Last Updated on 20 May 2026 by Dave King
If you are searching for soft play in Brighton, the honest answer is that the city itself has limited options. There are two dedicated venues within Brighton and Hove, plus a handful of well-regarded centres a short drive away in Sussex that many Brighton families use regularly.
This guide covers what is actually available, what each venue offers, typical prices, and which suits different ages, so you can plan a rainy day or a birthday party without turning up somewhere that does not exist.
Table of Contents
Soft play in Brighton and nearby at a glance
| Venue | Location | Ages | Café | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palace Play | Brighton Palace Pier | Under 1.5m, with separate toddler area under 0.9m | Yes, Palace Play Café nearby | £6.50 under 0.9m, £9 over 0.9m | Pier day out, no booking needed, toddlers |
| Funplex | Bevendean, Brighton | Children’s soft play, with toddler area | Yes | £6.95 off peak, £8.95 peak, adults £2 | Dedicated soft play, parties, role play area |
| Monkey Bizness | Lewes | 0 to 12, height restriction applies | Yes | Most children £7.95 to £11.95, toddler mornings £5.95 | Best all-round soft play near Brighton |
| The Flying Fortress | Ford, near Littlehampton | 0 to 13 | Yes | £5 to £7.50 for children, adults £2 | Aeroplane-themed soft play, larger space |
| Out of Bounds | Angmering | 0 to 12 | Yes, Time Out Café | From £3.50, juniors from £7.95 | Multi-activity day out with soft play |
Prices can change and may vary by age, peak times, school holidays and online booking. Always check the venue website before visiting.
In Brighton
Palace Play
Palace Play is Brighton’s most central indoor soft play, located on Brighton Palace Pier.
It has three upper floors for children over 0.9m, plus a separate downstairs toddler area for children under 0.9m. Children over 1.5m are not permitted to enter, and socks are required for children and adults going into the play area.
No booking is required and no time slots are issued, so you can just turn up and pay. Current prices are £6.50 for children under 0.9m and £9 for children over 0.9m.
The Palace Play Café is just across from the entrance gates, serving coffee, soft drinks, slushies, cakes and light snacks.
The location is the main draw. You are on the pier, so soft play in Brighton does not get more central than this. It works especially well if you want to combine soft play with arcade games, rides, food or a seafront walk.
Good for: Combining with a pier day out, toddlers, walk-ins without booking.
Getting there: Brighton Palace Pier, Madeira Drive. There is no parking on the pier, so use nearby seafront car parks or public transport.
Funplex
Funplex is Brighton’s only standalone soft play centre, located in Bevendean at The Hyde Business Park.
It has a three-level play frame, a four-lane racing slide, a softball cannon area and a climbing maze with a spiral slide. Younger children have their own toddler area, including a two-level play frame, slide, ball pool, bouncy animals and baby area.
Funplex is the more traditional soft play in Brighton. It is purpose-built, indoors, and better suited to a dedicated play session than a quick tourist stop.
Prices are currently £6.95 off peak, £8.95 at peak times, and £2 for adults. Peak times include weekends, inset days and holidays. The venue now uses approximate arrival times rather than fixed sessions, but during busy periods you may be asked to leave after 90 minutes to two hours.
Funplex is also a popular birthday party venue, with private hire and party packages available. Socks are required in the play area.
Good for: Dedicated soft play sessions, birthday parties, toddlers and younger children.
Getting there: Unit 2B, The Hyde Business Park, Brighton. Free parking is available. It is less central than Palace Play, so a car or bus will usually be easier.
Worth the drive
Monkey Bizness, Lewes
Monkey Bizness in Lewes is one of the most popular soft play options near Brighton.
It has an open-plan soft play layout with baby and toddler areas as well as a main frame for older children. The venue is generally suitable for children aged 0 to 12, with a height restriction of 5ft 2in.
The pricing is more detailed than most venues because it varies by age and peak time. Current entry includes under 9 months free, 9 to 11 months from £3.95, ages 1 to 3 from £7.95, and ages 4+ from £8.95. Peak prices apply at weekends, school holidays, bank holidays and teacher training days. Adults are currently £2.50.
Toddler activity mornings are £5.95 per child when you enter before 10am, which makes them one of the better-value options for younger children.
Monkey Bizness also offers birthday parties, private hire, play-and-eat deals and passes for regular visitors. Parking is free, although spaces can fill up quickly at busy times.
Good for: Best all-round soft play experience near Brighton, toddler mornings, parties, regular visits with a pass.
Getting there: Unit 27, Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes BN8 6JL. Best reached by car from Brighton via the A27.
The Flying Fortress, Littlehampton
The Flying Fortress is an aeroplane-themed soft play centre near Littlehampton, based at Ford Airfield.
It has a large play area, toddler and baby areas, and a bigger space than the Brighton options. It is designed for children from babies up to age 13, with prices currently listed as £5 for ages 0 to 2, £6.50 for ages 3 to 4, £7.50 for ages 5 to 13, £2 for adults, and £1.50 for babies in arms.
Sessions vary between weekdays, weekends and school holidays, so check the current timetable before travelling. The venue also has a café and is a strong option if you want a different experience from the closer Brighton soft play centres.
Good for: Larger play space, older children, themed fun.
Getting there: Ford Airfield, near Littlehampton. Best reached by car from Brighton.
Out of Bounds, Angmering
Out of Bounds is not just a soft play centre. It is a multi-activity venue with soft play, adventure golf, adventure nets, Clip ‘n Climb, ten pin bowling, laser tag, high ropes and jumping pillows.
The soft play area is designed for children aged 0 to 12, with separate areas for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 3 and older children aged 4 to 12.
Soft play prices currently start from £3.50 for under 1s, £5.95 for toddlers aged 1 to 3, £7.95 for juniors aged 4 to 12, and £2 for guests aged 13 and over. Pre-booking is advisable, and Out of Bounds is card-only.
The Time Out Café serves hot and cold food and drinks, which makes it practical for a longer visit. This is a good choice if you have children of different ages or want to combine soft play with something else.
Good for: Mixed-age families, combining soft play with other activities, birthday parties.
Getting there: Golfers Lane, Angmering, West Sussex. Best reached by car from Brighton.
Birthday parties
All five venues offer birthday party options or party bookings.
Funplex and Monkey Bizness are the most obvious choices for traditional soft play parties near Brighton. Typical packages include a play session, party food and a party host, although exact inclusions vary by package.
Palace Play on Brighton Pier also offers parties and has the added advantage of being on the pier, which can make the day feel more memorable.
The Flying Fortress is useful if you want a larger themed venue, while Out of Bounds works well if you have mixed ages because you can combine soft play with bowling, laser tag, climbing or golf.
Book early for weekends and school holidays. Party slots at popular venues can fill up quickly.
Practical tips before you go
Socks are required at soft play venues, including for adults who enter the play areas. Bring a spare pair.
Weekday mornings are usually the quietest time. Monkey Bizness has toddler activity mornings, which are worth targeting if your child is under 3.
Pack a change of clothes for younger children, wipes and water. Most venues have cafés, but having the basics with you makes the visit easier.
Check opening hours before you go. Smaller venues can change hours for private hire, seasonal events or school holiday sessions.
Booking is not always required, but it is sensible at peak times. Weekends, rainy days and school holidays are when venues are most likely to be busy.
If your child has additional needs, check directly before visiting. Monkey Bizness is listed as offering a Compass Card discount, and Out of Bounds advertises SEND activities and events. It is worth asking each venue about quieter sessions, accessibility and whether they can make adjustments.
FAQs
How many soft play centres are there in Brighton itself?
There are two main soft play options in Brighton itself: Palace Play on Brighton Palace Pier and Funplex in Bevendean. For more options, Monkey Bizness in Lewes, The Flying Fortress near Littlehampton and Out of Bounds in Angmering are popular nearby choices.
What age is soft play suitable for?
Most venues cater from babies through to around age 12, although each has its own limits. Palace Play is based on height rather than age, with a maximum height of 1.5m. Monkey Bizness is generally suitable for ages 0 to 12, with a height restriction. The Flying Fortress lists prices up to age 13.
How much does soft play in Brighton cost?
Palace Play is currently £6.50 for children under 0.9m and £9 for children over 0.9m. Funplex is £6.95 off peak and £8.95 peak, with adults at £2. Nearby venues vary by age and peak time.
Can I book a birthday party at soft play in Brighton?
Yes. Funplex, Palace Play, Monkey Bizness, The Flying Fortress and Out of Bounds all offer birthday party options. Check what is included before booking, as party food, room time, party hosts and extras vary by venue.
Do I need to book in advance?
Palace Play says booking is not required. Funplex uses approximate arrival booking times to help manage busy periods. Monkey Bizness accepts walk-ins but can be busy. Out of Bounds recommends pre-booking. For weekends and school holidays, booking ahead is the safer option.
Are soft play venues accessible for children with additional needs?
Some venues offer discounts, SEND events or additional support, but arrangements vary. Monkey Bizness is listed as offering a Compass Card discount. Out of Bounds advertises SEND activities and events. Always contact the venue directly if you need quieter sessions, accessibility information or specific support.
Which soft play is best for toddlers?
Palace Play has a separate toddler area for children under 0.9m, and Funplex has a separate toddler play area. Monkey Bizness is also strong for toddlers, especially during its toddler activity mornings.
Which soft play is best for older children?
Out of Bounds is the strongest option for mixed ages because older children can combine soft play with bowling, laser tag, climbing, adventure golf or other activities. The Flying Fortress is also good for older children because of its larger themed play space.
Final thoughts
The soft play in Brighton is limited to two venues, and neither is as large as what you will find a short drive away.
If you want a quick, central option, Palace Play on the pier works well, especially if you are making a day of it. For a dedicated soft play session within Brighton, Funplex does the job.
If you can travel a little further, Monkey Bizness in Lewes is one of the strongest all-round options near Brighton, while The Flying Fortress and Out of Bounds are better for bigger trips or mixed-age families.
Plan around your child’s age, check current prices, and book ahead for weekends or school holidays.
If you want more family ideas, our free things to do in Brighton guide has low-cost options, our best parks in Brighton guide is useful for dry days, and our swimming pools in Brighton guide is handy for another indoor activity.
