Day out for 2.5 yr old near wembley

[Halfpastfreckle]

Hi, we’re heading down from Manchester to stay with family near Wembley stadium. Hubby going to football (yawn). We’re staying with my (childless) Aunty and uncle and they want to arrange a fun day out. So far they’ve suggested Lego land and digger land. From what I can see neither are very close and both are probably aimed more for older kids? Don’t want my relatives shelling out loads of money for unsuitable day. Can anybody recommend a suitable activity/ day out? We’re going to spend the Sunday in London doing the natural history museum and few other things but think Aunty and uncle probably won’t bother heading “into town” with us on that day. Thanks

London Transport Museum in Covent Garden always very popular with smaller members of my family. Plenty of vehicles to clamber on and off. One was also obsessed with the London Aquarium near the London Eye.

Battersea Park Zoo is very sweet for that age group. I definitely wouldn't waste money on Legoland. It's a great place but will be so busy on a weekend.

Diggerland?! That's miles away (unless they have opened another one?). I agree with Battersea Park Zoo. Or what about Kidzania, in Westfield? Not sure if it is suitable for a 2.5 year old though.

• Ruislip lido: playground, beach, forest, lake, small railway
• Kew Gardens: playground, log climbing, lake with a bridge, ducks and geese, aquarium, tree top walkway, huge space to run around, pricey for a one-off
• London Museum of Water and Steam: water play, a small railway and exciting machines, it's worth checking what will be running before visiting, the water play is outside so your DC might need plastic gloves and a waterproof coat if it will be a chilly day
• Hounslow Urban Farm
• Brent Lodge Park with Hanwell Zoo; there is a playground in the park and a really good one in the zoo, a maze, sometimes also a bouncy castle
• Northolt Model Railway, I haven't been but small DC usually can't get enough of small railways
• Bekonscot model village, it's huge, also has a playground and a model railway going around the 'village'

www.ianvisits.co.uk has good ideas off the main tourist track.