Cubs Play Centre review as new Bangor site gets green light

Cubs Play Centre, Llangefni <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Cubs Play Centre, Llangefni (Image: Newsquest)
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WE PAID a visit to Anglesey's Cubs Play Centre to see what it's all about – as the popular attraction, which opened just eight months ago, prepares to expand.

Located at Unit 6, Trade Park, Industrial Estate Road in Llangefni, the indoor soft play centre features a multi-level soft play structure for pre-school and primary school-aged children, with climbing elements, slides and crawl tunnels.

There is also a separate toddler space for under-threes and a baby sensory area for under 12 months.

We booked our 90 minute slot online, from 11.30am until 1pm, and joined the queue just after 11.20am, where we could see a member of staff outside.

The larger soft play structure (Image: Newsquest)

This might sound like a small thing, but it immediately gave a good first impression.

When you've booked a timed slot and arrive before opening, there's always that slight worry about whether the doors will open on time or whether they know you've booked. Seeing a member of staff outside was reassuring.

The toddler area where little ones under three can climb, slide and explore (Image: Newsquest)

The centre was easy to find. The unit was red and featured the vibrant Cubs Play Centre logo plus, there was parking.

Upon entry, all was smooth. We gave our name and the staff explained how the soft play worked and we headed in.

The room was a nice size and was modern and welcoming, with plenty of tables and space.

The main structure and table and chairs at Cubs Play Centre (Image: Cubs Play Centre / Facebook)

There is some lovely attention to detail with the décor, including faux foliage and illuminated Cubs Play Centre wording.

I also liked the way the Cubs branding runs throughout the centre, with the animal characters featuring across the space.

Our youngest enjoyed the mirror in the toddler area (Image: Newsquest)

The menu was extensive, with plenty of options if you wanted to dine during your visit, and I was happy to see gluten-free choices available (makes life easier for me!).

Cubs Play Centre wording in lights (Image: Cubs Play Centre / Facebook)

There was a really good range to choose from, including Poke Bowls – with options such as Spicy Tuna and Chicken Fajita – as well as ciabattas, wraps, paninis and loaded nachos.

For children, there was Bertie's Picnic Plate for £5.95, including a wrap, sandwich or toastie served with vegetable sticks, hummus, crisps and raisins.

There was also pasta, pizza, veggie fingers, sausages and hot dogs on the children's menu – it was such an impressive list.

White chocolate milkshake (Image: Newsquest)

The drinks menu also had plenty of choice.

My husband had a white chocolate milkshake (£6), while the boys had little banana milkshakes (£3 each) and I had a cup of tea (£2.50).

Everything was presented really nicely. The white chocolate milkshake did take a little while to arrive. The staff member who brought it over explained it was her first day and she was so lovely, there was no issue at all.

There was no feeling of the centre being overcrowded during our visit, and the children were able to enjoy the different areas at their own pace.

Kids banana milkshake (Image: Newsquest)

Our two-year-old headed into the toddler area, which has a gate that parents and carers can open.

He enjoyed climbing, sliding and bouncing on the hoppers and playing with the building blocks. He also loved the mirror - but the slides were the favourite!

Our eldest, who is four, headed straight for the bigger structure.

We enjoyed the attention to detail! (Image: Newsquest)

He was generally confident and particularly loved the slides, with the wave slide proving the biggest hit. He also enjoyed waving out to us from the lookout.

The visibility across the play area was really good, meaning we could keep an eye on him. I loved being able to watch him.

My husband asked the staff whether he could take our two-year-old into the bigger structure with him, and he was able to do so, which again - was really nice.

The children played on and off throughout our slot, with plenty to keep them occupied.

And then there were the little things.

My cup of tea! (Image: Newsquest)

The toilets were among some of the best I've come across at a children's attraction, with thoughtful extras.

A little sign reads 'It's the little things – Please help yourself', with nappies and wet wipes available, as well as a pull-down baby changing station.

There were also feminine hygiene products available. I also really liked the safari-style wallpaper!

Thoughtful touches with nappies and wipes available in the toilets (Image: Newsquest)

The boys enjoyed some foodie treats, with Sebastian choosing a Victoria sponge cake (£3.80) and Elijah opting for a doughnut (£3.50).

Overall, we found Cubs Play Centre to be clean, modern and welcoming, with plenty for young children and toddlers to enjoy.

I loved the wallpaper in the toilets! (Image: Newsquest)

And it sounds like there is plenty more to come.

Cubs Play Centre revealed on Friday (August 21) that planning permission has been approved for its proposed new centre in Bangor, with plans to transform a vacant unit, Unit 7, at the Menai Centre into its flagship indoor play space.

They posted on social media: "We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that planning permission has been approved for our proposed Cubs Play Centre in Bangor.

"This is a huge milestone for Cubs and something we’ve been working incredibly hard on behind the scenes."

The boys looking out from the main structure! (Image: Newsquest)

The new facility is set to feature a multi-zoned indoor play space designed for children of all ages, including a baby sensory area, a dedicated toddler zone and a larger soft play structure for primary school-aged children.

Plans also include a café, party rooms, interactive play and space for community-focused activities such as parent and toddler sessions, educational workshops, seasonal events and maternity groups.

The safety gate on the toddler area (Image: Newsquest)

Cubs Play Centre opened its first site in Llangefni in January 2026.

Dafydd Roberts, founder of Cubs Play Centre, said in May: “Bangor is a natural next step for us. Opening a venue in the oldest city in Wales is a privilege we don’t take lightly. There’s something truly special about becoming part of such a rich history while helping shape its future.

"We’re excited by the prospect of the high street coming back to life, and proud to play a role in its regeneration and growth, contributing to a vibrant new chapter for the community.

"This wouldn’t just be a play centre, it would be a place for families to come together, celebrate, learn and spend time in a space designed with them in the forefront of our mind.”

Since purchasing the Menai Centre, Quidos Investments Ltd has been working to attract new tenants and breathe fresh life into the site.

Nick Pritchard, Director of Quidos Investments, also said in May: “This is a very positive step for Bangor city centre.

"Since assuming ownership of the Menai Centre, we have been in ongoing discussions with a number of prospective tenants, and this proposal reflects the kind of high- quality, community-focused investment we want to see."

For full details on sessions at Cubs Play Centre and to book, click here.

Cubs Play Centre holds multiple sessions per day, with 30 minutes between each session (except the final Friday session which has a 45 minute gap to allow school children to attend).

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