Gransnet forums

Grandparenting

Half term days out

(31 Posts)
GrannyG57 Sun 04-Feb-24 07:23:24

Looking for recommendations of places to take my grandchildren over half term. Both are under 5 and my DIL will be with them but want to treat them all to a day out so I can spend some time with them also. I can’t manage a huge amount of walking these days and definitely don’t have the energy for soft plays so hoping you might have some other suggestions? Thank you

RosiesMaw Sun 04-Feb-24 07:24:33

Depends where you are?

BlueBelle Sun 04-Feb-24 08:15:39

Well soft play isn’t difficult you mainly sit and watch
Parks with swings and things there’s usually benches nearby
A bus ride on top deck very exciting for youngsters, a short train ride to nearest (small) town again something different to travelling in a car
If daughter in law is with you she can do any running around
If you’re near the coast or a river, a little trip for a run around
Just enjoy without anything too expensive

Joseann Sun 04-Feb-24 08:17:40

Simples.
Park, beach, zoo etc. Find yourself a bench while they explore.

GrannyG57 Sun 04-Feb-24 08:23:36

Thank you for your suggestions. I’m in the south east. Just wanted to do something with them other than sitting on a bench whilst they go off. If anyone has any recommendations in Surrey that would be helpful.

Joseann Sun 04-Feb-24 08:33:24

It's all on the jolly Internet.

AIRHOP
River Thames Mini Golf
Little Green Boat Company
Buckland Park
360 Play
Brooklands Museum
Bocketts Farm
Godstone Farm
Birdworld
Paint a Plate
Thames Mini Golf
Pony Accademy

Knitandnatter Sun 04-Feb-24 08:34:06

GrannyG57, why not do a surprise picnic at your own home - push the furniture back a bit in the lounge, blankets on the floor, perhaps a makeshift tent with an old bedsheet for the children, and some cushions scattered around too.
Food need not be expensive - sandwiches to their taste, some iced biscuits perhaps, flask for you and DD and squash for the children.
Even if it is cold and damp during half term you will all be dry and making lovely memories too.

Nell8 Sun 04-Feb-24 09:08:36

Have a look at Elm Nursery Children's Farm and Plant Centre, Sutton Green, Guildford GU4 7QD

There is a cafe and play area.

You can feed some of the animals. The guinea pigs are irresistible!

The atmosphere is relaxed. It's aimed at younger children and makes for a pleasant few hours, weather permitting.

Patsy70 Sun 04-Feb-24 09:33:59

Godstone Farm is perfect for little ones. We used to take our granddaughters. I would take a picnic, including all their favourite food, as sometimes cafe prices can be exorbitant.

chelseababy Sun 04-Feb-24 15:23:14

Some National Trust places have child friendly events over half term

Theexwife Sun 04-Feb-24 16:05:59

Anywhere with animals is popular with little ones.

midgey Sun 04-Feb-24 16:39:10

Bus to a nearby tea shop, drink and and biscuit and home again?

granfromafar Sun 04-Feb-24 16:50:00

Would definitely recommend Brooklands motor museum. It's free to go round (It's basically a Mercedes showroom but has lots of racing cars on display. My gd (4 1/2 at the time) loved the racing track .There's a small charge but well worth it and they get a driver's certificate too! She was very proud that she learnt to 'reverse park' too!

jocork Tue 06-Feb-24 11:56:28

Young children love a bus or train ride as they often travel everywhere by car with their parents. Anywhere they can interact with animals too, like a petting zoo. Museums need to have hands on activities for the appropriate age group.

Albangirl14 Tue 06-Feb-24 12:10:01

Have just looked up Brookland motor museum and adults cost £22 and children £9 00 so sadly no longer free.

Juniper1 Tue 06-Feb-24 12:32:07

Farm visits / petting zoos Amused many of them there.
Little theatre productions. The bubble man is outstanding.
Adventure playgrounds
Llama walking
Owl handling
Donkey rides
Garden centres often have kids stuff and nice tearooms

Canalboatgranma Tue 06-Feb-24 12:33:35

Hobbledown farm near Epsom is meant to be very good

sweetcakes Tue 06-Feb-24 12:35:17

Leeds Castle, Howletts zoo, Moat Park. And of course London has so much to offer.

cc Tue 06-Feb-24 12:50:30

My grandchildren all love a boat trip on the Thames, guessing you can boartd one from Hampton or somewhere on the Thames in that direction? We're further in so I'm not sure.
My daughter takes them into town by train and they board the boat somewhere central, depending on what else they want to do that day. There's an adventure playground in Battersea Park and an Aquarium near the Eye.

cc Tue 06-Feb-24 12:54:52

Mine also love a snacky/deli picnic lunch, things like salami, cold meat, olives, crisps and similar, Ritz biscuit type things, little squares of different cakes. If they're very young you can use a dolls teaset too.

annifrance Tue 06-Feb-24 15:03:20

National.Trust properties are always great with children without necessarily dragging them around whichever house. No plastic in sight!

Brighton Aquarium
.

Ashdown Forest is Winnie the Pooh country. Fabulous walks and there is a House At Pooh Corner shop in Hartfield village, everything Pooh! Ashdown Forest Centre on Broadstone Warren, nr Forest Row is very good and informative for children and the best walks from here. Picnic benches everywhere.

Callistemon21 Tue 06-Feb-24 16:02:06

Patsy70

Godstone Farm is perfect for little ones. We used to take our granddaughters. I would take a picnic, including all their favourite food, as sometimes cafe prices can be exorbitant.

Oh goodness, that took me back! I remember taking my own children there many years ago.
I expect it's changed a bit since then 🙂

Children love farm parks and there is usually an indoor play area now, too, if it rains.

Callistemon21 Tue 06-Feb-24 16:03:14

Well soft play isn’t difficult you mainly sit and watch
But take ear plugs 😁

LizH13 Tue 06-Feb-24 18:27:52

Do you have a ‘paint a pot’ studio/cafe, nearby? Kids love to paint their own mug plate or novelty and you can all do one of your own.

Diplomat Tue 06-Feb-24 19:55:14

A few age appropriate games to play, flying a kite, swimming.