6 February 2026guides
Soft Play Hire in Portsmouth & Southampton: Complete Guide
Find soft play hire for toddler parties in Portsmouth and Southampton. Compare packages, prices, and local companies.
What is Soft Play Hire?
Soft play hire brings the fun of an indoor play centre to your home or venue. It's a collection of padded equipment - ball pits, foam shapes, mini slides, and tunnels - perfect for toddlers and young children who aren't ready for bouncy castles.
Why Choose Soft Play Over Bouncy Castles?
- Age appropriate: Designed for under 5s (bouncy castles suit 3-12)
- Indoor friendly: Works in living rooms, halls with low ceilings
- Safer for mixed ages: Toddlers can play without bigger kids bouncing into them
- Weather-proof: No wind restrictions like inflatables
- Sensory benefits: Great textures and colours for development
Soft Play Hire Prices in Portsmouth & Southampton
| Package | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (ball pit + shapes) | £50-£70 | Small home parties |
| Standard (+ mini slide) | £70-£100 | Most 1st-3rd birthday parties |
| Deluxe (full set + extras) | £100-£140 | Larger venues, christenings |
| Soft play + bouncy castle combo | £120-£160 | Mixed age groups |
What's Usually Included
- ✅ Ball pit with coloured balls
- ✅ Foam shapes (steps, rockers, cylinders)
- ✅ Padded floor mats
- ✅ Mini slide or rocker
- ✅ Delivery, setup & collection
- ✅ Sanitised equipment
Space Requirements
Soft play is much more flexible than bouncy castles:
- Minimum space: 8ft x 8ft for basic package
- Recommended: 10ft x 10ft for standard setup
- Ceiling height: Normal room height is fine (no 10ft+ requirement)
- Surface: Carpet, wood floor, or grass all work
Best Venues for Soft Play Parties
- At home: Living room or conservatory works perfectly
- Village halls: Most halls in Portsmouth/Southampton area welcome soft play
- Community centres: Good option for larger groups
- Church halls: Often cheaper than community centres
- Garden: Works on dry days, but have indoor backup
Portsmouth & Southampton Areas Covered
Most soft play hire companies in the area cover:
- Portsmouth, Southsea, Cosham
- Southampton, Shirley, Bitterne
- Fareham, Gosport, Havant
- Eastleigh, Hedge End, Chandlers Ford
- Waterlooville, Horndean
Tips for Soft Play Parties
- Book 2+ weeks ahead - weekends fill up fast
- Check cleaning procedures - equipment should be sanitised between hires
- Ask about ball pit balls - more balls = more fun
- Consider combo deals - soft play + balloon package often available
- Supervise closely - even soft equipment needs adult watching