Families London SW Mar-Apr 2020

day play areas
Bee’s Knees
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill
SW11 5TN
www.bac.org.uk
It is not just a soft Play, apart from
having toys, books, lots of colourful
cushions on the floor and birthdays
parties, the place is a bucolic scenery
from a summer afternoon in the
countryside. My little daughters love
running up and rolling down the green
hill, crossing the fake river and
jumping on the little bridge. Bee Knees
for 0-5yrs and located in the always
impressive Battersea Art centre. My
daughters and I can find the inspiration
in every corner by playing piano,
painting, getting lost in the building
and discovering lots of activities for all ages as the Heritage trail called “The
mysterious letter”, for the older kids. £3 per child.
Reviewed by Roving Mum
Noemi Garcia
Wacky Warehouse
Unit 5, Priory Retail Park, 131 High Street, Colliers Wood, SW19 2PP
www.wackywarehouse.co.uk/kiss-me-hardy
Wacky Warehouse was really more suitable for my older children (6 and
9yrs). It has one large play structure and while it does have a section for
younger children it isn’t really separate from the older children. My son could
have played in the structure for hours and I love that I could sit and watch,
and there is a lot of seating available. Also arts and craft sessions. 9.30am-
3pm term time only. 1 hour play £4.25, Tot Club £2.25, Monthly play pass
from £7.50 with a Wacky Club card.
Reviewed by Roving Mum
Melissa Reynolds
Kidzania
Westfield London Shopping Centre
www.kidzania.co.uk
Kidzania is an indoor city run by kids. Children explore 60 real-life activities
and experiences. We played police officers, firemen, paramedics, mechanics,
cashiers, spacemen and women, designers, pilots and so much more. We
also created our very our personalised Pokemon card and story. Kidzania is
an actual life-size role-play experience and totally worth visiting!
What I loved the most was how my son was playing and learning skills at
the same time: the ultimate play heaven! We learnt how different job roles
needed a set of skills and in turn we earned a wage. It was a little
overwhelming for my son as the venue is large and loud, however within
minutes he was fully involved and loved every second. With every experience
he was keen to have another go and try new things!
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed Kidzania and would recommend to other
parents! I would advise eating before visiting. Situated within Westfield
Shopping so could be part a whole day out for the family.
Suitable for ages 4-8years old. Adult £16, child £19 if bought online. A
ticket entry is for 4 hours only, two time slots: 9am and 2 pm.
Reviewed by Roving Mum
Negin Malik
Reviewed by Roving Mum
Negin Malik
Gambado
7, Station Court, Townmead Rd, Chelsea, London SW6 2PY
www.gambado.com
We were invited to meet at Gambado for a play date. We hadn’t been
before so this was our first experience. It was only 1 minute walk from
Imperial Wharf Station so super easy to get to. The setup was very much
like many other soft play venues. The soft play structure at Gambado is
larger than many other soft play areas, it also has dodgems, a carousel, an
under 5s and baby area too.
My 4 year old son had a great time with his friend. They enjoyed the slides
the most! We also stopped by the cafe for healthy drinks and snacks too.
I would definitely recommend Gambado to other families. Play and eat
£9. Toddler time special offer £7 plus one free adult. Book your child’s
party with them and they’ll get unlimited free visits! See page 49.
Army Museum play base
National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HT
www.nam.ac.uk
It was a cold and dreary Saturday morning and we did not have much
planned. The army museum's play base seemed like the perfect choice.
My 4 year old has a lot of energy and this is a great place for them to
burn off some steam. The session is an hour long and is an army play
base for under 8's. There is an assault course, slide, climbing frame,
army base kitchen and much more. My four year old particularly liked
the wooden carts and found an eager participant to push around. We
had a great morning and would definitely visit again. There are size
sessions from 9.40am-5.20pm. Children aged 1-8 years old £5.75.
Children under 1 year old free.
Reviewed by Roving Mum
Andi Petrou
Eddie Catz Wimbledon
42 Station Rd, London SW19 2LP
www.eddiecatz.com
My six year old and nine year old love the big play structure which is full of
slides and climbing while my three year old was happier in the under-five
area. There she had slides, balls, ride-ons, a see saw and a little house to
play in. I love that I can sit and see all of my children from one spot, even
while picking up a snack or drinks, which are plentiful there! I find it a good
value for the price of admission. Prices according to height and peak/off
peak from £2.50 to £8.50. Meal deal £9.50. Great memberships. Also
many classes happening there, Playball, ballet etc check the website.
Reviewed by Roving Mum
Melissa Reynolds
familiesonline.co.uk
FamiliesSWLon
March/April 2020 • Families South West 7