We took our 2 children (2 and 4) to Rascals for the first time yesterday. Entry fee was about £4.50…read moreper child so as per the earlier comment, if you see yourselves going back then take out a membership. The play area is really compact, as everything is in a self contained cube, covered in strong netting that goes up to 3 levels in height (almost to the ceiling). So whilst its a good use of space, it doesnt leave much room around the edges for parents to sit and have a rest (there was a private party that had most of the tables reserved). At the same time its the only area where children can run from one area to the next so at times it can also get very crowded. When we went we didnt really relax as the only seats were next to a very noisey football game (yes we expected it to be noisey but not to struggle to speak to each other!). There were also trays of food on tables which hadnt been cleared away, so that didn't leave a great first impression either. When you go it might be quieter and cleaner, but at least our children seemed to enjoy it, and its near to where we live so we might go again. But only if we cant find anywhere better!

This is a great soft play centre - real value for money - make sure you become a member if you…read moredecide to come more than once as it's only £4.55 for 2 children (sibling discount). The rig is great - big slides - and there are 2 areas for under 2's. The food is good, I've had 2 birthday parties there and the staff are really wonderful (especially Geri who also painted the murals on the walls). So many places like this are run down and filthy or over-priced. Rascals is the best in the area.

We didnt enjoy going here as much as we used to, before it closed and moved premises. It seems to…read moreget incedibly busy, the noise is awful and there doesnt appear to be a limit to the number of children they can have in there at one time. Prices seem a little excessive and parking is a nightmare. Cafe isnt upto much either.

Fantastic play area for kids (although the adults enjoy it as much!!) Great staff and great fun!!!read more

This is a large indoor play area for kids. My two boys had a lot of fun there. There are age…read moreseparate areas which is great even if it does make it hard when you have two not in the same group. Babies, up to 3, little kids up to 5, and the rest of the place for I think up to 8 years old. With my help my little guy (currently not yet 2) could even do the big part and loved the big ball pit. For me and my two kids to get in was around 10 pounds and we were only there about and hour and a half. In fairness, they would have stayed longer but I can only hack these places for so long. They do have a concessions stand but we didn't have food. They do forbid outside food and drink, though I saw people bringing in their own anyway. Also there is an outdoor area that looked really nice that we didn't get to. I am sure we will make it out there next time. Great place though a bit nerve racking when you can't find your kid in the mazes of craziness that go to the ceiling. All in all it was a good time and we will be checking it out again.

I had a party invite to this Snakes and Ladders having been to a few in the reading / slough area…read morebefore. Its the same type of format, massive airplane hanger full of ways kids can jump around. Its split into 4 areas by age with the 4 are being an ouside section which i thought was a fantastic idea and a real favourite with my 5 yo girl. Kids will not fail to enjoy. There is a food area and plenty of seats for you to read a paper etc if your happy enough to let your kids go wild :-) Toy shop area as you leave but kids to knackered to even spot it - LOL As a point to note, you park in the main Syon Park area and walk over to the location. Lots of building taking place (July 2009)

Although the name of this restaurant is very off-putting,infact the experience of eating in it for…read moreme has been quite the reverse. The name conjures up images of screaming toddlers,push-chairs and over-protective mothers but they have smart upstairs which serves really great tasting Coffees,smoothies and light lunches whatever your age. However in the basement section they do have toys,blackboards,on-screen Disney Classics to keep children amused whilstthe adults enjoy a good nosh up. There is ample room in the basement for an entire army. Three times a week the restaurant does have some activities for young children to participate in like (story-time,rhyme-time,puppet-show etc,etc). There is a an excellent children's menu and the choice :- Shepherd's Pie,Macaroni Cheese,Organic Fish Pie and Sandwiches. When I had lunch there I ate a fresh Spinach,Feta,Walnut Salad,washed with a thick Mango Smoothie and followed by Chocolate Cake,excellent Cappucino and own-made Ginger-bread man cookies.

Open on the first sunday of every month, and there are occasional other events such as theatrical…read moreevents, christmas carol service and green fairs. They also can host parties, and there is a group for children with fun days out at gatton where they can find moths/ pond dip. The staff and gardeners are really friendly and helpful. The gardens are beautiful, and include a bamboo/ oriental garden, walled garden and rock garden (dangerous when wet).

A decent bowling venue with everything you would need from different weights and sizes of bowling…read moreballs, some seating, a bar downstairs and toilets. However, typical bowling disasters seem to appear..such as the lane becoming frozen repeatedly and worst of all the scores being wiped out completely once your allotted time is up, which can be hugely frustrating if you are trying to have a competition.

This is a bowling alley conveniently located just next to Finsbury Park tube station (make sure you…read moretake the turn to your left when you come down from the platforms, otherwise you will come out the other end of the station!). Before you can enter security will search your bags and ask for ID, which they scan for their records. Entrance fees are £3 friday/Saturday evenings and just £1 off-peak - they accept cash only. The venue is massive - there are bowling lanes on both floors (twelve lanes each to make 24 in total), karaoke rooms and arcades on the ground floor. Bowling is very cheap (for zone 2) at £5.20 per person per game, and drinks were also reasonable. They play 90s pop music and there is a small dance floor also where people can dance in between turns to bowl! Further into the venue there are pool tables at £1.50 a game. I initially had reservations before entering the place as the crowd outside the station seemed a little rough...but was pleasantly surprised to find many sensible groups of (mostly) young people having a great time bowling/dancing/playing pool. The place has a great 'back-to-school' atmosphere about it, and the prices also feel the same way. One can order Domino's pizza as I believe Rowans has a partnership with them. The bowling lanes are pretty standard, maybe a bit low tech, but still good fun. The pool tables are also in decent consition. The karaoke rooms have song databases that are more or less up to date with the latest songs. I *believe* it is well sound-proofed. There are cabs waiting outside the station should you wish to stay until after the last tube. Decent location, excellent prices and better service than kne would expect for the cost. This is an excellent venue for birthday parties or for groups of friends to simply enjoy a good fun night out! 5/5.

Large play area for the kids. It's always packed! Close to nice grassy areas and a pub, if you…read morefancy a drink and a picnic while the kids play! They've also recently re-opened the park toilets, so that's one less thing to worry about

Seems good to me - always packed out when you'd expect it. gated off from dogs and the like. ice…read morecream van seems permenantly stationed next door to it - must have an captive audience!

This place has loads of drop in groups for the under 5's. All with cute names like caterpillars and…read moresprouts!! The staff are really friendly and sessions usually cost just £1.50 which is a bargain. There is a cafe which serves great food at very reasonable prices although the opening hours of the cafe do vary. It has something going on every day and I reccommend picking up a programme of events from the reception.