interior playground and seating area

Pubs with Play Areas

Keeping the whole family fed, watered and entertained without burning a hole in your pocket can feel like an ever-lasting struggle, particularly during the school holidays. Not to worry – if you're tired of hearing "I'm bored" and "What's for dinner?", our pubs with play areas are here to make everything that little bit easier, even on the days when you're running on strong coffee and a dream. 

Find a pub with a play area

What to expect from our play area pubs 

Here at Greene King, we’re all about family time. Helping you create special memories that stand the test of time is a top priority, and if we can also help you save a few pennies along the way, then it’s a win-win!  

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or you just feel like getting out of the house, our play areas do all the hard work for you. No picnic-packing, panicking or prep. Just great food and a welcome break from the chaos. 

 

Best pubs with indoor play areas 

Finding family-friendly indoor activities can be tricky, not to mention expensive! Once the arcade has claimed your last 10p coin and you’ve seen all the latest films at the cinema, what next? Fortunately, our pubs with indoor play areas have everything you need to guarantee smiles all round, including delicious, budget-friendly food to appease even the fussiest of eaters and thrilling indoor soft play areas where your little monkeys can run wild.  

Need a few recommendations? Here are just a few of our top picks: 

 

The New Florence – Stoke-on-Trent  

With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and sizeable beer garden, the New Florence in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, is a quintessential family pub, happy to accommodate large parties with children of all ages. 

interior playground and seating area

And hey, what’s better than a fully loaded carvery deck overflowing with succulent meats, crispy roasties and beautifully fluffy Yorkie puds? One with a Wacky Warehouse in the next room, of course! Featuring both indoor and outdoor play areas, the New Florence is perfect for a family outing, whatever the weather. 

 

The Mill House – Emersons Green 

Interior play area of a pub with a dining area.

Located next to Emersons Green retail park, just a 20-minute drive from central Bristol, the Mill House is ideal for busy families on the go. If you’re hungry for something fail-safe and easy on the wallet, you’re in luck, because the Mill House serves up a delicious array of pub food crowd-pleasers, stacked burgers and kid-friendly options. 

Great news for the little ones: the Mill House also features a Wacky Warehouse, with slides, tunnels and ball pits galore! Plus, with a pool table and live sports on the big screen, there’s entertainment for all.  

 

The Story Teller – Rotherham 

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If quality time is what you’re craving, the Story Teller in Rotherham has you covered. This family-friendly, dog-friendly pub is the heart and soul of the community, sitting just seven minutes away from the AESSEAL New York Football Stadium and a five-minute drive from Rotherham town centre. 

Along with a thrilling Wacky Warehouse soft play area, the Story Teller boasts an extensive menu of comfort food favourites and of course, the carvery deck of dreams. And yes, that includes gravy by the boatload. 

 

 

Best pubs with outdoor play areas 

Hooray — the sun is shining! It may be beer garden weather, but the little ones are pining for a park or an adventure playground. Don’t worry, we’ve got just the solution; the best of both worlds, if you will. Our pubs with outdoor play areas offer plenty of room for young imaginations to soar, along with quiet corners and sun-drenched chill-out spots for the grown-ups. 

If you’re after top-notch pubs with outdoor play areas, take a peek at our suggestions: 

 

Harvest Moon – Bishop’s Stortford 

exterior play area

Nestled in the historic market town of Bishop’s Stortford, a short jaunt from Stanstead Airport, the Harvest Moon is a charming, family-friendly pub with a cosy yet vibrant atmosphere. While the building may be over 200 years old, guests can enjoy the modern conveniences of free Wi-fi, disabled facilities and, of course, an outdoor play area for the little ones.  

Grab a bite to eat, book in for your next special occasion, or simply pull up a pew in the beer garden and relax while the kids use up some of that seemingly endless energy. 

 

The Commercial – Killay 

Exterior playground of a pub.

Whether you’re a local of Killay or you’re enjoying a lovely family holiday in South Wales, the Commercial is a pub that ticks all the boxes; great facilities, a friendly atmosphere and tasty treats for every age, palate and preference. 

Located just three miles from Swansea Beach, this lively pub is ideal for a spot of family fun in the sun. On the other hand, if you’ve had all the sun you can handle, why not take a seat in the covered outdoor seating area next to the outdoor play area? Peace of mind with a pint in hand – perfection!  

 

The Hare and Hounds – Arreton 

Exterior play area of a pub.

Deep in the heart of the Isle of Wight, nestled in the village of Arreton, lies the Hare and Hounds, a cosy country pub with a lot of heart. Perfect for families seeking a slice of peace and quiet, this pub offers a break away from the hustle and bustle despite being only two and a half miles from central Newport. 

With a thrilling outdoor play area and plenty of kid-approved options on the menu, the Hare and Hounds is a welcoming haven for any-sized family. for Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so nobody has to miss out! 

 

Find pubs with play areas near you 


At Greene King, we believe that family time should be easy, budget-friendly and most importantly, memorable. From spontaneous after-school excursions to full-scale family reunions, our pubs with play areas are here to add a touch of magic to any occasion, so you can relax and focus on the good times.