Finding somewhere for the kids to blow off some steam can be a little tricky in Southend. Timbuktu,…read moreis an indoor activity fun zone tucked away on Aviation Way a stones throw from the airport. The place is spotless, and well worth a visit, could not fault the offer, 2 hours of continuous play on a three level climbing activity zone. The staff could not do enough and the venue although hidden away must be popular as the kids parties were being lined up. Do understand the parent who brings the kids is left to mull over life in a yawning chasm of screaming party kids. So the better the surroundings the better, the staff cleaned and kept things moving, in fact the speed they operated and did 3 or 4 jobs at once would have made them an impressive team cleaning a hospital. Cost under a tenner for two kids for two hours with drinks, food not included.

Timbuktu is now under new management and I think is now called Tumble Totsthe place is nice and…read morenearly cleanthe under 2 area lack toys or at least some new ones! too many over 2 come to play with the little ones and that needs being constantly around. The main play area is large and clean and kids love it. The tumble tots program is brilliant for little ones and they seem to thoroughly enjoying it. Coffee and tea very average - biscuits selection is awful and food iswell not worth mentioning it.

This is a huge soft play area with well defined sections for younger and older kids. It is well…read morestaffed, and they are really vigilant and put an immediate stop to any over-boisterous, potentially dangerous behaviour. It's got everything you would expect of a soft play area - huge slides, a rope swing, climbing wall, ball pit all on different levels. The equipment, seating areas and snack bar are exceedingly clean and well maintained. They have a lot of seating for parents - I particularly like the comfy sofas! - and a snack bar selling chocolate bars, drinks, etc but they also do really nice lunches at reasonable prices - home-made soups, pies, and a selection of sandwiches and salads. This is an equally great venue for a few hours to let the kids run around like crazy things or a birthday party.

In my opinion this is the best soft play / adventure play place in the area. The main play area is…read morechallenging enough for children to want to run about in for several hours, but accessible to 3 yr olds during the school week. The under 4s area is the best I have seen - again providing challenge along with fun activities e.g. ball pool, little tikes cars, baby walkers. Monkey Bizzness is well designed so that parents can sit at tables and watch their children. Although the table area is crowded it means there is always somewhere to sit, even at busy times. There is an extensive menu offered which had healthy and tasty food for adults and children as well as the usual fishfingers and chips etc. It is also very reasonably priced. At peak times sessions are limited to 2 hours but this tends to be on rainy bank holidays rather than a general rule.

Extremely disappointed in the service extended by David Lloyd. We have been members for one year…read moreand due to personal circumstances with the health of our child, decided to cancel our family membership. Despite numerous cancellation notices, they refused to accept acknowledgment of our requests. Uncaring, unempathetic and unfeeling approach to customers. I would not recommend this gym.

A fairly decent sports centre offering various workout machines as well as swimming, with very…read morepolite staff. However, the workout machines are often always in use by someone, and the selection is quite limited, probably due to the space taken up by the pools. Also, membership is very expensive, and although it's a great rival to Fitness First, it does have less machines, fewer classes, and more costly, also, a Fitness First membership can be used in most Fitness First gyms worldwide, and they have more facilities than any other gym network. If you don't do swimming and you can get to a Fitness First, it is the better choice. The staff is helpful though, and I know the gym manager here personally. If it's local to you, you've got a bit of money to burn, or you can't make it to a Fitness First, then this is definatly the place for you, and you will enjoy it, but if you're willing to look into alternatives then Fitness First comes more recommended.

Hi all, I am a mum…read moreof two and i recently had professor rainbows come to do my daughters 9th birthday party. She absolutely loved it! Between the balloon show, disco, face painting and magic show, the kids were never bored! They even allow short breaks so that the children can snack and hydrate. Over all it was what i hoped for and more, with the prices being very reasonable too, so that helped. Also the lady i spoke with on the phone was very helpful and informative, she clearly had knowledge on the matter and was able to advise me along the way with times and different entertainment packages they provided, until i was able to meet a decision. Also a very patient lady as i was faffing around a lot! :P Thank you to all the team at Professor Rainbows for giving my little girl a wonderful 9th birthday :)

From the owner: Professional children's entertainment agency with experienced Entertainers specialising in Magic &…read moreGames, Puppet shows, Balloon Modelling, Discos and Circus Workshops. We aim to delight children of all ages and even the parents! Our party advice and customer service is second to none and we receive satisfied happy customer reviews. Book us for your next birthday party or family event, shop opening or school fate.