Category: Soft PlaySee venue photos

Soft Play

Go Bananas

Colchester, Essex· CO1 1BX

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 29 public reviews (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026)

43/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

High confidence

Based on the 29 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews.

Breakdown

NoiseMixed

Crowds & queuesMixed

Staff supportOK

PredictabilityMixed

Calm spacesMixed

High sensory stimulationStaff accommodatingSensory room availableBring fidget toysCan get chaotic at peak timesGood for energy burningFood queues may cause issues

Parent summary

Go Bananas is a controlled soft play environment with some genuinely helpful features for families – the staff are attentive, it's clean, and there's a sensory room and designated chill area for adults. The venue has a fairly high activity level, so it may work better for some children than others depending on their sensory needs and how they respond to busy, stimulating spaces.

What visitors say

Many visitors have found Go Bananas delivers on fun and staff friendliness, with the controlled environment and sensory room working well for tiring children out. Some visitors have noted that food service can cause disruption to the flow of play, and gathering children at the end may require extra patience during busy periods.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

dedicated SEN sessionsautism-friendly trainingsensory play areasexclusive hire parties

Monthly SEND-friendly sessions with dedicated closures to neurotypical children
Staff trained by Autism Anglia in autism-friendly session delivery
Sensory play zones and climbing frames available for varied sensory needs
Pre-booking essential for SEND sessions; online booking available
Exclusive hire parties option mentioned for families seeking quieter environments

Sourced from Facebook community, news article, venue booking site, active leisure directory within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

When to visit

Typical busyness patterns based on Google Maps visitor data. Term-time and school holidays will vary.

Weekdays (Mon to Fri)

Typically quietest around 5pm

9am2pm6pm

Weekends (Sat to Sun)

Typically quietest around 5pm

9am2pm6pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

⏱ People typically spend 1-2.5 hours here

Potential challenges

Noise levels and general activity can be high during busier sessions, which may be challenging for children sensitive to sensory input
Food service times can disrupt the flow of play, and queues for food form in the main play area
Gathering children at the end of sessions may require extra patience during busy periods
You cannot bring your own food, which may be a consideration if your child has specific dietary needs or anxiety around unfamiliar food
Securing tables can be tricky during busy periods

What works

Sensory room in the corner – a quieter space if your child needs a break
Dedicated chill area for adults, so you can rest if needed
Well-designed under-5s area with appropriate layout
Staff are responsive and friendly
Snacks and drinks available on-site
Controlled indoor environment (no weather variables)
Good for higher-energy play if your child benefits from vigorous physical activity

Photos

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes

Visitors report: Blue Badge disabled parking is available in the High Street and Castle Street near the venue.

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Paid parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Opening Hours

Monday09:30-18:30

Tuesday09:30-18:30

Wednesday09:30-18:30

Thursday09:30-18:30

Friday09:30-18:30

Saturday09:30-18:30

Sunday10:00-18:00

Carer & disability info

Access Card accepted

This information is gathered from publicly available sources and may not be fully accurate or up to date. Please always check directly with the venue before visiting.

What are these cards?

Frequently asked questions about Go Bananas

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Go Bananas autism friendly?

Go Bananas has a mixed SEN profile, suitable for some but not all sensory needs, with an overall SEN score of 43/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Go Bananas is a controlled soft play environment with some genuinely helpful features for families – the staff are attentive, it's clean, and there's a sensory room and designated chill area for adults. The venue has a fairly high activity level, so it may work better for some children than others depending on their sensory needs and how they respond to busy, stimulating spaces.

Does Go Bananas have step-free entry?

Yes. Go Bananas has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at Go Bananas?

Yes. Go Bananas has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Does Go Bananas accept the Access Card?

Yes. Go Bananas accepts the Access Card, which communicates your access requirements without needing to explain them each visit.

Does Go Bananas have parking?

Yes. Go Bananas has paid on-site parking.

When is Go Bananas least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, Go Bananas is typically quietest on Wednesday around 6pm. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Is Go Bananas indoors?

Yes. Go Bananas is an indoor soft play in Colchester, so it works as a rainy-day option regardless of weather.

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