Are you a full time parent and miss out on exploring toddler groups, play and stays and other children events? Well I’ve got some great news – there is a new stay and play, Pickles Play Cafe in Shepperton, which is open on Friday and Saturday mornings.
Run by Suzanne who is a primary school teacher and a mum herself, she has created a calm, friendly and engaging stay and play in the heart of Shepperton. It’s a great place to meet other local parents, have a chat over a coffee all whilst the little ones are playing safely under your supervision.
They are also able to offer a selection of hot and cold refreshments, so perfect if you fancied a little bit to eat or even a lunch play date. Everything is based in the same room so you can keep your eyes on the little ones the whole time. There is also a selection of table and chairs where you can sit and observe.
The main room had a selection of different toys for the children to explore. The role playing is always a big win with Isabella, she loved the supermarket, pretending to give everyone an ice cream and helping clean. Fine and gross motor skill activities are essential for children’s development and here there is the climbing frame, the soft play and also a colourful ball pit.
There is also sensory toys which help to stimulate and educate the children. Around the room are various toys which the children can play with at their own leisure. Suzanne advised that the toys will be on rotation, so from one week to the next there will be different products to explore, this is fantastic as means if you visit regularly then each visit will be different and the children will be kept engaged each time.
I would say that the main room itself would be best suited for under 5’s. However if you do have a younger child (crawling or sitting baby) then there is a separate room for them. This room had play mats, sensory toys and other musical items for them to play with. Although separated it was only by a door and there was a glass window where you could easily see what was going on. So ideal if you had multiple children with you, as you could still watch both children easily.
Suzanne has lots of ideas for how to transform this new group with craft activities for the older children, a larger space for upstairs for which is ideal for a calmer atmosphere where children can have time out or a sensory zone for relaxing sessions.
There is also ample free parking just outside the church or in the surrounding area. From having two active toddlers this is also a bonus for me, as I like to find places to visit where you can park easily.
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