Soft play centres are warning they may not survive the summer, as record-breaking warm weather and mounting financial pressures drive families outdoors.

Rachael Parker, owner of Curious Kids Town in Sheffield, said bookings have collapsed, with some sessions attracting only “two or three” children. 

“Historically, we’ve been able to weather these sunnier days and quieter months, but it feels like there’s no end in sight – it’s soul-destroying,” she said.

The soft play centre, which features a miniature high street for roleplay, has – in a cruel twist of irony – been forced to cut staff hours and sometimes shut entirely. 

“We’re looking at one or two sessions a day, with maybe two or three children at each session, and some days closing completely,” Parker added.

The Association of Indoor Play said over 25 percent of UK centres fear closure within a year, with 90 percent forecasting a bleak outlook. 

CEO Maria Cantarella warned: “Unless the government steps in with urgent action on VAT, business rates and employment taxes, we will see widespread closures before the year is out.”

A government spokesperson responded: “We are a pro-business government. We are protecting the smallest businesses from the employer National Insurance rise, shielding 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure business properties from paying full business rates and have capped corporation tax at 25 percent.”

Rachel Parker clearly sees it differently.