A major new family attraction is launching in Basildon this month, offering inflatable games, climbing walls, retro arcade machines and bar games for all ages.

FunParx has confirmed it will open its new indoor adventure park inside Eastgate Shopping Centre on 11 December, aiming to provide an affordable, all-weather entertainment option for local families.

🏰 What’s Inside the New FunParx Basildon Venue

The new site, located beside the food court, gives visitors access to every activity with just one ticket.

Attractions include:

• A giant inflatable arena

• Ball pits

• Ninja-style assault courses

• Obstacle challenges

• Climbing walls

• A super tube slide

A café and bar area will also be available, making the park suitable for families, groups of friends and adults looking for fun indoor activities.

FunParx says the venue will cater to children, teenagers and adults, opening just in time for the Christmas school holidays.

🕹️ More Attractions: Retro Games, Bar Zone & Family Activities

Alongside the main inflatable arena, guests can enjoy:

• Retro arcade machines

• Inflatable football pitches and skittles

• Carnival-style games

• Inflatable axe throwing

• Football target challenges

• Soft play zones for younger children

• Radio controlled diggers and dumpers

A dedicated bar games zone will offer pool, air hockey and interactive darts.

Co-founder Matt Tofts, who has strong links to the local area, said the team chose Basildon due to the lack of nearby leisure facilities.

“We are so excited to be opening in Basildon. There is very little for families to do locally without travelling far. This site is going to be fantastic for everyone, and we cannot wait to welcome people in,” he said.

💷 Prices, Accessibility and Future Sessions

FunParx says it intends to keep prices affordable, with a standard ticket at £9.99 and family tickets from £30 for four people to encourage regular visits.

From 2026, the venue will introduce special sessions for:

• Toddlers

• Children with special educational needs (SEN)

• After-school clubs

• Community groups

• Corporate team-building

• Local schools

With nearby parking and a central town-centre location, the company says the venue offers a convenient all-weather option for families and groups who want activities that don’t require long travel.

⚖️ The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Basildon

The opening comes at a time when town centres are increasingly looking for new leisure attractions to help draw footfall and offer more than just retail.

Some see FunParx as a positive addition that provides affordable, family-focused activities during a time when budgets are tight.

Others argue that leisure venues can be a short-term boost unless supported by broader regeneration efforts, public transport improvements and long-term investment in the town centre.

The launch is likely to spark wider discussions about the changing identity of shopping centres and the role of entertainment spaces in keeping high streets active.

💬 Your Thoughts: Will FunParx Help Revitalise Basildon Town Centre?

Do you think new leisure attractions like this are the key to bringing life back into local town centres?

Or should councils and developers focus on different types of regeneration?

Share your thoughts your views help shape the conversation across Essex.