FAQs
Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our activities, bookings, and facilities. Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for specific details, we’ve got you covered. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to our friendly team—we’re here to help!
Is there an age or height restriction?
Our Softplay is suitable for children aged between 0 – 10 years old. Older siblings are welcome to supervise younger children but they must be careful of little ones. There is no height restriction.
Do I have to book?
Booking isn’t necessary for our softplay, but it is advised to guarantee your space. We can get fully booked, especially on weekends, school holidays and those rainy days. If you would like to arrive without an online booking, we will do our best to accommodate you. Midweek is typically much quieter than weekends.
Do I have to pay for adults?
No – Adults go free. When making an online booking, we still require you to put the number of adults attending so that we can control the overall number of people onsite.
What are your opening times?
Monday – Thursday: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Fridays: 9:30am – 5:15pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9:30am – 5:15pm (session times apply).
Hours may differ in school holidays and bank holidays. For our up to date opening times, please head to our booking page and select the date you would like to visit.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes – we offer a 25% discount on standard entrance for Childminders and Bluelight card holders. Your childminder status and/or bluelight card must be shown to reception upon arrival.
Childminder discounts are only valid during term time and the summer school holidays.
Bluelight discount is valid all year round, except special events.
I’ve made a booking but need to cancel/reschedule. What should I do?
Refunds will not be given to any bookings who do not turn up or any latecomers.
Please give us a call on 01252 370721 or an email at reception@challengecentre.co.
Where are you located?
You can find us in between the border of Farnborough/Fleet, next to the Hartland Village complex. Unfortunately, there are no public transport links near to our facility but we do offer free parking just outside for all visitors.
Our Address is 301 Armstrong Way, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0LP.
What 3 Words: tennis.suspect.lavished
Can I bring in my own food?
We do not allow customers to bring in their own food due to our strict allergen policy. We do have a cafe onsite that serves teas and coffees, cold drinks and snacks. We also have a wide range of hot food on offer on our menu. For any dietary requirements or allergies, please speak to a member of staff on the day who will let you know our free from options.
Runabout Parties
How do I book a party if I do not know my final numbers yet?
We recommend booking for our minimum number of 8 guests to secure your preferred date/time. You do not need to confirm your final numbers until the week of your party.
When do you need to know the final numbers and settle the balance?
You will receive an email the week of your party that contains a form for you to fill out regarding this information. If your numbers have increased since your original booking, we will send an invoice to you. Once the final balance has been settled, we do not offer refunds for any children who drop out or do not turn up on the day. If you have any last minute guests, please let your party host know upon arrival and we can accommodate them.
What are the food options and when do I need to confirm this?
For Runabout parties, you have the option of hot or cold food.
Hot food includes a choice of chicken nuggets, fish fingers or sausages all served with chips. They also receive an ice lolly for dessert. Cold food includes a platter of sandwiches, dipping platter, cocktail sausages, crisps and biscuits. We can cater for most allergies or dietary requirements, please just let us know in advance.
We need to know your food order at least one day before your party so that the kitchen can prepare. You receive an email the week of your party to confirm your choices.
Will I receive a private party room?
We have two party rooms on offer in Runabout – Castle Room and Fish Tank.
Our castle room is located opposite our cafe, enclosed and can seat up to 30 children.
Our fish tank room is located towards the toilets, open plan and can seat up to 16 children.
You have full access to your party throughout the duration of your visit.
How early can I arrive at the venue?
We recommend arriving 5 – 10 minutes before your party start time so that you can set up before your guests arrive. Your party host will greet you and take you to your room upon arrival.
Do I need to bring cups, plates, napkins or cutlery?
No! We provide all the cups, plates, napkins and cutlery for you. However, if you would like to bring your own in to match a theme, you are more than welcome to do so.
Can I bring in a birthday cake?
You may bring in a birthday cake for the birthday child. Unfortunately we do not allow you to eat this on premises, but we are happy to help cut this up for party bags.
Due to regulations within the UK Food Information Amendment, homemade cakes are not permitted on the premises. Shop bought cakes and those made by a professional cake maker (where a full list of ingredients are provided) are allowed. Under Natasha’s Law, suppliers must be able to provide a list of ingredients, including the allergens in bold.
It is your responsibility as the party parent to ascertain a list of allergies that guests within your group may have.
If a child we have invited to the party has siblings who would like to come, do they have to pay?
Yes. All children entering the soft play must be paid for (with the exception of under 6 months). Siblings who would like to play, but are not on the party invite list, will be charged at our standard entrance price. We recommend that parents book online to guarantee a place.
How many adults can come along?
You are allocated table space outside the party rooms for 16 adults. If you are likely to exceed this number, please let us know in advance and we can book out additional tables for you. Adults are free of charge so there is no additional payment if you do exceed the allocated number.
What is the role of my party host?
Our party hosts are there to help assist with the smooth running of the party, including greeting you upon arrival and taking you to your party room, helping hand out the food, cutting up the birthday cake etc. They are not there to provide continuous hosting or entertainment for the children. Please note that the children remain the responsibility of the party parents at all times.
Laser Run Parties
Is there an age or height restriction?
There is no height restriction but all players must be 6 years old and above to participate in the games.
Will there be another party in the arena at the same time?
We only take one party booking at any given time so yes you will have exclusive use of the arena. We can split your group into two teams or we can do a free for all – the choice is yours!
Please note that there might be other parties in the party lounge.
How do I book a party if I do not know my final numbers yet?
We recommend booking for our minimum number of 8 guests to secure your preferred date/time. You do not need to confirm your final numbers until the week of your party.
When do you need to know the final numbers and settle the balance?
You will receive an email the week of your party that contains a form for you to fill out regarding this information. If your numbers have increased since your original booking, we will send an invoice to you. Once the final balance has been settled, we do not offer refunds for any children who drop out or do not turn up on the day. If you have any last minute guests, please let your party host know upon arrival and we can accommodate them.
What are the food options and when do I need to confirm this?
For Laser Run parties, you have the option of hot or cold food.
Hot food includes a selection of Pizzas. You have the choice of margherita, pepperoni, meat feast, ham + pineapple or veggie. Cold food includes platters of sandwiches, dipping platter, cocktail sausages, popcorn and biscuits. We can cater for most allergies or dietary requirements, please just let us know in advance.
We need to know your food order at least one day before your party so that the kitchen can prepare. You receive an email the week of your party to confirm your choices.
Will I receive a private party room?
No. We have recently renovated our Laser Run area to include a new party lounge which includes multiple tables for our parties to sit at.
You have full access to your party area throughout the duration of your visit.
How early can I arrive at the venue?
We recommend arriving 5 – 10 minutes before your party start time so that you can set up before your guests arrive. Your party host will greet you and take you to your party area upon arrival.
Do I need to bring cups, plates, napkins or cutlery?
No! We provide all the cups, plates, napkins and cutlery for you. However, if you would like to bring your own in to match a theme, you are more than welcome to do so.
Can I bring in a birthday cake?
You may bring in a birthday cake for the birthday child. Unfortunately we do not allow you to eat this on premises, but we are happy to help cut this up for party bags.
Due to regulations within the UK Food Information Amendment, homemade cakes are not permitted on the premises. Shop bought cakes and those made by a professional cake maker (where a full list of ingredients are provided) are allowed. Under Natasha’s Law, suppliers must be able to provide a list of ingredients, including the allergens in bold.
It is your responsibility as the party parent to ascertain a list of allergies that guests within your group may have.
Gaming Lounge Parties
Is there an age or height restriction?
There is no height restriction but all players must be 6 years old and above to participate.
What consoles do you have available in the lounge?
Our lounge features 12 high-performance PS5 & XBOX gaming consoles and an extensive library of the latest games, catering to fans of multiplayer battles, solo adventures, and competitive esports. Each station is equipped with top-tier gaming accessories, comfortable seating, and high-definition displays. We also have a fully operational racing simulator available to play.
What games are available to play and can we restrict some if need be?
Each of our consoles are equipped with a gaming pass that contains over 400+ games to play. These include, but are not limited to, Fortnite, Roblox, Minecraft, Sims 4, Fall Guys, Goat Simulator etc. If there is a specific game you are looking for, please get in touch and we can see what we can offer!
We are more than happy to restrict access to games, please let us know before the day or upon arrival. It is up to the party parents discretion if attendees are allowed to play games which may be deemed inappropriate for their age (eg, Under 12’s playing Fortnite).
How do I book a party if I do not know my final numbers yet?
We recommend booking for our minimum number of 8 guests to secure your preferred date/time. You do not need to confirm your final numbers until the week of your party.
When do you need to know the final numbers and settle the balance?
You will receive an email the week of your party that contains a form for you to fill out regarding this information. If your numbers have increased since your original booking, we will send an invoice to you. Once the final balance has been settled, we do not offer refunds for any children who drop out or do not turn up on the day. If you have any last minute guests, please let your party host know upon arrival and we can accommodate them.
What are the food options and when do I need to confirm this?
For Gaming Lounge parties, you have the option of hot or cold food.
Hot food includes a selection of Pizzas. You have the choice of margherita, pepperoni, meat feast, ham + pineapple or veggie. Cold food includes platters of sandwiches, dipping platter, cocktail sausages, popcorn and biscuits. We can cater for most allergies or dietary requirements, please just let us know in advance.
We need to know your food order at least one day before your party so that the kitchen can prepare. You receive an email the week of your party to confirm your choices.
Will I receive a private party room?
No. We have recently renovated our Laser Run area to include a new party lounge which includes multiple tables for our parties to sit at. Gaming Lounge parties share this space.
You have full access to your party area throughout the duration of your visit.
How early can I arrive at the venue?
We recommend arriving 5 – 10 minutes before your party start time so that you can set up before your guests arrive. Your party host will greet you and take you to your party area upon arrival.
Do I need to bring cups, plates, napkins or cutlery?
No! We provide all the cups, plates, napkins and cutlery for you. However, if you would like to bring your own in to match a theme, you are more than welcome to do so.
Can I bring in a birthday cake?
You may bring in a birthday cake for the birthday child. Unfortunately we do not allow you to eat this on premises, but we are happy to help cut this up for party bags.
Due to regulations within the UK Food Information Amendment, homemade cakes are not permitted on the premises. Shop bought cakes and those made by a professional cake maker (where a full list of ingredients are provided) are allowed. Under Natasha’s Law, suppliers must be able to provide a list of ingredients, including the allergens in bold.
It is your responsibility as the party parent to ascertain a list of allergies that guests within your group may have.
