Half term is here and the weather is nasty. But fear not frantic parents – I’ve found a fabulous place offering all sorts of activities for little ones up to 10 years of age.
I popped into Eddie Catz at Putney (on the High Street – accessed from the side road near the main Putney Exchange entrance). Luckily I didn’t have a buggy as there’s a fierce flight of stairs (there’s a button to call for help and a stair lift for those who need it – and there was a busy buggy park upstairs when I was there). The reception staff manage a gate to prevent mini escapees and monitor numerous CCTV safety cameras. They were friendly and explained the many wonders on offer.
Large and varied play areas
There’s a large café (with healthy snacks and meals as well as cakes and cookies) – with a separate area for hosting parties. Right at the back is a large adventure playground with all the netting and climbing frames.
There are soft padded play areas for babies and toddlers. And even an area with some comfy looking sofas where parents can relax a bit whilst their youngsters play. For slightly older kids there were some interactive video and touch screen games.
All types of classes
The centre also hosts a variety of classes (including NCT workshops) and I was given a detailed timetable. To highlight just a few on offer:
Yogabugs – Exercise for children aged two and a half to five years
Diddi Dance – funky pre-school dance classes for boys and girls (they offer free trials). There are also classes at Clapham, Putney, Southfields and Wimbledon. www.diddidance.com
Club Petit Pierrot – Fun French from eith months to eight years old www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
Little Kickers – Approved football training from 18 months to seven years www.littlekickers.com
Wimbledon centre has football and basketball
The centre in Wimbledon (near Colliers Wood station) is apparently larger. It also has football and basketball areas. There’s a further centre out near Newbury.
They are open seven days a week and there’s no need to book. Prices are based on height – under 90 cms costs £4.95 for two hours (if they aren’t busy they tend to let folk stay a bit longer). There’s also a membership scheme.
www.eddiecatz.com Telephone 0845 201 1268
