Christine Fieldhouse took her son Jack and his friend Aidan to four soft play areas in the region. They give marks out of five for which are best for half-term fun.

TOPOLI JOE

Venue: 172 Northgate, Darlington

Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm

Telephone: (01325) 466234

TOPOLI Joe offers a 90-minute adventure for £3. Testers Jack and Aidan, both four, climbed, swung, slid and tunnelled their way round the several-tier equipment, and still had some energy for a game of football on the soft play pitch afterwards. There are pedal cars and a little house, as well as a toddler area.

There are security cameras throughout and carers are given a ticket in return for their children's shoes on entry. Children's parties can be held here too.

Future plans include a beauty salon and a gym on the third floor. There is a baby changing area and toilets. Parking is available.

RATING:

Value: 4

Equipment: 4

Menu/food: 3

Extras : 5

Facilities: 3

TOTAL: 19

THE WACKY WAREHOUSE

Venue: The Coulby Farm, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough

Opening times: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 11am to 9pm

Telephone: (01642) 594140

For £2 each, Jack and Aidan had an hour's stimulating play. One of their favourite parts was a soft ball cannon.

Babies can enjoy a small area with soft blocks, while under fours have their own slide and ball pool. There is also a Camberwick Green ride and a ClubKart game, as well as vending machines and sweet machines (all extra charges).

There is a seating area for carers, and a refreshment area. The Coulby Wacky Warehouse is attached to a pub, which has a vast menu called Food Zone.

RATING:

Value: 3

Equipment: 3

Menu/food: 4

Extras : 3

Facilities: 4

TOTAL: 17

RUFF 'N' TUMBLE ADVENTURE WORLD

Venue: Park 2000, Millennium Way, Aycliffe Industrial Estate, Newton Aycliffe

Opening times: Mon - Thurs, 10am to 7.30pm; Friday, 10am to 8pm; Saturday, 9.30am to 8pm; Sunday, 9.30am to 7.30pm

Telephone: (01325) 313777

THIS is superb new play equipment based around a castle theme on three levels, with slides, a giant soft ball and soft, small cannons, from which soft balls can be fired - a dream come true for two little boys and worth every penny of the £3 entry for 90 minutes' play. (The charge goes up to £3.50 for children aged five to 11).

There is a large play area for under fours, and over sevens can test their courage on the Death Slide, for which children must wear special safety helmets. There is a large free car park and clean facilities for baby-changing within all toilets. A parents and toddler session is held on weekdays during term-time and Ruff 'N' Tumble offers parties.

RATING:

Value: 4

Equipment: 5

Menu/food: 5

Extras : 3

Facilities: 4

TOTAL: 21

NOAH'S ARK

Venue: Valley Road, Northallerton

Opening times: Monday to Friday, noon to 4.30pm. Holidays, 10am to 4.30pm

Telephone: (01609) 760700

NOAH'S Ark is much smaller than the other soft play areas, but the atmosphere is cosy and you can see your child wherever you sit. The entrance charge is £2.20 per child and guests are welcome to stay as long as they want. The equipment includes a bouncy castle, climbing frames, a ball pool, a slide and giant portable slide blocks. For toddlers there are toy vacuum cleaners and cars as well as rockers and bead games. Children must be signed in. The menu includes drinks and limited snacks, and car parking is on the street outside. There are unisex toilets, where there is a small baby changing area.

RATING:

Value: 5

Equipment: 3

Menu/food: 2

Extras: 2

Facilities: 3

Total: 15