F
REE Digital issue TAKE M
E HOM
E
South East
IN THIS ISSUE
What’s onevents for families Jubilee Lessons to learn before you are ten Adventures at home Party trends
Issue 213 May/June 2022
familiesonline.co.uk
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Families South East • May / June 2022
1 1
Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush! Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Perfect company for your child’s adventures APPLY HERE
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2 May/June
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Magazine 2
Families South East • May / June 2022
To advertise please call 07980 556813
CONTENTS
In this issue
Welcome
4 8 9 Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start 10 planning some family adventures in your local 11 area and exploring the great outdoors again. 12 If you are looking at planning a break but want 13 something that will truly be family-friendly, check out our ‘tried and tested’ suggestions. 14 15 If you have a little one who starts school in September, now is also the time to start thinking 16 So much to look forward to in May and June, including two bank holidays, one of them extralong! Yippee!
about preparation. Find advice and resources in our Education section. Finally, in this issue, we have lots of giveaways, including a family holiday and cuddly Care Bear companions for your child to fall in love. Don’t forget to apply!
Education Father’s Day gifts Summer Win a camps family Kids’ parties holiday at an Adventures at home Away Resort! Travel Win a holiday See page Summer food 17. Garden toys Adventures outdoors
Get in touch Competition winners from our January/February issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.
Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway! Turn your child’s imagination around!
5 available
Worth £34.99 each
APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
T&Cs apply
May/June 3
EDUCATION
School readiness checklist
Download our checklist and help your child get ready to go to school. Talk the skills through with your child and explain why they are important at school. Show them that once they can master a skill, they can colour in the smiley face! Then help them practise.
Colour in the
I am ready fo
happy face wh
I can....
Colour in th when you ca e face n do this
( (
Recognise m y name
r school!
en you can do ready to go! these things and you’ll be
( (
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Get dressed
( (
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Do up my co at/ cardigan
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Put on my sh
( (
oes
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Go to the to ilet by myself
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Take my clo thes off
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Open my sn
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Share with ot her children
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Wash my ha I’ve been to nds after and before I the toilet eat
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Eat with a kn ife and fork
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ack box
4 May/June
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR CHILD HERE
Familiesonline.co.uk
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EDUCATION
Starting school resources
If you have a little one starting school in September, now is a good time to start gently preparing them for the big day.
Get Ready for School Activity Pack
Fun, wipe clean books in smart carry case. £9.70
Going to School
A great Usborne picture book introducing the school experience. £4.99
Teach Your Monster to Read
Fun, engaging game that practises essential reading skills. FREE 6 May/June
Phonics Play
Website with phonics information, games and activities. FREE
My First Day at School Game
BBC Bitesize interactive game explaining what school may be like. FREE
Bud’s Number Game
Educational game to get your child started with numbers. FREE
Preparing Your Child for Starting School
Top tips booklet to help children with transition. FREE
Teachers
Pupils explain what a teacher does and how to behave in class. FREE
Starting Primary School
Everything you need to get prepared, from home to classroom. FREE Familiesonline.co.uk
Learn to read, write &
Achieving success together
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At Harris Primary Academy, our children develop a love for learning in a welcoming, nurturing environment.
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We offer a wide range of learning opportunities alongside specialised teaching in: • Mandarin • P.E • Music From Reception to Year 6 From this foundation, your child will grow in confidence, develop curiosity and achieve their full potential. We offer exceptional education, regardless of background, ability or culture, enabling children to be fully prepared for new challenges at secondary school.
Please contact the school office at info@harrisprimaryeastdulwich.org.uk or please call 02037724573 to arrange a visit.
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Families South East • May / June 2022
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BELONGING | BELIEVING | ACHIEVING “You are the light of the world.” • No geographical catchment area • Breakfast Clu b and After School Care (u ntil 6pm) • Specialist Mu sic and Spanish teachers Contact u s to arrange a visit to the school and a meeting with ou r Headteacher, Mrs Rachel Jewitt. St Matthew’s Primary Schooland Nursery 1 8 Old Pye Street | Westminster | SW1 P 2 DG office@stmwschool.org.u k | 0 2 0 7 5 0 4 0 5 0 0 www.stmwschool.org.u k | @stmwschool To advertise please call 07980 556813
EDUCATION
Times tables learning resources It really is true that multiplication tables are the bedrock of maths learning. Get your child up to speed with the following resources.
Math Songs by NUMBEROCK
Numberjacks Times Table App
Times Tables Flashcards
Learn times tables by singing about them! FREE
Times table activities based on the CBeebies show. FREE
Rapid recall practice in the 1-12 times tables. Ages 8-11. £6.99
Colour-coded Multiplication Square
The Times Table Adventure
Times Tables Heroes Board Game
Visual aid which helps spot patterns and learn tables. FREE
Times Tables Wall Chart Download and stick up where they’ll be seen often. FREE
Familiesonline.co.uk
Ideal for children who like video games like Minecraft. FREE
10 Minutes A Day Times Tables
Book featuring 10 minute games and tests. Maximum fun, maximum effect. £14.99
Fun multiplication board game to prepare for Year 4 tables check. £11.75
Number Rumbler Card Game A family card game which practises times tables. £7.99
May/June 7
LITTLE NEWS ROUND
ABC Sports Stars Millennium Primary School Head of School Cara Took with pupils.
Millennium Primary School achieves Inclusive School Award
Congratulations to Millennium Primary School, based in the heart of the Greenwich Peninsula, which has achieved the nationally recognised IQM Inclusive School Award. The Inclusive Quality Mark (IQM) is awarded to schools that can demonstrate the importance they place on inclusion and how they promote equal opportunities for all pupils, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background. The school’s location close to Canary Wharf means many families travel with work so it has a high mobility of pupils – with some joining at different points in the academic year and others leaving before they finish their primary education. Over 46% of pupils have English as a second language, 11% have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and 26% are classed as disadvantagaed. Millennium Primary School’s full IQM report can be accessed at: https://iqmaward.com/news/millenniumprimary-achieves-the-inclusive-school-award/
Perform’s Peter Pan summer courses for 4-10s BOOK NOW!
In addition to their Saturday morning classes in Mountsfield Park, Hither Green, ABC have recently launched new Saturday classes in Ruskin Park, Camberwell. Classes will be suitable for 2-10yr olds and include football and multi-sports. 2-3 year olds: fun nursery games, based around the EYFS Physical development stage 3-5 year olds: fun sports day themed classes with the focus on imagination and teamwork 6-8 year olds: understanding positional play and leadership skills within the sport chosen 8-10 year olds: focusing on aspects of their game they want to learn. 1-1 coaching points Each session is based around the ABC Sports stars philosophy using ABC’S Agility, Balance and co-ordination to create sports stars of the future. www.abcsportsstars.co.uk
Walk to school week
Thousands of children across the UK will celebrate the health and wellbeing benefits of walking during National Walk to School Week from 16 to 20 May. Families will be encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that can come from small steps—from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
Inspire your child’s imagination this summer with a unique drama, dance and singing holiday course. In July or August, your 4-10 year old can fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends on an unforgettable confidence-building adventure.
Free Family Walk to School Kits and interactive wall charts and stickers are available to download. Schools can obtain Walk to School classroom packs to help teach children about the benefits of being active, with daily reward stickers and special rewards badges at the end of the week for those who travelled actively every day.
With a sprinkle of Perform fairy dust, a team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will ensure your child enjoys every minute as they work towards a show-stopping performance to delight family and friends.
www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school
“Freyja got so much out of those three days; it’s given her a lot of confidence in her ability to join in,make new friends and perform songs and dances. We were so proud of her.” Emma Robinson (parent) Beckenham 8-12 August Blackheath 25-29 July Dulwich 15-19 August and East Dulwich 1-5 August . All courses run 10-3pm. www.perform.org.uk/peterpan Try some free weekly fun this summer term Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s run throughout the summer term and, with over 300 classes running each week, there’s sure to be a class near you. NEW VENUE in Orpington! Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a free trial session. 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform. org.uk To advertise: 07980 556813 Editorial: editor@familiesselondon.co.uk Visit www.familiesse.co.uk for back issues and our media pack. Next issue: July / August 2022 Facebook: @FamiliesLondonSouthEast Twitter: @FamiliesSE
Summer camps with Camp Beaumont!
With the school holidays just around the corner, and the dilemma of childcare approaching, Camp Beaumont, the UK’s most experienced day camp provider, is on hand to provide your child with a fun-filled adventure at over 40 locations across London and the South-East. With over 50 activities each week, not only can your child sharpen up their social skills, they can also pursue new interests, develop new talents and unleash their creative side. Activities range from Aqua Olympics to Movie Maker to Superhero Academy, and each activity programme is tailored by age group, including a nursery-style Playtime Programme for 3-4 year olds, a unique Magic Programme for 5-7 year olds, a thrilling Active Programme for 8 to 11 year olds and an exclusive club style Teens Programme for 12-16 year olds. Childcare vouchers are accepted and all bookings are flexible with their COVID flexible booking promise. To book, visit www.campbeaumont.co.uk or call 01604 851 0000
Families South East is part of Families Print Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families South East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families South East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families South East, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. Designed by 45 Degrees www.fortyfivedegrees.co.uk. Printed by Buxton Press Ltd.
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Families South East • May / June 2022
3
EDUCATION
Lessons to learn before you’re 10 By Gail Hugman
We live in a world where it’s easy to become overwhelmed. So teaching young children to make good use of their working memory, exercise self-control and get organised will really help them develop the skills they need to succeed in life.
_Layout 1 03/02/2020 11:52 am Page 4
These key skills underpin everything we do in life and it takes just a few minutes a day to boost them so your child learns more effectively and confidently. What’s more, growing these skills can be fun! Developed by experts who understand how children’s brains develop and form, try these starter activities to set your child off on the right path.
too! Keep a tally so they can track their improvement and praise them for being clever. Explain that this is more than just a fun challenge, it’s all about teaching their brain to have a really good memory. You can say: ‘When your teacher shows you something in school, your brain will remember it better if you sort the information first. You’ll be able to remember names, countries, lists, linked facts and even do magic tricks by remembering a bunch of playing cards in order - how cool is that?’
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Working memory
Play outh east london
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Self-control To set up, gather ten objects together on a tray. Give your child Ask your child to tell you really quietly what colour socks they one to two timed minutes to look at the objects, then cover them Please find a proof ofyour forthem Families magazine. are wearing. Then ask them to tell you again as LOUDLY as up.below Depending on age and artwork ability, ask to tell,South draw East or write check all information is correct,Asespecially telephone numbers addresses. (it may not be such fun for you, but they will love it!) which ones they remember. they progress, add more objectsand possible Each time they whisper or shout, give feedback to their brain or give them less time to remember them. by telling them ‘that’s great whispering, can it be quieter?’ or Please contact us by return to either amend or approve your advertisement ‘excellent LOUD voice, is that the loudest you’ve got?’ There are ways help brains recall objects; the trick is to make o@f amiliesse.co.uk or chris@lancasters.co.uk links inf and spot patterns. Do this exercise a few times and congratulate your child on their self-control. them that taking charge from the inside is a very Give approved them these and tips: ready for print unless we hear from you within 24Tell hours. considered grown up thing to do. To start with, count how many objects you’ll have to remember. Decide one thing you’d like your child to get under control. For Look to see if any can be linked together, by colour or by example, it may be to resist the impulse to call out in class. Or material, such as all plastic or all wood, by shape or by use; eg leave their desk when they should be sitting quietly. Make it a knife and fork go together, tools together, toys together. positive. Older children ages 7+ might be able to order the objects in a Explain to your child that you’d like them to focus on this one sequence or a story. thing every day for a week. Remind them each day, ask how they got on and praise their progress. In this way, you’ll support their The more children play the game, the better they will get at effort to control their impulses. recalling the objects. Why not see for yourself and play along
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Gail Hugman is the bestselling author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10. A children’s life coach, she owns and runs Human at Core (www.humanatcore.com), which helps parents motivate and engage their children in developing a bright future and provides science-based online personal development courses for children and parents.
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Families South East • May / June 2022
Monkey Music Tower Bridge E: evelini.quarrell@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 3488 8355 Tuesday in Wapping, Wednesday in London Bridge and Friday in Bermondsey
To advertise please call 07980 556813
FATHER’S DAY
Father’s Day gift suggestions
Is it sometimes difficult to know what to buy for dad? Here are our top picks.
Dad’s Shed Slate Sign
Handcrafted natural slate sign to mark out dad’s territory. £12.99
Docking Station Help dad keep all his things together – stylishly! £27.90
Supercar Driving Day
Get day in a race car! Circuits UK-wide. From £39
Peppa Pig: My Burgon & Ball Billionaire Gardening Gloves Shortbread Truffles Daddy Board Book
These quality gloves are For dads with a sweet great for dads with green tooth - a little decadence. fingers. £17.99 £16
Bread Baking Club Gift Subscription
Your dad could be star baker with this 3-month gift subscription. £36 8 May/June
100 Things to Do with Dad Scratch Off Bucket List Poster 100 activities! £10.99
Something for dad to read with your little one. £4.49
Personalised Socks with your Child’s Drawing
Celebrate Father’s Day and your child’s artwork. £20 Familiesonline.co.uk
HOLIDAYS
The lowdown on school holiday camps and workshops By Andrew Campbell
Summer holiday camps, schools and workshops are not only an ideal way to fill in childcare gaps during the long summer break but offer the opportunity for your child to discover a new hobby or take their existing passion to a new level. Multi-activity day camps Offering a varied daily programme of sports and creative activities, with each session lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours, multi-activity camps are ideal for children who have a range of interests or have not yet found their ‘thing.’ Some camps offer an astounding range of sports, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, games and challenges. Generally, camps can be booked for single days, half days and full weeks, including extended hours and multi-week discounts. Sport/single activity camps or workshops These intensely focused summer schools offer specialisation. Think a specific sport such as football, gymnastics and cricket, one creative activity such as painting, photography and cooking, a single performing art like drama, musical theatre or dance or an area of STEM such as computer coding, robotics and game design. Generally operating for two to five hours per day and running for just one day or as a progressive course from a few days to two weeks, these camps or workshops often cater for all ages of children and culminate in staging a performance, playing a
competitive game or demonstrating a completed project. For children who have an established interest, single activity camps or workshops offer a valuable opportunity to receive elite coaching and tuition, often from highly qualified or experienced instructors which can result in a significant boost to their existing skill level, confidence and enthusiasm in their chosen endeavour. For a child curious about an activity, single activity camps or workshops are a great opportunity for an immersive experience which will test their interest and aptitude and for gaining an appreciation of what a regular commitment to weekly term time classes, often run by the same organisation, could offer. For children who may struggle to find school friends who share their ‘passion,’ activity camps or workshops are a great way to meet ‘like-minded’ peers in their local area. And for you? A patchwork of activity camps and/or workshops can be expensive but there is a distinct advantage in that they offer some mainstays of childcare across the summer that simultaneously allow your child to be doing something enjoyable, fulfilling, exciting or unique.
Calling all young Scientists! Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies
020 3926 1207 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk
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Families South East • May / June 2022
9
SUMMER CAMPS
Summer camps checklist
To help you book a summer camp or workshop and get your child ready.
What to wear
For cool weather, warm comfortable clothes including a jacket/coat and jumper/hoodie. For sunny weather, suitable clothes and sun hat. Apply sun cream once before your child leaves the house. Comfortable footwear.
General questions
What to take
Swimming costume and towel. An apron or shirt for creative activities. Refillable water bottle Packed lunch and snacks, if needed. Rucksack (to carry everything). Sun cream, if required.
Childcare questions
How many children are there on a camp? What age group will my child be in? Can my child be in the same group as their friend/sibling? Do I need to provide lunch and snacks? Do you provide sun cream?
Are you registered with Ofsted?
Questions about booking and costs
Get the best out of family life!
Is wraparound care available?
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Can I make changes to my booking? What is the last date for changes? Can I pay in instalments? If there’s wraparound care, how much is it? Will I pay extra if I’m delayed in collecting my child? Are all activities included in the cost?
Will my child have a key worker?
r to be P
May/June 2021
Magazine
IN THIS ISSUE
Activities Tips/Advice Days Out familiesonline.c o.uk
May/June 9
KIDS’ PARTIES
Party bag fillers
Want to avoid plastic tat but stuck for alternatives? Try these out for size.
Decopatch Mini Animal Kits
Make a cute animal mache shape with these gorgeous kits. £7.30
Colour-in Splat T-shirts
Doubles as a party activity! Wash and colour-in again. From £9.95
Sweetie Jewellery Activity Kit
Smiggle Party Colour Art Jar
Hello Bee Craft Kits
Pre-filled Thank You Party Cone
Make yummy jewellery & a craft jewellery box. £12.99
Art kit with rainbow markers, colouring sheets & graphite pencil. £9.20
Designed for children 3+, perfect for keeping little hands busy. From £8
Colourful paper cones full of treats and including thank you note. £3.75
The Curious Caterpillar PreFilled Bags
Mini Sunflowers Growing Kit
Craft & Crumb Bake Kit Party Bags
Large variety of pre-filled bags for girls and boys. From £1.90 10 May/June
Easy to grow mini sunflowers. Includes seeds, compost and activity sleeve. £6
Make, bake and decorate cookies and biscuits with these kits. From £4.50 Familiesonline.co.uk
GIVEAWAYS
Win a family holiday with Away Resorts! Win a three or four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.
Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Experience one of its fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast. Fall in love with a new type of holiday - where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime. Explore the New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes or Boston West in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, Barmouth Bay in Wales, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island or Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight. APPLY HERE by 18 June 2022. T&Cs apply.
Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway! Turn your child’s imagination around!
Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!
Worth £34.99 each 5 available
APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
APPLY HERE T&Cs apply
Magazine
*while stocks last T&Cs apply
May/June 13
FOOD
Cooling summer treats Get the kids involved in making these perfect treats for hot summer days.
Club tropicana ice cream cake
Watermelon & strawberry slushies
Vegan orange lollies
Easy strawberry ice cream
Quick banana ice cream
Fruity ice-lolly pens
Nutty caramel & choc sundaes
Frozen banana lollies
Raspberry lemonade slushies
14 May/June
Familiesonline.co.uk
TRAVEL
Vacation staycations It’s not always easy to know whether the holiday destination you’ve found online is truly family-friendly. Families asked the experts at Tested by Tots for their tested and rated recommendations for your next break.
Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest
Excellent facilities, and service. Activities for all.
Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire
Charming and family-run On-site facilities.
Cherry Tree Farm Camping, North Devon
Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire
Drayton Cottage, Isle of Wight Home from home, walk to beach, relaxing, secure garden, BBQ.
Forest Holidays, North Yorkshire
Beautiful cabins, peaceful, beach nearby. Forest activities.
Ham Bottom, Somerset
Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick
Park Plaza London Riverbank
Beautiful yet cosy. Excellent facilities.
Self-catering lodges, with trampoline, slide, and climbing frame. Familiesonline.co.uk
Great value & location to explore local attractions.
300m from beach, surf gear hire, food truck & more.
Features the capital’s first hotel room designed by families for families.
May/June 15
TOYS
It’s time to play outside! If you’re looking for some entertaining garden activities for the summer, here are our recommendations.
Target Ball Game
Soft Archery Set
Wheelbarrow Set
Family garden game with giant inflatable Velcro target. All ages. £19.99
Soft, safe and durable, this set is great way for kids to discover a new hobby. Ages 8+. £39.99
Let budding gardeners develop their own green world. Ages 3+. £12
My First Giant Bubble Kit
Family Paddling Pool
Garden Tumble Tower
Youngsters will love these eco-friendly giant wooden wands. Ages 3+. £21
Big enough for families to chill out together. Ages 6+. £75
Great backyard game builds a tower over 3ft. Ages 5+. £35.99
Ladybird Wheely Bug Ride-On
Wavy Kids Slide
Sandpit Picnic Table with Lid
Suitable for decking and driveways. Easy to ride! Ages 1-3. £67.50 16 May/June
Outdoor classic offers a fast slide and 5.8ft of fun. Ages 3+. £54.99
Keeps up to four children entertained for hours. Ages 3+. £79.99 Familiesonline.co.uk
ADVENTURES OUTDOORS
Family adventures outdoors We asked our friends the Meek family for some top picks from their book 100 Family Adventures. Here’s what they have come up with.
Sleep on a beach
Eat nettle soup
Build a bridge
Be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves.
Surprisingly fresh and light!
Kids love the excitement of building a natural structure.
Go on a scooter safari
Venture behind a waterfall Connect to the power and awe of a waterfall.
Make a rope swing
Put some ‘natural’ back into the outdoor play experience.
Go on a forest night walk
Go coasteering
Don’t go with the flow
Borrow some extra scooters explore the local area.
Children will love the excitement of the forest at night. Familiesonline.co.uk
A nature trail along a rocky coast. Scrambling, swimming and rock hopping.
Head ‘off piste’ - follow a stream in reverse!
May/June 17
ANNE BOLEYN AT HEVER CASTLE
CANALETTO’S VENICE, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
CATS AND DOGS AT THE HORNIMAN
What’sOn
14 May Handa’s Surprise Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Ages 2-6.
Compiled by Robina Cowan
Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill SE10 8ES www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk 10+11 May Vixen An original story about a young girl who is turning into a fox. Expect to see beauty hidden in unremarkable places, friendships that don’t follow the rules, the things that unite us and a girl aching to belong. Ages 7+. 25+26 June The Tiger Who Came To Tea Join the teaguzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Ages 3+.
MAY AND JUNE 2022
All details are as provided when going to press, however in case of changed plans, do double-check before setting out DIARY DATES
Dulwich Festival In and around Dulwich SE21 www.dulwichfestival.co.uk 13-22 May A celebration of arts workshops, open houses, performances, local walks and events for all ages, culminating with a Festival Fair on Goose Green on 22 May. Brockley Max In and around Brockley SE4 www.brockleymax.co.uk 27 May - 4 June Nine days and over 60 events including art trails, performances and more, created by talented individuals and collectives within the Lewisham Borough of Culture calendar. The final day brings Art on the Park on Hilly Fields - an afternoon of music, children’s workshops, storytelling, craft stalls, demonstrations and reviving food and drinks. Independent Bookshop Week Nationwide www.booksaremybag.com 18-25 June Independent bookshops are staffed with book experts who are wildly passionate about reading and getting the right book into the right hands. During this year’s celebration week, hundreds of indie bookshops across the country will feature author events, bookshop crawls, guest bookselling and much more. THEATRE & SHOWS
Theatre Peckham Havil Street SE5 7SB www.theatrepeckham.co.uk 2 May - 5 June Peckham Fringe Across five weeks, 27 visiting companies will take over the main theatre and studio space. With theatre, spoken word, live music, multi-media performances and live cooking on-stage, Peckham Fringe offers a smorgasbord of live entertainment. It includes fun for all the family with works such as the interactive musical Errol’s Garden, and Skate of Mind Live. Canada Water Theatre Surrey Quays Road SE16 7AR www.thealbany.org.uk 12
Families South East • May / June 2022
Terrible Thames From Tower Bridge Quay www.terriblethames.com Provided by the Horrible Histories team, this is a boat tour all about the history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in! There’s no better way to learn about the country’s most famous river and the incredible history of the nation’s capital. Departing from Tower Bridge Quay, the fantastic journey incorporates immersive theatre to surprise and shock in equal measure as it delivers a unique take on London, thrilling both children and adults alike. Peacock Theatre Portugal Street WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com 27-29 May Anne of Green Gables Anne is a lively, imaginative 11 year old orphan who lives on Canada’s Prince Edward Island. Adopted by an elderly brother and sister, Anne gets herself into endless scrapes but eventually wins over the community with her endearing, fearless character and passionate nature. A London Children’s Ballet production with a cast of 51 talented young dancers aged 9-16. Ages 5+. Southbank Centre Southbank SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 29 May OAE Tots: The King of the Sea Plunge into Poseidon’s underwater world in an interactive concert performed by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Ages 2-5. Unicorn Theatre Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 13 May - 12 June Get Dressed! This riotous, fun and touching show explores the relationship between a child and her dad as they negotiate their world together. Ages 2-5. 1 June - 3 July Marvin’s Binoculars Join Marvin as he discovers wildlife and friendship in the most unlikely To advertise please call 07980 556813
CUTTY SARK RIG CLIMB EXPERIENCE
DULWICH FESTIVAL
places. Touching on themes of racial prejudice, Marvin’s Binoculars is a highly engaging and vibrant show that will inspire children to explore the outdoors in their local green spaces. Ages 6-11. Bromley Churchill Theatre High Street Bromley BR1 1HA www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 31 May + 1 June In The Night Garden Live Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show ‘Igglepiggle’s Busy Day.’ Pip-pip, onk-onk! The Puppet Theatre Barge Opp Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 21 May - 3 July The Hare and the Tortoise The story of the most famous race on earth is beautifully brought to life with some of Aesop’s other famous morality tales. Ages 3+ Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Various venues www.byobcomedy.com A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere. Ages: grownups plus under 12 months. 31 May in Hither Green 16 June in East Dulwich Bach to Baby Various venues www.bachtobaby.com Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like! 9 May in Dulwich Village 26 May in Greenwich & Blackheath 27 May in West Dulwich 29 May in London Bridge & Borough 31 May in East Dulwich
Horniman Museum London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk Until 30 October Cats and Dogs Discover more about our fascinating furry friends in this interactive, familyfriendly exhibition offering a revealing pets’-eye view of the world. Immersive displays explore the scientific, social and cultural role that cats and dogs play in our world, and invites visitors to go on an exciting, sensory journey, exploring what it’s like to be a cat or a dog. The exhibition is presented in three languages - English, French and Spanish - and also features animations developed by students from the London College of Communication, featuring their interpretations of the exhibition’s theme. National Maritime Museum Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum Until 25 September Canaletto’s Venice Revisited This major exhibition will display the complete set of 24 Venetian views painted by Canaletto in the 1730s. The works, from the world-famous collection at Woburn Abbey, form the largest single commission the Italian artist ever received.
Holborn
sadlerswells.com
Machine de Cirque 1 – 11 June 2022
Half price tickets for under 16s*
MUSEUMS
Dulwich Picture Gallery Gallery Road SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk 4 May - 4 September Reframed: The Woman in the Window Featuring artworks from ancient civilisations to present day, the exhibition brings together over 50 works by artists including Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, David Hockney, Louise Bourgeois, Cindy Sherman. The enigmatic motif of the ‘woman in the window’ is portrayed through painting, sculpture, print, photography and film. Familiesonline.co.uk
GREENWICH PARK
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*Half price tickets subject to availability
Families South East • May / June 2022
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HANDA’S SURPRISE, CANADA WATER THEATRE
HORRIBLE HISTORIES TERRIBLE THAMES
7 May and 18 June SENsory Sailors Families with children with special educational needs and disabilities are invited to explore the collection, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together as a family, and meet other local families. Sessions are led by a SEND specialist and respond to the needs of the participating families. Ages 13 and under. Free, book first. 21 May LGBTQ+ Family Network A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection. Free. 11 June World Oceans Day Take part in a range of exciting family-friendly themed events, activities and talks across the RMG sites. 22 June Windrush Day On 22 June 1948, the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in London. Windrush Day is an opportunity to celebrate the Windrush generation and acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of British Caribbean communities. Queen’s House Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house All the Queen’s Men Uncover the lives of Elizabeth I’s male courtiers and their personal and political relationships with the monarch in this new display at the Queen’s House. Featuring paintings of Sir Francis Drake and Thomas Seymour, the display also showcases the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, one of the treasures of Royal Museums Greenwich’s collection. All ages, free. Woburn Treasures While Woburn Abbey is closed for refurbishments, many significant pieces are available to view, including works by distinguished artists such as Van Dyck, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Poussin and Canaletto, alongside art from the national collection of Royal Museums Greenwich. Royal Observatory Greenwich Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory Various dates The Sky Tonight A live show taking visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky, complete with a fly-out to the edge of the visible universe. Ages 7+. 28 May Astronomy and Islam Arabic tales are filled with characters and creatures that people imagined seeing by joining together the bright stars in the sky. Find out which stars astronomers still call by their original Arabic names
PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior • Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE John: James & Lamont 020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695 jamlam.john@btinternet.com 14
Families South East • May / June 2022
IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE, BROMLEY CHURCHILL
and what some of those stars are famous for today. Learn all the Moon and why it seems to change shape over the course of a month. Ages 7+. Cutty Sark King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Weekends and school holidays Cutty Sark Characters Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master, Nannie the ship’s figurehead, James Robson, the ship’s cook, and a dockworker character, who all have special stories to tell. Ages 3+. 30 May - 3 June All Hands on Deck Explore how Cutty Sark works, communicates and celebrates through a series of hands-on activities and workshops including celebrating a royal visit, learning about signal flags and tales from character actors. Various dates Rig Climb Experience Climb the famous masts and enjoy views of the Thames and London like no other. Visitors can traverse one of the ship’s lower yardarms before reaching the top platform, taking in the view from the rigging of a true London icon. Ages 12+. Brunel Museum Railway Avenue SE16 4LF www.thebrunelmuseum.com Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel changed the world with their inventive tunnels, bridges and viaducts, built during the Victorian reign. Housed in their Thames Tunnel Engine House, today the museum celebrates both engineering and performance in its Grade II* listed Tunnel Shaft. Open weekends. Tower of London EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london 1 June - 18 September Superbloom at the Tower Over 20 million mixed seeds have been sown in the Tower’s moat, to create a spectacular, colourful field of flowers to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Grab a mat and slide down the Superbloom slide and follow the visitor route through the display. The British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3GD www.britishmuseum.org Until 17 July The World of Stonehenge For the very first time in a major exhibition in the UK, the story and secrets of Stonehenge are brought into focus, revealing that prehistoric Britain was a place of big ideas, commerce and travel, rather than a shadowy land of mystery. Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Until 5 June Wildlife Photographer of the Year 100 powerful photographs tell the story of a planet under pressure. Gaze through the lens of some of the world’s best wildlife photographers and marvel at the beauty of our planet. To advertise please call 07980 556813
LEGACIES, LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
MARVIN’S BINOCULARS, UNICORN THEATRE
Monthly dates Dino Snores for Kids Spend a night amongst the museum’s incredible collections, exploring its world class galleries after hours and sleeping beneath Hope, the breath-taking blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall. After setting up camp in one of the amazing galleries, there’s an evening of awesome learning activities before bedtime, and breakfast in the morning. Ages 7-11. London Transport Museum Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk Explore the heritage of London and its transport system, and the stories of the people who have travelled and worked in the city over the last 200 years. Family events include singing, storytelling and craft activities. Accompanied children go free. Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce Many people know about the history of Windrush, but are less familiar with London Transport’s advertising recruitment campaign to attract employees directly from the Caribbean to London from 1956 to 1970. Uncover stories and memories from first, second and third generation Caribbean people who worked for LT in the past and now work for its successor, Transport for London (TfL). The Foundling Museum Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Until 28 August Superheroes, Orphans and Origins Enter into the world of superheroes in this first major exhibition to explore the representation of foundlings, orphans, adoptees and foster children in comics, graphic novels and sequential art from around the globe. Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk 2-5 June Platinum Jubilee Where better to celebrate the Jubilee than the home of two former queens of England - Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves. Follow a free trial to spot mischievous Corgi dogs, crowns, jewels and queens! It isn’t a celebration without food, so take your own party food and join a ‘street party’ style picnic fit for royalty. Until 22 November Becoming Anne: Connections, Culture, Court Visit the childhood home of Anne Boleyn for an exhibition depicting her early life and learn how she became the woman who so caught Henry VIII’s eye. THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Greenwich Park London SE10 8EJ www.royalparks.org.uk 28 May Play in the Park A pop up day camp packed with tentfuls of free play fun. Join in with outdoor play and nature-based craft activities. Familiesonline.co.uk
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SUPERBLOOM AT THE TOWER OF LONDON
31 May Discovery Day: Orienteering Free, educational, nature-inspired activites for the whole family. City Splash Festival Brockwell Park SE21 www.city-splash.com 29 May Over 60 performers and bands playing live, celebrating the impact and importance of Caribbean and African music on British culture. Vibes, music, food and fun for all ages. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee for Kids East Street SE17 2JN E: kadonash@yahoo.co.uk 4 June A park party for the kids to eat, enjoy and celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. No booking required. Eltham Palace and Gardens Court Yard SE9 5QE, www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham 28 May - 5 June Kids Rule! Head to the grounds of Eltham Palace to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with costumed storytellers, hands-on activities and freshair family fun. Hampton Court Palace East Molesey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk 1-5 June Jubilee Joust Experience the sport of kings as knights from around the country joust to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Pick your favourite knight and cheer them on as they compete for the coveted Jubilee Cup. Pomp, ceremony and splendour will reign supreme at this family-friendly event within the spectacular palace gardens. Pub in the Park Dulwich Park SE21 7EB www.pubintheparkuk.com 24-26 June A culinary festival featuring a huge line-up of renowned chefs led by Tom Kerridge, with incredible food, chart-topping live music and a healthy serving of good times. The whole weekend caters to families as much as growunps, with a dedicated area just for kids, and a jam-packed schedule of activities. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens Kew TW9 3AE www.kew.org Kew for One Pound A new low-cost entry has been introduced for a visit to Kew Gardens and its sister site, Wakehurst in Sussex, for people in receipt of Universal Credit or Pension Credit. For families or other groups, there is also now a reduced price for early booking of just £15 per adult. Families South East • May / June 2022
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