Rainy days and restless kids? Here’s how to keep them entertained this winter
If you’re a parent looking for somewhere nearby that ticks all the boxes – welcoming, and geared up for family fun – we’ve got just the thing. Our Greene King pubs offer everything you need: children’s play areas to keep the little ones busy, proper food for everyone, and a breather for you.
What we mean by ‘children’s play’ – and how we do it well
When we talk about children’s play, we don’t just mean a swing set in the corner. It’s about letting kids move, imagine and explore. And giving parents a little but much-needed rest. Especially when it’s pouring outside and cabin fever’s setting in.
That’s why you’ll find thoughtful, well-equipped play areas in many of our pubs. We know what makes a difference to families, and we’ve built our spaces with that in mind.
Our different pubs have different features perfect for families, which vary from venue to venue. So, what can you expect to find at some of our best pubs with play areas?
- Indoor soft play areas for all kinds of energy levels – whether it’s big climbs, slides or gentle exploration, these colourful, padded spaces are perfect for younger kids to let loose safely.
- Outdoor play areas with small playground setups – think climbing frames, swings and slides, ideal for those drier days when they need some fresh air, without the mud.
- Quiet corners with colouring books, puzzles or board games – perfect for winding down after a meal or keeping little hands busy while you chat.
- Safe, visible spaces where children can play and move freely – and you can keep an eye out from your seat.
Next time you’re searching for pubs with play areas near you, look no further. Our Greene King pubs are built with families in mind – warm, welcoming and ready for whatever the day brings.
Discover Wacky Warehouse – our soft play spaces for maximum energy and minimum stress
When little ones have energy to burn, and the weather’s keeping you indoors, Wacky Warehouse makes life that bit easier. These are our dedicated soft play venues, built especially for children under 12 – and designed to give grown-ups a breather too.Here’s what makes them a hit with families.
✔ Multi-level children’s play frames packed with slides, tunnels, ball pits and climbing zones. Whether they’re racing to the top or getting lost in imaginative play, there’s loads to explore.
✔ Separate toddler areas with softer equipment and quieter play. Little legs can crawl, wobble and toddle in a space made just for them – with age-appropriate fun that’s safe and stimulating.
✔ Grown-up seating and café service right nearby, so you can sip a tea or coffee while keeping an eye on the action. No need to perch on the sidelines – you’re comfortable too.
✔ Ideal for meet-ups and birthday parties, with flexible packages and space to gather. Whether it’s a treat after school, a rainy Saturday or a full-on celebration, Wacky Warehouse makes it simple.
The best part? Wacky Warehouses are part of many Greene King pubs across the UK – so you can pair playtime with great food, a warm welcome and everything else your family needs.
Play, eat, relax – why our pubs with play areas are the easiest winter outing
When it’s cold and grey outside and the kids are climbing the walls, even a simple outing can feel like a mission. But it doesn’t have to be. Our pubs with play areas are built to make winter days feel that bit easier.
From indoor soft play to outdoor play areas, we’ve got spaces where little ones can burn off energy in a way that’s fun for them and manageable for you. Whether it’s a quick after-school stop or a full family lunch at the weekend, we’re set up for families to come in, feel welcome and take the pressure off.
- Indoor soft play areas for when it’s pouring outside – with slides, climbing frames and padded zones that keep kids moving, even on the greyest days.
- Outdoor play spaces for the moments when the sun shows up – safely enclosed and within view of your table, so everyone’s happy.
- Family-friendly menus with trusted favourites like fish fingers, mac and cheese or bangers and mash, plus the sweet stuff they look forward to, like ice cream sundaes and warm chocolate brownies.
- All the extras covered – highchairs, baby change, kids’ cutlery, and staff who are genuinely happy to help.
- Zero stress if you haven’t booked – we’re always ready for walk-ins and last-minute plans.
So next time you need a break from the same four walls, turn an ordinary day into something to look forward to. Because sometimes the best moments come from the easiest decisions, like heading to your local pub where the kids can play and you can maybe enjoy a drink or two.
It only takes a few moments to find one of our pubs with play areas near you. Just pop your location into our pub finder and use the filter to see our pubs with indoor and outdoor play.
Five easy ideas to keep kids happy (and parents relaxed) this winter
When the days are short and the sofa’s lost under a pile of toys, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. But keeping the kids entertained doesn’t have to mean hours of planning. These five ideas are low-effort, high-reward – little ways to bring some joy into even the gloomiest winter days.
1. Break up the day with a local outing
Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery. Whether it’s a trip to your local Greene King for lunch and a soft play session or a short stroll to the high street to watch the world go by, getting out of the house helps reset everyone’s mood. You don’t need a big plan – just pack the essentials (maybe some snacks and spare socks..!) and go. A warm pub, some colouring crayons and a plate of something tasty can turn a dreary day into a proper treat.
2. Rotate your toys – not your house
It’s not about buying new things – just making the old ones feel new again. Choose a third of your child’s toys and stash them out of sight for a week or two. Then bring them back out like a magic trick. Suddenly the forgotten fire engine is their new favourite again. It’s a brilliant way to refresh playtime, avoid clutter, and save your sanity – especially on days when the weather’s keeping you indoors.
3. Set up a sofa cinema
You don’t need a fancy setup to make movie time special. Let the kids pick the film, draw or print ‘tickets’, and create your own mini cinema at home. Close the curtains, turn down the lights, and hand out snacks in paper cups. Blankets on the floor, cuddles on the sofa – it’s a homely movie night that feels like an occasion. And best of all, you get to sit down too.
4. Use your local pub with play as a post-school release valve
After a long day of sitting still, kids need to move. Instead of heading straight home into homework and meltdowns, stop off at a Greene King pub with a play area. It’s a simple switch that can make all the difference. They get to run, climb or crawl. You get to sit down, order something warming, and maybe take advantage of one of our latest deals. Whether it’s soft play indoors or a playground out back, it’s a much-needed pause before the evening routine begins.
5. Create a “yes” afternoon
Let go of the rules for a bit and lean into the chaos. You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes the highlight of their week – and maybe yours too. It doesn’t cost a thing, but the memories will last long after the paint’s dried. There’s no right way to entertain kids in winter, just what gets you through the day with a smile (and maybe a cup of tea). And if that includes a trip to your local Greene King, we’ll be here with a warm welcome and space to play.
Let us take care of the easy bit
You’ve got enough on your plate, so let us handle the rest. Whether you’re after somewhere warm to pass an hour, a spot for soft play and lunch, or just a place where the whole family can unwind, we’ve got you covered with children’s play at our pubs.At our Greene King pubs with play areas, we’ve made space for families to relax. That means welcoming play areas, a menu with something for everyone, and a team that understands what it’s like to dine out with kids in tow. No fuss, no stress, just a good meal and a bit of peace.
So when winter’s feeling long and the kids are full of beans, remember: you don’t need a plan. Just pop to your local pub, where the food’s hot, the welcome’s warm and the kids can play while you take five.
Find a Greene King pub with a play area near you and we’ll see you soon.