Exciting new play facility in Basingstoke!
A former teacher who left her profession after being diagnosed with cancer has created an inclusive play centre for local families on Basingstoke Leisure Park. Erica and her husband Frank are the owners of award-winning Pop Up Play Village Basingstoke and have spent the past eight years building a business centred around the power of play, imagination and community connection.
What began as a mobile role-play village has now expanded into a permanent play centre and café inside the iFLY Indoor Skydiving Centre, providing families with a unique space where children can learn, play and explore through imaginative role play.
Our Village features five role-play areas from a selection of twenty-two and regular swaps ensure the Village stays fresh for every visit. From building on the construction site to ‘cutting’ hair at the hairdressers or looking after patients at the hospital to pretending to toast marshmallows before bedding down in the campsites tent, there is something for everyone! The Village Green is a permanent feature, featuring a baby area and art table with a free activity to do each day.
The Real Café serves a delicious range of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, drinks and snacks as well as ice creams and iced drinks on hot summer days! You can also purchase a ceramic to decorate with our ceramic pens for a fun and low mess activity. The café space is a champion for other local businesses with cakes and cookies supplied by Dream Bakes by Allison and Hayley’s Cookie Cupboard and art work by local artists displayed on the walls.
The great news for families is that there is free parking, discounts for block bookings and while our sessions are aimed at 0-8 year olds, there is always a warm welcome for older children who just want to play and be children! Pop Up Play Village is open seven days a week with five 90-minute play sessions per day. Each Tuesday we host dedicated SEND sessions and every day there are skydivers to watch too!
Walk-ins are welcome but you can book online to guarantee your place!
Whilst running the static Village and Café, we continue to offer parties, wedding entertainment and educational visits for schools, nurseries and toddler groups.
To find out more or book a play session, visit www.popupplayvillage.co.uk/organiser/basingstoke/