A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Soft Play Equipment for Your Event
If you’re planning a party or event for your child and are considering hiring soft play equipment, you’ve made a great choice! Soft play offers hours of entertainment, promotes physical activity, and encourages socialisation in a safe, fun environment. But with so many different types of equipment available, choosing the right set-up for your event can feel overwhelming. To help you make the best decision for your little guests, here’s a handy guide on how to choose the perfect soft play equipment for your event in Midhurst, West Sussex.
At Little Bell’s Events, we’re here to make your child’s special day unforgettable, and that includes providing the perfect soft play experience. Here’s how to ensure you pick the best soft play hire for your event!
1. Consider the Age Range of the Children
The first and most important factor to consider when choosing soft play equipment is the age of the children who will be using it. Soft play equipment comes in a variety of sizes and styles that cater to different age groups, so it's essential to select equipment that is age-appropriate to ensure safety and enjoyment.
For Toddlers (1-3 years old): You’ll want to choose softer, lower-level play structures such as small climbing blocks, tunnels, and soft mats. These are designed to allow toddlers to explore and build basic motor skills in a safe, controlled environment. Soft play areas for this age group should prioritise safety features like rounded edges, cushioned areas, and non-slip surfaces.
For Preschoolers (3-5 years old): At this stage, children are often ready for more interactive play. Look for equipment that includes slides, balance beams, and simple obstacle courses that challenge their coordination while still being safe. The equipment should allow for more imaginative play, like pretending to climb a mountain or navigate an obstacle course.
For School-Age Children (5+ years old): Older children can handle more complex structures that require greater strength and coordination, such as taller slides, climbing walls, or multi-level structures. These should still be designed with safety in mind, but they can offer a more exciting and challenging experience for kids who have developed more advanced physical skills.
When in doubt, always choose equipment that is slightly less advanced than the children’s abilities, as safety is paramount. The variety of equipment should encourage children to engage in play at their own pace.
2. Think About the Space Available
Before you begin booking your soft play hire, it’s essential to measure the space where the equipment will be set up. Soft play equipment needs ample space to be set up safely, and you’ll want to ensure that there’s enough room for children to move around without feeling cramped.
Small Indoor Spaces: If you’re hosting your event in a smaller indoor area, such as your living room, a community hall, or a small function room, choose equipment that is compact and can easily fit into tighter spaces. Smaller climbing structures, padded mats, and simple obstacle courses work well in these environments.
Larger Venues: For larger spaces, such as school halls, church halls, or outdoor marquees, you have more flexibility to choose larger and more elaborate play structures. You could consider multi-piece playsets with a combination of slides, climbing areas, ball pits, and tunnels. These bigger setups are perfect for larger groups of children and allow them to engage in more dynamic and energetic play.
It’s always best to discuss the size of your venue with Little Bell’s Events, as we can recommend the right equipment based on the space you have available.
3. Safety Features are a Must
Safety should always be your top priority when selecting soft play equipment for your event. Look for equipment that has been designed with child safety in mind, including soft edges, cushioned surfaces, and non-toxic materials. Here are a few safety features to look for:
Padded, Non-Slip Surfaces: Make sure the floors, walls, and other surfaces are padded to prevent injuries from falls. Non-slip mats are important to prevent any accidents, especially when children are running or climbing.
Safe Heights and Levels: When choosing climbing frames, slides, or other raised elements, make sure they are suitable for the age group and won’t pose any risk of injury. For younger children, lower slides and obstacles are ideal.
Regular Inspections: Reputable soft play hire services, like Little Bell’s Events, ensure their equipment is cleaned and checked regularly for safety. Ask your provider about their maintenance practices to ensure the equipment is in top condition for your event.
4. Consider the Theme of Your Event
Soft play equipment can be tailored to fit the theme of your child’s party or event. Many hire services offer themed soft play sets that can align with popular children's characters or general themes like jungle safaris, castles, or under-the-sea adventures. If your event has a specific theme, you might want to choose equipment that fits with the decor and adds an extra layer of fun.
For example:
If your child loves pirates, a soft play set with a pirate ship design, complete with slides and climbing walls, could be a great addition.
For a princess-themed party, a soft play castle or a playset with pink and purple colours could complement the party’s theme.
If the event is more of an open play day or non-themed, consider neutral designs that offer a mix of colours and fun activities.
Matching the soft play equipment to the party theme enhances the experience and provides an extra touch of excitement.
5. How Many Children Will Be Attending?
The number of children at your event plays a key role in determining the size of the soft play set you’ll need. If you’re hosting a small gathering with just a few children, a compact set may be enough. However, for larger parties, you might need to rent multiple pieces of equipment or a larger, more elaborate set-up to keep everyone entertained.
Ask Little Bell’s Events how many children can comfortably use the equipment at once. We can recommend a suitable set-up to ensure there’s enough space for everyone to play safely and without overcrowding.
6. Additional Features to Look For
Beyond the basics, there are a few optional features that can make soft play even more enjoyable for children:
Ball Pits: Ball pits are a fun and sensory-rich addition to any soft play area, providing a colourful space for children to dive into and explore.
Interactive Games: Some soft play sets include interactive features such as sound or light effects, adding an extra layer of excitement to the play experience.
Themed Decor: Some hire services offer themed soft play accessories, like bouncy castles, inflatable animals, or special decorations to tie everything together.
Conclusion
Choosing the right soft play equipment for your event is all about understanding the age range of your guests, the space available, and the theme of the event. By considering these factors carefully, you can ensure that the soft play area is safe, engaging, and perfect for your child’s party. At Little Bell’s Events, we offer a wide range of soft play options and are happy to help guide you through the selection process based on your specific needs. Contact us today to discuss your event and let us provide the perfect soft play setup for your little ones to enjoy!
