Room To Play

Also known as ‘The PEEP Shop’, this is a great drop-​in place at Cowley Centre/​Templars Square. Whether you just drop in while shopping, for a rest and a cup of tea, or you travel there deliberately for a morning or afternoon’s play, it is always welcoming and friendly. Children of all ages up to five are welcome — over-​fives are sometimes accepted, but ask — and there are baby-​changing facilities, breastfeeding-​friendly chairs, microwave and plates/​cutlery for feeding older children, comfy sofas and lovely staff. It’s NOT drop-​off — you must stay to supervise your child (ren) — but staff are willing to help out e.g. holding a baby while you take an older child to the loo
Each day there is an activity or two, usually centred around a weekly theme (e.g. vehicles, Hallowe’en) and children are encouraged to cut, colour, stick, paint, and generally get involved. There’s a baby corner with cushions and noisy toys, a great library of books, dressing-​up clothes, sand and water play, outside space, and most children will find something to do or someone to play with, even the shyest ones.
It’s best not to take a pushchair if you don’t need to, as space is tight, but that’s the only drawback.