Eddie Catz play centres offer great indoor play for children up to the age of 12. They also have cafes with newspapers and magazines to keep adults happy while the children have fun.

There are two Eddie Catz ‘‘edutainment’’ (play combined with socialisation and learning) centres within easy reach of Clapham; one in Putney, the other in Wimbledon.

For babies and toddlers the centres have padded toddler-only soft play areas, bouncy chairs and kiddie rides. Baby food, bibs, high chairs, microwaves, bottle warmers and nappy changing facilities are available, and classes in music and movement for little ones and their parents and carers are held regularly.

Children between the ages of 3 and 12 can play on the huge playframe and enjoy interactive video games and air hockey. Wimbledon has a sports arena, and both sites have reading zones for those quieter moments.

Sessions last 2 hours (but this is only enforced during busy periods) and there is no need to book. Both centres host a number of classes (see foot of the article) and children attending classes get a free play on the day of the class.

Both centres also have beauty bars, offering beauty treatments for mums.  And as you may imagine, these centres are ideal party destinations; offering everything from a themed toddler party through to princess parties and laser-tag too. The whole venue is also available for exclusive hire.

Babies under 8 months can visit the centres for free. After that, prices are determined by height! Putney charges £4.75 for children under 90cm, £5.75 for kids between 90cm and 1.55m, and £1 for anyone taller (and that includes you!) Wimbledon prices differ slightly at £3.75, £5.90 and £1 respectively.

If you think your children would love to go back time and time again, then it’s worth becoming a member. Membership for one of the centres is £65 for 6 months or £90 for a year. Membership of BOTH centres is £85 for 6 months and £110 for a year. Adults then get in free, and if a sibling wants to join they can take advantage of a 20% discount. This doesn’t include classes, which cost extra, but it does allow you to go as many times as you like.

The centres are open from 9.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sunday. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.

Eddie Catz in Putney is at 68-70 Putney High Street and the no.39 from Clapham Junction goes straight there. Parking is not available but there is a car park in the Putney Exchange across the road.

The Wimbledon centre is at 42 Station Road. There is a small car park for 20 cars but this is often full, so just nip across the road to Sainsbury’s where you can park for 4 hours for free.

For more details on Eddie Catz centres call 0845 201 1268.

www.eddiecatz.com

Eddie Catz Putney

68-70 Putney High Street,

1st Floor

London

SW15 1SF

Classes: Amanda’s Action Kids; Playball, NCT Antenatal, Monkey Music; Little Kickers; Tiny Tutus Ballet; Club Petit Pierrot French, London Mums Playgroup, The Incredible Years Parents & Babies Programme, Baby Sensory.

See website for dates, times and prices.

Drop & shop crèche on Thur 9.30–11.30am, £7.

Beauty Bar for Mums weekdays.

 

Eddie Catz Wimbledon

42 Station Road

Merton

London,

SW19 2LP

Classes: Tiny Tutus Ballet, Little Kickers; Playball; Italian playgroup.

Evening Indoor Laser Tag parties. Princess & Mini Makeover parties in the Mini Diva Beauty Salon.

Beauty Treatments for Mums Wed-Fri.

Kids’ hairdressing coming soon.