A New Indoor Adventure Park Opens in Watford, UK, Just in Time for Christmas
A sprawling new indoor adventure park, Flip Out Watford, has opened its doors in the Atria Watford shopping centre in North London, providing a much-needed respite for parents and an exciting new entertainment destination for children of all ages. Occupying a vast 33,000 square foot basement, formerly a John Lewis store, the park offers a diverse array of attractions, from classic favorites like dodgems and roller-skating rinks to modern additions such as a ninja playground, PS5 gaming stations, and even trikes for younger visitors. The timing of the opening, just days before Christmas, is strategic, offering a festive escape for families amidst the holiday rush.
The design of Flip Out Watford thoughtfully caters to a wide range of age groups. For thrill-seekers, there are laser quest arenas, trampolines, and exhilarating slides. Younger children can enjoy a dedicated soft play area, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for even the smallest adventurers. The park’s pricing structure also accommodates various budgets, with hourly rates on weekends set at £11.99 for adults and children, while weekday slots from 10 am to 3 pm offer a discounted rate of £7.99. Infants under six months enter free, and a nominal fee of £3.99 applies to children aged between six and twelve months.
Flip Out, the company behind this ambitious project, emphasizes its commitment to creating inclusive spaces where both adults and children can have fun. This ethos is reflected in the Watford park’s diverse offerings, catering to different interests and energy levels. Richard Beese, co-founder of Flip Out, highlights the strategic location of the park within the Atria Watford shopping centre, recognizing the synergy between retail and leisure experiences. He envisions the park as a welcome retreat for parents needing a break from the pressures of Christmas shopping, providing a "playground of fun" for children and a moment of respite for adults.
The opening of Flip Out Watford represents a significant addition to the UK’s landscape of indoor entertainment venues. With over 30 parks nationwide, Flip Out has established a reputation for providing high-quality, engaging experiences for families. The company’s origins in Australia, where it launched in 2012, reflect its founders’ vision of creating play centres that transcend age barriers. The popularity of these parks is evident in the impressive attendance figures, with each centre reportedly welcoming between 100 and 350 people per hour.
This latest addition to the Flip Out family comes at a time of significant growth and development in the UK’s leisure sector. Coinciding with the Watford opening, Chessington World of Adventures has announced plans for a major expansion, signaling a renewed focus on creating immersive and engaging entertainment experiences. While details about the Chessington project remain under wraps, the proposed inclusion of both indoor and outdoor rollercoasters, an immersive family ride, and dedicated play areas suggests a similar commitment to catering to a diverse audience.
The opening of Flip Out Watford, coupled with the exciting developments at Chessington World of Adventures, highlights the increasing demand for innovative and engaging entertainment options in the UK. These projects not only provide much-needed recreational opportunities for families but also contribute to the economic vitality of their respective regions, creating jobs and attracting visitors. The strategic positioning of Flip Out Watford within a bustling shopping centre further underscores the growing trend of integrating leisure and retail experiences, offering a more holistic and convenient approach to family entertainment. As the demand for engaging and accessible entertainment continues to grow, we can expect to see further innovation and investment in the UK’s leisure industry, promising a future filled with exciting new opportunities for families and thrill-seekers alike.
