Bouncing around at Bracknell Trampoline Centre

As a parent of an active toddler, I’m often looking for different things to do where we can enjoy time with our little one. She’s expressed an interest in trampolining before and, when I heard from a friend about some gymnastic and trampoline classes perfect for pre-school age, I wanted to find out more. That is when I discovered Bracknell Trampoline Centre, which is a purpose built trampoline facility located on the grounds of Brakenhale School in Bracknell, Berkshire. There’s lots going on for all ages:

• Trampoline classes for: Preschool, age 4-5 (starting school), age 6-11 (primary), age 11-18 (secondary), adults, special needs (children and adults) and home-educated children.
• Rebounding (fitness classes)
• Elite trampoline training and competitive classes
• Parties

Entertaining a Toddler

We were keen on trying something for our 2 and a half year old. There are three options for children under 5 years old. They have designed all of their preschool classes with an emphasis on learning through fun and play. You can choose to do a termly Trampolining or Mini Movers (trampolining and apparatus/floor based activity) class, or you can choose a pay as you go Free Play Fun session.

After looking up the options and deciding a free play fun session would be best suited to our needs 

at the moment (we didn’t want to commit to a term right now), we decided to try out a Free Play Fun session. It was really easy to book, you just go on the website and follow the links to a booking page. It costs £4.25 in total, £4 for your child (walking) and 25p for the accompanying adult. You can also pay on the door itself, but it is advisable that you book as they limit numbers. This is to make it fairer for children to be able to take turns on the equipment. A good tip for participants is to arrive promptly if they wish to buy tickets on the door. Sometimes they sell out, Wednesdays are also much quieter than Fridays.

They take place every Wednesday at 9.30am and Friday 10am during term time only, and last an hour and a half. There are also sessions that take place during the holidays; check their website and Facebook for details (you can find contact details below).

Amazing fun!

Friendly members of staff greeted us. The coaches run the fun sessions so are there to help, advise and keep everyone safe and happy. We left our bags, coats and shoes on the racks and entered the main hall – my little girl’s immediate reaction was to wow in amazement and then she couldn’t wait to get stuck in and try all of the activities.

There is lots to entertain the children and they can choose what they want to play with. There are trampolines, a bouncy castle, climbing apparatus and toys in the main hall, and craft activities in the foyer. The trampolines are at ground level, so there is no fear of your child falling from a height. Each trampoline has an egg timer you must turn over when your child starts their turn; I am not sure how long you get but it feels like a good amount of time to get stuck in! When the timer is over, the next child in the queue has a turn.

There is a slide that goes into a huge foam pit and a big bouncy castle. There are also plenty of toys to play with, as well as climbing apparatus and tunnels. My little girl had so much fun in here flitting from one activity to another. It was relaxed and informal, and the staff made you feel at ease even if you didn’t know any other parents attending. I felt this relaxed atmosphere suited us well as our little girl was able to try out bouncing without any expectation or fuss – the fun session was just that, a ‘fun session’ (and one which she hasn’t stopped talking about since!

Winding up the session

Towards the end of the session, we headed to the foyer area. Here, we made a paper windmill as part of a craft activity. There was lots of glitter and all craft materials are supplied as part of the session price. Children then enjoyed a drink of squash and a snack, which were enjoyed whilst sitting and chatting with the others. The session then ended with a lively singing session where children also had the chance to play instruments and make as much noise as possible!

Where can I find out more?

You can visit the Bracknell Trampoline Centre website, or you can also like their Facebook page where you will find all the latest updates.

Postal address for SatNav: Bracknell Trampoline Centre, Brakenhale School, Coningsbury, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7BA

Have you visited? Let us know using the comments box below!