Cheeky Chimps

Description

Cheeky Chimps has the buzzing energy of a Saturday morning when kids are already bouncing off the walls and you’re out of ideas—except someone clever has put together an indoor “jungle” that soaks up all that wild little-kid energy. Cheeky Chimps isn’t just an indoor playground, honestly; it’s like a secret weapon for rainy days, birthdays, holidays, and those unpredictable afternoons when you’re desperate for a cup of coffee and your six-year-old desperately needs to move. Ever walked in and immediately felt your shoes stick just a teensy bit to the floor? (It’s clean, don’t worry, but any parent knows the “soft play shuffle.”) Actually, this place is, in my view, remarkably tidy given the volume of tumbling, running and squealing that goes on.

It’s not just the soft play architecture—think climbing nets, twisty slides, hideouts, and that classic “crawl tube” that somehow always has a dozen kids giggling in it. There’s a kind of magic in watching children become lost in their own imaginary worlds here, morphing into lions, explorers, or undercover superheroes depending on how their afternoon is going. The staff seem to genuinely get it—they aren’t just sitting behind a counter staring at their phones; they’re keeping an eye on the important stuff, like making sure the slide lands are clear and the ball pool isn’t being used as a treasure chest for somebody’s shoes (yes, that’s really happened).

And while the kids are off on their grand jungle adventures, Cheeky Chimps pulls off something that separates it from so many playcentres: a surprisingly comfortable seating area for adults. You can actually sit with a coffee, read a book, or just gaze in bemusement at the tiny chaos unfolding on the other side of the netting. Though the noise is, let’s call it, “vivid,” it feels contained. There are restrooms that don’t make you shudder (been to enough soft play places to know that’s a big deal), and plenty of places to stash bags, coats, and that toy your kid just can’t leave at home.

That’s not to say it’s perfect—sometimes, you might wish for a quieter moment, or just a little more space during peak times. But on the balance of things, Cheeky Chimps fits exactly where it should in the parenting toolkit: reliable, fun, safe, and refreshingly down-to-earth.

Key Features

• Massive multi-level play frame with safe slides, rope bridges, tunnels, and hidden dens to discover
• Open-plan seating area with clear sight lines, making it easy for parents to relax—while keeping an eagle eye on kids
• Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, so families of all mobility levels can join the fun
• On-site public restrooms (that genuinely feel clean, not just “kid clean”)
• Payment is a breeze: credit cards, debit cards, even phones—all accepted
• Dedicated birthday party packages and private party rooms, for stress-free celebrations that the kids actually remember
• Cozy café area serving coffee, tea, snacks, and that essential reward for grown-ups: cake
• Variety of play for different ages, so toddlers aren’t squished by energetic school kids (and vice versa)
• Friendly, alert staff who are quick on their feet and know how to defuse occasional pint-sized drama
• Frequent deep-cleaning, giving families peace of mind—especially post-2020 when that’s, frankly, a must-have

Best Time to Visit

Alright, if you value a bit of breathing room (and not having to play referee every thirty seconds), the golden hours seem to be weekday mornings, right after the doors open. That’s when you’ll spot a few savvy parents with toddlers letting off steam before naptime. School holidays and weekends? Buckle up. It’s lively, bustling, and, honestly, a rite of passage for any local parent. Honestly, it’s doable and the staff are pros at crowd control—but the noise level rises with every additional tiny human.

If you’re celebrating a birthday, it’s smart to book ahead. The party slots fill up fast, especially on Saturdays and during half-term. And don’t underestimate the after-school “rush hour” (roughly 3:30-5:30 pm). If you don’t mind it busy and you love seeing your little ones have a blast in a lively herd, dive right in. If you’re crowd-shy, pop by on a rainy weekday or after the lunch rush—there’s a certain mellow charm to watching your child make a new friend or three while you enjoy a hot coffee before it goes cold.

How to Get There

Getting to Cheeky Chimps is straightforward—Scunthorpe isn’t one of those places where you get hopelessly lost in winding lanes. If you’re coming by car, there’s ample parking and it’s wheelchair-friendly, so you’re sorted on both convenience and accessibility. And yes, there’s space for buggies and prams, which is always a plus. Public transport is handy, too, especially thanks to the local bus service with stops a short walk from the entrance. I always recommend checking current bus timetables in advance (buses have their mysterious ways, after all).

For locals, Cheeky Chimps is only a quick hop from town centre spots and other popular family haunts. If you’re staying farther out, simply set your sat-nav, follow the main roads in, and look out for the cheeky signage (no pun intended). And, if you’re on foot—from nearby neighbourhoods or having braved the school run—getting here is a doddle. Honestly, it’s the kind of place you don’t have to overthink: just get in, park the kids, grab a seat, and relax!

Tips for Visiting

Let’s get honest—every family’s had at least one “meltdown-in-soft-play” moment, so a few tips make all the difference for a smooth day out. First thing: socks! (For you and the kids.) The no-shoes policy is strict, and there’s no feeling quite so awkward as realizing you’ve got mismatched, hole-in-the-heel socks in full adult visibility.

Bring a water bottle (or two); playtime here turns even the most reserved little one into a running, climbing blur of energy. While snacks are available inside, sometimes familiarity wins, especially if your child is a selective eater. Don’t forget, outside food is usually a no-go, so check for allergies and preferences ahead of time.

If you’re planning a birthday party, arrive a touch early. Take it from someone who’s wrangled a dozen sugared-up kids: those first ten minutes make the world of difference for bag drops, head counts, and last-minute bathroom runs. For nervous or shy kids, weekday sessions are less overwhelming and can help build confidence before braving busier times.

Younger children thrive in the dedicated toddler zone, which means the big kids can let loose without stepping on little toes (metaphorically—sometimes literally). As a parent, treat yourself to a hot drink and cake; you’ve earned it. And talking to the regulars never hurts—half the best parenting hacks come from strangers over coffee while their kids tunnel through foam forests together.

One last thing, and I say this from heartfelt experience: snap a picture or two, but mostly tuck your phone away and watch the fun. There’s real joy in seeing your child OUTRUN their fears, giggle so much their cheeks hurt, and make a new “best friend” they may never see again. That’s what Cheeky Chimps is all about, honestly—the wild, brilliant chaos of childhood, just a smidge safer and a whole lot more fun, right here in Scunthorpe.

Location

Places to Stay Near Cheeky Chimps

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides