Category: Soft PlaySee venue photos

Soft Play

Sharky's

Henfield, West Sussex· BN5 9QB

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 16 public reviews (Dec 2023 – Apr 2026) · Good confidence

60/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Breakdown

NoiseMixed

Crowds & queuesGood

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityMixed

Calm spacesOK

Can get loud and chaoticBook ahead (system unreliable)Good staff supportFacilities need updatingAmple parking and amenitiesMixed age groups

Parent summary

Sharky's has friendly staff and offers good facilities including a café, waiting room, and covered play area, which many families find valuable. The venue can be quite noisy during busy periods, and the online booking system may not guarantee availability—some visitors have found it works better to contact the venue directly to check.

Best times to visit

Quieter periods during weekday mornings or early afternoons may be calmer

Worth avoiding

Peak times (weekends, school holidays, late afternoons) when the soft play areas tend to be busier and noisier

What visitors say

Visitors consistently praise Sharky's friendly staff, good food, and range of facilities including a covered play area and ample parking. Some visitors have noted that the venue can become quite lively during busier periods, with children playing across different age groups, and a few have mentioned difficulties securing advance bookings through the website. Contacting the venue directly may offer better clarity on availability.

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 sessionsallergen-free environmentage-appropriate zonessensory soft play

Dedicated SEN sessions on 1st and 3rd Thursday monthly; venue closed to public during these times
Nut-free environment noted as important for children with allergies and sensory sensitivities
Families mention perfect size for managing multiple children with additional needs
Under-3s area available for younger children with developmental differences

Sourced from official website, SEN community forums, parenting blogs, social media 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–Fri)

Typically quietest around 6am

6am2pm9pm

Weekends (Sat–Sun)

Typically quietest around 8am

8am12pm4pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

⏱ People typically spend 25 min to 2 hr here

Potential challenges

High noise levels during busy periods may be challenging for noise-sensitive children
The soft play area can become quite busy during peak times, with mixed age groups and limited separation between ages
Advance booking through the website isn't always guaranteed—contacting the venue directly to check availability may be helpful
Some facilities may show signs of wear and tear

What works

Staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful
Waiting room available for when children need a break
Café with seating area for parents
Ample parking
Covered outdoor play area
Good toilet facilities
Range of activities on offer

Photos

Facilities

Cafe / food on-site Party rooms Quiet / SEN sessions

Quiet / SEN sessions

SEN sessions are run at Sharky's Soft Play & café; carers enter free during these sessions.

Tips for your visit

SEN sessions: First & third Thursdays of the month. Dinner & Play available Monday-Friday. Nut-free environment - only café food permitted inside (no outside food allowed). Walk-ins accepted but booking online recommended to guarantee 2-hour session. 30% discount available with code MAD30 (valid 25-31 May when booking online). Phone: 01273 494984 for further details.

Accessibility

Venue has dedicated SEN sessions available on the first and third Thursday of each month. Accessibility page exists on website but specific details not provided in content.

Opening Hours

Monday06:00-22:00

Tuesday06:00-22:00

Wednesday06:00-22:00

Thursday06:00-22:00

Friday06:00-21:00

Saturday08:00-17:00

Sunday08:00-17:00

Carer & disability info

Free carer entry

Carers are free entry (mentioned in relation to SEN sessions).

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 Sharky's

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Sharky's autism friendly?

Sharky's scores moderately well for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 60/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Sharky's has friendly staff and offers good facilities including a café, waiting room, and covered play area, which many families find valuable. The venue can be quite noisy during busy periods, and the online booking system may not guarantee availability—some visitors have found it works better to contact the venue directly to check.

Does Sharky's have quiet sessions or sensory-friendly features?

Yes. Sharky's offers quiet or relaxed sessions. SEN sessions are run at Sharky's Soft Play & café; carers enter free during these sessions.

Is Sharky's wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Sharky's is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Venue has dedicated SEN sessions available on the first and third Thursday of each month. Accessibility page exists on website but specific details not provided in content.

Does Sharky's offer free entry for carers?

Yes. Sharky's offers free entry for a carer or essential companion accompanying a disabled visitor. Carers are free entry (mentioned in relation to SEN sessions).

When is Sharky's least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, Sharky's is typically quietest on Tuesday around 6am. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Is Sharky's indoors?

Yes. Sharky's is an indoor soft play in Henfield, so it works as a rainy-day option regardless of weather.

Spotted something to fix?

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