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Nottingham water fun and friendships

ByEmma

Never one to miss an opportunity to cram as much into a day as possible, after our time at the Midlands blog meet at the weekend, I’d arranged to meet a friend and her daughter in Nottingham.  In fact, she’s not just my friend, she’s my bump buddy from when we were on the Babycentre forum together when pregnant.

Nottingham was a pleasant surprise, as since I’d last been, they’ve built some great water fountains and features in the main square, so although cold, it was perfect entertainment for two three-year olds after a bit of water fun.

water features in nottingham

N and his little friend enjoyed seeing each other.  I love it the way young children just take everything in their stride, and even if they don’t exactly remember who the person really is that they’re seeing, they seem to get really excited at the prospect of having another friend to play with.

Nottingham friends

It’s taken a while for N to like water fountains, or anything unpredictable when it comes to water.  He still hates showers, so I was astounded at how confident he was playing with the water.

water fountain play

It probably wasn’t the best weather to be playing in freezing cold water, but he didn’t seem worried.  He did end up a little on the wet side…but very happy.

happy toddler

A bit of tram spotting later (I think N was confused why the ‘trains’ were going through the middle of the city!), and we went for some coffee and cake.  The children were really good, and N was really impressed that E had brought him a present (whoever thought of doing ‘mystery’ Happyland figures in single packets should be given a payrise.  A great cheap reward for kids and to keep them entertained while out and about…I’m planning them as potty training rewards as well!)

happyland figures

Our catch up was only fleeting, but it was great to see the children together having fun, brilliant to catch up, and a relief to get some time outside after all the bad weather of January and early February, and a good breather before we had to get in the car onto our final destination.

What features do your town or city centres have that are great for children and a breather from shopping?  (Banbury’s is limited to a statue of the Fine Lady upon her horse)

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10 Comments

  1. Awww Emma I am gutted i missed that meet up!! i live about 5 miles from those fountains!!

    It sounds like a lovely day was had by all 🙂

    thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments

  2. Sorry if you get two comments…
    That looks like such a fun day, fountains are just fab to play in! Here in Boston there are quite a few fountain/water features and in the summer they are always full of kids playing, it’s lovely to watch. They’d be frozen solid if they were switched on at the moment 🙂

    1. Bet it’s great to see them all, although rammed. Our nearest ones are probably Warwick in the park, although think it’s more a paddling pool. We do have an outdoor pool but Ive never taken N as thought it would probably be too cold for him to swim in – I haven’t been there since I was a teenager and we used to go all day in our school holidays to hang out.

  3. That looks like such a fun day! Fountains are just the best thing for keeping kids entertained. There are several water/fountain areas in Boston and in the summer they are full of kids playing, it’s fantastic to see 🙂

    1. Definitely. Was so nice to see them getting on so well together. They’d make a right cheeky pair if they were together more often!

  5. That looks like a fab day out!!
    We have nothing in our town center for kids apart from a lovely flat paved area that my two love to scooter around….
    I’ve just noticed the new blog layout & design! Love it x

    1. It’s definitely good having something to distract children from any boredom during shopping. We have a good scooting area round the market place too, but obviously not on market day!

      (I’m loving the design too – Helen did a great job).

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