Category: Soft PlaySee venue photos

Soft Play

The Hang Out Venue Ltd

Southend-on-Sea, Essex· SS1 1PG

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 5 public reviews (Feb 2025 – Nov 2025)

80/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Moderate confidence

Based on 5 reviews. Scores may shift as more reviews come in.

Breakdown

Staff supportGood

Calm spacesGood

Neuro-friendly staffLots of space to moveCan get loudGreat for active kidsRelaxed environmentBook ahead for best experience

Parent summary

The Hang Out Venue is a welcoming space where many SEN children have had positive experiences. The staff are lovely and actively helpful, the setting is relaxed without pressure, and there's a good range of activities to keep children engaged. The big space and variety of toys mean children can move around freely and find what works for them.

What visitors say

Visitors praise The Hang Out Venue for its spacious, relaxed setting and the warmth of the staff—many have found it particularly good for sustained, engaged play with a nice range of activities on offer. Neuro spicy children especially seem to thrive here, and the lack of pressure to keep things tidy appears to work well for families. The environment is quite activity-focused and stimulating, so you may want to think about what helps your child regulate in busier or more energetic settings.

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

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

SEND parent drop-in sessionsautism and ADHD acceptancesensory awarenessSEND community partnership

Venue explicitly mentions #autismacceptance and #adhdlife in social media branding
Hosts SEND parent drop-in sessions ('Tea & Talk') with no booking required
Participates in Southend SEND Network Hub and SEND Information Days
Family-owned venue described as 'friendly drop-in' for SEND communities
Noted for sensory sensitivities awareness in community messaging

Sourced from Facebook, Instagram, SEN network directory, community forum within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

Potential challenges

The space is quite open and activity-focused, so some children with higher sensory needs may find it more stimulating than calming
There are no dedicated quiet or low-sensory spaces mentioned in available reviews, so if your child needs a break from activity, you may want to check what's available on site or plan accordingly

What works

Staff are genuinely welcoming and responsive to children's needs
Relaxed atmosphere with no pressure to tidy or conform—children can engage at their own pace
Large space allows children to move around and self-regulate through physical activity
Wide variety of toys and activities means there's usually something to capture interest
Children have sustained engaged play here—the environment supports longer periods of focus

Photos

Facilities

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

Quiet / SEN sessions

Relaxed networking and drop-in sessions described as 'relaxed' and family-friendly; Tea & Talk friendly drop-in available with no booking required

Sensory environment

Described as 'super relaxed home from home' with 'welcoming community vibe'. Mix of quiet activities (reading areas, board games, books) and active play (Wii gaming, table tennis, air-hockey). No specific information about noise levels, lighting, or quiet spaces for sensory needs.

Tips for your visit

Online booking recommended for guaranteed entrance; walk-ins welcome when space available. No outside food/drink policy (except for exclusive/party hire). Snack bar and tuck shop on-site. School-holiday 'school hangout' sessions available. Up to two adults free per session, which may be helpful for SEND families requiring support. Contact venue in advance to discuss any accessibility needs or sensory considerations.

Pricing

From £2.50 per person

Drop-in: £5.00 per child (age 1-18), £2.50 per child (under 1s) for one hour; £8.99 per child (age 1-18), £5.00 per child (under 1s) for two hours. Up to two adults free per booking. Play passes available: Peak Pass (28 sessions, Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm) and Off-Peak Pass (20 sessions, Mon-Fri 9am-6pm). Some parent support groups free to accessing families.

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingNo
Wheelchair accessibleVisitors report yes
Accessible toiletYes
Accessible seatingYes

Visitors report: Limited street parking around the venue; free parking is available at the location (62 London Rd).

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Paid parking on-site

Accessibility

No accessibility information provided on website. SEND families should contact venue directly (07852 191415) to confirm wheelchair access, step-free entry, accessible toilets, and buggy maneuverability.

Opening Hours

Monday09:00-18:00

Tuesday09:00-18:00

Wednesday09:00-18:00

Thursday09:00-18:00

Friday09:00-18:00

Saturday09:00-18:00

Sunday11:00-17:00

Carer & disability info

Up to two adults free per session with stay & play pass

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 The Hang Out Venue Ltd

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is The Hang Out Venue Ltd autism friendly?

The Hang Out Venue Ltd scores highly for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 80/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. The Hang Out Venue is a welcoming space where many SEN children have had positive experiences. The staff are lovely and actively helpful, the setting is relaxed without pressure, and there's a good range of activities to keep children engaged. The big space and variety of toys mean children can move around freely and find what works for them.

Does The Hang Out Venue Ltd have quiet sessions or sensory-friendly features?

Yes. The Hang Out Venue Ltd offers quiet or relaxed sessions. Relaxed networking and drop-in sessions described as 'relaxed' and family-friendly; Tea & Talk friendly drop-in available with no booking required

Does The Hang Out Venue Ltd have step-free entry?

Yes. The Hang Out Venue Ltd has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at The Hang Out Venue Ltd?

No. The Hang Out Venue Ltd does not have dedicated disabled parking. Contact the venue about the nearest accessible parking.

Are there accessible toilets at The Hang Out Venue Ltd?

Yes. The Hang Out Venue Ltd has an accessible toilet.

Does The Hang Out Venue Ltd have parking?

Yes. The Hang Out Venue Ltd has paid on-site parking.

Is The Hang Out Venue Ltd indoors?

Yes. The Hang Out Venue Ltd is an indoor soft play in Southend-on-Sea, so it works as a rainy-day option regardless of weather.

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