IKEA

I is for IKEA, a great place to take your kids.

Now I know what you’re thinking:

‘Hang on a minute, IKEA? Isn’t this supposed to be about a kids play experience?’

But actually, IKEA can be just that. Forget the half hour long queues to buy your stuff, forget the frankly terrible returns and exchanges process, and forget the ‘you cant take the yellow bag, decant everything to a blue bag’ rigmarole.

It’s true that IKEA is a true test of any relationship. Go there with your Other Half, and if you manage to survive the furniture viewing, picking, buying, returning and rebuying experience, then your relationship is truly solid and meant to be.

BUT if you go to IKEA with the sole idea of a great day out with the kids, then it’s a whole different story. Gone is the pressure to navigate your way around the marketplace without picking up at least 5 random items you didn’t know you needed (although…those mouse headed scrubbing brushes ARE very cute…) and the experience becomes one of fun.

Firstly, there is the restaurant. Not only does it serve ridiculously tasty meatballs, but they are also extremely reasonably priced – a kids portion is only £1.50. In fact they have a range of kid friendly eating options, as well as some adult meals with a price tag that is also wallet friendly. Kids cutlery, plenty of highchairs, plates, bowls and bibs are also available for use, and you needn’t worry about fidgety kids spoiling your eating experience either – if you sit at one of the tables near or around the edge of the cafe play areas then you can watch them play happily whilst you finish your meal in peace.

Once the face stuffing is completed, you can take the kids to the children’s department and let them play to their hearts content. The Wee Man is particularly fond of the play kitchen, complete with miniature plates, bowls and utensils, and the pop up circus tent with viewing holes in the top.

When they (you!) tire of that – if you have the energy – you can proceed on outside the store and have a bit of a play in the outdoor playground too (accessed via a hugely exciting travelator or a giant lift), assuming the weather is nice.

And of course, if you have older children aged over 3, they can have a fun session in Smaland, the IKEA creche, whilst you have a leisurely coffee or a browse around the marketplace (I know, I said you shouldn’t go there but I just…cant…help it….).

So, next time a rainy day comes your way and you’re not sure where to go, or you simply want a bit of an alternative to the usual tired venues, then why not give it a try. The worst that can happen is that you’ll arrive home with 5 new scrubbing brushes. And they’re always useful, right?