Worldwide play centre opening its first site in Kirkby next month

The family venue will operate on a pay-once, stay-all-day basis, meaning visitors to the Kirkby site can enjoy the experience without being restricted to fixed time slots

A new “high quality” indoor play area has confirmed its opening date for one part of Merseyside. Monkey Town, the European indoor family entertainment brand operated by Dutch leisure group 24 Indoor, will launch its first newly developed site on Cherryfield Drive in Kirkby.

The 16,000sq/ft entertainment venue is expected to deliver one of the region’s most advanced indoor leisure experiences for children and families. Josh Buxton, UK country director, said: “Kirkby is a hugely exciting project for us and represents a major investment in family leisure within the region.

“We want Monkey Town to become a real community destination, somewhere families can spend quality time together in a safe, immersive and affordable environment. We know there has been strong demand locally for a high-quality indoor play offer, and we are very excited to bring the Monkey Town experience to Kirkby.”

The venue has been designed for children of all ages. A dedicated under-threes area will include interactive ball pools, building blocks, slides, and sensory play features to encourage creativity and early development.

Older children will have access to a large jungle-themed adventure zone featuring crawl tubes, climbing structures, interactive challenges, the brand’s signature Volcano slide, and the “Walk of Faith” attraction.

Further facilities will include an interactive sports pitch, an immersive pixel gaming floor with multiple game modes and a multi-level laser arena set within UV-themed environments.

The site is officially opening on Sunday, October 18. It will also offer family dining and a full birthday party programme, ranging from budget-friendly group parties to exclusive private hire options.

Monkey Town said accessibility and affordability have been central to the design of the Kirkby venue, with competitively priced entry for families. A pay-once, stay-all-day model will also be introduced, allowing visitors to stay without fixed time slots.

The development is expected to create more than 15 local jobs and is intended to play a role in Kirkby’s ongoing regeneration and community development plans.

Cllr Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “Internal works have been progressing at pace since Monkey Town took over the unit on Cherryfield Drive.

“I’m delighted that they have a confirmed opening date of October 18, ahead of the important school holidays, and it will provide opportunities to meet up and socialise whilst also providing family fun.

“This latest opening complements the range of new businesses opening in the town centre over the last few weeks including Casa Roni, The Works, Bloom Childcare and a Knowsley FACE adult learning hub.”