Things to do in Croydon with kids

London is the city to be for tours, landmark visiting and fun but if you fancy stepping away from the crowds and the hype, try Croydon. Based in south London, Croydon is comfortable and cosy and offers a variety of things to do, so as long as you have reliable transport, we suggest you give our list a go!

Kidspace Adventures

Described as the ultimate indoor adventure park, Kidspace boasts a large and unique play area. The Orb, in particular, is the UK’s biggest play area and inside is a number of slides, neon mazes, labyrinths and viewing pods. Other fun to be had at Kidspace should be spent racing on the Go Kart Track, playing Crazy Golf or climbing the 27ft wall in the Climbing Zone. If they need to relax, there’s always the Cinema Room. Most importantly, kids must visit the Party Zone for lots and lots of fun – there is a fully licensed spider bar, dance floor and party pods. Not one to be missed, this venue can be privately hired for parties and hosts regular events such as themed parties, face painting, party dances and Kobi’s Toddler Fun Time. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.kidspaceadventures.com/croydon/parties.

Beanies Cafe

A friend of mine brings her toddler here and at Beanies, they place an emphasis on the importance of play and they do this by providing a range of activities and toys your children will want to play with. Activity stations include dressing up, musical instruments, books, computer play, dolls and dolls houses, puzzles and games, and art and creativity. Through play, Beanies aims to inspire and help children to learn. One of the best things about Beanies is that they also specialise in hosting parties so if you want to book a party at the venue, click here for more information: http://www.beaniescafe.co.uk/#!party-2. Beanies offers sessions primarily for younger children but kids older than 7 are just as welcome and better yet, go free! If that’s not enough, adults can have a pampering session, whether it’s a manicure, massage or a facial – you need some me-time. Take the opportunity, you’ll all enjoy the experience.

Valley Park Retail and Leisure Complex

Here, you have the best of both worlds: children can play, you can go shopping. The retail park is divided between the retail area and leisure park and there is plenty of space for parking. Entertainment wise, you can go anywhere! If there’s a movie the kids want to see, take them to Vue Cinema or if they’re energised and excited, take them to the arcade, where you could go bowling as a family or just play games such as air hockey and basketball (where you attempt to get as many balls as you can in the hoops before time runs out). If you are able to keep an eye on the kids whilst they have their fun, you can also play pool with your friend or spouse. When everybody gets hungry, you could walk across to McDonald’s or Burger King but if you want a family meal, head over to Frankie and Benny’s. You can’t be disappointed with this option, there’s so much fun to be had there.

Pantomimes at Fairfield Halls

Fairfield Halls is a centre of art and hosts a number of events here, from theatre and ballet to music and comedy. Jimmy Carr, The Beatles and Johnny Cash have performed acts here and the opening scene of The Da Vinci Code was filmed in one of the conference rooms. The venue even hosts children’s events here so if the family loves pantomimes, watch one at Fairfield Halls. Over the next year there is a great number of plays on show for the kids including Jack and the Beanstalk, the Horrible Histories series (The Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians), Fireman Sam, The Tiger Who Came To Tea and The Wheels on the Bus. I promise you, it’s fun; you’ll find the actors really involve the audience and you’ll be guaranteed laughs from start to finish. Don’t forget your popcorn or ice cream! For more information go to http://www.fairfield.co.uk/.