coffeelover

Hi there, I have just booked a Laser Tag party at Streatham Leisure Centre, it's suitable for ages 5-15. https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/lambeth/streatham-ice-and-leisure-centre/streatham-ice-and-leisure-centre

Long shot but my daughter lost her necklace yesterday at Brockwell Park Playground, Wed 5 April in the afternoon. It has a blue chain, a charm of 2 birds and 5 Shopkins strung onto it. One of a kind! Will try to head back there today but chances are low if it's finders keepers. If you spot it, please let me know! Thank you so much! It would make my daughter's day :)

https://mini-engineers.com/category/birthday-parties Probably not the cheapest option I have no feedback or experience on this, only came across it by accident!

There are places to eat at Surrey Quays Leisure Park with free parking. I quite like Cafe East, Vietnamese cafe serving noodles and rice. No kids menu but two children can share a bowl and they are quite accommodating with high chairs. Check website for opening times as they are closed Tuesdays. http://www.cafeeastpho.co.uk/ Canada Water Cafe looks popular too, never been but gets good reviews? Can park at the shopping centre and walk across?http://www.canadawatercafe.com

Also not fancy but went for a birthday meal and the staff was very accommodating and food was delicious (Andina in Shoreditch) http://www.andinalondon.com/menus Also not super fancy but nice place and kids eat free on weekends plus playroom (Tom's Kitchen in Canary Wharf). Can even try ice skating too! http://www.tomskitchen.co.uk/canary-wharf Not been but looks interesting. Umlimited boozy brunch and kids also eat free (Big Easy also in Canary Wharf) http://bigeasy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Wkbrunch-CW-7kp.pdf

Hi, just wondering if anyone has stayed overnight at Legoland or surrounding areas and which hotel you'd recommend (for a family of 4, 2+2). Done some research but thought I'd widen my options! Thanks!

A few more ideas here: http://www.littlebird.co.uk/blog/whats-on-this-bank-holiday-weekend-2nd-4th-may/

Most places welcome children especially for Sunday lunch as this is traditionally a time where families meet for a dimsum meal. I quite like: Young cheng http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/young-cheng Imperial china http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/imperial-china Bear in mind places get busy so make sure you make a booking and service may be a bit rushed/frantic.

There is an outdoor play area at kings cross, also never been but heard good things about the water fountains (weather permitting) http://www.kingscross.co.uk/outdoor-sports-area

Mothercare do joggers and jersey lined trousers at a reasonable price and they seem to last quite well. Sizes only up to 8 years though http://www.mothercare.com/trousers%2C-shorts-joggers/boys_shorts_trousers,default,sc.html?prefn1=searchRefinementColour&prefv1=Black%7cGrey&start=0&sz=12&view=grid&ignoresinglehit=true

As an Aussie who spent some years in HK, I would recommend taking kids to HK for a stopover. Took my 2 (was age 2 and 4) to HK (enroute to Perth) and they enjoyed Disneyland, the Peak via the tram, star ferry across the harbour and taking the tram on HK island. Travel in HK is cheap and convenient. Plenty of cheap eats and they loved dim sum and the Cantonese cuisine. Can easily get round speaking English. Next time I would take them to Ocean Park and this new place near the airport: http://www.groupon.hk/deals/hong-kong/dream-come-true-education-park/718435091 (obviously the deal has expired but the link is just for info) There are also a few interesting museums (Science and Hong Kong History) Harbour views are stunning at night and if you are there at the right time, you might get the Xmas/New Year lights on the skyscrapers. Or else you might be able to catch Chinese New Year festivities. We stayed in a 2br flat we found on airbnb which was affordable and gave us extra space (plus kitchen, washing machine and wifi) Not so good points are of course very crowded in places and pollution but for a few days, it's not too bad!

Had David help us out too - he came at short notice, punctual, professional and pleasant :) He quickly fixed the problem and did a good job. Would recommend him!

Cable cars (buggy friendly too!) and lunch at the O2, lots of choice there! Or Greenwich Maritime Museum and the playground there is quite fun! Lunch by the river (we like the Meantime Old Brewery Cafe http://www.oldbrewerygreenwich.com/cafe-food-menu)

Had my daughter's 5th birthday party at dulwich pizza express. It was on a Saturday (was told they don't do parties on Sundays) from 3:30pm and lasted about 1.5 hrs. We had the entire top floor which was spacious enough for 10 kids plus parents. Started off by dough balls and squash drinks. Kids enjoyed drawing on the activity sheets. Then made pizza. While that was cooking, played a few games. Some were done by the host and we were able to do some ourselves. Pin the tail, pass the parcel etc. Then ate pizza, a few more games, was served ice cream, cake cutting and opened up presents. Everyone had a great time, they didn't mind that we brought in a few snacks like fruit, popcorn and crisps. Brought along a cd player and some decorations. Perfect as no need to buy plates, cups, cutlery...and no cleaning up afterwards. I thought it was worth the money (?12 per child) and the host was friendly and helpful.

http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/sp+wooden-nativity-set+B1013?tyah=y