Our guest reviewer Charlotte and her Mini Mumbler recently went along to try the new Tiny Boo Under 5’s Imaginative PlaySpace in the HEART Centre in Headingley, find out what they thought here…
When we heard there was going to be an under 5’s imaginative playspace in Headingley, Mini Mumbler and I were first on the list to check it out! Headingley has been missing a space like this with an increasing demand from young families – myself included – so I was keen to see what it had to offer.
The launch day was on Friday 16th November, and there were 4 time slots allocated to accommodate for what was going to be a busy first day. Emily and I were first to the post at the 9-11am time slot, and from the moment we stepped through the door, we were enthralled!
We were greeted by Jemma and her team of friendly helpers, and straight away got that ‘home-from-home’ feeling. The seating area is super cosy, with a couple of sofas draped in throws, a comfy bench and coffee table. On the walls there are lots of lovely handmade gifts, from jewellery to home décor to traditional style wooden toys, all hand-crafted, sustainable and eco-friendly – perfect timing just before Christmas.
The playstructure is designed to look like a house, with a one-way journey, up some padded steps, over the rickety bridge, past the fishbowl looking glass and down the slide. Emily was in her element making her way across, again and again. Underneath, there is a wooden toy kitchen with all the mod-cons, some further climbing equipment and soft stepping stones. There is also a tepee, rocking horse, shopping trolley, bed and the very popular drawing station – which extends as far as the chalkboard-painted wall for the children to happily and freely draw on!!!
There is also a designated baby area, with low level mirrors, plush rug, playgym, ball pool, and a range of age appropriate interactive toys. There is a great absence of plastic, which somehow adds to the homeliness of the place – the neutral colours, wooden toys, and soft furnishings, really do make it feel like a sanctuary for young families.
The space itself isn’t very big, but Jemma has certainly optimised it well – there are additional space-saving tables and chairs for parents to sit a little closer to the playstructure should they need to feed little ones or have a drink, and buggies are kept just outside under cover to avoid clogging up space. It has its own entrance to the side of the Heart Centre, and you can access the main building via a side door when you’re in need of refreshments and toilet facilities.
In summary, Tiny Boo is just what Headingley ordered; a tranquil space for parents to meet up, shop, or just get away, with a wonderful playspace for under 5s delivering a wide range of activities to really get their imaginations running and burn off some energy too. It really is fun for the whole family. I could have stayed longer and will certainly be going back!
Entry fees are £5 per child, with additional siblings £3 and pre walking siblings £1.50 each. Tiny Boo is open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm and you can play for as long you wish. However, there is only capacity for 18 little ones so a 2-hour limit is required at busy times. You can also book Tiny Boo exclusively use from just £75 for parties and special occasions.
In addition to stay and play, Tiny Boo have a number of weekly groups starting, where entry is half price:
Bumps and Babies on Monday’s at 9am. For expectant and new parents to meet their local community and share experiences.
Eat, Sleep Repeat on Wednesday’s at 10am. For breast and bottle-feeding parents looking for support. Led by a practicing midwife and experienced mum.
Becoming Mum – starting in January 2019. Antenatal Classes led by midwives and trained professionals to take you through the stages of pregnancy and labour and what to expect from your body.
For more details on classes click here.
Make sure you follow the Tiny Boo Facebook Page to hear about Special Events taking place.
Please note, parking is limited at the HEART Centre, so it advisable to walk. However, if walking is not possible, you can park at Headingley Taps which is a short walk away.
To get in touch, contact Jemma on 07568 172547 or email info@tinyboo.co.uk or for more information visit their Website.
Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre, Bennett Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HN
*Mumbler was not paid for this review. All of the comments in this review are our open and honest opinion.