Derbyshire Toy Libraries
BEST FOR
Ages 0-5
ENTRY
from £4
WHERE
Belper
What it’s like
Stay & Play sessions with soft mats, ride-ons and craft for under-fives, plus a toy library with over a thousand toys to borrow.
This is really two things in one. There are weekly Stay & Play sessions, term time only, where under-fives get free play with soft play mats, sensory toys and ride-ons, plus a bit of song time thrown in. Then there's the toy library itself, a catalogue of over a thousand toys you can actually take home, which is the bit that makes this different from a standard baby group.
Sessions run on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings, each one under two and a half hours, so you're not committing your whole day. It's £4 a child on the door, cash or card, and you can reserve a spot free online first if you want to guarantee a place. No need to book ahead if you'd rather just turn up.
Joining the toy library costs £10 a year, and after that toys are yours to borrow from 50p a week, which is a cheap way to keep a two-year-old in fresh entertainment without buying another box of plastic that gets ignored by Tuesday. Standard hire is a week, and they'll let you extend it if something's become the firm favourite that gets dragged everywhere.
Worth knowing that the Stay & Play sessions stop over the school holidays, so if you're relying on it as your regular Wednesday morning fixture, you'll need a plan B for six weeks in summer. Birthday parties are covered too, with Party Packs of soft play, ride-ons and games built for 0 to 5 year olds and priced at £45, either off the shelf or tailored to your space.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 0 to 5, with soft play and toys geared to that age
- Booking
- Reserve free online on Eventbrite to save your spot
- Parties
- Party Packs with soft play, ride-ons and games for 0–5 year olds, tailored to venue and age group
- Stay & Play sessions stop during school holidays, term time only
- Reserving online is free but not compulsory, pay £4 on the day either way
- Toy library membership is separate from Stay & Play, £10 a year to join
- Party Packs need reserving in advance to tailor them to your age group
Plan your visit
How much does a session cost?
£4 per child, paid on arrival by cash or card. You can reserve your spot free online beforehand if you like.
Do we need to book?
Booking isn't required, but reserving online is free and saves your spot on busier mornings.
What ages is this for?
It's aimed at babies through to five year olds, with soft play mats and sensory toys suited to that range.
What days do sessions run?
Wednesday mornings 10 to 12, Friday 9.30 to 11, and Saturday 9 to 11.30. All term time only.
How does the toy library work?
Membership is £10 a year, then toys cost from 50p a week to borrow. Standard hire is seven days, and you can extend if it's become the favourite.
What happens if a borrowed toy breaks?
Minor repairs are covered as standard, and they'll talk you through it if a replacement ends up being needed.
Can we book for a birthday party?
Party Packs with soft play, ride-ons and games for 0 to 5 year olds cost £45 and can be tailored to your space and age group.
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