When you’re a dad trying to plan a memorable day out for three energetic 10-year-olds, you quickly learn two things:
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They have endless energy.
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Sitting still is not an option.
So when we heard about Toca Social at the O2, it sounded perfect — a mix of football, games, food, and just enough tech to keep everyone happy. And honestly? It was brilliant, but there are a few things I’d keep in mind if you’re thinking of visiting.
First Impressions:
Walking into Toca Social feels a bit like stepping into a high-end sports arcade. Big screens, neon lights, and a really upbeat atmosphere. It’s set up with different “booths” where you and your group can play a series of football-based games. The space is lively, but not overwhelming — even with three excitable kids, it didn’t feel chaotic.
The Games:
The real winner here is how the games are built for everyone — whether your kids play football every weekend or just kick about at the park. The games are simple: aim, kick, score points. It’s competitive without being stressful, and the tech makes sure it feels fair and fun. You get instant feedback and silly animations when you score — the boys absolutely loved it.
Each game lasted just long enough to stay exciting but not so long they got bored (a rare sweet spot with 10-year-olds). Plus, the system keeps track of everyone’s scores, so there was a lot of shouting, cheering, and, let’s be honest, a bit of friendly trash talk.
Food and Drinks:
Toca Social isn’t just about football — it’s also a pretty decent place to eat. The menu is smart: burgers, chicken wings, fries — all the stuff kids (and dads) love, but done really well. They also had some interesting desserts, which, predictably, went down faster than a Messi penalty.
Prices aren’t the cheapest, but you’re paying for the whole experience, in London — and the quality was definitely better than your average kids’ day out fare.
Dad Points to Note:
- Booking: Definitely book ahead — especially weekends and holidays.
- Cost: It can add up. Between the booth, food, and a few drinks, it’s not a budget day out. But for a special occasion (birthday treat, end-of-school celebration), it’s totally worth it. In fact, I’d also recommend it for a day out if it’s the only day out you plan!
- Energy Burner: The kids were shattered afterwards — massive bonus if you ask me.
- Age Range: I’d say perfect for ages 8+, but there were plenty of grown-ups without kids having a great time too.
- Time Management: Sessions are time-limited. After your slot, you can hang out in the bar/restaurant area and play table football or arcade games, but you can’t just keep playing, so make sure you plan around your time.
Overall Verdict:
Toca Social at the O2 is a brilliant option if you’re a dad looking to balance something active, fun, and a bit different. The kids had a blast, I got to feel slightly athletic without breaking too much of a sweat, and we all left smiling (and very ready for a quiet evening at home).
Would I go again?
Definitely — but maybe next time, I’ll book a booth for myself and some mates too.
