While green spaces abound in and around Ashtead, the weather is not always so kind. If you've got kids, but need to leave the house on those wet and windy days, a soft play centre can be a great option. They're not all created equal, however, with many drumming up images of hell on earth for some parents. 

That doesn't have to be the case though. 

There are, happily, plenty of soft play centres near Ashtead that will tire your kids out, while you can get a decent coffee. Here are our favourites: 

1) Hobbledown Soft Play

Hobbledown's soft play area is designed with attention to detail, featuring whimsical decorations and interactive elements that spark children's imagination. It's a fantastic place for themed birthday parties and special events. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for kids of all ages. Parents, as ever, will appreciate the on-site cafe, offering refreshments while supervising their little ones.

Address: Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT

Opening times: Monday - Friday 09.30 -17.30, Saturday and Sunday 09.00 - 18.00

Ticket prices: From £17

2) Bocketts Farm Soft Play

Bocketts Farm soft play is an extension of the other facilities outside. Throughout the whole farm, the onus is on the kids playing and having fun - either looking at the animals or burning off all that energy indoors. The cleanliness and hygiene standards are high, which is good to know with so many kids touching goats and sheep, then merrily going off to play on the indoor frames. With its wealth of outdoor activities, it really is an all-day adventure for the family.

Address: Young St, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS

Opening times: 10.00 - 17.30

Ticket prices: From £12.50

3) Silvermere Soft Play Centre

This vast soft play centre is a great option for wet weather days in Surrey with kids. Its design and attention to detail make it a fantastic experience for children. The centre runs soft play parties with dedicated party zones perfect for celebrations, that your kids will remember! It's a well-maintained facility that continues to receive high praise from parents for its imaginative play areas and cleanliness - not to mention the cafe which has great food and delicious coffee.

Address: Silvermere Softplay, Mill Lane, Dorking, RH4 1DX

Opening times: 09.30 - 17.00

Ticket prices: From £5.50

4) Piglets Play Centre

Piglets Play Centre caters to younger children, providing a safe and stimulating environment for toddlers. The soft play structures inside are low-key and easy for toddlers to navigate them with ease. The centre's always helpful staff ensure that parents can relax while their little ones explore. In addition to their indoor facilities, there are also a number of things for kids to do outside. There are lots of friendly farm animals, while the outdoor playground is perfect if the weather is with you!

Address: Burhill Rd, Hersham KT12 4BJ

Opening times: Monday to Friday 09.30 - 17.00, Saturday and Sunday 09.30 - 12.00

Ticket prices: £7.50

5) Leatherhead Leisure Centre Soft Play

Leatherhead Leisure Centre's soft play area is perfect for kids to release their energy and socialise with other children. The colourful and dynamic play structures keep kids engaged for hours. The centre also offers a range of other sports and leisure activities for the whole family to enjoy, making it a really 'versatile' destination. It's possible to rent the soft play for birthday parties, with a room next door ideal for feeding kids their party tea. 

Address: Guildford Rd, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9AS

Opening times: 08.45 - 19.00

Ticket prices: From £6.05

6) Little Peeps Soft Play

Little Peeps Soft Play can get busy during the holidays for good reason. The soft play equipment has a lot going on, for kids of many ages. Plus, the cafe serves decent food at good prices - with plenty of room to sit down overlooking the climbing frame. It means you can keep an eye on your kids without having to follow their every move. There are also three party rooms available to book, where you have 90 minutes to play in the soft play and then a party room for eating for half an hour. 

Address: 328-330 Hook Rd, Hook, Chessington KT9 1NU

Opening times: Monday - Saturday 09.00 - 17.00, Sunday 10.00 to 17.00 

Ticket prices: From £3.50

7) Busy Bees Softplay

Busy Bees Softplay is for under fives only, so if you are in the toddler stage, it's ideal as you know your little one won't get overwhelmed with older kids running about. Based at Chessington Cricket Club, the centre has a classic ball pit, a bouncy castle and many educational toys indoors. There's also an outdoor space with a garden, sand and water play plus ride on cars and toys. As a parent, the Beehive Cafe provides a welcome opportunity to have delicious cake and coffee. There's also a children's menu too. 

Address: Chessington Cricket Club, Sir Francis Barker Ground, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NB

Opening times: Monday - Friday 09.00 - 16.00

Ticket prices: From £1.75

8) Fun in the Foam Soft Play

Fun in the Foam Soft Play stands out with its foam pit, bouncy castle and other gymnastics equipment, providing a unique play experience. Children love the excitement of jumping into a sea of soft foam cubes and running around, balancing on the beams and generally running amok. The majority of surfaces are padded, so it's difficult for them to injure themselves. There's no cafe, sadly, but it can be rented out for kids' parties, with a large room for food upstairs. The centre's layout promotes physical activity and imaginative play, making it a favourite among active kids.

Address: The Gymnasium, Fetcham Grove, Guildford Road, KT22 9BL

Opening times: Monday 13.00-15.00, Tuesday - Friday, 12.00 - 15.00

Ticket prices: From £5

9) Rainbow Leisure Centre Soft Play

Wow, what a centre! Rainbow Leisure Centre offers a large softplay area for kids of all ages and sizes - and interests. Not only does it have a dedicated baby area, plus a slides and play frame, it also has a mini sports pitch for the ball-mad kids out there. There's also a ball pit for kids to burn off any residual energy. While it is part of the bigger leisure centre, it also has a dedicated onsite cafe where food and drink purchased at the centre can be eaten. Overall, it's well-priced, clean and great fun.

Address: East St, Epsom KT17 1BN 

Opening times: 09.00 - 15.00

Ticket prices: From £3

10) RAC Walled Garden Soft Play

Though only for members, it's possible to go to the RAC Walled Garden Soft Play as a guest with your children. It's not cheap at £16.50 for a day ticket, for both adults and kids, but you do get access to all the activities in the Walled Garden - including the large swimming pool downstairs with both indoor and outdoor fountains. The softplay inside is next to the cafe so it's possible to keep an eye on kids while ordering some food too. There's also a junior member lounge there for slightly older kids, with a large TV and air hockey table. It's a hidden gem that's perfect for a leisurely day out.

Address: Woodcote Park, Wilmerhatch Ln, Epsom KT18 7EW

Opening times: 09.00 - 17.00

Ticket prices: Free for members, £16.50 for non-members