Bright Sparks Centre
BEST FOR
Ages 0-18
ENTRY
from £160
WHERE
Bonnyrigg
What it’s like
A membership-based sensory and soft play centre for Midlothian kids with additional needs, plus a sensory garden and craft sessions.
This one's a bit different from your average soft play. Bright Sparks is set up specifically for children with additional support needs, and you need to be a member to get in. That means your child has to live in or attend school in Midlothian, be under 19, and have a diagnosed additional need or be recognised as having one by a health professional, social worker or educational professional. It's £15 a year to join, which is nothing compared to what a lot of soft play memberships cost elsewhere.
Once you're in, there's a soft play area, a sensory room, a sensory garden and craft activities on offer, plus outdoor play. Community sessions run weekday mornings, 10am to noon, and there are separate ASN kids and youth sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings, with an extra Thursday morning slot for ASN youth. Some of this is term time only, though holiday clubs step in during the school breaks.
One thing to flag: if you're bringing a younger child to the playgroup, an appropriate adult needs to be there with them the whole time. For the out-of-school and youth clubs it's more relaxed, an adult's only needed if your child requires 1:1 care or supervision. There's a café on site doing food, and Bluetooth speakers and a CD player if you want music on, though there's no WiFi, so download anything you want to play before you arrive.
Birthday parties are available too, Friday afternoons or Saturday, for £160 including a £50 non-refundable deposit. Members get 10% off, which softens the blow a bit. The balance is due 14 days before the party, so it's not something you can leave to the last minute.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- For children with additional needs, from toddlers up to 18
- Parties
- Friday 2:30pm-5:30pm or Saturday 10:30am-1:30pm / 2pm-5pm
- Membership is required before you can attend, it's not a drop-in centre for everyone
- £15 annual membership is good value once your child qualifies
- No WiFi on site, so sort your party playlist in advance
- The party deposit of £50 is non-refundable, worth knowing before you book
Plan your visit
Who can become a member?
Your child needs to live in or attend school in Midlothian, be under 19, and have an additional need diagnosed or recognised by a health professional, social worker or educational professional.
How much does it cost?
Membership is £15 a year. A birthday party is £160, which includes a £50 non-refundable deposit.
Do I need to stay with my child?
For the playgroup, an appropriate adult has to attend with the child. For the out-of-school and youth clubs, an adult's only needed if your child requires 1:1 care or supervision, including continence care.
What are the opening times?
Community sessions run weekdays 10am to noon. ASN kids and youth sessions run Monday and Wednesday evenings, with an extra ASN youth session Thursday mornings 10am to noon.
Is it open in the school holidays?
Some sessions are term time only, but holiday clubs run during school breaks.
Can we book a birthday party?
Yes, Friday 2:30pm to 5:30pm or Saturday in two slots, 10:30am to 1:30pm or 2pm to 5pm. It's £160, with the balance due 14 days before the party and 10% off for members.
Is there food on site?
There's a café on site doing food.
Can we play music at a party?
There's a Bluetooth speaker and a CD player, but no WiFi, so download your playlist before you get there.
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