Calling all young adventurers and toy lovers! The Toy Takeover is coming to West Quay Retail Park in Southampton every Saturday throughout August 2026. Taking place on 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th August 2026 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, families can visit the pop-up Toy Lab located in the main car park play area to test the summer’s hottest toys, enjoy interactive demos, and vote to crown the ultimate toy of the season!
Event Schedule & Opening Times
The FREE Toy Takeover Event takes place across four Saturdays in August during the summer holidays:
- Event Dates: Saturday 8th, Saturday 15th, Saturday 22nd, and Saturday 29th August 2026
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM each day
- Location: Outdoor playground area (located in the main car park), West Quay Retail Park, Southampton (SO15 1BA)
Attractions & Event Highlights
An interactive, hands-on summer activity for children and families visiting West Quay Retail Park:
- The Toy Lab: An interactive pop-up zone where kids can unbox, test, and play with the season’s most sought-after toys and game releases.
- Weekly Rotations: Featured toys change every single week, giving repeat visitors a brand new selection to discover.
- Cast Your Vote: Children can vote for their favorite toys on test to help crown the ultimate “Toy of the Season.”
- Live Demos: Engaging product demonstrations from the event team showcasing how the newest gadgets, games, and toys work.
Ticket Types & Pricing
This event is completely free for all families—no advance booking or ticket required:
- General Admission: FREE (Drop-in event during operating hours)
How to Get to West Quay Retail Park, Southampton
West Quay Retail Park is situated right in Southampton city centre and is easily accessible by public transport or road:
- By Train: Southampton Central Railway Station is less than a 5-minute walk away. Exit via the South station entrance and follow Western Esplanade towards West Quay Retail Park.
- By Bus: City centre bus routes operated by Bluestar and Unilink stop along West Quay Road and Commercial Road, right next to the retail park.
- By Car: Follow the M27 to Junction 3 and continue down the M271 towards Southampton City Centre/Waterfront, following signs for West Quay Retail Park (SO15 1BA).
Parking Information
Parking options directly on site at West Quay Retail Park:
- On-Site Car Park: Pay-and-display parking is available directly in the West Quay Retail Park main car park (where the playground event space is located).
- Nearby Parking: Multi-storey parking is also available adjacent at Westquay Shopping Centre or the Harbour Parade surface car park.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the FREE Toy Takeover Event taking place?
- The event runs on four Saturdays in August 2026: 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th August, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day.
- Where is the event located?
- It takes place in the outdoor playground area located in the main car park at West Quay Retail Park, Southampton (SO15 1BA).
- Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
- No, the event is completely free to attend and no advance tickets or bookings are needed.
- What is the Toy Lab?
- The Toy Lab is an interactive pop-up play area where children can test out and play with the latest summer toys and game releases for free.
- Will the same toys be available every week?
- No, a different selection of featured toys will be available to test each week, giving children new toys to try on every visit.
- How does voting for the ultimate toy work?
- Children can cast a vote for their favourite toy after testing them in the Toy Lab to help crown the ultimate toy of the season.
- What age group is the event suitable for?
- The event is designed for children of all ages and toy lovers visiting with their families.
- Where is the best place to park?
- Parking is available directly in the West Quay Retail Park main car park where the playground event area is located.
- How do I get to West Quay Retail Park by train?
- Southampton Central Railway Station is less than a 5-minute walk from West Quay Retail Park via the South entrance.
- Will the event run if it rains?
- The event is located in the outdoor play area, but covered options or adjustments will be provided by the event staff depending on weather conditions.