Janis P.
Topsy Turvy World indoor soft play centre is just behind Brent Cross shopping centre, and is a great spot to take the kids on a rainy day.
Aside from the huge indoor play area, they have arts & crafts and baking workshops and Gymboree play & music sessions and a cafe.
Children’s birthday parties are also available, with themes including disco / karaoke, crafts, and laser tag.
Special parent and toddler sessions Monday to Thursday (term time only) from 10am to 12pm, including bake n take, dressing up, story time.
Note that the play areas are on separate floors (small children upstairs, older children and cafe downstairs) so this is not the easiest option if you are on your own with children of different ages.
I’ve only been twice and wasn’t impressed by either visit. Upstairs in the toddler/baby area, there is absolutely no ventilation or natural light, and in summer the A/C only seems to make it hotter (while cooling the downstairs area nicely). I went back again when it was cooler but found that upstairs there is no table service – if you want a snack or a drink you have to go downstairs to get it – so getting lunch for Madeleine proved to be impossible. It really should be the other way around (with table service available to the parents of younger kids) since the parents of older children are more able to leave their children playing on their own for a minute. With two kids in tow and no working lift, I’m sorry to say that both times it was a really unpleasant and stressful experience!
I love going to Topsy Turvy with my girls during off peak hours when it’s quiet. It’s the perfect set up for us. The downstairs ‘under 5’s’ area has plenty to keep my toddler entertained, while the larger two story play area is perfect for my 4 year old too explore. I haven’t tried the food, so can’t comment on that.