LOCAL THINGS TO DO INDOORS
Keep them busy (and you sane! In all weathers)
Toddlers world. 6mths – 5 years. This is a big bouncy castle, inflatable forest and lots of soft play. Perfect for a rainy day. Take a packed lunch – no café near by.
These are EXCELLENT resources for parents on Lockner. All activities are FREE, each children’s centre runs its own timetable. They run stay and play, messy play, cooking, baby massage and singing sessions, amongst others.
Mapledene childrens centre, Comet childrens centre & Seabrite childrens centre are all within 15 minutes walking distance from Lockner.
This library was opened in 2012 and is kitted out with everything you could think of. They run school holiday activities, and have weekly story telling and music drop ins.
Kidzmania is an indoor play area near Clapton pond (short bus ride/25 min walk) with ball pond, climbing frame etc. It can get very busy at peak times. Personally I have found it to be perhaps a little bit grotty in the past.
Artburst
I can not recommend this enough, it’s a ten minute walk away on Hoxton market. They cater for all ages with creative/storytelling/arts and crafts workshops.
This is a hidden picnic destination gem. Botanical garden, great café. They run a comprehensive school holiday programme for children of all ages.
Discovery Story Centre (a bit further afield in Stratford, but worth the journey)
New children’s play/story museum. Children go on adventures to space with storytellers, do arts and crafts, its very interactive and fun. Wonderful outdoor play area as well. Highly recommended. Note: to get to Stratford you are better off going from Dalston junction and changing than going to Dalston Kingsland, as Dalston Kingsland has no lift for buggies.
Swimming and Sports
Brittania Leisure centre – a 6 minute walk away. This is great for little ones as it is designed like a beach, so you can let them toddle around in the shallow parts. They have a wave machine that the big kids enjoy. Their swimming classes are very popular. Currently being upgraded to Londons newest and best Leisure facility!
Clissold Leisure Centre – a bit further away, near to Clissold park, but brand spanking new and very posh. They have two children’s pools. The area for toddlers is very tiny though & only ankle deep.