When your little one is due to start school it can be a scary time for both parent and child so it’s a good idea to attend meet-ups and make friends before the first term begins.

Below is a list of soft plays, play cafes and other venues which are holding sessions specifically for school meet-ups. For further info on school dates and times, please visit their website or social media platforms.

 

DISCOVERY VILLAGE ROLE PLAY CENTRE

Info: Join other parents and carers of children starting school for the first time this September at the specially designed new school play sessions. These friendly meet-ups are the perfect way to help your child meet future classmates, start forming friendships, and feel more comfortable before the school term begins. To register your interest, please visit the website below.

Address: Discovery Village Role Play Centre, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA
Website: Discovery Village Role Play Centre

 

LOLLIPOPS PLAY CAFÉ

Info: Lollipops offers a relaxed and friendly space to connect, share experiences, and make new friends!

Address: Lollipops Play Café, 16 Landseer Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9EH
Website:Lollipops Play Café

 

LITTLE PICKLES PLAY CAFÉ

Info: Enjoy a fun meet-up with other local schools at Little Pickles Play Café.

Address: Little Pickles Play Café, 723 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2AX
Website: Little Pickles Play Café

 

PEEKABOO & BREW

Info: Join the team at Peekaboo & Brew for a relaxed morning of play, caffeine, and connection. It’s the perfect chance to start building friendships while parents swap tips.

Address: Peekaboo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX
Website: Peekaboo & Brew

MINI MONSTERS

Info: Mini Monsters have multiple play sessions planned for parents and children starting school in the local Bournemouth area.

Address: Mini Monsters, 960 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2DG
Website: Mini Monsters

 

​THE HIDEOUT SOFT PLAY

Info: The Hideout have scheduled a meet for their two most local schools - Ad Astra Infant School and Canford Heath Infant School. If your child is due to start a different school then other meet-ups may be planned if there is enough interest.

Address: The Hideout Soft Play, 7a The Neighbourhood Centre, Culliford Crescent, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9DW
Facebook: The Hideout Soft Play

 

THE BARYARD

Info: Step into a world of fun, laughter, and adventure at The Barnyard. School starter sessions are planned for children starting school in the local St Ives, Ringwood & surrounding areas.

Address: The Barnyard, Kings Arms Lane, Ringwood, BH24 1AH
Website: The Barnyard

 

PLAY STREET DORSET

Info: Play Street Dorset are happy to be able to offer exclusive local school starter sessions for children starting school in the Poole, Wimborne, Ferndown and St Ives areas. They provide parents and children a safe, fun, calm environment to meet new friends before they start in September.

Locations: Poole & Wimborne
Booking: Play Street Dorset

 

REDHILL PARK CAFÉ

Info: New school reception class meet-ups are planned for those starting school in the local area. Children can take part in craft activities, meet new class mates and have some fun in the local park!

Address: Redhill Park Café, Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SW
Facebook: Redhill Park Café

 

If you know of any more venues offering meet-up sessions for school starters then please Contact Us.