Most of the stay and play groups on The Play Map are open during the term time only, meaning finding activities for your toddler for the other twelve weeks of the year can be a challenge. Fear not, as we've put together some tips for activities inside and out, depending on the weather, that are open all year round, including over the school holidays.
Bear in mind that the suggestions below will be busier over the holidays.
Things to do with a toddler when it's warm in London
London has almost 15 city farms, some of them within very easy reach of the centre. A lot of them have cafes inside too. Great fun when the weather is good.
When it's warm we often head to Coal Drops Yard, behind Kings Cross station. It's an area of shops, open spaces, amazing water fountains a heaps of activities put on over the summer (often including live music).
Out East you have the Olympic Park, with great transport connections. Lot's of children's play areas, and like Coal Drops Yard above, water fountains for children to play in.
Things to do with a toddler when it's cold in London
Battersea Power Station is a new indoor shopping centre with lots of space to run around and informal places to eat. There are often events going on throughout the year, and the Lego shop inside has bricks you can play with if your toddler is old enough.
London has lots of play cafes: informal eateries with small soft play areas, toy kitchens and toys or books to read. Most of these play areas are aimed at under 5's. My daughter can spend a good half and hour at these places whilst I can enjoy a coffee! Although they'll be busy at peak hours they're great to take into account when you're planning a day out in London. Our favourites are the cafe below Maggie & Rose just off Upper St in Islington and Toconoco in Hackney. The website Bablands has a brilliant summary of most of London's play cafes, according to area.
You'll also find many soft play centers primarily around London. I find it's best to pre-book these as they can get really busy over the school holidays. Many of them do cater for a large age span, so your toddler needs to be used to being around older children. Again, Bablands has a brilliant summary of pretty much all of them in London, including the suburbs. As a family we enjoy going to the soft play area at the Britannia Leisure Centre, a short walk away from Old Street station.
We hope this helps. and don't forget that there are a few stay-and-play groups that open during the school holidays. You can filter these on the main map.
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