The Play Cove
at Make Waves
The sensory space for babies and young children in Bideford.
Opening Monday 3rd August 2026 - Book tickets online!
● Supporting Communication & Language
● Developing Physical Coordination & Strength
● Facilitating Social Confidence & Emotional Wellbeing
● Encouraging Early Literacy
● Supporting Numeracy Awareness
● Championing Creativity & Problem-Solving
● Encouraging Independence & Self-Confidence
● Supporting Communication & Language ● Developing Physical Coordination & Strength ● Facilitating Social Confidence & Emotional Wellbeing ● Encouraging Early Literacy ● Supporting Numeracy Awareness ● Championing Creativity & Problem-Solving ● Encouraging Independence & Self-Confidence
The Play Cove at Make Waves is an interactive children’s activity and play hub, thoughtfully created for children aged six and under.
Designed in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, our ocean themed play hub embraces all seven key areas of learning through purposeful, play-based exploration.
Play encourages little ones to build confidence, communication, coordination, and independence, all while having fun. Through hands-on sensory activities and imaginative play, children can learn, discover, and grow in a safe, nurturing space.
More than just activity, The Play Cove is a welcoming community for parents and carers too. A place to connect, share experiences, and build friendships while your little one plays alongside other children. It’s a safe, supportive environment where under 6’s and new parents can make friends, before the school playground.
Booked my daughter’s 3rd birthday here. All the children and adults enjoyed the soft play, all the staff were amazing and I can’t thank you all enough for making my little girl’s birthday amazing.
Staci B.
Supporting essential skills through play.
Through structured play, children can naturally develop the essential pre-school skills they need to thrive.
In partnership with the leadership team of Make Waves Nursery, The Play Cove was designed to bring play activities that support all 7 elements of learning and development, ensuring that every area of the play centre has purpose.
Through a combination of sensory experiences, parent guided activities and all the fun of soft play, children are able to learn and grow.
The soft play at Make Waves is brilliant. Very reasonable price - kept my 18 month old granddaughter busy for ages - great for tiring them out!
Jeani S.
There’s playtime fun for babies, toddlers and little ones.
With a wide range of age-appropriate activities that encourage development through play, there’s something for every child.
Our dedicated baby and toddler zones provide safe, tactile environments for early movement, exploration and growing independence, while our sensory-led and accessible spaces ensure children of all abilities, including those with SEND, can participate in activities comfortably and meaningfully during their visit.
A variety of parent-guided and free-play activities creates an inclusive environment where every child can explore, learn and thrive - with or without their adult alongside guiding them.
Bringing a child under 6 months? Use discount code ‘6MONTHS’ when booking online for savings on their ticket price.
Older children (aged 7-12) may also visit with their younger siblings as a mentor, to support or assist their sibling, rather than to use the space for their own general play.
This is designed to help families with younger children while keeping the environment focused as a safe play space designed for under 6’s.
All the staff are so friendly, welcoming and accommodating and great with children…
Cat E.
Accessible play zones for parents & caregivers.
We planned our layout to eliminate tight spaces, allowing adults to move easily throughout our play centre. You can comfortably follow your child’s journey, support their exploration, and stay close without feeling restricted or crowded.
An open design ensures uninterrupted visibility across all play zones, making it easy to see your child at all times as their independence grows.
For little ones still developing their motor skills, our dedicated baby and toddler zone is perfect for hands-on tummy time, crawling, climbing and exploring.
Had a great play today! First time and not from the area! Lovely staff and nice big soft play, right next to a shopping centre & free parking! Thank you.
Lauren O.
Space to meet and make new friends.
Meet other new parents, build friendships and become part of the Make Waves community. Whether you’re enjoying a barista coffee, a bite to eat, or simply taking a moment to rest from play, The Play Cove Café offers a restful spot with clear views across our play space.
Keep an eye on our ‘What’s on’ page to keep up to date with special occasions, coffee mornings and events here at Make Waves.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Play Cove is open Mondays - Saturdays: 9:30am - 14:30pm
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For children under 6 months old, use the discount code ‘6MONTHS’ when booking to discount the price of the booking by £3.50.
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We always recommend you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment on the day - you can book tickets online here.
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Yes, you can find out more about our Birthday Parties here.
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Yes, Siblings aged 7-12 years are welcome to accompany you to our play, and can be booked online as a Mentor, allowing an older child to enter the play centre to support or assist a younger sibling, rather than to use the space for their own general play.
Mentor children are older than our target age range so must be visually supervised by their accompanying adult, for the safety and enjoyment of all the children exploring our space.
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Our mentor tickets are for children aged 7-12 years old, allowing an older child to enter the play centre to support or assist a younger sibling, rather than to use the space for their own general play.
Mentor children are older than our target age range so must be visually supervised by their accompanying adult, for the safety and enjoyment of all the children exploring our space.
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Our nursery attendees have access to The Play Cove included + one adult.
When booking online, use your Membership Code at the checkout to access play for free.
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Our swimmers under 6 have access to The Play Cove included in their membership, + one adult.
When booking online, use your Membership Code at the checkout to access play for free.
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Children of mentor age (7-12 years) who also swim with Make Waves may attend Make Waves Play Cove for free with their appropriately aged younger sibling.
When booking online, use your Membership Code at the checkout to access play for free.
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Yes, for both hygiene and safety reasons, children (and adults) using the play equipment in our space should wear socks.