At 2pm we excitably headed around the road to Tumbles, where we received an very warm welcome from all the lovely staff and took a few minutes to watch the practising gymnasts before heading to the cafe & soft play upstairs, where we'd hear what was in store for the afternoon. First impressions was that this place was perfect, just what Portobello needs. And that the soft play was massive - definitely a competitor for the ever popular Clambers at The Common Wealth Pool. John was impressed too, profusely pointing and exclaiming "oooh!". And like all the other kids in attendance, trying to rush right on into the soft play, despite the fact it hadn't even been officially opened just yet.
After all the initial introductions & speeches, the guests were divided into two groups to watch the gymnastics display & try out the soft play. Much to John's impatience, we were invited to watch the gymnastics display first: cue major tantrums as we walked on passed the soft play, whilst the first group of kids got to jump in. However, despite his tantrums, John actually seemed to enjoy watching the gymnastics.
Various gymnastic groups from acorss Edinburgh were there to entertain us all with beam displays, floor gymnastics, trampolining and countless runs with elaborate flips & twists. Everyone watched in awe and I silently wondered if even John could one day be spinning on the uneven bars or the rings (time to consider booking in for Gym Nippers, perhaps?). However, despite the skilled displays going on, John - along with the other kids in attendance - was especially fascinated with the pools of sponge pieces under the equipment... It's the small things.
Before long, it was time for what John had been desperately waiting for; our session in the soft play! We headed back up the stairs and after rapidly removing his wellies, John was off on into the Toddler Area.
The soft play is made up of three separate areas - Infants (0-12 months), Toddlers (1-4 years) and Juniors (5-10 years). And with Tumbles staff running around inside the soft play area and CCTV of the different areas on show in the cafe, you can rest assured that your little ones can safely have the time of their lives!
An extra safety feature are the staff controlled gates in and out the soft play area of the cafe, perfect for making sure your wee one doesn't make a great escape when your back is turned. All very well thought out!
The soft play is made up of three separate areas - Infants (0-12 months), Toddlers (1-4 years) and Juniors (5-10 years). And with Tumbles staff running around inside the soft play area and CCTV of the different areas on show in the cafe, you can rest assured that your little ones can safely have the time of their lives!
An extra safety feature are the staff controlled gates in and out the soft play area of the cafe, perfect for making sure your wee one doesn't make a great escape when your back is turned. All very well thought out!
I (& John for that matter) was particularly impressed by the Toddler area, which despite still being a titch for his age, was perfect for someone of John's size & development. With two slides which have a big squishy step ladder up too and a spider web obstacle along the way. There is also a great wee ball pit which John took great delight in flinging himself head-first into whilst shouting "ball!".
The cafe, Cafe Refresh, at Tumbles was also lovely and very well kitted out, with many tables, sofas & a buffet of tasty foods for all the guests in attendance. John particularly loved the sticks of cucumbers and fresh cocktail sausages. There's also a great view from the cafe of the beach outside, offering a little bit of calm in an otherwise hectic atmosphere.
Overall, we are very impressed with Tumbles. Not only is the well-thought-out soft play something that Portobello has been in desperate need of but the gymnastics centre is also great; not only for entertainment in terms of being able to watch those potential future Olympic gymnasts in practice, but also for being able to offer a countless number of classes for the growing generation of local gymnasts - especially given the current waiting lists for those interested in attending classes across the city.
In fact, we're so impressed that we even popped back first thing yesterday morning for a second visit so Daddy could see Tumbles for himself! Definitely our new favourite thing to do in Edinburgh! Cannot recommend enough.
In fact, we're so impressed that we even popped back first thing yesterday morning for a second visit so Daddy could see Tumbles for himself! Definitely our new favourite thing to do in Edinburgh! Cannot recommend enough.
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