Science Museum, London

The Science Museum, South Kensington

How fortunate we are to have so many free museums in our country, and good ones at that!

Last week our motley crew headed off for the day to the Science Museum in London. Our group of 2 dads, 2 mums, a 4 week-old baby and 2 two-year olds really put the exhibitions and facilities to the test!

We set off for the train just after rush hour which would have been enough for our toddlers who, like many boys, think trains are the bees knees! An hour and a half later we arrived at the Science Museum.

Upon entering we were greeted with a fantastic display of space objects including rockets, satellites and probes. A few oohs, ahhs and wows later (especially from the dads) we headed for the basement where 'The Garden' is located. Not to be mistaken with an outdoor area, The Garden is a hand’s on exploratory area for children.

As soon as we entered The Garden our boys immersed themselves in sensory overload for an hour plus. They were fully engrossed with lights, buttons, wobbly tables, a construction area, climbing frames and water tables!

Freddie's favourite was the water zone where after nearly half an hour of pumping pumps, floating boats and generally making a splash we had to move him on. The whole basement area caters well for families with children of all ages and offers a great place to park yourselves and enjoy lunch. Although there are teas, coffees and munchies on offer there are plenty of areas to enjoy a homemade lunch too which is great for the wallet.

After lunch we watched a show with bubbles (not the chimp but the blowy up ones) Freddie's first science class. Even though he didn't quite catch on that blowing them up with gasses lighter and heavier than air made an impact on whether they floated or sank he did enjoy it. 

There is plenty to do for all ages with good facilities with tots in tow - we only touched the surface with our visit but it still gets a big Tot Friendly thumbs up from us...

Visit their website for times and events: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

From Pinky and Perky to Postman Pat - Hertford Museum

Children’s TV Characters 1950-1990

This charming little exhibition at the recently restored Hertford Museum is packed full of memorabilia. Adults will love it because of the warm memories the items bring back to mind (the 1970s were my childhood- Bagpuss & Mr Benn). Children & Toddlers will enjoy it too with plenty of “real-life” characters from Basil Brush to Paddington Bear and the Wombles (the exhibits also includes the largest Pokemon collection newly listed in the Guinness Book of Records).

It’s a small exhibition, so perfect to soak up half an hour one rainy day on from now until Saturday 8th January - visit the website for details

What to do on a wet and cold Sunday with a toddler?

Museum of London Docklands and Baby Loves Disco!


Yesterday we were pleased to have planned a good day out which didn’t depend on what the weather decided to throw at us! We filled the slow cooker with beef, vegetables, herbs spices etc plugged it in and off we went...



Freddie hiding in Sailortown

 Our first stop was Museum of London Docklands (it took about 40 mins to get there from Hertford just enough time for Freddie to have his little toddler nap). The museum itself is free but it did cost £5 to park. We began our journey in the Mudlarks section, a great little set up for children. Freddie is only 17 months and so didn’t really understand what was on offer but had fun all the same.

There is a soft play area for toddlers under a meter tall and there are lots of hands-on activities for older children. To reduce overcrowding entry is via ticket only (sessions are about 40 mins) and are collected (for free) at the front desk as you enter the museum. Once your session is over, you are free to grab another ticket (space permitting) or as we did, enjoy the rest of the museum. There are some great things to see and Freddie enjoyed all three floors (and behaved!).

We all particularly enjoyed Sailortown, a life size reconstruction of streets around Wapping from the 1840s 50s. Stepping through the doors you are transported back 150 years to the dark, winding streets. ‘The gallery attempts to recreate the contemporary description of the area: “both foul and picturesque” – the area was a maze of streets, lanes and alleys catering to the men ashore from vessels from all over the world.’ MOLD

There are baby changing facilities (although the one on the main floor was locked, apparently due to the nappy bin being too full!). The whole museum is fully accessible and we had a lovely snack in the museum restaurant which has highchairs for little ones. There is a children’s menu on offer @ £4.95 a pop but this is free with an adult paying guest ordering from the main menu.

Following lunch we headed for a totally different vibe to Baby Loves Disco. Usually £9 for all walking humans we were lucky enough to get a complimentary family pass.

The music was a great selection of 70s and 80s disco, which I defy anyone not to tap their toes too! Freddie enjoyed it watch him here - sorry side ways on! There was, as you would expect, a DJ and dance floor with good acoustics and a few bubbles thrown in. A nice touch was the chill out area with soft lighting and plenty of toys, books, cushions etc to keep babies, toddlers and beyond amused, as well as free drink and food for the kids. The whole event lasts for 3 hours and so makes the £9 per head not sound too bad...

An ideal place to go with a group of friends where you can let off some steam on the dance floor with your little ones, or sit on the periphery and catch up while the children tire themselves out...

Go Freddie! First club and you managed to get on the guest list!!!!

Tired out by the days excitement Freddie had a little cat nap on the way home and we were greeted with the smell of our dinner as we walked into the house, whoever said rain stops play!?