Half term fun at intu Merry Hill - and why it's great for families

We're midway through February half term and I haven't been driven completely mad... yet! I've tried to plan an activity each day to get us out and about and so Ethan has specific experiences and memories to take away - and yesterday, he met two beloved characters of his, which indeed made for a memorable day.

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Photo by Shine Pix

intu Merry Hill had a very special guest for the day - Paddington - who was at the shopping centre for one day only, meeting happy children, posing for photos and giving out jars of marmalade to shoppers like us. 

And the marmalade theme continued... as intu's very own Marmalade the Mammoth was seen stomping around the shops, every hour - and will be doing so for the rest of the week too! Ethan met Marmalade for the first time last year and was very taken with him, so getting to see the mammoth again was a treat for him - whilst Mummy's treat was a good look around the shops.

Every time I visit intu, I discover something new and I have to say, as a shopping destination, it has a lot to offer and may actually now be my choice destination as it has it all, and it is very family friendly too.

The last time I went, I was doing a maternity fashion post, so yesterday was the first time I visited with Sullivan in tow. Having a two month old and an almost six month old to juggle did worry me a bit, and having been to other shopping centres like Grand Central in Birmingham, I did wonder what the facilities would be like for families, as simple things like benches for parents to sit down on seem to be lacking, and it can be really frustrating having to go into a coffee shop every time you need a break or somewhere to feed your baby - and expensive too!

I am pleased to report that intu is very family friendly, so here's the reasons why I'd recommend it this half term, and at any time if you have kids:

* The intu Family Club is free to join and gives you access to exclusive offers - and the frst 200 people to sign up before Friday this week will receive a Paddington teddy

* There's a great range of shops, including a huge and recently developed Primark, the Disney Store, a big Boots with a great baby section, and plenty of other store in-between

* They even have an Asda, so you can get your food shop done too!

* intu Merry Hill has a great selection of eateries too, including Nandos and Pizza Express as well as canteen offerings from around the world, with ample seating

* The baby changing facilities are good - the main area, by the eatery, is a big room with automatic slide door, and has several changing bays in a row, with space to fit your buggy right next to your baby, plus two family toilets that will fit a pushchair, and private feeding cubicles too

* There's always some kind of special event on, like meeting a character

* It's huge, so you'll get your steps in - and hopefully wear the kids out at the same time!

* Parking is free!

Do you like shopping here? What's your favourite thing?