Bubsi loves the playground. Don’t all kids love it? Probably not, I mean I never really thought about it. I would assume that some kids hate it. Just like some of them hate bananas. Regardless, Bubsi loves it. So much so, she even took her first real steps on the playground. And slides are amazing. Even better than swings. Recently, see-saws also attract attention…

Bubsi at the Playground

The one right outside

There is the playground right outside our house. It is a simple playground and designed for older kids, not toddlers. But with my help, Bubsi can swing there or try to use the “slide” or whatever it is meant to be (if it is a slide it doesn’t look like one, if it is not, I have no idea what it could be). The main drawback is that it is not fenced, however. Bubsi can run, and run fast. She loves running away from me when something more exciting catches her fancy. A bird, for example. Or a car. Or a ball on the other side of the street. The street is the issue, of course. Cars are no fun. Thus, we do not spend too much time here, even though it is the most conveniently located playing spot to home.

The playground right outside

The one in the park

About a twenty minute walk down the River Lea there is Markfield Park. The park has a lovely playground with a separate play area for under 8s. It is the only one within walking distance that has a slide/climb construction suitable for toddlers. Bubsi can climb the stairs herself and there is no danger falling off the sides or through the steps as everything is build solidly. The only way down is backwards or the slide. This makes it easy to supervise. More importantly, it allows toddlers to try out and exercise their motor and physical skills without having to shout “stop” and “be careful” on repeat. The cherry on top is the setting, in the midst of greenery next to the river. Markfield park playground is our go-to and favorite option by far.

Bubsi running to the playground

The one across the railway tracks

Over on the other side of the railway tracks is another playground within a park. It is a popular one, judging by the numbers of people going there, but the park is not as nice as Markfield park, and the play options are better for older toddlers and young kids than our 1.5 year old Bubsi. We do go there every now and then for a change of space, but I always have to watch out what Bubsi does and prevent her from falling – so not a very relaxing choice. Stopping there for a snack is, however, always an option.

Bubsi eating raspberries

The one at the mall

Last week, we discovered a new playground at the Walthamstow Central mall (where we went for the first time). It is a rather nice one for Bubsi’s age, as the play areas are easily accessible and reasonably well to supervise. However, the setting is not very scenic and some of the other kids’ parents cannot be bothered to look after their children, so we are not going to be frequent guests.

Bubsi and the playground duck

The fancy one in West London

Finally, there is our weekend trip downtown playground at Holland Park in West London. This one is really nice, as it is safe for kids and comes with a café next door. Bubsi especially loves the feel of the soft sand that covers the entire toddler area. Although she can only handle it barefoot, as sand in her shoes is an absolute no-go. Regardless, she never gets tired of this playground and sometimes specifically requests us to go on the “choo-choo” (=tube) downtown to the park.

Bubsi in the sand at Holland Park

Where are your toddlers usually playing?