Great Dunmow ★★★★★ 4.9 Year-round (Halloween/Christmas themes) Soft play & party venue, 0–12 yrs, from £5.50/child

Little Monsters in Great Dunmow is a family-run 5,000 sq ft haven with rope nets, ball pools, and crawl tubes that’s won “Best Soft Play Essex” multiple years. The 3-level frame has a drop slide and cannon, toddler area with soft blocks. Sessions 90 minutes, socks £1, capacity 80.

Café serves homemade cakes (£3) and kids’ wraps (£5), parties £175 for 10.

Free parking, north Essex gem.

Pros

Spotless and themed events
Excellent party value
Friendly family vibe
Quiet midweek

Cons

Rural drive (20 mins from A120)
Smaller than urban spots