Table Tennis Fun in Bournemouth

One of the simple joys I’ve come to appreciate as a parent is discovering new activities with Gabriel that we can both enjoy—especially when they take us outdoors. We recently found ourselves doing just that while exploring Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens. Nestled near the crazy golf course, there’s a table tennis setup that Gabriel’s loves to play, and before we knew it, we were having a spontaneous match!

Getting Started

We rented paddles and a ball from a nearby kiosk, and as we approached the table, I could see his enthusiasm bubbling over.

Our first few attempts were, understandably, a bit clumsy. The ball flew in every direction but toward the table, and we both couldn’t stop laughing as we chased it across the lawn. But, as with everything Gabriel does, his determination quickly kicked in.

“Mum, I think I’ve got it now!” he said after a few practice swings. And sure enough, after a few more attempts, he managed to hit the ball squarely onto the table, sparking a rally of hits—a personal victory for both of us!

The Match: Gabriel's Competitive Spirit

Once Gabriel got the hang of it, his competitive side came out in full force. We set up a friendly match, though with Gabriel’s enthusiasm, it felt like we were playing the table tennis world championships! He concentrated hard, making each serve with precision and giving it his all.

He surprised me with how quickly he picked up the game. In no time, he was returning shots, darting around the table, and even attempting some more ambitious moves (a few of which ended with the ball flying off into the bushes!). But that didn’t dampen his spirits. Each point he scored came with a triumphant grin, and whenever he missed, he was ready to try again with even more determination.

At one point, Gabriel managed to return a serve that sent the ball just out of my reach. He celebrated like he’d won a gold medal, jumping up and down with a victory dance that made both of us laugh uncontrollably.

Moments of Laughter: The Best Part of the Day

It wasn’t just about the game—what made the afternoon special was the laughter we shared. Every missed shot, every dramatic dive for the ball, and every unexpected success added to the fun. Gabriel’s pure joy in the moment reminded me how important it is to step back and just enjoy these simple, unscripted moments with him.

We didn’t keep track of the score, but it didn’t matter. The real win was the time we spent together—free from distractions, just focusing on the game and each other.

A Lesson in Patience and Persistence

One of the things I love most about Gabriel is his persistence. Even when things don’t go as planned, he doesn’t give up easily, and that day was no different. Whenever the ball flew off in the wrong direction or he missed a shot, he’d shrug it off with a laugh and say, “Let’s try again, Mum!”

It reminded me of the importance of patience, both in parenting and in life. Gabriel’s willingness to keep going, even when things didn’t work out perfectly, was a reminder that it’s okay to stumble as long as we keep moving forward.

Ending the Day: A New Favourite Activity

By the time we finished our match, Gabriel was hooked on table tennis. “Mum, we need to do this more often!” he declared as we returned the paddles. I agreed wholeheartedly—there was something so refreshing about spending an afternoon outside, sharing a new activity with Gabriel in such a beautiful setting.

Days like these are what parenting is all about—finding joy in the small things, sharing moments of laughter, and creating memories that will stick with us for years to come.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Outdoor Play

In today’s busy world, it can be easy to get caught up in the routine and forget to take time for spontaneous fun. That afternoon of table tennis in Bournemouth Gardens was a reminder that sometimes the best experiences are the unplanned ones. It doesn’t take much to turn an ordinary day into something special—all it took for us was a ping-pong table, some paddles, and a willingness to let go and enjoy the moment.

So, the next time you find yourself near a park or a garden with a table tennis setup (or any outdoor activity, really), I highly recommend giving it a go with your kids. You might just discover a new favourite pastime, and if you’re lucky, you’ll share a lot of laughter along the way—just like Gabriel and I did in Bournemouth Gardens.