Bucket list for toddlers
I know what it's like; having a toddler can be difficult. Especially if you're trying to keep them occupied and busy. But, just like your brain needs stimulation to keep you happy, so does your toddler's. By doing something active, your toddler will be strengthening not only their motor skills but their social skills, too. Plus, a happy toddler equals a happy mummy, so here's where you need to go to have the best day out:
1. Airhop Minis
Airhop, 12 Midleton Industrial Estate Rd, Guildford GU2 8XW
Price: £6.50 weekdays, £7.50 weekends
Airhop in Guildford is fun for literally everyone. They know that even the little ones like to bounce and jump around! That's why they've created a safe play area for your toddlers to get involved, too, with plenty of soft toys and games to keep your little ones entertained. Airhop has dedicated sessions for children under 5 with friendly staff on hand to ensure your toddlers have the best time. Plus, you'll be able to join in on the fun, too, as you can join your toddlers in their sessions.
2. Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE
Price: From £11 (free for under 3)
You may not believe it, but there's actually so much for you to do with your toddler at Chessington. One of the activities includes joining the Mouse on a magical riverboat journey on The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, or why not roar with the lions in the Trail of the Kings? But that's not all, the park offers lots and lots of enjoyment for your little ones, including the zoo (over 1,000 exotic animals including lions, tigers, gorillas) and the sea life centre!
The park even has a Toddler Guide that will provide you with all the information you need, from attractions and shows to the useful facilities they have available. Plus, if your little one is under three, then they go free!
3. Godstone Farm
Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone RH9 8LX
Price: From £12.60
What child doesn't love visiting the animals? And trust me when I tell you that Godstone Farm is an enjoyable day out for all. Not only will you be able to play and feed the animals, but you'll also be permitted a trip to 'creature cave' to marvel at all the creepy crawlies.
There are plenty of activities that range from indoors to outdoors; there's an indoor toddler area where toddlers can play with soft tarns in the barn. The indoors also include Wiglets Play Village, packed with foam balls, where your little one will have the best time.
Outside is the perfect spot when the weather is at its best. There's an adventure playground with sand pits. There are zip wires and even a Dinosaur trail - but be careful; you might bump into a T-Rex! And, of course, don't forget about all the cute animals that range from bunnies to ducks!
4. Mr Mulligan's Pirate Golf, Woking
Mr Mulligan's Pirate Golf Woking, Hoebridge Golf Centre, Old Woking Rd, Woking GU22 8JH
Price: Under 3 (free), Under 12 (£6.25)
Mr Mulligan's Pirate Golf is perfect for children aged 4+ and is an exciting activity to get your children having fun whilst being active. Why not conquer the seven seas on a pirate adventure as you go through 18 holes of mini golf? And anyone who has ever played mini golf before will know how fun and competitive it can get!
The pirate theme that runs throughout is really perfect for keeping your children excited and will leave them feeling like they are real pirates for the day. Trust me, the kids will have a blast, and so will you!
5. Hobbledown
Hobbledown, Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT
Price: From £6.50
This magical farm park is based on a fantasy book of the same name; it's full of adventure and cute animals and is the perfect place for those little ones with a lot of imagination.
There are resident creatures of the park called Hobblers, who have furry faces, whom you can introduce yourself to for added fun. Plus, if your little ones are Peppa Pig fans, you will also find little piglets running around who love to play.
6. Kidspace
Kidspace Adventures, The Colonnades, 619 Purley Way, Croydon CR0 4RQ
Tickets: From £6.75
Kidspace Adventures always has a lot going on and has a variety of activities to keep even the fussiest of little ones entertained. What I love the most about Kidspace is the classes and clubs they run. For example, Baby Ballerinas is a class they run for 2-7-year-olds. The class will teach little ones how to stretch, walk on their tiptoes, skip and dance. Plus tutus, ballet shoes and wands are very welcome.
Another class they run is called Dramabuds, which encourages children to use their imagination and embrace their natural curiosities. Each child will have the chance to embody larger-than-life characters that they can show off at their weekly sessions.
7. Crazy Tots Soft Play
Crazy Tots Soft Play, Leatherhead Leisure Centre, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BL
Price: From £5
Crazy Tots is the perfect place for your little ones to come down and stretch their legs. It's a massive play paradise located in Leatherhead, which consists of lots of indoor soft play activities for your children up to the age of 8.
Sit back with a coffee and relax as you see your little ones come down the slide, fall in to a ball pit and have fun with other little ones of the same age.
8. Birdworld
Birdworld, Holt Pound, Farnham GU10 4LD
Price: Under 3 (free), Child 3-6 (£13.95)
Did you know that Birdworld looks after over 2,000 creatures? That includes bugs, birds and even piranhas! But let's not forget about the penguins either, which are well worth a little visit.
Birdworld is an alternative day out that inspires and educates the children about animals. That's why you cannot take a day trip to Birdworld without a trip to The Discovery Theatre. Here, you'll see some spectacular shows from the airborne performers themselves and learn a little more about these precious animals.
9. Speckys Pirate Ship
Speckys Pirate Ship, Guildford Spectrum, Parkway, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1UP
Price: From £3.00
Kids have amazing imaginations, and I remember when I was young, I used to love pretending to be a pirate. And here, at Speckys Pirate Ship, your child will be in-store for a magical adventure that will take them over the high seas.
Speckys is a four-storey soft play area that also, as you might have guessed, doubles as a pirate ship. Children can explore the ship via nets, trampolines and slides. Sounds fun, right? Parents, however, must wait on the dock as they watch their children sail off to a land of imagination and infinite fun.
10. Bouncing Bunnies Soft Play Café
Bouncing Bunnies Soft Play Café, 1st Nork Scout Hall/Warren Rd, Banstead SM7 1LG
Price: £3.50
I think it's really important that children be around other children as often as possible; it helps their development and builds their social skills. I will also teach them important values like sharing, being kind, and building friendships.
Bouncing Bunnies Soft Play Cafe is a family-run soft play area for children under six, and it's a great way to meet new people and gain a sense of community. So, why not sit back and relax with a beverage and a lunch spot as your child has fun with others?
11. Rokers Little Angels Softplay
Rokers Little Angels Softplay, Fairlands Farm, Aldershot Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 3PB, England
Price: From £3.50
The best part of Roker's Little Angels is probably the slide. And what child doesn't love to fly down slides? Especially a rainbow slide. But that's not the only thing that will contribute to this fantastic day out at Rokers. There's a huge climbing frame that has plenty of stairs, slides and tunnels to keep your children busy for a while, as well as a mini-maze for them to get lost in!
For children under four, a separate area includes a ball pond and many games to keep them entertained and busy. However, the soft play centre is unsupervised and will require the parents to keep not one but two eyes on their children!
12. Guildford Lido
Guildford Lido, Stoke Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1HB, England
Price: From £3.90
I don't know about you, but a trip to the pool was the best adventure I could have asked for as a child. And while the weather may not always allow it, it doesn't mean it's not always fun! The Guildford Lido is also heated, which means you'll still be toasty even on the coldest days!
The 50-meter pool offers swimming for children of all ages and has a shallow end for toddlers to splash around and enjoy. Plus, there are lawns around the Lido, which makes for the perfect place to eat lunch and sunbathe in between dips.
