Two familes paid PLAY2DAY and BOWL2DAY a surprise visit last month and here’s their report…
‘I was asked to be a reporter for the day at PLAY2DAY and BOWL2DAY, Wisbech. My two children, Alice aged 9 and Oliver aged eight along with my friend Sian and her four children; Dawson, Cora, Gethyn and Pacey, aged between, aged from 2 to 9 accompanied me.’
ON ARRIVAL we found a huge parking area around a massive building. We checked in and were welcomed by two young ladies with a smile on their faces – a great start to the day. PLAY2DAY is divided into two main areas. The whole of the left side is dedicated to an activity area where children up to 11 years can let off steam climbing, sliding and bouncing. The right side houses an eight lane bowling alley and various arcade type games, pool tables and an air hockey table.
We began the visit in the Ten Pin Bowling section. Everyone is kitted out with special shoes and there’s a big selection of bowling balls of different sizes. PLAY2DAY even had bowling shoes to fit Pacey our two year old. It was such a pleasure that all of us could take part in the game. Our lane was set up for us and the automatic scoring was easy to use. The youngest children could also use ball rests and bumpers at the side of the lane so that each of their bowls had as much chance of hitting the pins as the attempts by their elders. Cora, who is eight, beat the grown-ups. But skill levels didn’t really matter as everyone had so much fun.
Following the excitement we took a break. It was nice to sit and relax for a few moments. As I looked around I was impressed how clean and tidy the whole area was which makes all the difference when you want to sit and dine. Although we did not eat during our visit the choices on the menu looked varied and the food we saw looked wonderful. I would have been perfectly happy to order food as the whole place gave me the impression it was well managed.
It’s a good job we took a break because we then went into the activity area and the children were straight off to play. The large brightly coloured equipment attracted them like magnets and Sian and I were able sit and have another coffee and catch up on our news whilst the children exhausted themselves. I need not have worried about Alice and Dawson being too old. At the age of 9 they were having as much fun as the younger ones, climbing up the three storey frame and sliding down the steepest of slides, only coming back for a refreshing drink or ice cream.
Whilst I relaxed and chatted with my friend I watched babies crawling about in the ball park area designed for the very young and I remembered sitting with my children when they were this small, playing similar catch and throw games to make them laugh. There were so many happy faces at PLAY2DAY.
After 3 1/2 hours our children were happy to stay and continue their play but Pacey had finally given in to sleep. As we packed up our things I thought of a satisfying drive home knowing everyone was tired and happy and I made a mental note to jot down PLAY2DAY on the school holiday planner once I was home.
