ALL DAY, EVERYDAY, HANGOUTS FOR the whole FAMILy.
Welcome to The Hang Out Venue, Southend-on-Sea
Slow down. Connect. Play. Create. Simply hang out.
Life can move at 100 miles an hour. The Hang Out is a relaxed home-from-home for children, young people and families in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, created by two local mums. It’s a place where children and young people can play, explore, socialise and gently stretch their boundaries, with parents, carers or trusted adults close by.
We love intergenerational family time. Whether you’re bringing a new baby, little ones, teenagers and grandparents, if you fancy a game, a cuppa and some company with those you love – there’s a place for you here.
Midweek, after school or at the weekend – every day is a Hangout day.
Something for Everyone
Play, create, game or simply relax. You’ll find traditional toys, arts and crafts, knitting, crochet and sewing, table tennis, table football, air hockey, gaming, board games, chess, books and more with cosy spaces to sit and chat.
There doesn’t need to be a plan. Come for Stay & Play, an after-school meet-up, family time, or simply somewhere comfortable to be together.
Celebrate & Get Together
Looking for family-friendly venue hire in Southend-on-Sea? Our flexible spaces are available for birthday parties, baby showers and reveals, christenings, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life and other family celebrations and events. We also welcome community groups, meetings, family time, workshops, classes, clubs, support groups and events.
With activities and a variety of comfortable spaces for different generations, it’s a venue designed for the whole family and all ages, not just the children.
Our Community
We see The Hang Out as one piece of the jigsaw in our wonderful Southend community. As a social enterprise, any profit helps us further our mission to enhance the lives of children, young people, families and our wider community.
Our ethos is simple: don’t replicate what already works – connect, complement and support it. Where local groups and services already have expertise and trusted relationships, we want to help people connect with them.
We’re also keen to support new groups and ideas where there’s a gap – whether that means providing a space, making connections or working together.
We have the venue and the vibes – how can we work together?
Stay & Play Opening Hours
Monday–Saturday: 10am–6pm
Sunday: 11am–5pm
We sometimes host private parties, sessions and community events, so please check availability before travelling.
Upcoming Changes
Tuesday 6 October – Walk-ins 10am–6pm
STRM Parent Support: 9.15am–11.15am
Saturday 17 October – Walk-ins 10am–6pm
Limited availability 12pm–2pm – advance booking recommended.
Sunday 18 October – Walk-ins 12.30pm–5pm
Parent Voice: 10am–12pm
Tuesday 20 October – Walk-ins 12.30pm–6pm
Southend Support Breastfeeding & Parent Support: 10am–12pm
Tuesday 27 October – Walk-ins 10am–3.30pm
Private party: 4pm–6pm
Come in, get comfortable and make yourself at home hanging out.
Stay & Play Prices
1 Hour
- Ages 1–18: £5.00 per child
- Under 1s: £2.50 per child
2 Hours
- Ages 1–18: £8.99 per child
- Under 1s: £5.00 per child
Up to two adults are FREE with each booking.
play passes
I KNOW this is early but planting the seed as you start making plans for Christmas & New Year.
Family time is precious and holidays can be quiet. Bank Holiday was really quiet. We will open between Christmas & New Year IF we have advance bookings. If we have no advance bookings we will take an extended break with our families as lots of other organisations do.
If we see bookings coming in we will definitely open. Book now to ensure a relaxed festive hangout.
Food & Drink Policy
The Hang Out Venue operates a No Picnic Policy during all open play sessions. This means that food and drink purchased elsewhere cannot be consumed on the premises.
The only exception is for exclusive venue hire, full cabin hire and private parties, where alternative arrangements may apply.
Our No Picnic Policy helps us meet the requirements of our liability insurance and local health and safety regulations, while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all our families.
Feeling peckish? Our snack bar and tuck shop offer a variety of snacks and refreshments to enjoy during your visit.
