Terminal 5 - what to do with a 6 month old and a 2 1/2 year old?

[marmadukesdad]

We're flying from Heathrow T5 to the South of France for a much anticipated holiday...

It's only short haul so I don't think it should be too painful - DS is 6 months and as laid back as anything and DD is 2 1/2 and will probably be very excited about the aeroplanes...but I'm sure there will be some stress...

So -

• Where's the best place to have our lunch? Giraffe seems like it might have reasonably wholesome food and we shouldn't be too embarrassed if little one decides to show her iggle piggle wiggle dance..
• Are there any play areas for them? The BA website seems to suggest so but I couldn't find any details.
• How much is the right amount to drink to make it as painless as possible to travel with them without risking forgetting that you actually have kids and leaving them in the airport?

Thanks

If it's shorthaul you should be fine. If you're flying BA, make sure you check in online 24 hours beforehand, then you will only need to arrive at the airport around 60-90 minutes before your flight. (You still need to allow time to get through security, but bag drop is usually pretty quick at T5)

The restaurants are pretty good - we had a really good breakfast at Giraffe - but to be honest, by the time you've dropped your bags off and are through security, you don't have a huge amount of time.