Southampton on a Saturday for a 3 year old?

[ETsmum]

We live in the Channel Islands, the plan ride itself will be exciting But what is good for a 3 yo in Southampton on a Saturday? Needs to be fairly central as won't have a car. Ideal plan is to do something child centred in the morning and a bit of shopping in the aft. Coming 16th Sept, so hoping for decent weather, so could be outdoors or indoors. Are there any palygrounds or similar, or more expensive attractions? TIA

Are you just coming over for a day trip to Southampton or going on to somewhere else? there is a soft play centre but it is nearer the docks. There are gardens with play areas in Town and there is also a swimming pool. There are also some nice areas near the airport if you wanted to go to one of those before going on to The centre of Southampton

Thanks Whoops, yes just a day trip. I have a tutorial in the morning, so dh looking to fill a couple of hrs or so. If you could give me names/addresses that'd be excellent - those are just the sorts of things I had in mind Mus go as ds feeling ignored, but will check back later.

Have CAT you!

The three things within walking distance of town I can think of are-

Ollys Ocean World which is Royal crescent road(ocean village) - this is a soft play area.

The common (off the avenue) has a paddling pool and a children's play area the common

The Quays sports centre (west quay road) has a nice childrens swimming pool with chutes/slides/fountains etc. the Quays

West Quay shopping centre (if your child likes shops!)

Hope this gives you some ideas. Any q's let me know

Incy, thanks so much for taking the time to respond, and all fab suggestions, which Im going to look into further Just wish we were able to stay longer now......still, there's always next year I guess.

I am REALLY hoping ds will like West Quay - I love it. Luckily dh "owes" me shopping time as he recently had 2 days ON HIS OWN in London - cna you tell I'm - so planning a bit of time here for me at any rate. Have horrid visions of loosing ds in the Saturday shoppers tho....

And Whoops, hope you got my thank you email

yes i got it thanks! West Quay has a creche so you and dh could do a spot of shopping on your own!! I haven't used it but my ds went to a birthday party there and it seemed ok

If you want to eat whilst shopping then I would recommend John Lewis - they have a big restaurant on their top floor which has big glass windows overlooking the town and harbour etc. My DS loves looking out of it and it keeps him quiet whilst I have a coffee!.They also have baby change facilities/highchairs (if needed) and you can buy childrens portions of meals/mini kids lunchboxes etc. Good choice of meals. Have a lovely day and enjoy the shopping !

Whoops and Incy - just to say a big THANK YOU for all your ideas/suggestions. Had a chat about plans with dh yesterday and we'll certainly not get bored, and more inportantly nor will ds Not sure of a definite plan yet - going to play it a bit by ear for the weather, but feel a bit more relaxed now about ds enjoying himself, and dh not being left to tear his hear out whilst I shop etc! And Incy - John Lewis - I'd forgotten about how bit the one is in West Quay, thanks again

One othe question if anyone knows; Does the Odeon there do anything special on Sat for children? COuldn't see anything on the website. This was just another idea as our cinema in Guernsey is DIRE!