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Where else to take the Gdcs?

(54 Posts)
Witzend Tue 25-Jul-23 14:45:34

We’re having all 3 of them (8, 7, 3.5) for a few days in the summer hols.

We’re in outer SW London. One must is Bockett’s Farm Park - a great success with the 2 elder last year - any other suggestions that aren’t too far?

Not Chessington (too crowded, queues too long) and not the Nat Hist/Science museums/Sea Life - have done all of those in the past year, ditto London Zoo.

Would be grateful for any other ideas.

Witzend Wed 26-Jul-23 09:02:59

Thanks, everybody! Some great ideas. Funnily enough, whoever said it, I mentioned the Postal Museum to dh just the other day - we visited it some years ago.

Hetty58, funnily enough, we actually enjoy taking them to do/see fun or interesting things. It won’t be too long before they’re past the stage of needing grandparent care during the holidays. And although we’re thankfully still fit and active, we’re not exactly spring chickens, so who knows how much longer that will be the case.

vegansrock Wed 26-Jul-23 07:44:03

A Thames boat trip is good too. You could stop at Battersea power station or Greenwich for a run around in the park.

vegansrock Wed 26-Jul-23 07:43:03

Second the postal museum and the transport museum .

p0Sy Wed 26-Jul-23 07:06:55

www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/explore/childrens-play/
Savill Gardens Play Park. Has recently opened. Need to book

Callistemon21 Tue 25-Jul-23 22:19:43

Lathyrus

Definitely not after your time Callistemon. I was there when it opened!!!

(Ancient😬)

Oh, missed it then!!

Hetty58 Tue 25-Jul-23 22:19:10

I know my limits - so leave all that to the parents. Mine are happy enough with dog walks and trips to the local park and cafe. I don't feel the need to keep them constantly occupied and entertained, either, as it's not good for them.

Lathyrus Tue 25-Jul-23 22:16:13

Definitely not after your time Callistemon. I was there when it opened!!!

(Ancient😬)

Callistemon21 Tue 25-Jul-23 22:12:29

Jaffacake2

My GC love Hobbledown at Epsom. Lots of animals,outdoor play including big bouncy pillows and Dragon tunnels plus an indoor soft play. Think they would enjoy it,need to prebook online.

And a couple of other farms for children too, if they like animals.
Lots of other activities .

www.timeandleisure.co.uk/things-to-do/childrens-farms-in-south-west-london-and-surrey/

This takes me back 🙂
I remember taking our DC to Godstone years ao.

Callistemon21 Tue 25-Jul-23 22:05:55

Lathyrus

Callistemon21

Is the Polka Children’s theatre still there in Wimbledon or is it long gone? I was only thinking about it yesterday.

We went to see Rainbow with Geoffrey there very many years ago 😁

polkatheatre.com/whats-on/

Think the show we liked best was the one with the Guardin’ Gnomes😬

Probably after our time there
Sounds funny though!

CrochetBliss Tue 25-Jul-23 22:02:43

Snakes and Ladders is quite nice and has tea for grownups

They have one near you, the syon park one

Lathyrus Tue 25-Jul-23 21:59:02

Callistemon21

^Is the Polka Children’s theatre still there in Wimbledon or is it long gone? I was only thinking about it yesterday^.

We went to see Rainbow with Geoffrey there very many years ago 😁

polkatheatre.com/whats-on/

Think the show we liked best was the one with the Guardin’ Gnomes😬

Patsy70 Tue 25-Jul-23 21:50:48

We’ve got our 2 grandsons staying for a few days next week. We are taking them to the Cutty Sark, Greenwich and around that part of London, with boat trips etc. Going swimming another day, with various dog walks. Visiting the local bird sanctuary, Eagle Heights. Then a trip to Chislehurst Caves. In between this, there will be picnics and games!

Gingerrice Tue 25-Jul-23 20:47:01

Recently went to London Postal Museum - great for all ages but the play area ( which is excellent ) is for 8 and under . I'd go again tomorrow if I had the chance!!!

Jaffacake2 Tue 25-Jul-23 20:43:49

Just thought of another favourite. Hollycombe steam fair at Liphook. Steam trains,carousel rides, take a picnic. Again prebook. My GC are 6 and nearly 8.

Jaffacake2 Tue 25-Jul-23 20:41:22

My GC love Hobbledown at Epsom. Lots of animals,outdoor play including big bouncy pillows and Dragon tunnels plus an indoor soft play. Think they would enjoy it,need to prebook online.

Aveline Tue 25-Jul-23 20:27:07

These all sound great. Can I come too?

saltnshake Tue 25-Jul-23 19:49:38

The Lookout Science Centre at Bracknell. Look it up on Google. Interactive science displays, a building area, a small waterplay area, presentations. Outside large playground areas suitable for different ages. There are picnic tables, a cafe and even cycling trails. My two grandchildren loved it.

Callistemon21 Tue 25-Jul-23 19:42:50

www.primarytimes.co.uk/sw_london/

Good luck!

Callistemon21 Tue 25-Jul-23 19:40:46

Is the Polka Children’s theatre still there in Wimbledon or is it long gone? I was only thinking about it yesterday.

We went to see Rainbow with Geoffrey there very many years ago 😁

polkatheatre.com/whats-on/

chelseababy Tue 25-Jul-23 19:37:16

www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://secretldn.com/free-things-to-do-london/&ved=2ahUKEwjnhd6fwKqAAxVDh1wKHWaADxwQFnoECA0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw31kqPSOSe33-ig8vjGOO3A

Ilovecheese Tue 25-Jul-23 19:02:57

Hasn't the Bethnal Green museum of childhood just had a revamp

V3ra Tue 25-Jul-23 19:00:48

Our grandchildren had a great time playing in the Diana Memorial Fountain last summer.
Take a picnic, towel and change of clothes!

Lathyrus Tue 25-Jul-23 18:08:43

Is the Polka Children’s theatre still there in Wimbledon or is it long gone? I was only thinking about it yesterday.

Morden Hall Park if you’re National Trust.

Kite flying on Wimbledon Common or Richmond Park.

Morden Park might still have its water/paddling pools maybe?

YorkLady Tue 25-Jul-23 17:16:33

Are you near the Horniman Museum? Lots to do and always has good reviews

Scribbles Tue 25-Jul-23 17:05:49

If any of the children have an interest in trains, buses, planes or fast cars, they might enjoy:
The London Transport Museum
www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit

or
Brooklands Museum, near Weybridge
www.brooklandsmuseum.com/whats-on

and also
The London Bus Museum, close by Brooklands
www.londonbusmuseum.com/about-us/

There's also Hampton Court Palace with a jousting event in August, history, costumes and also the famous maze.
www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/

Maybe, if it ever stops raining, you might all enjoy the river cruise to Hampton Court from Kingston or Richmond?
www.turks.co.uk/timetable/

Also, check your borough council's website for school holiday activities such as pond-dipping, nature walks, sports coaching sessions, etc.