Maternity Leave in Review

My maternity leave is soon coming to an end. This year has been about exploring London (and the world) from a different perspective. From a perspective of a first time mum. I wish I knew about some of these activities earlier in my maternity leave. However its better late than never!

Here is a run down of my top 10 things to do on maternity leave:

1. Soft Play and Stay & Plays

Soft Plays and Stay & Plays are the best way to entertain a baby and meet other mums!

- @avocuddleplayroom at The Avocado & Coffee is actually a break for mummy. For £5.00, the lovely Sandra will look after your baby while you have lunch. They also have Piano Penguins class on Friday mornings which includes free play and classical music lesson.

- The Greenwich Forum soft play - Prices vary depending on age and number of children. A baby over 6 months is only £2.25!

- Squish Space at Barbican - Completely free sensory play are at the Barbican Centre! Just look out for dates on their calendar as its not open every day.

- Playkx - Completely free outdoor (and undercover if its raining) play area on Fridays to Sundays at Kings Cross.

- Childsplay With two venues in London (Fulham and Tooting), they offer food, play area for kiddies and also a wellness clinic. Prices vary depending on age and number of children. Kids under 2 are £2.50.

- Mudlarks Gallery at London Docklands Museum, completely free soft play area. However you need to book tickets in advance from their website or check at the counter.

- Ahoy Children's Gallery at National Maritime Museum, free during term time, however there is a £3 charge during school holidays. Tickets need to be purchased at the counter.

- The Garden at Science Museum free interactive play area.

- Mum & Me Stay and Play at Capeesh Restaurant - Really relaxed stay and play where mummies can chat and babies can play. Once a month they do a messy play session. Price is £5.00 and include lovely brunch foods and refreshments.

- The Frogprince at Surrey Docks Farm - Not a stay and play as such, but a really fun music class for under 5s. The classes are held outside during summer, which is lovely on sunny day. Drop in and pay as you go. Costs £5.00 a class.

2. Mummy meet-ups

Aside from mummy meet-ups from the NCT group, I met other mummies through baby groups and even instagram!

- @tinytableofficial organises mummy meet-ups all over London and also has special guests attending to talk about relevant topics from weaning to toddler meltdowns.

- @mindfulmummies has just started organising meet-ups focusing on mindfulness with special guest speakers discussing everything to create a mindful generation.

3. Museums, Galleries & Theatres

- National Gallery - Messy Mondays - Free drop in studio play sessions during school holidays. There are two sessions a day (am and pm) check website for details.

- National Gallery - Welcome Wednesdays - Interactive music & dance, storytelling and messy art led by gallery facilitator. Costs £5 per child.

- British Museum - Little Feet - Free drop in creative play & storytelling sessions for under 5s. Check website for dates and times.

- National Maritime Museum - Play Tuesdays - Song & dance, immersive play and storytelling activities led by a museum facilitator. Costs £4 per child.

- Royal Opera House - Opera Dots - Singing, music and stories workshops. Costs £10 per child.

- Royal Opera House - Ballet Dots - Creative sensory workshops. Costs £10 per child.

- London Museum - Mini Moles Baby Group - Completely free baby play group held on Wednesday mornings. However tickets must be booked in advance. They are released on Mondays and are quickly booked out.

- V&A Museum of Childhood - As the name suggests, this museum is perfect for children. There are daily activities. Check website for details.

4. Parent & Baby Cinema

- Everyman Cinema Baby Club - Just like watching a movie on a big screen at home. For £14.00, you get to sofa with your baby and enjoy a coffee & cake.

- Picturehouse Cinema Big Scream - Don't miss out watching movies just because you have a baby! There are a couple of sessions during the week to choose from. Ticket price is £9.50.

- The Barbican Parent & Baby - Definitely the best cinema deal out there! Ticket price is just £6.00. Also, they have sessions on Saturday mornings! Which means daddy can along too!

5. Picnics in the Park

Having a picnic in the Park was my maternity leave dream! I envisaged doing this every day during the summer! With so many lovely parks in London, we are spoilt for choice as to which green to sit on!

My favourite green is Canary Wharf. All amenities for baby and mummy/daddy are conveniently located in the shopping mall. Also they have the big screen up for Wimbledon and other sports during summer.

6. Festivals

I had no idea family friendly festivals was a thing! Turns out some festivals have family days during the week. Instead of having gigs, they have kid-friendly performances such as puppets, bubble man, story-time etc. Below are two festivals that I know has family days.

- All Points East - Victoria Park

- Barclays Summertime Festival Open House - Hyde Park

7. Baby Rave

Why miss out on clubbing life when you can club with a baby!

- Ravertots organises family rave parties & festivals around London. They don't hold back on the noise too! So bring ear defenders for baby.

8. Rooftops Places

- Skygarden - Free to access, however tickets need to be booked ahead online. There is a cafe/bar and a couple of restaurants.

- 120 Fenchurch Street - Free to access and no need to book ahead. There is a line up to go through security. There aren't many amenities up there, just a coffee cart. However it is a lovely space to get away from the hustle of the city. (Perfect for baby nap times if visiting work)

- Crossrail Roof Garden - Free to access and there is no queue. During the summer, Canary Wharf Group organises family friendly events such as Opera for Babies at the Ampitheatre in the Roof Garden.