Many parents – and perhaps even more children – have been left feeling sad following the closure of a much-loved Leicester children’s play centre.
Go Kids Go, located on Raw Dykes Road, closed its doors for the final time on Tuesday, 6 January. For families across the city, the news marked the end of an era, while for adults who grew up visiting the venue, it has sparked a wave of nostalgia.
For many who are now in their twenties, Go Kids Go was a staple of childhood. It was the kind of place that promised an exciting afternoon filled with laughter, energy and adventure. While parents sat chatting over a hot drink, children raced through the soft play area, competing with friends and burning off boundless energy.
One of the most memorable features for many visitors was the set of four wave-shaped slides, painted in bold tones of red, orange, yellow and black. They were often the main attraction, with children dashing through the play area again and again, desperate to be the first to reach the top before sliding down and repeating the challenge.
Beyond the slides, Go Kids Go offered activities that tested confidence as well as coordination. The coconut tree climb stood out as a particularly daunting feature. Harnessed in place, children would attempt to scale the textured trunk, some reaching the top with ease while others clung on nervously, discovering an unexpected fear of heights along the way.
Another section fondly remembered was an obstacle course that featured in earlier years of the centre. Suspended a short distance above the ground, it challenged children to cross nets, wooden beams and rope-style walkways while secured in a harness. For some, simply stepping onto the structure was a victory in itself, even if the course ended early with a request to be helped back down.
Despite moments of fear or hesitation, visits to Go Kids Go were overwhelmingly joyful. The venue was also a popular choice for birthday parties, hosting countless celebrations and milestones for local families.
The closure has been widely felt, but there is some hope for the future. The team behind Go Kids Go have said they are actively working towards reopening in a new location, with the aim of once again creating a space where children can play, explore and make lasting memories.
For now, Go Kids Go remains a cherished chapter in Leicester’s family history – a place remembered not just for its slides and obstacles, but for the shared moments of childhood it helped create.
