If you drive a visit to the Horniman at forest hill is good. It's just 5 mins Along the road from dulwich. Great whatever the weather. Amazing gardens with great London views, playground across the road, natural history displays, music room, aquarium (family annual membership a bargain at about £15), shop, cafe and even kiddie level sinks and banisters. They have lots of educational events too. On street parking

Have you tried the soft play area in Clapham Leisure Centre (newly refurbished).
It has 2 sessions (morning and afternoon) and I am sure if you call them they will give you the info.

Hi
There's the big Wacky Warehouse above the Kiss Me Hardy Pub at Colliers Wood too - and they have some very reasonable low cost sessions during the day. For a total freebie for a short play you can even use the soft area in the Burger King at Colliers Wood. Sometimes we just buy a coffee and let our little one have a quick play - especially good when she is already pretty tired and wouldn't need a long play session.
As a mum of 5, I've wanted to find a good play area nearer than these for ages and often contemplate trying to open one myself! One of these days, when I don't have a toddler and a newborn maybe I'll get round to it!

I went to Eddie Catz the other day for a mumpreneur meeting, so not actually seen it in action with kids, but all the mums were raving about it.

It's opposite the big Sainsbury's in Colliers Wood

There's a new Treasure Island themed soft play area, 100 seater coffee shop and theatre opening by the people that own Bertie and Boo in Balham in about a month - a short walk from Balham town centre.

Thanks for that.

As soon as she drops her afternoon nap, I will definitely make use of the 1 o'clock clubs.

I'll google map the parks you suggested now. Thanks!!

There is a small, under-used soft play area at the back of the Wandle Recreation Centre in Wandsworth. Only costs £3.50 (i think) and last time I went my little one and his friend had the place to themselves. Its not fancy and there is no coffee shop (!) but my little one loves bombing around it. It can also be hired for parties for just under £150.

For indoors areas there is the Battersea Arts Centre cafe which has what we call 'tellytubby land' for toddlers to play. The Army Museum in Chelsea has a great soft play area.
Battersea Park children's playground and one o'clock club are great, as are Grafton Square in the Old Town and a bit far out but the Archbishops playground in the park around Lambeth Palace opposite St Thomas' is a great playground with a sandpit. Heathbrook Park opposite Heathbrook Primary school has recently had a facelift and is a great playground. Not sure if it is open yet but Brockwell Park is getting a new playground and also has a water park in the area where the paddling pool used to be.

for out doors I love the park next to the southsides shopping centre.
We all have our favorites but for upto date and good condidtion go for the above.
As for inside... 2 1/2 years old. If there is no afternoon nap then go to one of the many one o'clock clubs,
The private ones all seem to cater well for the 4yr plus, not so much the 2 1/2s!
In my opinion of course!

Hi Everyone.

I'm looking for somewhere different to take my 2 1/2 yr old in the afternoons. Can anyone suggest a play area/in or out near Clapham, battersea, Balham, wandsworth.

I go to The latchmere center all the time and need a change. Gamado is great and I like its a kids thing..... but there must be loads more out there we're missing out on.

Thanks for any suggestions

Leanne