FEW questions could strike fear into the hearts of parents faster than being asked by their children, “Can we play with slime?”
Messy, sticky, often neon in colour, kids seem to universally LOVE slime, while all grown-ups can think of is the nightmare clearing up.
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Kids universally LOVE slime toysCredit: Supplied
Which is why iconic toy shop Hamleys has come up with a brilliantly clever workaround this spring.
It has transformed the basement of its flagship store in London’s Regent Street into a hands-on sensory, slime playground.
For £15 a ticket, parents can book children into a professional slime-making workshop run by Gootopia, who you might call professional “slimologists”.
I took my three children aged five, eight, and 12, and they all loved getting messy in the hands-on class – and best of all it wasn’t taking place in my kitchen!
Kids are allocated their own work station and all the components to mix their own slime in a big metal bowl.
Then, under instruction, they are let loose to create their gooey concoction from scratch, mixing it and watching in wonder as it seemingly transforms into slime before their eyes.
They can then knead and stretch to their hearts content.
Once they have created the perfect gooey consistency, an array of paint colours are on offer to turn their masterpiece whichever shocking shade of their choice.
Kids are also invited to wield glitter – that other kryptonite substance for parents – and shake it with abandon over their slime.
And my little girl Estella also loved adding strawberry- shaped sprinkles to hers.
Once their creation is complete, the real fun starts.
The Gootopia experts, who patrol the class, show the children how to perform fun tricks with their slime, such as turn it into giant bubbles.
And at the end of the experience, the slime can be safely contained in screw-top plastic pots for transportation home, much to my kids’ delight.
Of course, there’s plenty more entertainment to be had elsewhere in Hamleys, with additional events throughout the Easter holidays including treasure hunts and Lego experiences.
We finished off our craft-making visit by visiting all seven floors of this wondrous toy store, taking in the free toy demos, new magic shows and meeting costumed characters.
We also checked out the newly opened Pokemon area of the store, crammed full of cuddly teddies, themed games and merchandise.
Messy craft and toy shopping in one day, no wonder my three had the slime of their lives.
GO: Gootopia at Hamleys costs £15pp. The experience runs until April 12 and can be booked at hamleys.com.
TOY stores can often be a place of pure happiness for children – and one of the most famous stores in the UK is making even more reasons to visit.
Hamleys in London is the world’s oldest toy shop, with its first site opening back in 1760 under the name Noah’s Ark.
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Hamleys in London is the world’s oldest toy shopCredit: Getty
Originally in High Holburn, the much-loved toy storeis now on Regent Street, where it has stood since 1881.
Across seven floors there are thousands of toys to explore and each year the store welcomes around five million visitors.
And now there is even more of a reason to go as the giant toy store is launching lots of new events – and most of them are free.
Keane Herman, Business Head Hamleys UK, said: “As the finest and oldest toy shop in the world, Hamleys has been creating magical moments for children and families for more than 266 years.
“By keeping our eye on what’s current, trending and relevant, we continue to elevate the experiences we create in store.
“There is always something happening at our Regent Street flagship.
“From live toy demonstrations and interactive play experiences to dance parties and puppet shows, it is this sense of energy and theatre that makes Hamleys so special.
“We pay close attention to what resonates with children and parents, and to the trends shaping the world of play, so that we can continually offer fresh and memorable experiences.”
Last year, the store launched the Hamleys Bus and Lights Your at Christmas which proved to be such a success that the store is bringing it back for Easter this year.
And the store has already hosted a number of brand pop-ups including one with dessert brand Vnilla, who are well-known for creating banana pudding just like the famous Magnolia Bakery’s in New York.
Herman added: “These events and experiences are a natural extension of our daily in-store theatre, giving children the chance to be even more hands-on and to immerse themselves in the magic of play.
“Our heritage is incredibly important to us, but what keeps Hamleys thriving is our commitment to continually evolving.
“Families come to Hamleys not just to shop, but to make memories together, and that sense of wonder is something we are proud to deliver for every new generation.”
Coming up, there are lots of daily events at Hamleys to enjoy.
New events include slime workshopsBut kids can also meet the famous bear every dayCredit: Alamy
For example, every day at 10am (or 12pm on Sundays) when the store opens, there is an opening ceremony with Hamley Bear, who you can also meet at 1pm and 2:30pm each day.
At the weekends, the Hamleys Beary Grand Parade takes place at 4pm each day with dancing and singing.
This is followed by Mr Monkey’s Puppet Show at 4:30pm, where Mr Monkey is searching for his next big adventure.
And then at 5:30pm there is the Hamleys Dance Medley, where magical moments from the toy store’s history are brought back to life, including a princess’s first ball and a pirate’s first adventure.
Between March 28 and April 12 (the Easter school holidays), there are loads of events on as well.
For example, you could watch Chef Choco’s Chocolatiers Puppet Show, where you can learn about the secrets of sweet making and even become a sweet maker yourself.
The show will be on every day throughout the period, at 4:30pm.
On March 28, catch Midnight in the Toyshop come to life at Hamleys, with Ballerina and Rebel Racer giving a live performance.
There are lots of experiences on throughout the Easter holidays tooCredit: Alamy
Performances will be at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
If your kids love slime, then make sure to head to the Hamleys Regent Street Basement from March 24 to April 12 for a Gootopia Experience Zone, where kids can create their own slime and take home a ‘gooey masterpiece’.
The experience will cost £15.99 per person.
Every day at 4pm between March 28 and April 12 there will also be a Hamleys Rainbow Ribbons Parade across every floor of the store.
Also, over the Easter school holidays there will be Hamleys Storytime, with tales of Peter Rabbit and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory every day at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Towards the end of the Easter holidays on April 6, families can meet the Playmobil Pirates at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
And last but not least, each day at 1pm and 2:30pm there will be a Hamley and Hattie Easter meet and greet.
And the toy store has a wealth of events on, with more coming in the futureCredit: Getty
Officially launching on March 17, there will also be a new Pokémon destination on the Regent Street store’s fourth floor.
The new Pokémon area will feature interactive experiences such as character appearances, and on March 21, a launch event will be held with Pokémon-themed candy floss and activities for visitors.
Later in early April, a Tubbz zone will open inside the Regent Street store in the basement.
In the zone, visitors will be able to grab iconic pop culture characters that have been transformed into cosplaying ducks.
