5 brilliant days out for you and your baby

Looking for inspiration for a day out with your baby? Here are some of our favourites...

When you're a new mum, it can sometimes feel like there's this whole new world of "activities" to do with your baby. You can go, very quickly, from not knowing your Baby Sensory from your Jo Jingles to being an expert on all things Gymboree.

But apart from weekly classes, it can be fun to arrange days out with fellow mum friends and your babies - while you drink tea and catch up, your little ones can explore and have fun. Win win, right! Here are our top 5 days out for mum and baby:

1. The Aquarium

A great sensory experience for your baby, with all the colours and shapes to look at. Older babies will enjoy following the fish with their eyes and toddlers will love spotting Nemo (orange Clown Fish) and Dory (Pacific Blue Tang).

Check out: Bristol Aquarium or The Horseman Museum in London.

2. The Petting Zoo

Get some fresh air and take your little one to a farm or petting zoo, where they can get hands on with chicks, ducklings, rabbits and hens. Many have baby friendly cafes with high chairs, bottle warmers and purées on sale.

Check out: Godstone Farm, Surrey or Heaton Park, Manchester.

3. Splashing In Play Fountains

On a warm day, this can be the best fun ever. Remember to take a change of clothes, nappies and some towels, unless you want a soggy journey home!

Check out: Southbank, London or The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

4. A Butterfly House

Another great sensory experience, babies love to watch the butterflies fly around, and toddlers will enjoy seeing the life cycle of a caterpillar to butterfly.

Check out: Chester Zoo or Otters and Butterflies, Dartmoor

5. A Sensory Room

Lots of soft play centres now have an added bonus of a sensory room, with lights and textures to explore. Fun guaranteed!

Check out: V&A Museum of Childhood, London or Boomerang Centre, Bury

What's your favourite thing to do on a day out with your little one?