This Easter, Metrocentre are inviting younger visitors and their families to travel in time with a journey through its playful, immersive ‘Retro Mini Metro’ – one of several special attractions the complex has lined up over coming months to help celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Taking place in Exhibition Square from Monday 6 April through to Sunday 19 April 2026, the Retro Mini Metro attraction offers youngsters the chance to step into a creative, colourful world of role-play where little imaginations can run wild.
There’s the chance to explore what it might be like to work behind the counters of make-believe toy and clothing stores, give or receive beauty treatments in the salon, even serve tickets and hotdogs in the cinema. All of which gives children the chance to learn and practice real-life skills in communication, teamwork and money basics.
Merging past with present, there are also throwbacks to the iconic Metroland Arcade and Clockworks Food Court, offering youngsters a glimpse into what Metrocentre was like in the 1980s, 1990s and early noughties – while parents relive memories from their own youth.
Centre Director, Gavin Prior, said: ‘Retro Mini Metro really brings to life, in a fun and interactive way, just how much Metrocentre has evolved over its four decades – and continues to evolve.
‘From revisiting highlights from the centre’s past to showcasing its present-day appeal, this family-friendly attraction celebrates the dynamic nature of Metrocentre, aiming to inspire shoppers for generations to come.’
Catering primarily for children aged seven years and under, Retro Mini Metro will be open from 11am until 4pm daily, with no need to book.
Admission is free but a donation of £2 is encouraged, with all proceeds raised going to the Daisy Chain Project to support their work empowering autistic and neurodivergent individuals through the provision of holistic person-centred services.
Alongside these essential support services, Daisy Chain also promotes training, wellbeing, inclusion and acceptance, both regionally and nationwide, and operates a charity megastore just down the road in Team Valley creating jobs for neurodivergent people in a safe, understanding environment.
