balhamwilbur wrote:Nothing to add in terms of activities - they all sound wonderful - but I did want to add my total respect to Pentneyprincess for doing double godchildren duty during half term! I think I had one or two evenings' babysitting altogether out of my kids' godparents. Anyway, hope it goes well and hope your godchildrens' parents are massively grateful for your help!

Thank you so so much! They are grateful! I'm hoping to get their behaviour slightly sorted! Although in a week that may be a big hope!

Nothing to add in terms of activities - they all sound wonderful - but I did want to add my total respect to Pentneyprincess for doing double godchildren duty during half term! I think I had one or two evenings' babysitting altogether out of my kids' godparents. Anyway, hope it goes well and hope your godchildrens' parents are massively grateful for your help!

The Wetlands Centre in Barnes is a good option. I took my kids when they were quite young and they really liked it. There's a kind of play area and there are boardwalks to run along and plenty of birds to chase.

Also Hampton Court has a maze which is a good way of exhausting them. The grounds are lovely so you don't have to go in the building.

Both of these can be accessed by train from Clapham Junction.

We have always loved Wisley but if you don't drive you may find it difficult to get to. Kew Gardens is probably easier and also very child-friendly.

Some of these ideas are fab, and I have made a wet day/dry day plan.
I'm steering clear of the Natural History, as the queues in the holiday period are awful. In addition, I have been to the science museum with a range of ages of children and find it quite boring! (Awaiting backlash). The twins are quite behind in how they give attractions their attention. Especially with activities that most of us would deem normal for 5 year olds. I am planning on spending some quality time with them, calming them down, so places like Battersea Park are fab because they can run and hopefully tire them out(!), they won't do things like make dens etc.

We took them recently to Chatsworth House Farmyard when they last visited, and after an hour or so, the girl claimed that she was bored. So wish me luck!

What is the transport museum like? Is it something they are going to run through and then we have a few hours to kill? Or does it have interactive things?

And Pottery Café, they do like to be creative, but can act like toddlers.

I've planned for the city farms as they do love animals, things like the Cutty Sark just won't interest them (which saddens me greatly as other children I have nannied for have loved it!).

I need to keep it as close to central London and Chelsea as possible because I am absolutely dreading the tube with them! If you see a brunette woman with two children on reigns please give me a smile of hope!

Battersea Park - playground, crazy golf, zoo, pizza

Morden Hall & Deen City Farm - playground, paddle in stream (spare clothes) cafes at both, garden centre, animals - check farm website for petting times (closed Mondays)

Day trip to Greenwich - riverboat, cutty sark, lunch at nandos, Emirates cable car

Scooter/Skate park at Kimber Rd & playground/tennis/ducks at King George's Park, lunch in Southside (also cinema)

Diana Memorial Park - take picnic, spare clothes, bucket & spade

Southbank - jubilee gardens & walk along river - usually events going on, street entertainers, carousel, watch skate park. Could brave the aquarium if you arrive early enough & can swallow the cost.

Kidzania - I did it in summer with 5yo - would say it's good for that age if they are confident types & you pick the right activities (nothing too complicated). Go for an early slot - book in advance.

Legoland
Chessington
Hobbledown

Enjoy!

Other ideas:

Hobbledown Farm - great play barn if the weather is bad
Kew Gardens - always brilliant
RHS Wisley
Richmond and Bushy Parks
Hampton Court Palace
Wetland Centre - great children's play area
Transport/Science Museum/Natural History Museum
Morden Hall Park and Deen City Farm
National Trust properties/gardens - loads around and always plenty of space to run around
Snakes and Ladders - huge soft play by Syon House
Steam Museum in Brentford

Think they're too young for Kidzania (not in terms of the age they will accept, but don't think they will enjoy/appreciate it).

In half term you will have to pre-book everything - trampoline places, Kidzanie, etc - and quite a way in advance.

Wimbledon Common - if you walk through the woods there are lots of already started dens they can add to.

Battersea Park. Go Ape may have also opened there by then, and there's crazy golf (also at Wandsworth Park).

Playground on Tooting Common is good and they can play / make dens in the trees there.

Princess Diana playground in Hyde Park.

Train to Brighton for the day, fantastic playground near the old pier.

Gambados / It's a Kids Thing / Eddie Katz.

Bocketts Farm.

Keep them outside and running around!

Good luck

You probably can just turn up but perhaps best to book if going in half term.

Thanks Roo, that is a fab idea, they absolutely love going on their trampoline. Can you just turn up?

I have found quite a few, but that wasn't on my list!


Has anyone been to Kidzania? It looks amazing, but £28 is a lot when you have twins, is it worth it?

Morning! I have a lively little boy who loved going to Oxygen trampoline park. It will seriously wear them out and there's a nice cafe on site for pizza afterwards!

http://oxygenfreejumping.co.uk/activities/little-os/

Hi,
I am an ex Nappy Valley Nanny who is after some ideas from people who will have a wealth of knowledge on the topic. Over the October half term my godchildren (twin 5 year olds) will be visiting. They are a little on the feral side (and that is being kind). I was after ideas for things I can do with them. I have a list which needs building up. Would love to hear some ideas about places to eat and activities to do!

Thanks guys!