Catalyst Science Centre
Hands-on science galleries and a glass rooftop observatory over the Mersey. Small, indoors and close, with one gallery shut for a rebuild until early 2027.
Jellybeans Play Centre Widnes
- Cost
- £6 a child off-peak, £12 at weekends and half terms
- Ages
- 1 to 11
- Where
- Widnes, Cheshire
- Weather
- Works in the rain
- Booking
- Just turn up
Jellybeans has two centres, the original on Wharf Street in Warrington and this one on Dennis Road in Widnes, and the prices and rules are the same at both. Play is split into a 0 to 2 section, a 2 to 4 section and a 4+ section, the toddler area is for 4 and unders only, and the big frame stops at age 12. There's no time limit and you no longer need to book in, which is rarer than it should be.
The price depends entirely on when you go. On term-time weekdays a child over 12 months is £6 before 3pm and £6.50 after, with a play and eat deal at £9 or £9.50. At weekends, bank holidays and half terms it doubles to £12, or £15.50 with food. Babies under 12 months are £4, free with a paying child, two adults go in free and extra adults are £1. You can't bring your own food or drink.
The website lists a multi-level soft play with a spooky room and an astro slide, a climbing wall that adults can use for free, mini bowling, crazy golf and a racing track. It describes the two centres together, though, so ring Widnes on 0151 422 9928 if one feature is the whole reason for the trip. Opening is 9.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
What it costs: Peak (weekends, bank holidays and half terms): child over 12 months £12, play and eat £15.50. Off-peak (term-time weekdays): £6 before 3pm or £6.50 after, play and eat £9 or £9.50. Babies under 12 months £4, free with a paying child. Two adults included; extra adults £1. Registered childminders £5.
Know before you go
- Term-time weekdays before 3pm are half the weekend price, and play time is unlimited either way.
- No outside food or drink is allowed, and children need socks. The rules also ask for long sleeves and trousers.
Worth knowing: Under 12s only on the soft play frame; the toddler area is for 4 and under.
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