engaging space to be explored while older siblings enjoy their class. The cafe has large windows which look out to the pool, so you will have a full view of the lessons.

For evening sessions, there is also a quiet room available for older children to use (while their siblings are being taught) should they require a calmer environment.

The cafe itself was really nice, and reasonably priced. A range of freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes and hot and cold drinks are served, with a kid’s ‘lunch box’ option for the younger visitors. The coffee is freshly ground and locally sourced from the Tynemouth Coffee Company.

I ordered a tea which was served in a fabulous yellow teapot and matching cup which really brightened my morning.

There is a range of seating, including some very comfy sofas. A private infant feeding room is also available; although breastfeeding is welcomed anywhere in the building, this cosy space has been created for anyone wishing to have a little bit of privacy.

For little one’s wanting to have a splash in the water,  PaddlePod Newcastle (Killingworth) also offer a Swim With Me pool based play session run in partnership with Nemo Swimming. These run on Wednesday, 11:30am- 12:25pm and can be booked via their website: https://paddlepod.co.uk/swim-with-me-play-sessions/

Downstairs in the centre you will find a spacious activity room, where some of the best names in baby and toddler classes run their sessions. When we visited we saw some of the littlest lovelies enjoying their Lullababy experience.

Music Bugs also run sessions at PaddlePod Newcastle (Killingworth). With babyballet, Hartbeeps, Rhythm time and YogiBees all entertaining babies and toddlers over at the North Tyneside (Shiremoor) centre.

PaddlePod North Tyneside (Shiremoor) also host their own baby social sessions (BabyPod). These are a fantastic opportunity for little humans to meet and mingle while their grownups enjoy a relaxing cuppa. Sessions cost just £3.50 which includes a hot drink and there is no need to prebook. More information can be found here: www. paddlepod.co.uk/play/baby-todder-socials/.

In addition to classes, both centres boast brand new sensory rooms suitable for ages 0-12 months. These areas offer a stimulating environment for babies which supports their development. Sessions last for 60minutes and cost £5. For more information, or to book you can click here: https://paddlepod.co.uk/play/sensory-room/.

We were so impressed with all the facilities at PaddlePod Newcastle (Killingworth) but what really stood out on our visit was the warm and friendly atmosphere.

The staff went out of their way to make their customers feel welcome, and everyone we met stopped to chat or had a friendly smile for us. From the groups of new mums enjoying some post baby group cake together, to the grandparents telling loving tales about their family’s newest addition.

PaddlePod really feels like an inclusive social hub. Parents can meet and support one another, and little ones can form friendships in a fun and stimulating environment; something which feels especially important for the new generation of lockdown babies.

For us, the ‘dry’ play options really were a hidden gem! This was our first visit, but we are already planning our next PaddlePod adventure.

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