Throwing a party for your child or any group of kids takes more effort than most parents expect. You book a venue, organise food, manage seating, and still end up wrangling twenty excited children while trying to have a conversation. There is a reason private hire options at indoor play centres have become one of the most searched party ideas for families in the UK.

This guide covers everything you need to know about private hire soft play parties: what they include, who they work best for, how they compare to standard party packages, and what to look for when booking one.

What Is Private Hire at a Soft Play Centre?

Private hire means you book the entire venue for your event. No other families. No strangers' children running through your party. Just your group, the whole space, and everything in it.

It sits at the top end of party packages at most soft play centres, and for good reason. You get more than a room in the corner, you get the run of the place.

At Jungle World Blackpool, the Private Hire (VIP) package gives you access to the whole venue. That includes the 40-metre indoor slide (the tallest in Blackpool), the multi-level play frame with trampolines, mini zipline, and climbing equipment, plus the dedicated toddler zone for younger guests. On top of that, the package includes party food and unlimited juice, party games and prizes, a free photo booth, a bubble machine, and a karaoke machine.

That is a proper event, not just a room booking.

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Who Is Private Hire Right For?

Private hire works well for a range of occasions. Here is a quick breakdown of who gets the most out of it.

Large family gatherings. If your guest list runs to 30 children or more, a standard party room starts to feel cramped. Private hire gives everyone room to breathe and play without the stress of managing an overfull space.

Mixed-age groups. When you have toddlers and older children attending the same party, you need separate zones that are safe for both. Private hire lets you use the whole venue so younger children are not at risk from bigger kids flying around at full speed.

Parents who want a relaxed experience. With the venue to yourselves, there are no queues for equipment, no disputes over who was on the slide first, and no unfamiliar adults to navigate around.

Corporate and community events. Private hire is not only for birthday parties. Schools, nurseries, and local organisations use exclusive venue bookings for end-of-term events, fundraisers, and community days.

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What Does a Private Hire Party Include?

The inclusions vary by venue, so always check before you book. A strong private hire package should cover at least the following:

• Full venue access — every play area, not just a cordoned-off section
• Party food and drinks — typically a set menu with unlimited juice
• A dedicated host or party coordinator — someone to manage the games and keep things on track
• Games and prizes — structured activities that give children something to engage with beyond the play equipment
• Entertainment extras — things like karaoke, bubble machines, or photo booths that add to the atmosphere

The private hire package at Jungle World Blackpool ticks all of these boxes and includes a free return voucher for the birthday child, which is a thoughtful touch that many venues overlook.

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Private Hire vs Standard Party Packages: What's the Difference?

Here is how the two options compare at a glance.

Feature

Standard Party Package

Private Hire (VIP)

Venue access

Party room only

Whole venue

Other families present

Yes

No

Play equipment access

Shared with public

Exclusive

Photo booth

Usually not included

Included

Best for group size

Up to ~20 children

20+ or any size wanting exclusivity

The honest answer is that standard packages are perfectly good for smaller, straightforward parties. But if you want full control over the experience especially for a milestone birthday or a large group, private hire removes the variables.

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How to Plan a Private Hire Soft Play Party: Step by Step

Planning is straightforward once you know what you need. Here is the process.

Step 1: Confirm your date and guest list. Private hire slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Get your numbers together before you call.

Step 2: Contact the venue directly. Private hire is typically booked by enquiry rather than through an online booking form. Call or email to check availability and discuss what is included.

Step 3: Sort dietary requirements early. If any children in your group have food allergies or specific dietary needs, raise these when you book. Good venues will accommodate these without fuss.

Step 4: Confirm the schedule. Know when access starts, how long you have the venue, and when guests need to leave. Built in a buffer children do not do well with rushed endings.

Step 5: Let guests know what to bring. At most soft play centres, children need to wear socks. Pass this on to parents in advance so nobody is caught out at the door.

What Makes a Good Private Hire Venue?

Not all soft play centres are equal. When comparing venues for exclusive hire, here is what to look for.

Hygiene standards. A five-star food hygiene rating from the local authority is the benchmark. It tells you the kitchen and the facility are cleaned and managed to a proper standard.

Safety infrastructure. Check whether staff are present in the play areas, not just at reception. Separate age zones matter if you have a mixed-age group.

Clear pricing. Good venues are upfront about what is included and what costs extra. Hidden add-ons are frustrating when you're already paying for an exclusive booking.

Reviews from real families. Google reviews from local parents are more useful than anything on the venue's own website. Look for comments about staff attitude, food quality, and how issues were handled.

Jungle World Blackpool holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating on Google, with reviewers consistently praising the staff and the cleanliness of the venue. For a private hire event, that kind of track record matters.

A Word on Booking

If you are considering private hire at Jungle World Blackpool, the venue is located at Unit N10A, Hounds Hill Shopping Centre, Victoria Street, Blackpool, FY1 4HU. You can enquire directly. Weekend sessions at the venue sell out regularly, so it is worth getting in touch early.

Private hire at an indoor soft play centre is one of the more practical party options available to UK families right now. It gives you control, space, and a ready-made entertainment environment without the logistical headache of hiring a hall and building something from scratch. For the right group and the right occasion, it is genuinely hard to beat.

Common Questions About Private Hire Soft Play Parties

Is private hire suitable for toddlers and older children at the same event?

Yes, provided the venue has separate age zones. A good soft play centre will have a dedicated toddler area that is enclosed and safe, away from the bigger equipment. This makes mixed-age private hire parties far more manageable for parents.

How far in advance should I book a private hire slot?

For weekend dates during school term time, aim to book at least four to six weeks ahead. During school holidays, popular venues can fill up even faster. If you have a specific date in mind, enquire as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

What is typically included in a private hire party food package?

Most venues offer a set children's menu, usually items like pizza, sandwiches, and a drink. Unlimited juice is common in private hire packages. Some venues, like Jungle World Blackpool, also have a café on site with additional options for adults attending the party.

Can adults join in the private hire booking?

Yes. Private hire means the venue is booked for your group, which includes the adults. Most venues seat parents in a viewing area adjacent to the play zones, so you can keep an eye on children while also catching up with other guests.

How do I know if private hire is worth the extra cost?

Think about what you would normally spend on a venue, food, entertainment, and party bags separately. Private hire packages bundle most of this together. More importantly, you are paying for a stress-free experience with no unexpected variables, no overcrowding, no noise from other parties, and a team on hand to manage the event for you.

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