If you are stuck for ways to entertain the kiddos this #halfterm, we have 5 suggestions that are guaranteed fun for children of all ages:
- Science Museum: is such a wonderful museum with plenty of buttons to press for the kids and gadgets to explore (beware of the treasure trove gift shop)! The best part, which is still somewhat of a London secret, is what they call The Garden. The Garden is in the basement of the museum, is aimed at children aged 3-6 (though we have visited it with babies who are 12 months old) and is perfect for sensory play. There is also a room for parking buggies and a huge section just outside The Garden where children can eat their lunch. http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/plan_your_visit/exhibitions/the_garden Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD
Other info: you may be able to find pay&display parking on or around Queens Gate, but it can be quite pricey if you plan to spend more than an hour at the museum. The nearest tube stop is South Kensington and it has an exit that brings you out right by the museum.
- The Hounslow Urban Farm: well worth a visit at any time of year. The farm has every type of animal that is sung about in nursery rhymes; you can feed some, ride on some, pet some! There is a fantastic activity, called Animal Encounter, which gives you an opportunity to meet and hold various creatures and critters. Pony-riding is unavailable over winter, though we hear they will soon be introducing donkey rides (cute)! The farm also re-homes unwanted animals, so it’s a great place to spend your half-term money. http://hounslowurbanfarm.co.uk/ Faggs Road, Middlesex, TW14 OLX
Other info: there is plenty of parking onsite and under 2’s get free entry.
- Snakes and Ladders, Brentford (Syon Park): the mother of all soft-play areas, this is a super rainy day destination. Heaven on earth for children (not so much for us) it houses a giant soft-play area for 5-12 year olds (younger kiddie winkies can also use it with supervision) and there is now a separate dedicated area for the under 5’s. There is also a café that serves food for children and adults (Adults don’t forget to take socks as you can’t enter the soft-play areas barefoot). If you can make it past the soft-play and the rain relents for a while, there is an outdoor playground with a pirate ship to climb and a bouncy dome for jumping. Expect a tantrum on the way out! The kiddos are usually too wired and don’t want to leave, or exhausted and sensitive and don’t realise they need to leave so there may well be tears when it is time to go home. http://www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk/brentford/playcentre-prices/ Syon Park, Brentford, TW8 8JF
Other info: there is parking onsite and a lovely garden centre that is defo worth a visit if you have the time. Also be prepared for potential morning queues at Snakes&Ladders on half-term rainy days.
- Pumpkin Festival (Osterley Park and House – National Trust ): it is difficult to find pumpkin patches around London, but this is the next best thing. Osterley Park’s festival has games (conkers, marshmallow toasting, leaf pit) and – more importantly – pumpkin carving! A fun way to enjoy and celebrate autumn before winter hits and we get stuck indoors. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/39ab468d-b533-43fa-a2fc-793ae9be37f4/pages/details Jersey Road, Middlesex, TW7 4RB
Other info: parking is not free (£6), but entry is free for National Trust members and children under 5.
- Bach to Baby: a magnificent series of classical concerts aimed at children, in a laid-back friendly environment and held at different venues on rotation. This is a must must must for anyone with musical bones! Click the link to find your nearest venue. http://www.bachtobaby.com
Other info: Because it is aimed at children, anything goes (running, jumping, singing, dancing, nappy-changing, feeding)!
- And one for luck: The Gruffalo musical is showing at the Lyric Theatre (Shaftesbury Ave) until January 2017! Super fun for the whole family, this theatrical interpretation of the classic children’s book is only 55 minutes long which means even the little ones should (fingers crossed) be able to sit through it with no issues. A memorable first theatre experience for the youngest of them J https://www.fromtheboxoffice.com/city/2957-london/2Q28-the-gruffalo/?gclid=CI3i9OnO588CFYefGwodPL8DLw Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES
Other info: probably not worth trying to find parking here, the closest underground station is Piccadilly Circus. There is a complimentary babes-in-arms policy for babies under 18 months.
Let us know about your experiences if you manage to visit any of these places and please share any tips! xx