Dear Reader,
Tis the season to be merry, or so they say! For busy parents already juggling work, school, and a household, the thought of probably the biggest event of the year on the children’s calendar only weeks away can be overwhelming, especially when trying to squeeze in school plays, Christmas fairs, carol services, Christmas social events and Christmas shopping. To help with some of the planning this Christmas we have plenty of events listed in this issue and some great gift ideas too. Remember to take time for yourself this Christmas we deserve a break at Christmas too!
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Suzanne Brown, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
SOCIAL MEDIA: Suzanne Brown, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com
Families Cambridgeshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.
facebook.com/famcambsmag
Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire William Butler Yeats
TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER AT CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE
Families Cambridgeshire is a franchise of Families Print Ltd of 75 Lisbon Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5HL. Families is a registered trademark of Families Print Ltd. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise owner and Families Print Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
An annual festive treat, the delights of The Nutcracker will charm Cambridge audiences once more this Christmas. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll who magically comes to life, an enchanting adventure unfolds; a dramatic battle with the Mouse King ensues, and dancing snowflakes fill the stage. A live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s splendid score adds the finishing touch to this joyous spectacle, making it the perfect introduction to classical ballet and a treat for ballet lovers and newcomers alike. We’re offering the chance for one lucky reader to win a family ticket (four seats, valued at £170) to Swan Lake on Sat 27 Dec at 7pm, or The Nutcracker on Mon 29 Dec at 2pm.
To enter please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag. Good luck. Please see the Facebook page for T&C’s.
Winter Wilderness and letters to Santa with Avery Row
Make this Christmas truly magical with Avery Rows Christmas 2025 collection. From personalised stockings, advent calendars and present sacks to adorable baby Christmas sleepsuits, festive pyjamas, and table linens. Create treasured family traditions with beautiful heirloom pieces. Lovingly designed in two themes - Winter Wilderness and Letters to Santa alongside their beloved kitchen and table linens range. All made with organic cotton, organic dyes and recycled materials. Children's Christmas Flannel PyjamasWinter Ski, Green Trim £36.00. www.avery-row.com
Royal Mail Letter to Santa
All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas? For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Wednesday 10th December.
Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address.
More info at www.royalmail.com/christmas/ letters-to-santa
MERRY LITTLE CHEESEBOARD
Not sure what to get loved ones for Christmas this year? Why not try sending a hamper, always so gratefully received this time of year. Top Hampers have themed Hampers with something for everyone, or you can choose from one of the traditional Christmas hampers: The Merry Little Cheeseboard is a festive treat made for cheese lovers and the Christmas Gardening Hamper has everything a garden enthusiast might want for Christmas.
Merry Little Cheeseboard £70.00 Christmas Gardening Hamper £165.00 www.tophampers.com
NEW DIGITAL CENTRE TO TACKLE ONLINE CONSPIRACIES IN SCHOOLS
A new centre has been launched by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) to help schools tackle online misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories. Funded by the Pears Foundation, the initiative aims to give teachers and school leaders the tools to support children navigating today’s complex digital world.
The programme offers training, practical classroom resources, online learning modules, and public engagement campaigns to strengthen media literacy and critical thinking among students. Pip Sanderson, NIoT’s Director of Teacher Development, said the centre will help teachers guide children safely online.
NIoT Chief Executive Melanie Renowden emphasized that young people are increasingly exposed to false information and that schools play a key role in protecting them. The centre was shaped by feedback from teachers who say they urgently need support. Its goal is to build a generation of digitally savvy, critical thinkers.
Kimbolton School welcomes new Pre-School for the New Year
There’s a real buzz around Kimbolton School this term as it prepares to open a brand-new Pre-School in January 2026 - a welcoming space where children aged 3 and 4 can learn, play and grow in the heart of the Prep School.
The new Pre-School will provide a gentle introduction to learning, curiosity and play in a familiar setting that grows with each child.
Head of Prep, Claire Petrie, said:
“We’re so excited to be opening our new Pre-School. It will provide a nurturing, curiosityled environment where our youngest children can explore, play and develop confidence from the very start of their learning journey.”
Alongside the announcement, the school community has enjoyed a term filled with highlights — from language festivals and poetry celebrations to charity events and sporting success stories.
Headmaster Will Chuter added:
“Kimbolton is a place where children can truly be themselves, discover their passions and feel part of something bigger. Our new Pre-School is a natural extension of that spirit.”
With its new Pre-School on the horizon, Kimbolton looks forward to welcoming families for taster sessions and open events early in the new year, with exciting plans for a special opening in January for its first cohort of young Kimboltonians.
For more information, visit www. kimboltonschool.com/preschool
Anti-Bullying Week 2025 –A Power for Good
Anti-Bullying Week runs from 10 to 14 November this year, with the theme ‘Power for Good’.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance chose this theme following consultation with teachers and pupils who wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt caused by bullying.
The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10 November, during which adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate our uniqueness.
Following the success of the campaign in 2024, when eighty percent of schools marked the week, therefore reaching over 7.5 million children and young people, Anti-Bullying Week seeks to empower children to use their Power of Good to speak out, support others and build a world where kindness wins. More info: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Snap, Shoot and Print in Seconds
The Photo Creator Instant Print Camera 2.0 has 48MP Photos, HD Video and Instant Printing in One Creative Powerhouse. Photography meets creativity in a fun, user-friendly format designed specifically for kids aged 7+. Whether capturing adventures, decorating prints, or recording videos with friends, this deluxe camera makes self-expression instant, easy and exciting. Amazon £69.99
Premature babies to receive new injection against winter virus
Thousands of premature babies across the UK will receive a new longacting antibody injection called nirsevimab to protect them against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common winter illness that can cause serious lung infections and even be fatal.
While most infants typically gain protection through maternal vaccination late in pregnancy, babies born before 32 weeks remain particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Starting in late September, the NHS began offering a dose of the antibody drug nirsevimab to around 9,000 at-risk babies and young children nationwide.
NHS clinicians describe the rollout as providing a “protective bubble” for these infants as colder months approach.
RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation among young children, especially those born prematurely. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications and ease pressure on hospitals during the winter season.
Free NHS Chickenpox Vaccine to Roll Out in 2026
From January next year, all young children in the UK will be offered a free chickenpox vaccine on the NHS. The jab, given in two doses at 12 and 18 months, will be combined with the MMR vaccine protecting against measles, mumps and rubella. A catch-up programme will cover slightly older children.
Until now, parents have often paid up to £200 privately for protection against chickenpox, which causes itchy spots but can sometimes lead to serious complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, stroke, or risks during pregnancy. Health officials estimate the illness costs the UK £24m annually in lost productivity.
The vaccine’s introduction follows a recommendation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation in 2023. Experts say it could dramatically reduce cases and save lives. Although uptake of other childhood vaccines has recently declined, officials hope this programme will better protect children and ease pressure on families.
EE Launches Safer Smartphone Plans for Under 18s
EE has become the first major UK mobile network to introduce smartphone plans specifically designed for children and teenagers.
The new “Safer SIMs” plans include built-in content filters, scam protection, and controlled data gifting, helping parents stay confident about their child’s online safety. Starting from just £7 per month, the plans come in three tiers— Protected, Guided, and Trusted—offering age-appropriate data limits and speeds for different stages of a youngster’s digital life.
To support families, EE is offering 30-minute safety appointments at more than 400 stores in partnership with Internet Matters, helping parents learn how to guide their children online.
In addition, EE has launched “The P.H.O.N.E Chat”, an engaging resource designed to help parents have open, informed conversations with their children about responsible smartphone use.
According to EE, the aim is to make smartphone ownership safer, more manageable and stress-free for families navigating the digital world.
The Importance of Imagination
Einstein held that imagination is more important than knowledge: “I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” It’s hard to disagree. Imagination is the highest form of thought, and almost divine in its reach. With enough imagination, we could identify and solve all of our problems. With enough imagination, we would never have to work again—or, at least, not for money. With enough imagination, we could win over, or defeat, anyone we wanted to. But our imagination is so poor that we haven’t even imagined what it would be like to have that kind of imagination.
Most children begin to develop pretend play at around 15 months of age. What are children doing when they pretend play? And why are they so absorbed in works of imagination? When I was 7 years old, I would devour book after book and plead with my parents for those not already in the bookcase. By playing out scenarios and extending themselves beyond their limited experience, children seek to make sense of the world and find their place within it. This meaning-making is full of emotion—joy, excitement, awe—and finds an echo in every subsequent act of creation.
Think back to your favourite teacher at school: for me, a French teacher who wept silently as he read to the class from a novel by Marguerite Duras. The teachers whom we hold dear to our hearts, who changed the course of our lives, are not those who assiduously taught us the most facts, or fastidiously covered every bulleted point on the syllabus, but those who moved and inspired us, those who fired up our imagination and opened us up to ourselves and to the world.
Despite its importance to the individual and society, our system of education leaves very little place for imagination. Our schools and universities and wider society are often forced to prioritise knowing over thinking, and equate thinking with reasoning, and reasoning with logic. This has done, and continues to do, untold harm. Instead of digging ourselves in deeper, we need to make more time and space for thinking, and we need to rehabilitate alternative forms of cognition such as imagination, inspiration, and emotion that can support, supplement, or supplant reason and return us to wholeness.
In recent years, I’ve been trying to recover the bright and vivid imagination that I left behind in primary school. For that, I’ve been doing just three things, all of them very simple to explain:
By Dr Neel Burton
• Being aware of the importance of imagination.
• Making time for sleep and idleness.
• Taking inspiration from the natural world.
How might that translate to you and your children? Don’t skimp on sleep. Don’t fill every hour of the day with scheduled activities. Make time for idleness, for daydreaming, and long walks in nature. Above all, don’t worry about ‘wasting time.’ While we are idling, in bed, in the bath, on the bus, our unconscious mind is busy assimilating and processing disparate pieces of information, and making all sorts of novel connections and projections. Time is a very strange thing, and not at all linear: sometimes, the best way of using it is to ‘waste’ it.
Here are 12 tips for nurturing imagination in your children:
1. Allow for unscheduled down-time, even for ‘boredom.’
2. Discourage passive TVs, tablets, and other electronics.
3. Encourage reading, make sure there are plenty of ageappropriate books around.
4. Encourage story-telling and writing.
5. Encourage pretend play, even if it gets messy!
6. Spend time in botanical gardens, zoos, art museums, science museums, natural history museums…
7. Spend a lot of time outdoors.
8. Travel to different places: forest, beach, mountains, abroad.
9. Encourage contact with different people and cultures.
10. Encourage thought-provoking questions, and ask some yourself.
11. Try not to impose pre-conceived notions, especially preconceived notions of what it means to be successful.
12. Allow your children to follow their enthusiasms, however eccentric, impractical, or disruptive they may seem. You never know where they may lead!
Dr Neel Burton is a leading psychiatrist and author of Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking, out now, priced £12.99. To find out more, visit www.neelburton.com
What’s On
Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
Cambridgeshire
Cambridge Science Centre
WHEN: Term times Sat & Sun only; School holidays open daily
WHERE: Cambridge Science Park
Packed with over 20 fun, handson and open-ended exhibits, you and your children can enjoy exploring the Centre at your own pace. Shows are held twice a day and Lab sessions run throughout the day. www. cambridgesciencecentre.org
Christmas in Cambridge
WHEN: 13 Nov – 31 Dec
WHERE: Parker's Piece
Visit the Christmas Market, the open-air ice rink, get lost in the Christmas Tree Maze, survey views across the city from the Big Wheel, and much more besides. www.christmasincambridge. co.uk
Animal TailsHungry Hedgehogs
WHEN: Fri 14 Nov, 10.30am11.15am; 11.30am-12.15pm WHERE: Museum of Zoology
Discover stories of wildlife that are living around us with stories and play. Hear about hungry hedgehogs and squabbling squirrels, and make your own hibernating hedgehog to take home. FREE. www.museums.cam.ac.uk
Saturday Opening
WHEN: Sat 15 Nov 10.00am–4.00pm
WHERE: Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Cambridge
Explore the history of science through the collection of microscopes, telescopes, and globes. Take part in family trails and visit the Learning Gallery. FREE.
www.whipplemuseum.cam.ac.uk
Christmas in the House
WHEN: 17 Nov 2025 –4 Jan 2026
WHERE: Anglesey Abbey, Lode, Cambridge
Step inside Anglesey to admire the elegant Christmas decorations in each room. Children can also continue their journey with The Snowman™ indoors by spotting The Snowman™ toys around the venue, hidden among the decorations. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Christmas Gift & Food Fair
WHEN: 19 - 22 Nov
WHERE: Ely Cathedral
There’s plenty to help you prepare for Christmas including 90 boutique stalls and designers, 80 artisan producers and crafters, a vintage carousel and specialist street food vendors. www.elycathedral.org
Super Science Saturday (Year 5 only)
WHEN: Sat 29 Nov, 9.00am – 1.00pm
WHERE: Wisbech Grammar School
Explore the fascinating science of pressure through a range of activities and experiments at Wisbech Grammar School. Register to attend this FREE Year 5 event today. www.wisbechgrammar.com
FAMILY
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
WHEN: 22 Nov - 24 Dec
WHERE: Audley End Railway, Saffron Walden
Families are invited to step into Audley End’s enchanted woodland this festive season for a Magical Christmas journey into the heart of the forest. Prepare to see Christmas wonder aplenty! www.audley-end-railway.co.uk
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
WHEN: 9 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
WHERE: Kings Lynn Corn Exchange
Prepare to embark on an enchanting journey with this year’s GIANT pantomime… Jack and the Beanstalk. This promises to be a LARGERTHAN-LIFE adventure! Join Jack, Dame Trott, and the loveable Clarabelle the Cow, for an unforgettable escapadefilled with FE-FI-FO-FUN! www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk
SATURDAY: YULE WANDS
WHEN: Sat 6 Dec 10.00am –1.00pm
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Welcome the jolly season by making your very own Yule Wand from natural materials! Add a little holiday magic by casting your festive spell with your handmade creation. Age 3 +. Children FREE. www.museums.cam.ac.uk
RAPUNZEL
WHEN: 21 Nov 25 - 18 Jan 26
WHERE: Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Join Rapunzel in her quest for freedom from her tower as she dreams of the world outside, and take part in the pantomime mayhem, the magic and the many, many sheep! www.theatreroyal.org
ROBIN HOOD –THE PANTOMIME
WHEN: 12 – 31 Dec
WHERE: The Angles Theatre, Wisbech
The outlaw Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men need to save the day! With the help of Silly Willy and his mother Nanny Fanny, can Sherwood be saved from the Sheriff’s clutches? Find out in this pantomime adventure!
Tickets £11.50+ www.anglestheatre.co.uk
Jack the Beanstalk
WHEN: 12 Dec 2025 –4 Jan 2026
WHERE: The Maltings, Cambridgeshire
KD Theatre Productions present Jack and the Beanstalk, an epic adventure high above the clouds. Join a host of colourful characters including Jack and Dame Trott as they try to save their beloved family farm from the greedy Giant Blunderbore. Cost £ 22 - £ 25 www.kdtheatre.littleboxoffice. com
FESTIVE CAROLS & SOCIAL DOG WALK
WHEN: Sun 14 Dec, 10.00am – 12.00pm WHERE: Ben’s Yard, Ely Get into a festive mood with a tail-wagging celebration! Sing some upbeat Christmas favourites with your four-legged friends and family. Celebrate the season in true community spirit. FREE event. www.bensyard.co.uk
Swan Lake
WHEN: 27 - 28 Dec
WHERE: Cambridge Corn Exchange
A timeless tale, Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans, only to be tricked into betraying her by the wicked von Rothbart and his daughter Odile. Swans dancing in perfect harmony is one of the true delights of classical ballet.
Cost £23.00 - £38.00. www.cornex.co.uk
THE NUTCRACKER
WHEN: 29 - 31 Dec
WHERE: Cambridge Corn Exchange
Mergaliyev Classical Ballet returns to the UK with a captivating production of The Nutcracker. Be a part of Clara’s enchanting adventure which includes a dramatic battle with the Mouse King and dancing snowflakes which fill the stage.
Cost £23.00 - £38.00. www.cornex.co.uk
HORRIBLE HISTORIES - THE CONCERT
WHEN: Sun 1 March
WHERE: Cambridge Corn Exchange
Stars from the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC series appear live (and dead!) on stage for the first time! If you’ve enjoyed watching royal rogues and deadly divas, on TV, you will love this hilariously horrible quest for Shakespeare to create the greatest show on earth! www.cornex.co.uk
The importance of music in child development
‘Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.’
This quote, often attributed to Plato, highlights the profound impact of music on a child’s emotional and intellectual development, emphasising its ability to engage the soul in a way that other subjects may not. A core creative subject, it fosters creativity, engagement, cognitive and emotional skills, social skills and self-esteem. Excellent music education opens opportunities that stay with children and shape their lives. Playing a key role in brain development and impacting various areas of cognitive function, music engages both sides of the brain, thereby improving learning and memory, as well as supporting language acquisition and literacy development. Songs with rhymes and repetition help develop vocabulary and phonemic awareness. Listening to music and melodies exposes children to a wider range of words and phrases and trains memory skills and recall. Did you know that music is the only thing that stimulates your entire brain? When children can’t hear you because they are concentrating on something else, try singing to them!
Music can have a huge impact on a child’s social and emotional development. It allows children to express their emotions creatively, which may be difficult to articulate through
words alone. As Hans Christian Andersson wrote: ‘Where words fail, music speaks.’ This emotional outlet works on developing empathy and emotional intelligence. In addition, exposure to music has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in children. It creates a calming, positive and engaging environment that enhances overall mental well-being and readiness to learn.
Touching hearts and minds, music is a cornerstone of the broad and balanced education that every child should receive; it celebrates and challenges, it connects and moves us. In the same way that we teach children literacy and numeracy to prepare them for adult life, we must give them the musical tools they need for a lifetime of musicmaking and enjoyment. For some, music will be the foundation of a career in one of the country’s most important and globallyrecognised industries. For others, it will provide experiences and skills which develop their creativity. For many, music will simply be a source of joy, comfort and companionship throughout their lives.
POSITIVE EFFECTS OF MUSIC ON THE BRAIN
Music offers children a unique lens through which to explore cultures, traditions and even history, helping broaden their perspective and understanding of the world around them.
Musical rhythms introduce basic mathematical concepts, for example sequencing and analysing patterns. Research
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Noble
shows a strong correlation between musical training and improved mathematical abilities.
Activities like clapping, dancing and playing musical instruments require the integration of hand, eye and auditory co-ordination which improves fine and gross motor skills.
Musical improvisation, composition and interpretation all foster innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, crucial for overall intellectual growth.
Performing music nurtures self-confidence and provides a sense of achievement, particularly when children have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.
WHERE TO FIND
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE FEN
WHEN: Open daily 30 Nov - 23 Dec, 9.30am – 5.00pm
WHERE: Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Ely
Experience traditional festivities at the charming Fen Cottage. Join the Elves to make a Christmas craft, then head over to Fen Cottage to meet Father Christmas and receive a present. Tickets: £14.50. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Santa’s Grotto
WHEN: 29 Nov - 24 Dec
Father Christmas IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Christmas at the Railway
WHEN: 29 Nov – 24 Dec, on select dates
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough Climb aboard at NVR for a festive adventure full of cheer. Join in Santa’s Reindeer Rescue and have Santa visit your train compartment with a gift for each child. www.nvr.org.uk
Meet Father Christmas
WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, March, Cambridgeshire
Mrs Claus and the charming elves will warmly welcome you into Skylark’s winter wonderland Grotto. Complete a range of festive activities, and including reindeer foot making, gingerbread decorating and more. Then it will be your family’s chance to meet Santa! Prices start from £26.00 for children and £4 per adult. www.skylark-events.co.uk
WHEN: 6 – 23 Dec, 9.45am – 3.45pm
WHERE: Anglesey Abbey, Lode, Cambridge Experience the magic of Christmas in one of Anglesey Abbey's most beautiful rooms with a festive encounter with Father Christmas. Enter a magical world of seasonal wonder and storytelling. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE FARM
WHEN: 4 - 23 Dec
WHERE: Church Farm, Stow Bardolph
All Father Christmas tickets include your day at the Farm (10am5pm) as well as meeting Father Christmas during your chosen timeslot. Stay and enjoy the indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters and petting pens, Church Farm animals in traditional nativity scenes, and more.
Adults, £11.50; Children, from £18.00. www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
WHEN: 7, 14 & 21 Dec
WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, March, Cambridgeshire
Make this a Christmas to remember! Bring the children to have a delicious breakfast of pancakes, traditional breakfast or coco pops with Santa. Then choose a toy from Santa’s Toy Shop or Make-a-Bear to take home. Cost: Adult £10.99; Child £29.99. www.skylark-events.co.uk
SANTA'S GROTTO 2025
WHEN: 13 - 14, 20 - 24 Dec
WHERE: Hamerton Zoo Park, Nr Sawtry
The Zoo’s Christmas elf will board you onto a train which will take you to a magical Grotto to meet Santa, tell him your Christmas wishes, and receive a gift.
Tickets £15.00.
www.hamertonzoopark.com
I WANT FOR
Stockists
1. The Problem Solver Kit £142 www.lovevery.com
2. Cuddle + Kind Briar Bunny £76.95 www.skyrockets.co.uk
3. Superhero Dress Up Set £45.00 www.avery-row.com
4. Little Dutch Baking Set £32.00 www.fredaandbert.co.uk
5. Toniebox 2 £94.99 www.tonies.com
6. Vintage Green Trike £149 www.banwood.co.uk
7. Rattan original Luggy £59.00 www.olliella.com
8. Little Sister Dancer Mouse £25.00 www.fredaandbert.co.uk
9. Peter Rabbit £29.99 www.warmies.co.uk
10. Barbarossa Pirate Ship £65.00 www.mulberrybush.co.uk
Looking for an exciting and unique birthday party?
Our Cambridge climbing parties are perfect for active fun!
sportscentre.perse.co.uk/birthday-parties/
What’s On
Things to do this winter - drama, music & sport something for everyone in
Cambridgeshire
Ballet Classes
WHEN: Saturdays
WHERE: Eden Dance Centre, Cambridge
Eden Dance welcomes students of all ages and abilities. Classes include Nursery Playdance, Primary, Grades 1, 2 & 4 and Intermediate Foundation. www.edendance.co.uk
Girlguiding and Scouts
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire
The Girlguiding and Scouts organisations offer a safe space in which your child can make friends and learn many new skills. Fun, action-packed programmes available. Age 4 to adult. www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk www.cambridgeshirescouts. org.uk
Performing Arts Classes
WHEN: Saturdays
WHERE: Razzamataz Cambridge at Impington Village College
Join the Razzamataz family for confidence building performing arts lessons! Students will learn the arts of singing, dancing and drama, whilst making new friends and developing skills that last a lifetime. Book a FREE taster session. Age 2 – 18 years. www.razzamataz.co.uk/ school/43/Cambridge
Performing Arts Classes
WHEN: Term time: Wednesdays - Fridays after school, and weekends
WHERE: Stagecoach Performing Arts at Coleridge Campus & Cambourne Village College
Stagecoach provides quality parttime training in the performing arts for children aged 4 – 18 years. Their aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes, as well as being educational and fun. www.stagecoach.co.uk
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CAMPS
Cambridge Kids Club Holiday Playscheme
WHEN: Mon 22 - Weds 24 Dec 2025 & Mon 5 Jan 2026
WHERE: Cambridge, Cottenham, Harwick and Cambourne, Fully supervised care throughout the school holidays where children may participate in arts and crafts, play games, read or simply socialise in a safe and secure environment. Age 4 – 11 years. www.cambridgekidsclub.com
Cambridge United's Soccer School
WHEN: Every school holiday, 9.00am – 4.00pm
WHERE: Chesterton, Coleridge, Comberton and Swavesey Soccer camp engages players in activities including football quizzes, football World 11 teams and more! Skill of the Day enhances football development. Cost £25 a day Age 5 –12 years.
www.cambridgeunited.com/soccer-
Tennis Lessons
WHEN: Daily
WHERE: Mike’s Tennis Academy at various locations across Cambridge
Mike’s Tennis Academy is a specialist provider of junior and adult tennis coaching in Cambridge with a trusted reputation for delivering fun and engaging tennis to people of all abilities. www.mikestennis.com
Roller Skating Lessons
Weekend Clubs
WHEN: Saturdays
WHERE: The Outdoors Project, Royston
Do you need childcare on Saturdays? Book your child in for outdoor games and nature-based craft. Fun and exercise in the fresh air! Children of Y1 – Y6 welcome. www.theoutdoorsproject.co.uk
WHEN: Venue open daily; Lessons on Saturdays
WHERE: Skaters Roller Rink, Wisbech
Lessons offered to all abilities, from beginner to the more advanced skater. There is a maximum of 6 students per instructor. 6 weeks of lessons for £55. Age 5+. www.skaterswisbech.co.uk
JUNIOR SWIM & CLIMBING LESSONS
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: The Perse Sports Centre, Cambridge Swim England’s Learn to Swim lessons, Stages 1 – 10, help to develop competent swimmers through enjoyment. NICAS climbing courses provide a safe, fun introduction to climbing indoors, helping learners develop climbing skills and build confidence. Ages 4-17 years.
www.sportscentre.perse.co.uk
CLASSES FOR 4 - 11 YEAR OLDS
Coleridge
