DJ’s Play Zone Berkhamsted is a sister soft play centre to DJ’s Play Park that I did a review of a few weeks ago. There’s actually another soft play centre in the group, in St Albans but I’ve not been there (yet). The group took over a couple of years ago and they’ve had a lot of work done. We were invited back to DJ’s Play Zone to update this review after they opened their brand new role play street.
The first thing you’ll notice about DJ’s Play Zone is that it’s much smaller that DJ’s Play Park (read that review here). Interestingly though the prices are the same for all three soft play sites in Hertfordshire. Facilities available include an under 2’s area, under 4’s area, over 4’s area, role playing village, laser tag and cafe. They also have a party room area available.
The under 2’s area
This is very much an under 2’s area and not a play frame. Actually, I think that’s a good thing. Quite often you’ll find in soft play centres that there’s a play frame that the smallest children actually struggle to use. As you can see this area has got loads of soft play shapes, a ball pool, a massive mirror and games. It’s perfect for those kids that aren’t totally confident on their feet or scrambling around yet.
Since my first review of DJ’s Play Zone they’ve improved this area and put a fence around to keep the little ones contained.
The under 4’s area
There are signs up saying that this is the under 4’s area. The only issue is that it’s actually connected to the main (over 4’s) play area. That’s not really a problem, but it does seem a bit odd to have a distinction between the two areas when they’re actually connected?!? There’s also a bit to the right of the main play frame (above the under 2’s area) that seemed most appropriate for under 4’s and is self enclosed. I did wonder if this was just missing its sign maybe?
The under 4’s area has got a balance beam, rollers, buoy zip line, rotating foam door, an area with massive yoga balls and a rodeo cow!
The unofficial under 4’s area is great. There’s a ball shower (I love those!), some velcro puzzles and a little bumpy slide. It also has a mini balance beam and one of those clear perspex panels that I hate. I’m pretty convinced that I’d crack it if I stood on it!!
The main play frame – part one
The main play frame at DJ’s Play Zone is on three levels. There are three slides that make up the main feature of the frame. There’s a very cool twisty tube slide with windows in it. There’s a really fast, almost drop slide (which is perfect for adults to go down too!). Finally there’s a two lane bumpy slide. On the top floor there’s also two spiky balls hanging from the ceiling. Part of me thinks they look like viruses tbh! There’a also a massive hanging doughnut that Smallest Child spent quite a lot of time dangling through. Even though DJ’s Play Zone has a dedicated under 4’s section, it’s actually really easy for younger kids to get around the main play frame. Smallest Child is currently 3 and she had no problem at all exploring.
You’ll also find all of the normal soft play equipment in the main frame. There’s a spinny pole, things that dangle, things to climb and things to squidge between. One of the things I really liked about DJ’s Play Zone is that it’s so easy for adults to get around as well as the kids. If you have got smaller kids who still want you to play with them then that makes a huge difference.
The castle play frame
Where the old role play village used to be they have now installed an extension to the play frame in the form of a castle! This one is a bit harder for adults to get around because the ramps between levels are actually nets BUT the theme is carried out really well. It even has a treasure chest in there!
The role play village
Since my first review of DJ’s Play Zone the role play village has had a SERIOUS upgrade. It’s now upstairs in its own dedicated street and there’s loads of businesses up there. You’ll find a supermarket, cafe, fire station, garage, vets, beauty salon and construction area.
There’s loads of props in each of the businesses and the attention to detail is just brilliant. The kids will find more than enough to keep their games going for ages. There is no additional cost for the role play village and you can pop between the two as often as you like.
Other facilities
There’s also a small football and basketball court that Smallest Child and her mate decided would be perfect to run around in circles in. Obviously! There is also a party room, laser tag and a cafe on site.
Our DJ’s Play Zone review
I was just updating my old review if DJ’s Play Zone and it covers all the covid measures they had in place. That seems a lifetime ago! One thing I mentioned then, and I agree with now, is that it’s very clean here.
DJ’s Play Zone isn’t massive but it’s a really nice soft play area. I do think it’s an improvement on the old soft play that Berkhamsted had. I was actually a bit surprised how much smaller the play frame was after DJ’s took over. The big plus is that there’s now a lot more space for everyone – social distancing would have been a nightmare in the old version. We had a good time, it’s easy to get around and the kids loved it. Pretty much what you want from a soft play!
Admission cost
Depends on age and when you’re visiting. For example a 6-12 year old would pay £12 online. Adults are £2/£3 each. Visit their website for the most recent prices and to book to get the best price.
Special offers – they also do meal deals etc.
Parking / How to get there
Address – 1 Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1EH
Parking – there is a small, free car park on site.
Toilets
There’s toilets and a baby change on site.
Food
You can’t take your own food, but there is a cafe on site.
What else is nearby?
There’s lots of awesome free and cheap things to do with the kids in and around Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. There’s the Ashridge estate, Berkhamsted castle, Tring Natural History Museum or Tring Park.
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Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.
You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
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