ReallyKidFreindly.com – The guide to how good places really are for your family

November 6th 2009

Rainy day runaround!!

OK, so we're not all into air craft and there is no question that the place could do with a a bit of updating... BUT, its huge, free and a fabulous place for a rainy day. We went when my daughter had just learned to walk and it was perfect for practice as it has miles of open, uniterrupted and level space for a toddler to try out her new skills. We head here whenever the weather is bad and we need somewhere to let off steam! The aeroplanes etc are a great bonus - my 2 year old loved the helicopter she could wander into, especially as she had been asking about helicopters for a while. We have tried the restaurant, but I'd say its relatively mediocre. If you want a break there is also a cafe/sandwiches, which is limited, but a better bet.

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Best for: Toddlers, Impaired mobility, Large groups

April 17th 2009

RAF Museum

I had heard of the museum but didn't know much more and so on a damp and dull Easter Bank Holiday weekend we decided to take a look. We were first struck by the sheer size of the place - it is HUGE. It was busy but we were helpfully guided to a car park space and staff could not have been more helpful in explaining about the museum and what was where. Although busy the place is big enough to cope with crowds. It is a great space for a 2 year old to have an explore but would have something for any age group - I must admit planes aren't really my thing but I did enjoy just strolling around and it's always nice to see the people your with having a nice time. We will be back.

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Best for: New baby, 6-12 months, Toddlers, Pre-school, School children, Twins & multiples, Impaired mobility, Large groups

February 15th 2009

great birthday trip

Recommended by a mummy friend, we took our son to the museum on his 2nd birthday. We were all impressed with the size of the place, the relaxed attitude of the staff in the company of an energetic toddler challenging his new environment. One only criticism relates to the museum's lack of directions in the car park, you are faced with four very large buildings, we were not sure where to start. That said it didn't detract from the fact that for a North London family, it is like having the science museum on your doorstep. My son particularly liked launching the parachutes up into the air, and I couldn't coax him out of the helicoptor. My husband, who flies for a hobby, loved sharing his knowledge, and despite my concerns, I found an untapped interest in all things aeronautical, who knew! Food was home made, tasty and wholesome if a tad expensive (think service station prices), but entry is free and time unlimited. All in all value for money and a place you will want to return to.

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Best for: Toddlers, Pre-school, School children, Twins & multiples, Impaired mobility, Large groups

February 12th 2009

A surefire free day out for wet days and too much energy

The last time I went to the RAF musuem I must have been about 10. Nearly 30 years on I recently took my kids along and I have to say I got pretty excited all over again. My two are both under two - this place is an obvious and well loved choice for older children but I wasn't sure whether mine would be bored by the whole thing. My two year old loved it - ok maybe she didn't appreciate the intricacy of every plane or helicopter but she got to run around non stop in a warm, dry, ENORMOUS series of buildings whilst mum and I strolled along with the buggy. Perfect when the snows of the last week meant everyone was getting a little cabin fever. She couldn't bust anything, she couldn't really get lost and many of the wandering staff were grandpa types who were excellent at engaging with all the kids I saw. As you'd expect, many of the displays and exhibits have been updated to be more interactive from when I last went circa 1980, and for children older than mine, I think they would provide some interest. But the sheer number of aircraft and the scale of the place makes it a pretty exciting visit for those with small eyes and legs. And I got to sit in a cockpit and pretend I was flying at 20,000 feet which to be honest, is pretty exciting whatever age you are!

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Best for: Toddlers, Pre-school, School children, Twins & multiples, Impaired mobility, Large groups