Role Play Rascals in Faversham opens alongside soft play and bowling centres in Kent

An indoor play centre, which had only opened two days before lockdown, is now able to welcome back families again.

Role Play Rascals in Faversham had just held its official opening ceremony in March when the government then ordered people to stay at home because of the emerging coronavirus pandemic.

The centre in Stone Street had been in the planning since November 2019 and was offering children and their families the chance to immerse themselves in a number of real-life and fantasy worlds for the ultimate imaginary play experience.

But with schools and attractions closed and non-essential shops no longer trading, mother-of-three Hayley Gatward had no choice but to also close the doors on her new business venture.

Role Play Rascals, which includes a garage for young mechanics to use tools and change tyres, a train with roles for both driver and passenger, a supermarket and a space-themed rocket for budding astronauts as well as a dinosaur-themed land, a Superhero Lair for defeating villains and Unicorn Meadow fit for pint-sized prince and princess, has like many businesses had to think of other ways to ride the economic storm created by the pandemic.

In April it launched the sale of gift vouchers and advanced passes to enable families to support the businesss whilst it was closed.

But under the latest relaxation of lockdown laws, announced by the government last week, the indoor play centre alongside bowling alleys and soft play attractions can now reopen to the public.

Hayley welcomed the change. She said: "I am absolutely delighted with the news meaning I can finally open."

She is now taking bookings for social bubble exclusive use sessions only, which will allow two households of friends or family to meet at the former Allegro dance studio and enjoy a 90 minute play.

Families must pre-book at least 12 hours in advance with bookings open for slots up to a week in advance.

Parents and carers can book at www.roleplayrascals.com/book-online and turn to the Covid-19 page on the site for all the information about how Hayley and her team are following the fresh guidelines to keep staff and visitors safe.

Bowling alleys in Kent have also begun the process of now reopening with Hollywood Bowl chains in the county reopening its lanes for the first time again on Saturday (August 15).
A number of the county's soft play centres are also now in the process of establishing how they too can get up and running with Adventure Kidz in Aylesford amongst those saying that it was now studying the fresh guidance to establish how it too can safely reopen to visitors.

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids across Kent please click here.