A day at the Olympic Park – London 2012

Today was the day we had tickets for the Synchronised Swimming at the Olympic Park. We decided to take the toddler but leave the 8 month old with nanny who was happy to shop at Westfield Stratford. We drove to Buckhurst Hill and got the tube from there to Stratford which was only a couple of stops. Initially we had the tube to ourself, although it got busier at every station nearer to the Olympic Park.

Once we got off the tube we felt like we were part of a very well-oiled machine. As well as thousands of spectators there was a huge number of volunteers offering help as soon as we stepped off the tube and made our way to the Olympic Park. There were a few steps at Stratford tube station but apart from that the Park was surprisingly accessible. There were special dedicated lanes for families and wheelchair users so we were able to get through security easily and straight into the park.

We were spoilt for choice for something to eat and had a good look round before heading to the Aquatics Centre. We couldn’t find baby changing outside the Aquatics Centre but it was available once inside. There was also a buggy park staffed by volunteers where you could leave your buggy. It was full of prams and buggies so we put the raincover over it (as they were overflowing out of the tent) and left it.

There were no lifts to any seats in the Aquatic Centre but the toddler was amazing and walked up the metal stairs to the top. Once we opened the doors into the Centre we were almost knocked over by the heat which we just weren’t prepared for. The Synchronized Swimming was amazing and the toddler enjoyed people watching, shouting and cheering along with the rest of the crowd, especially when it was the turn of Team GB.

We left shortly before the end, partly to escape the crowds, and headed into Westfield Stratford City for a quick visit to the Lego Shop before dinner and home. We had an amazing day out and I would recommend that it – the Olympic Park is as much for children as it is for adults!