Things to do with children around the Twickenham area

[cardy]

I will be visiting my sister in the Twickenham area next week with my two dds (4.5 and 2).We are hoping to get out and about a bit (we'll have use of her car). Can anybody recommend things to do with small children? It doesn't have to be anythings major like Thorpe Park or Legoland perhaps nice parks with play areas, farms, indoor play areas, museums aimed at younger children, activity days etc.

We will venture in to central London one day to meet friends at the natual history museum for a couple of hours. All suggestions welcome.

Climbers and Creepers at Kew Gardens is great, and covered, so good if raining. The Nat Hist museum is v good - esp the dinosaurs and the human body bit, so leave plenty of time. There are lots of entry fee discounts in London if you show your tube ticket - bear in mind.

Sounds good. Are you close by? Are there any nice parks with play areas? I am trying to be optimistic about the weather!

My parents live in the area. Climbers and Creepers is a big play area with botanical theme, but you have to pay to go into the gardens (very beautiful). Marble Hill House has nice grounds and a playground, and Richmond Park is lovely. I can't remember whether it has a playground, but it's good for feeding the ducks and looking at deer. There used to be a city farm in Petersham, which isn't far - not sure whether it's still there.

Isleworth Recreation Centre ahs a soft play and also a nice shallow Lagoon Pool for swimming. Perfect for LOs!

Crane Park is in behind Twickenham green and is lovely for a quiet walk if the weather is nice. Richmond Park is fab and there are a few playgrunds there (you just have to find them as its a big park).
Bushey Park is also great and leads into Hampton Court.
There are some nice garden in behind York house and then you can walk along the river to Orleans House or is it Marble Hill House, oneof the two anyway.
Syon Park and Butterfly farm is jus tdown hte road too.

Funny, I was thinking about Richmond park but wasn't sure if it had a play area any clues of how to find it? I have been there before it is very big!

What's in Syon park? I have been to a soft play area there but it was massive and very busy.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep them coming.

Syon Park has a stately home type thing with gardens. You can just visit the gardens. At weekends I think there is a miniature train thing to ride on - very small though! There is a garden cnetre plus a few other shops, cafe and a Butterfly house to visit. The soft play place you speak of is Snakes and Ladders and is best said in a whisper!!

I didn't know there was a play thing at Richmiond Park!

There is a good one at Bushey Park near to the entrance by Hampton Court