Tucked inside a converted church hall in the heart of Westbourne, Lollipops Play Cafe is a soft play café built for the very youngest visitors, babies and children up to around 7 years old. The high vaulted ceiling of the old church gives space for a three-storey play frame packed with platforms, slides, steps and bridges, while parents and carers can relax in the coffee shop alongside.
Soft play and café
The play frame is the main draw, with different levels giving toddlers and older children room to climb and explore under supervision. Alongside it, the café serves a homemade menu, think freshly made sandwiches, toasties, paninis, weaning platters and baby food pouches, so a visit can double as lunch out with small children in tow. Children aged 8 and over are welcome on site but can't use the play equipment itself.
Visiting, hours and parties
Casual, walk-in soft play sessions run Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm (Tuesdays from 10am), with no need to book, weekends are kept for private party hire instead. Admission is tiered by age, from free for the very smallest babies up to £5.50 for children aged 12 months to 7 years; card payment only. Lollipops also runs baby and toddler classes and takes bookings for birthday parties, with exclusive use of the venue, party food and a small disco included.
It's a handy wet-weather option for families with young children staying in or around Westbourne, explore more family-friendly ideas in our guide to things to do in Bournemouth.