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All reads gratefully received! If I miss you give me a shout!
Member since:30.04.2003
Reviews:229
Members who trust:261
I am not a fan of indoor activities for children preferring the great outdoors when ever possible. However there are days when the weather is bad and then indoor venues are useful!
Mr Twisters is an adventure indoor play area for children. There are actually 3 Mr Twisters all in the northeast. I am writing about the one to be found in Consett but there are also Mr Twisters in Gateshead and Middlesbrough.
Mr Twisters, Consett is situated in the middle of a very large industrial estate on the Medomsley road. Although it is signposted it is still quite difficult to find in the maze that is the industrial estate. I suggest you go to the web site at www.mrtwisters.co.uk and print off the map provided. Once there is a large, free car park.
Once inside there is a reception desk to your right where you will be relieved on your money. This place isn't cheap. Prices
for children from age 3 are either £2.50 or £3.50 depending on when you come. For children 3-4 yrs the cost is £3.50 or £3.95. 5 year olds and over pay £3.95 or £4.45. The higher charge is applicable at weekends and holidays. Adults and older children pay 50p. I asked how old an older child had to be to pay the 50p charge and was told about 13 years. It you feel like spending even more money there is a pay to ride truck at the entrance as well as so called pocket money toys for sale. Before entering the play area children are asked to hand over their shoes at the reception desk where they are stored in lockers.
Once through the gate you enter the play area. There is a large area to your right aimed at children over 5. This consists of slides, a ball pool and various soft things to jump over or crawl under. The top of the structure is quite high. The whole area is surrounded by netting and looks fairly safe. To the far end of the play structure is a football area with nets and a soft ball.
In the middle of the room there are numerous tables and chairs. There is another play area aimed at the under 5,s to the left of the seating area. This also has a small ball pool. There are large plastic playhouses and soft shapes to play with.
At the front of the room there is a café serving drinks and food. You are discouraged from bringing your own food although I always bring some fruit! I am not impressed with the café as the food is overpriced and of poor quality. There are special children's meals on offer including a children's meal box. This consists of sandwiches (white bread) and cheese or jam filling. A packet of crisps, a piece of fruit and a drink. I recently asked for grated cheese instead of the cream cheese on offer and was told this was not normally allowed as children make too much mess with grated cheese! There are also other meals such as chips and burgers. There are some healthy options however such as jacket potato and salad. I think that the café could do far more to encourage healthy eating. Children get very hot and thirsty at this place so either bring bottled water with you or ask at the café for a glass of water (free)!
My children love going to Mr Twisters and always have a great time. It can get very crowded especially at weekends and during school holidays. If you can visit outside these times I would recommend you do so. When it is crowded it can be difficult to keep an eye on your children especially if you have children in each play area. When children are using the larger area it can be difficult to see them. The main seating areas always looks a bit grubby to be and the carpet could certainly do with a good clean! There are plenty of child friendly toilets, as you would expect with baby changing areas. The toilets have always been clean when we have visited.
Mr Twisters holds children's parties and has 3 party rooms available. There can be 150 children at any one time in the building so things can get hectic! We have never experienced a party here so can't comment. The cost per child including food and party bag is about £9 per head with a maximum number of 30.
Mr Twisters can also be hired out if any organisation is interested. For any special function or party Mr Twisters can be contacted on 01207-500-007.
There are organised activities during the week and full details are available on the web site. We have experienced parachute mania held on Wednesday mornings. This consists of games played in the football area with a large parachute, great fun!
Although I think the admission prices are high you can stay all day. Mr Twisters is open every day as follows- Monday to thursays-10-6pm. Friday-10-8.pm Saturday-9-8pm Sunday 9-6pm.
Overall I would recommend Mr Twisters as children seem to love it and it does give parents a chance to sit and chat over a coffee!
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I hate these places purely because the food is minging and kids always want to eat. I have disobeyed the 'law' by taking my own packed lunches for the kids. No one will force me into buying over-priced minging grub.
Bens__mummy 09.11.2007 23:21
Great review
patriciat 29.10.2007 21:44
My hubby's part of the country. Haven't got any small people to take here now though. Pat.t x
very helpful by (98%):
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