📍Queen Street Shopping Centre, Darlington, DL3 6SL
(Ad-PR visit)
👋 ARRIVAL 👋
I was invited here earlier this week and visited with my mum, sister, my niece and nephew Sophia (3) and Harvey (1) and my baby Leo (5 months).
From the moment of arriving, this place had a lovely relaxed feel to it and looked very appealing for both children and adults 🤗 Richard, one of the owners was at the entrance to welcome people in too which was nice.
There is a gate to stop little ones running out into the shopping centre which is very reassuring. And there was an area near the entrance to leave your pushchairs.
🧱👩🍳🌈PLAY AREAS 🐻 🏕🌈
The main play area is set in the middle of the room and is fenced off with the tables and chairs set spaciously around this area, so you can relax and watch your kids without feeling on top of each other. Because of the fence partition between the tables and play area there wasn’t kids running around all the tables too which was great.
There was a good variety of toys for babies and toddlers up to around the age of 4. There were role play toys such as a market, kitchen, building bricks and baby dolls. Sophia loved playing with the dolls and with her mum playing shops at the market 🤗
For the crawlers there were some padded blocks to climb over and a tunnel to climb through, and a mirror to look in fixed on the pads. Climbing over these was one of Harveys favourite things to do now he’s crawling at super speed! 😂
There was a little baby corner with some baby toys, sensory toys and a baby gym. And there were toys for fine motor skills on a table too. Leo enjoyed the baby gym and the hand held wooden toys. Harvey and Sophia enjoyed the puzzle game on the wall too with the animals making noises when you put the pieces in! 🐓
And I also spotted a book unit on the wall too next to one of the tables full of children's books which I thought is great for those children who want to sit and read together with their parents or on their own for a bit of chill out time 🤗
Then over in the far corner there was another area which was set up like a camp site with a tent, picnic table and bbq.
Next to this was a lovely sensory room with lots of lights and textures to explore, which Leo enjoyed but this time also wanted to be with the others, he’s getting a bit older now and more nosy! 😆
The sensory room is perfect if your baby/toddler just wants to relax and take it all in though, it’s very calming 💤
There is something for every type of child whether they prefer to relax with a book, enjoy some sensory play, play with noisy musical toys or climb and crawl through tunnels. This place has it all! Another thing I noticed as well is many of the toys were wooden, which is great as more eco friendly too 👌
🍰 FOOD AND DRINKS ☕️
When it came to feeding time for Leo I noticed there was a great little feeding station area with a microwave, bottle warmer and food prep machine, this is very convenient for parents as they don’t have to ask to use the facilities and it makes feeding time much less stressful with it being right there. We all had a coffee and cake break too, whilst the kids had a little snack. The cakes were yummy and the cappuccino I got was lovely too 😋
There were lots of sweet treats and hot and cold drinks to choose from. There was also a good selection of baby food pouches, fruit and snacks on the counter. As well as toasties, paninis, sandwiches, kids picnic boxes, jacket potatoes and other light bites on the menu too. Oh and also some daily specials. For a play cafe I thought there was a good choice! Prices were very reasonable too.
FOOD ALLERGIES /DIETARY NEEDS
In terms of allergies/dietary needs, they can offer gluten free bread and crisps, jacket potatoes and gluten free fillings. And also vegan cheese, vegan sausages, dairy free spread for sandwiches as well as a dairy free and gluten free sweet option usually on the counter. They also have soya, oat and almond milk available for drinks.
🦼 ACCESSIBILITY 🦽
Very accessible, not overcrowded so there's space for a wheelchair and it's one level throughout with no step at the entrance. Queen Street shopping centre where it is located is accessible too. There’s an area to leave pushchairs so that the play area and seating areas don’t get congested. There is also a wheelchair accessible toilet with baby changing facilities too.
🚙 PARKING 🚘
There are two car parks at the back of the shopping centre (Commercial Street) which also have disabled spaces. These are council ran car parks. Currently it is free for 2 hours as part of a council initiative until March 2023 but please check the council website for updates. As it is a town centre location there are other car parks within walking distance too.
For further information on all the council ran car parks and normal charges go to https://www.darlington.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/car-parking/car-parks-and-charges/
❓OUR FINAL THOUGHTS ❓
We loved our visit here and it’s definitely somewhere we would visit again, the parking was easy and very close by, and the prices for entry as well as food and drink are very reasonable. The place was very clean everywhere. And the play areas are carpeted with the rest being hard flooring, which is great as little ones can play safely. Shoes are taken off in the play areas to keep it clean.
Both Richard and Aimee (the owners) and the staff members are very welcoming and they make a good team. Richard was even going round chatting to people which I thought was lovely! And Aimee and the staff member was very approachable and friendly when I introduced myself.
💷PRICES AND BOOKING 🎟
£2.50 Walkers
£1.50 Non Walkers
£1.50 per additional sibling
No need to book but they do advise to call up to reserve a table if meeting in a large group. Call them on 01325 489626 during their opening hours. If outside of these hours send them a message via their Facebook page and they will get in touch as soon as they can.
ℹ️FURTHER INFO ℹ️
Follow their Facebook page for further information on this event and the most up to date availability as well as future events and any updates ⬇️
I hope you enjoyed reading :) Let me know if you visit and your thoughts in the comments below 👇
AD-Gifted Visit
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