With the winter months not yet past and the novelty of many Christmas presents worn off, it won't be long before some parents are crying out for fun ideas to get the family out of the house for a while to pass a rainy afternoon. There's really only so much TV and computer games youngsters can indulge in before the inevitable fights ensue- so we've done some research and compiled a list of the top soft play areas in Northern Ireland to give you the chance to relax with a coffee for a few hours while the kids play in a fun, safe environment.

Funky Monkeys

Funky Monkeys is the perfect way to get your kids active, creative and excited while also giving you a break. With a soft play jungle kingdom that includes Suzie's jungle house, the jungle village shop and Mikey's safari garage their imagination can run wild while you relax and enjoy a treat at the on-site cafe.
Funky Monkeys has sites in Belfast, Downpatrick, Dundonald and Dungannon and is priced at less than £6 for all children.
Memberships are also available which allow you to benefit from offers and savings.

Air-tastic Trampoline Park

Jump into a whole lot of fun by passing a few hours at Air-tastic. This is a great way of burning off some energy as the kids can spring around the huge network of flat bed trampolines and rebound off angled trampoline walls, as well as complete obstacle courses, jump challenges, play in foam pits and launch themselves into the air before landing on a super-soft airbag.
Special play zones in the exciting trampoline parks have been designed for younger bouncers to allow them to join in the fun in a safer environment. Little ones aged three and four can benefit from the Little-Air zone and anyone aged 5 and above can enjoy the rest.
Air-tastic is located in Bangor, Belfast and Craigavon and admission is as follows:
3-4 year olds: £5
5 year olds and over: £7
Sessions last one hour and you are advised to arrive 30 minutes beforehand to sign safety waivers and watch safety tutorials.

We Are Vertigo

The popular We are Vertigo is a safe option for a day of fun as it's Northern Ireland's leading inflatapark and activity centre.
After years of success with the indoor trampoline park, the Inflatapark at the Newtownbreda site is a whopping 30,000 square foot inflatable playground where childhood fantasies can become a reality. The fortress of fun allows everyone to be king or queen of the brilliant bouncy land! Your kids can explore the mechanical sweeper, travelator, inflatable ninja area, high slides, and the wipe out assault course. There is also a toddler play area for the little ones.
If your kids are a bit more on the daring side, or you have a birthday party to organise soon, We are Vertigo's Titanic Park venue might be the better option for you. Fly without wings, without an aeroplane and without anything but the power of 120mph wind at the Indoor Skydiving Centre. Kids over the age of 4 can try out this adrenaline-filled activity which can also be booked for birthdays and larger groups.
But the fun doesn't stop there- the latest addition to the Titanic Quarter site is the Ninja Master Course. This challenge boasts an athletic obstacle course spanning 110ft and is sure to separate the students from the masters. Participants must be fit and able-bodied, and anyone unsure of their ability can call down for a visit to check out what's required.
Find out more here: here.

Funtastic

Located on the Comber Road in Carryduff, Funtastic offers children endless hours of soft play fun.
4-11 year olds can jump into a huge four-floor play-frame which includes a four-lane astra slide, air cannon arena, ball pool, spider web tower, mini basketball court and of course the seven metre tube slide…one of the biggest in the area!
Toddler's are also invited and can explore the under 3's area which has a horse carousel, captains boat, swings, slides, and their very own ball pool.
The Funtastic cafe offers a wide range of hot and cold snacks for parents as well as speciality tray bakes and coffees.
This option is open from 10am to 6pm daily over the holidays, and closes on Thursdays during term time.
Further details on Funtastic:
• Last admission is at 4.30pm (sessions last 90 minutes)
• Toddler morning (10am-12pm) priced at £3.95
• Child entry £4.95 (3 years and under) and £5.95 (4-11 years)
• Babies under 12 months/ all non-walkers are free
To find out more, click here.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping Jacks indoor soft play area is located in Lisburn and offers a fun filled play environment for children up to 11 years of age.
Features:
• Toddler area with mini football court, kart track area and slides.
• Large adventure frame for the older children with a drop slide, rope bridge, four-lane astra slide and sports area.
• Themed party rooms including a Disco Room with space for 150 people.
Adults can relax in the cafe area where there's wifi, TV, newspapers and great food and coffee.
Jumping Jacks is also available for hire for schools, clubs, church groups as well as for private occasions.
Prices are as follows:
• Babies under 14 months, £1
• Toddlers (14 months- two years) £3.50
• Kiddies (2-4) £4.75
• Juniors (4-11) £5.50
Visit their website here. (JG/CM)