The Botanics in Early Spring

If you ask me, The Botanics are at their best in Autumn and Spring. It may be a little chillier, but it lacks the crowds that Summer brings. Aswell as this, I think the trees look their best when they are bare,with buds just about to burst into life.

So, what is it that appeals most about the Botanics to your common garden toddler? One word: squirrels.Take a bag of nuts, find a quiet spot, break open a nut or two then wait patiently for a bit and they'll soon appear. Your wee one will probably be a bit cautious to begin with, but soon s/he'll be eager to feed them nuts right out of their hand.

As well as the squirrel factor, there are also The Glasshouses. The cost of getting into them may seem a bit steep ( £8 for two adults or a family), but they really are a fabulous thing to do on a cold or wet day. There's so much to see, touch, smell  and to talk about with your little one that it's definitely worth the entry.

The cafe is good, with a play area for children and a big outside area for sunnier days. I'd also recommend a look round the new visitor centre.

I miss living near the Botanics and I wish we went there more as it's one of the best places to witness the changing seasons.

Makeshift Playroom At EICA: Ratho

The EICA climbing centre at Ratho normally has a soft play room called Scrambles (we've never actually been to this), which is closed for refurbishment at the moment and so, in an inspired move, they've decided to open a temporary playroom upstairs which they've filled with ex-creche toys and a bouncy castle. It's massive, has EVERY toy you could imagine a toddler wanting to play with and still only costs £1.50 for an hour's play.
Areas include a reading corner, art tables, a mini basketball net, trikes, tents and tunnels, and a soft play area too. The bouncy castle was a real hit and it was Belle's first time on one ( I was almost crying with laughter at her falling over and struggling to her feet only to fall over again- she was too).
They're hoping to have the soft play opened again by February, but I kind of like this place the way it is and I think we'll be back soon!

Belle reading Hello magazine in the book corner