101 Things to Do in Chelmsford with Children This Summer - Part 5

And finally Part 5 of 101 Things to Do in Chelmsford with Children This Summer. This post includes soft play areas and everything slew that didn't really fit into the first four posts. 

Have a fantastic six weeks! Let us know what you've loved (and loathed!) about the places that have been suggested...

81. The Playloft at Rivendell Village in Maldon

82. Dizzee Rascals in Maldon

83. Creepy Crawlies in South Woodham Ferrers

84. Mace Playce

85. Kids and Koffee

86. Pickles Playhouse in Witham

87. Rocky's Funhouse

88. Wacky Warehouse

89. Cheeky Monkees in South Woodham Ferrers

90. Lathcoats Farm and PYO

91. Hazle's Pottery Barn

92. The Glazed Look

93. Ceramics on the Hop

94. Odeon Cinema

95. Swimming

96.  Essex Libraries reading challenge

97. Tenpin Bowling

98. Pitch and Putt

99. Ice Skating

100. Shopping (It's almost last on the list as I know it's most parents idea of hell but it's going to have to be done anyway for all the back to school stuff!)

and finally 101: A nice relaxing day at home!!


Don't forget to check out the other blogs in this series!

Part 1: Summer Courses, Camps and Holiday Clubs 1-20

Part 2: Days Out 21-40

Part 3: Events and Activities 41-60

Part 4: Get Outside! 61 - 80

Danbury Mission Toddler Group

For a lot of parents, the prospect of a toddler group can fill them The Fear. A hall full of under fives running rampage whilst parents struggle (or in the worst cases don't bother!) to control their over excited children - no-one's idea of a fun morning! 

Like many parents, I've been to a a number of different toddler groups, couldn't find one that was the right 'fit' and almost gave up on them. That was until I found the toddler group at Danbury Mission Church. The group is run by members of the Church on four days of the week and everyone is welcome regardless of their own personal religious beliefs. 

I started going to the toddler group on my own on a Tuesday morning and I could not have been made to feel more welcome by Jane, Janis and Lisa. They regularly man the slide so parents can actually sit and enjoy their coffee! There are plenty of toys, including an area just for babies and there is a different craft activity every week. Story time is also held every session - the children all know this is the time that they get a biscuit (or two!) and so as soon as the mat comes out they all run to sit down. The session before Christmas is also fantastic with lunch instead of story time and then a visit from Santa himself. The reaction of the children last year brought a tear to my eye!

I love this toddler group and am changing the days my son goes to nursery as he misses going now he is doing a second day. Every time we walk past the Church he asks if we are going to toddler group! 

So if you are thinking of quitting your toddler group - keep trying! You will find one that is the right for you and your children. 

If you are interested in joining the Danbury Mission toddler group so contact them first. They have waiting lists for some days but groups tend to see a lot of change in September as children start school. 

Top 10 Indoor Activities In Chelmsford

After all the rain we had at the beginning of the week I started thinking about 'raining day contingency plans' and thought that you might all appreciate a list of the Top 10 Indoor Activities in Chelmsford! 

 Riverside Ice and Leisure

Mace Playce (Soft Play for 0-12's)  

Kids and Koffee  (Soft play for 0-8's)

Chelmsford Library (Free!)

Ten Pin Bowling

Chelmsford Museum (Free!)  

Cinema

Museum of Power

Hazle's Pottery Barn   

Essex Police Musuem (Only open Saturday's but has an activity running every week)

Please do let us know if you think of our top indoor activities and whether you think we've missed anything! Or add a review to our site to let other parents know what you think of them.

Kids and Koffee

I recently organised the first Mumsnet Chelmsford Meet-up and I was struggling to come up with a venue. With no idea of numbers or the ages of children that people would be bringing with them I really needed somewhere that would cater for all. A soft-play seemed to be the best place and it needed to be in central Chelmsford in case anyone was travelling by public transport. Despite having  opened last summer, I still hadn't got round to visiting Kids and Koffee and after it was suggested on our talk boards, our venue was decided. Laura, the very lovely owner, agreed to reserve us a table and made everyone feel very welcome.  

It isn't a huge soft play but there are clearly defined areas for the under and over 2's. The area for the under 2's includes lots of age appropriate toys, soft-play blocks and has a little kitchen area adjacent to it. The over 2's area includes all the usual soft play equipment and because it is fairly small, you can see your children on the equipment at all times, which means that you can sit and enjoy your coffee! (The coffee, by the way, is good and the food isn't expensive).

There is also an outside area that, whilst too cold to use on the day we visited, has slides, play houses and lots of ride on toys to use. Different activities also run on weekday mornings with regular visits from Street Life Dance and Do Re Mini's. You can also book to have your child's birthday party here.

This is definitely a soft-play for the under 5's and will be useful to parents during the school holidays who are looking for somewhere for their smaller children to play. I will be definitely be back!