Places to go with other families

[Allymint]

I have 2 toddlers, as do a lot of my friends. Now our families are growing, we are struggling to think of good places to meet, especially when the weather is bad. Obviously we can meet at eachothers houses if its just a small group but nobody can fit more than one or 2 other families. Yesterday we met up with friends from uni at a pub, there were 5x families of 4 and some childless (but pregnant) couples. We met at a pub with a beer garden and kids play area and thankfully the rain calmed down enough for the 10 toddlers to play a bit outside but it was a nightmare when we were all crammed inside together trying to eat lunch.

Just wondering if anyone has good suggestions for places to meet with big groups of adults and toddlers when the weather is bad? We'd really like to actually be able to talk to eachother at least a bit! Is soft play the only option? Feels like theres a bit of a gap in market for somewhere that works for both adults and little ones when it rains. We are in North London/Herts border. We're all finding the parenting 2 kids thing hideously awful and really want to occasionally have some fun together!

[Celerysoup3]

On a budget?

I can't stand soft play!

Joint village hall hire with bring and Share meal.

Wet weather walk and Treasure trail. Wrap up and adventure on an autumnal walk/stream paddle. Pub once kids worn out.

Interactive kiddie friendly museums/galleries.

Swimming followed by cafe. Other open events at local leisure centres

Bike rides with tag alongs, followed by cafe. Or just let kids have a wheels session while you all relax with a flask of coffee/cake (scooters, bikes, sit in cars)

Bonfire, fire pit or BBQ in an appropriate space