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I had been planning to take the kids to Mattel Play! in Liverpool for ages, so when they invited us to visit this half-term I was delighted. Mattel Play! is a 13,000-square-foot interactive adventure play centre at the Albert Docks in Liverpool. Featuring three themed zones with character favourites Thomas & Friends, Bob The Builder and Fireman Sam. I knew Daisy and Jake would love it.
When you book you are given a two-hour entry slot, I think this is a really good idea as it stops the experience from becoming overcrowded. Two hours gave us enough time to visit each of the zones a few times over. The kids had plenty of room to play and take a turn on everything they wanted to.
We arrived a little early for our slot so we had a sandwich and a drink in the cafe located just inside the building. Once we were ready for our adventure to begin, Daddy and I were given coloured wristbands to wear. This was so we could listen for the ‘times up’ announcement.
Daisy and Jake excitedly headed up the spiral stairs, there is also a lift available. We were greeted by the amazing sites of the Island of Sodor. I was extremely impressed at how much detail had gone into creating this fantastic themed area. You could tell that so much thought had been put into this Thomas & Friends attraction.
The kids loved pretending to be the station master in Knapford station. Jake found a working tangy and Daisy was happy in the ticket office.
Daisy posed for photos with her favourite engines Thomas and Rosie and Jake found a construction area which made him very happy.
They took it in turns riding the miniature push-along train and tending to Farmer Mc’Colls vegetables on his farm.
Next up was the ball pool where Harold The Helicopter awaited, this is where Daisy and Jake spent a lot of time.
Heading into the Bob The Builder zone we passed the stage area where a meet and greet with Fireman Sam was just starting. Jake loved meeting one of his favourite characters and happily posed for a photo.
In the Bob zone, we found lots of really cool construction activities. Daisy climbed aboard Scoop and Jake was in his element when he found the building bricks. I really liked the drawing station, where the kids can trace the illuminated pictures or create their own on chalkboards.
The Fireman Sam zone was equally as cool, you could pick up a firefighters costume and helmet to wear on the way in. Both the kids loved the ocean rescue centre and climbing on board Titan the sea rescue vehicle.
They both got to drive Jupiter the fire engine, Jake loved that there were lots of buttons and levers to press on the side of the vehicle. Daisy had a go on the fireman’s pole too.
We spent the remainder of our time back in the Thomas & Friends zone, this seemed to be the kid’s favourite area of all.
There are several things that stood out for me about Mattel Play! that was particularly impressive. Firstly the staff are amazing, so friendly and really great with the kids. Every single area was super clean and tidy which is impressive with the amount of families that must visit each day. There were also lots of seating areas for the grown up’s to sit while the little ones enjoyed playing.
We will definitely be back to visit again very soon.
