Wearing the little darlings out - soft play

[OohTrifle]

We are visiting Cambridge this weekend with two small people. I used to live in Cambridge before babies and so while I know where I like to have a few glasses of vino, soft play was an unknown entity in those days! Any recommendations gratefully received.

[JennyWren1234]

How small are they? Could you interest them in any of the museums? Folk museum, Fitzwilliam, Zoology etc. Seems such a shame to come to Cambridge and spend it in soft play?

Or why not go to the Bontanic Gardens? They have a lovely cafe and the little ones could run around outside //www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

If you really want soft play, then the nearest one to the City centre would be Funky Funhouse //www.funkyfunhouse.com.

[claerwen]

Can't help on soft play, but I think Audley End is playing host to Father Christmas this weekend, although their bit of the English Heritage website is borked so I can't check. Child-knackering activities are probably restricted to the grounds, but apparently temperatures should reach a balmy 4 degrees at times over the weekend! And Audley End Miniature Railway certainly has a Santa's Grotto stop on December weekends. I know, I know, not exactly in Cambridge.

[OohTrifle]

Oooh, alternative suggestions. Unfortunately, our 2 year old and a 10 month old wouldn't really do museums (esp Fitz the need to be quiet and careful) and whereas usually we would run around on Parker's piece, Jesus green etc I think the weather may well be a little against us.

I hadn't thought of the Botanic gardens though so could be worth a punt as could Audley End - so thank you both (We are happy campers - tots have been broken in for car journeys as my family is in London and in RL when I am not on mat leave, I commute weekly from Durham to Cambridge for work). Perhaps my own personal hell that is soft play won't get a chance for a look in!

[ChestertonCharley]

They seem a bit small for soft play centres to be honest, but would also vote for the Botanic Gardens, weather permitting. Otherwise, there are plenty of good playgrounds.

Anglesey Abbey winter garden makes a nice little walk, and there's the rare breeds farm at Wimpole Hall - come to think about it, they have a play barn there, mostly with bales of straw, as well as an outdoor play area. Both are NT so come with nice cafes.

[cammel]

This is in Linton and is a good soft play, but not that close to Cambridge.

[OohTrifle]

Thanks CC and cammel. In the end we opted for swimming as it was too baltic to play out too long followed by hot chocolate and at least one tired baby. Will keep all in mind for the future when we come down together.