Keeping the Kids Entertained

For an educational experience suitable for the little ones, head to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery – it’s home to diverse displays of art, local history, natural sciences and the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics. Kids will enjoy the natural science displays full of cute animals, and they can also take part in the Ozzy Owl trail too, of which the theme changes monthly, where children can help Ozzy Owl find objects around the Museum. To recharge the batteries, relax in the Secret Garden before enjoying a light lunch in the museum's café.

Under 5s will love taking part in Messy Museum - a messy monthly session for under 5s which constantly changing themes to keep the kids entertained and always learning.

City Centre Library is a great place to expand those little minds. With a large children’s section, you can borrow books to your heart's content. There’s also weekly sessions for young children – all free to attend. Singing Bears is a gentle mix of rhymes and songs which is perfect for the youngest library users every Friday from 11am - 11.30am. Bouncing Bears is a popular interactive story and rhyme session for active toddlers which uses stories, rhymes, songs and movement to engage children in a fun session, every Monday and Thursday from 11am – 11.45am. For more information about any of of these services, please contact City Central Library on 01782 238455 or by email: central.library@stoke.gov.uk.

At Just Kidding, children can enjoy a unique experience, with a state-of-the-art soft play facility and areas designed for different age groups. Just Kidding offers great play features to promote mental stimulation with interactive light and sound features, interactive dwell areas, make believe activities, art and craft areas, story time and social interaction. The dedicated soft play area including shapes, puzzles, rockers and games, interactive panels and building blocks is ideal for babies, whilst the large interactive ball pool and ball shower, wavy slide, climbing, rope bridge and obstacle features are fun for toddlers. A multi-level soft play arena boasting a 4-lane slide, double sky glide, sports area, tunnels, monkey bars, and go karts will keep the juniors up to 12 years of age entertained. 

Ruff n Ruby is a charity dedicated to promoting self belief and raising aspirations in young people through innovative programs and services. The base for the charity lies in The Ruff & Ruby Roomz in The Potteries Centre which includes: A community café and sofa areas (grab a brew and cake for only £1.50!); a stay & play imagination zone - KIDOVATION - for kids up to 7 years (£3.00 per child, £1.00 for under 1y); and a youth area featuring sofas, games, table tennis and pool tables.

The games room located on the lower mall is inclusive for all ages and the perfect place for families to spend quality time together before or after shopping. It’s totally free to use and is open throughout the shopping centre opening hours. Be sure to check out Smiggle for the coolest stationery and accessories, perfect for school and The Entertainer which stocks a massive range of toys for children and big kids alike.

The city centre is home to Little Dessert Shop and Sweet, each offering a mouth-watering dessert experience. Enjoy classic favourites such as brownies, cheesecakes and crepes, or sample some of their more wacky concoctions like the enchanted unicorn waffle, or a monster alto-shake. If that’s all a bit of sugar overload, head to Mr Simms on Stafford Street for the ultimate pic n mix selections.

Escape reality at Staffordshire’s first Virtual Reality experience. There's loads of different games to choose from with many suitable for children of all ages and the super friendly team at XP-VR will see to it that you have an unbelievingly great time. 

A pleasant place to enjoy a walk, particularly when the weather is sunny and bright, Hanley Park also has a children’s play zone.