Day out with DD

[Augustiner]

Recently had a baby (well, she's almost 1 now). I have been wanting to do a whole or half day activity with my 6 year old daughter. Just the two of us. Funnily enough I'm struggling to think of anything suitable. Something where both of us could get involved in equally would be great (as opposed to taking her to a place that's mainly for her like soft play though I don't mind doing a pure kid's activity either if that makes sense). I thought maybe a show or museum visit and then lunch but I can't find any suitable show. It would have to be on one of the weekends in August and we are in the East Midlands. Happy to drive for about an hour.

Any ideas?

Would she like a zoo or wildlife park?

Horse riding.

Bowling? A zoo?

Yes, I was thinking of a zoo. The thing is my in-laws are here on a visit, which is why I'd like to do it now as they can help dh with the baby (dh isn't well. He does look after the children but needs a break once a while). So a zoo is theoretically something all of us could go to (and would love to go to). I was wondering if there is anything that's maybe perfect for a mum and daughter day out rather than a family visit. Not sure that makes sense but that's why I thought I'd ask Mumsnet in case anyone had a great idea. :-)

Eg if we were in London we might have gone to see Frozen the musical and then got lunch or something like that.

The Space Centre is a great museum.

What's on at Leicester Curve - they often get kids productions or try De Montfort Hall and see what they have on. Also recommend the space museum in Leicester or for a free day out there's free museums like New Walk. Nottingham also has theatres as does Birmingham, I'm sure one has a kid friendly show

Alton Towers/Legoland? Lots the baby can't do at those but a 6 year old can.

Pottery painting?

I know she is fairly young for this idea. Go to a town that is close but not your normal one. A bit of girly shopping and nails and lunch.

Or

Take her ten pin bowling and lunch.
Or

Is it too far to go to the beach for the day? and in addition to the beach choose an extra attractions along the seafront (every seafront is different so will vary), eg crazy golf, big wheel, rides, splash park, land train etc.

Posh afternoon tea

pottery painting

go ape high ropes course

interactive science museum

cinema

swimming to a fancy pool with slides etc

Thanks all for the suggestions. Yes, the beach would be lovely but we are too far. Pottery painting is great. We've got one very nearby so go fairly often but usually with a screaming baby who needs entertaining so she doesn't get bored. It would be great for an evening Activity.

I'll check out Legoland as well. I had no idea there was one in Birmingham now. Thanks for the tip. It's fairly expensive as well so makes sense to not go with the entire extended family.

Yes, I love the new walk museum and that entire walk in Leicester. I also totally recommend the Richard the third museum at the end of that walk (though not necessarily with small kids).

I'll also have a look at Leicester curve and de montfort hall. I saw there's some sort of paw patrol show on in Nottingham but it's £137 for just the tickets for the two of us. I wouldn't mind spending that as a treat on some sort of Disney show but not paw patrol.😒 Has anyone seen the paw patrol show? Is it fantastic? DD loves paw patrol but even then...

Nottingham Lakeside Arts often has things on. This time of year, you can also take a rowing boat out on Highfields Lake, which would be a nice thing to do (and not so doable with a baby in tow). There's a nice cafe and usually an ice cream van as well!

Thanks. I'll check them out. I really need to book something soon. Not much time left. 😮

My 6yo loves doing 'ladies who lunch' with me which involves going to town just the two of us, going to claires or smiggle to buy a heap of crap, popping into a 'posh' dress shop (could be jaegar or bland m&s she wouldn't know the difference!) for me so she can advise me on what suits and what doesn't, maybe buy something, and then go for an afternoon tea and pop into the library.