Minky Moos offer themed sensory play sessions incorporating lights, music and actions. These are run by Penny and her team of helpers, with weekly sessions in Southbourne and Broadstone, plus ad hoc sessions in various venues in the Bournemouth area, including Baby/Toddler goes Clubbing events at Sobo Beach.
How to get to Minky Moos
The two weekly sessions take place at the Stourvale Centre in Southbourne and the Junction in Broadstone.
The Stourvale Centre
We attended a session at The Stourvale Centre, which takes place on Friday mornings. The centre is on the outskirts of Southbourne, 3 of miles west of central Bournemouth along the A35.
By Bus
Buses No 1a and 22 stop at St James School a 5 minute walk away. Buses 1b,1c and m2 stop at Pokesdown Station, which Google Maps describes as a 7 minute walk away, although it’s quite a steep road.
Access
The centre is easily accessed via steps or a ramp.
Parking
Free parking is available on surrounding roads. However, finding a space nearby is not always easy.
Times
There are two sessions on Friday mornings:
- 10 am to 10.45 am (babies and crawlers)
- 11.15 am to 12 pm (walkers and pre-schoolers)
The Junction
Sessions also take place on Wednesdays at the Junction in Broadstone, 7 miles north west of Bournemouth. We haven’t attended these, as the toddler session is during Orla’s lunch time and would involve her becoming hangry.
By Bus
Bus No 18 stops at Broadway a 5 minute walk away.
Access
The centre is easily accessible.
Parking
Station Approach Car Park is adjacent to the Junction. Parking costs £1.50 for one hour.
Times
There are two sessions on Wednesday mornings:
- 10.30 am to 11.15 am (babies and crawlers)
- 11.30 am to 12.15 pm (walkers and pre-schoolers)
Price
Regular sessions cost £7 for one child or £12 for two siblings.
Suitable for age
The earlier sessions are aimed at babies, with the second session being suitable for pre-school children from ages 1 to 4.
As mentioned above, we found the timing to be an issue, with the session for older children running into Orla’s lunch and subsequent nap time. She was very tired and hungry by the time we made it back to the car.
Details
Sessions have a weekly theme. The one we attended was just before Christmas, so had a festive theme and included a visit from Santa.
Following a welcome song, the session is split into segments included singing, action songs, musical instruments, bubbles (the session we attended also had fake snow), spinning lights and a darkened room for magical light play.
To be honest, Orla found it all rather overwhelming and in particular didn’t like it when the lights were turned off. However, with each session following a similar format, presumably she would have got used to this over time. In addition, the music was very loud, which neither of us enjoyed. I had a headache by the time we left!
Note: The session we attended cost £13.50 and included a gift from Father Christmas. This was a party bag containing, among other things, a candy cane. As candy canes are a choking hazard and not recommended for children under 5, I removed it from the bag and Orla got rather upset with grandma confiscating her gift from Santa.
Food & Drink
There were some cups of juice on the counter and the children were offered a biscuit during the session.
Toilets/Changing Facilities
Both centres have good toilet and changing facilities.
Baby/Toddler Goes Clubbing
Baby/Toddler goes Clubbing sessions are held monthly at Sobo Beach. The format is similar, but with the addition of someone dressed as a tv/film character. The event we attended had a Hawaiian themed event, with the character being Moana. There was music and dancing, plus other activities, such as a bubble machine and water play table. I appreciate that the event had a clubbing theme, but the music was very loud.
By Bus
Buses No 1a and 22 stop at Southbourne Crossroads a 6 minute walk away. During the summer, the 70 Breezer Bus stops at Warren Edge Close, which is slightly closer.
Access
Access is via a path running down the clifftop. The shortest path runs from Warren Edge Car Park. St Catherine’s Slope, near Southbourne Crossroads, is another (slightly longer) alternative. Access is step free, but pushing a pushchair back up the slope afterwards isn’t much fun.
Parking
Free parking is available on surrounding roads. Warren Edge Car Park is the closest option. Parking here costs £6.40 for 2 hours (£2.70 between November and March).
Times
Sessions run between 10.30 am and midday.
Details
Activities on offer include dance songs and club classics, water play, bubbles. Plus, as mentioned above a ‘special guest’ for the children to dance and have photos taken with.
Price
Baby/Toddler goes Clubbing sessions cost £10. I thought this was a bit much for what was on offer and probably wouldn’t bother attending again.
Food and Drink
Food and drink are available at the nearby bar. We didn’t purchase anything as the queue was enormous.
Toilets/Changing facilities
The toilets, which are really grotty, are at the other end of the complex, down a ramp and up another ramp. As the event is held in a cordoned off area, going to the toilet also involves opening and closing the barrier. All quite time consuming and not ideal for a toilet training toddler.
Minky Moos also offers other entertainment, including parties with characters such as K-Pop Demon Hunters and Elsa from Frozen. They also runs free inter-generation sensory sessions at care homes.
- Updated: July 2026
For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.
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