Families Surrey West July Aug 2023 Print

Parties Mind blowing kid’s science parties! www.genielab.co.uk

Pre-Schools

Places available;

Friday 13th October 2023

Thursday 8th February 2024

DIRECTORY

Childcare

Dinky Dance Classes

Child’s

Play Pre-School Portsmouth Rd, Guildford

funding

Health & Nutrition

Massage

Moosical discovery for Under 4s Classes in South West Surrey

www.mollymoocow.com

Guildford & Woking Walking - 4 5 years HAZELWOODTHERAPIES.COM HELLO@HAZELWOODTHERAPIES.COM GUILDFORD BABY MASSAGE COURSES A great way to start the early days with baby. HAZELWOODTHERAPIES.COM HELLO@HAZELWOODTHERAPIES.COM GUILDFORD

Fun, props and music your little one will love www.doitwithdance.co.uk

Weekly classes for 2-6s Holiday Camps Schools & Nurseries Parties

Ideal for

Children's

Fully qualified professionally trained teaching staff. In the heart of Guildford. www.guildfordtheatreschool.co.uk Childcare vouchers accepted - join online today!

To advertise here please contact Sarah: editor@familiessurreywest.co.uk or 01737 558898 Prices from £25.

Help us recycle more

Research shows that many people feel like they are already recycling as much as they can. But according to data, over 26,000 tonnes of recyclable waste can be found in Surrey’s rubbish bins.

For local councils and the tax payer, recycling makes financial sense because it costs less to recycle waste than it does to dispose of it as rubbish. It’s also better for the environment as recycling generates less carbon dioxide than rubbish disposal.

Please recycle more:

• letters, envelopes, paper, card, leaflets, catalogues, brochures, magazines, junk mail, newspapers, cardboard;

• food packaging - plastic pots, tubs and trays;

• plastic bottles - shampoo, detergent, and cleaning products;

• glass bottles and jars;

• metal food tins - tuna, soup, fruit, pet food etc. Find out more at surreyep.org.uk

Distributors needed!

Families Surrey West is looking for people to distribute our magazine, particularly in the Haslemere, Godalming, Guildford and Cranleigh areas. If you live in or near any of these areas and have a car and a few hours to spare every two months and would like to earn some extra money then please contact Sarah for full details on: editor@familiessurreywest.co.uk or 01737 558898.

What the new childcare proposals mean for you

There was good news for parents in this year’s Spring Budget when it was announced that the government will be extending funded childcare. This funding extension will mean that by September 2025 working parents of children over nine months and up to five years will be entitled to thirty hours free childcare per week.

As any working parent knows, paying for childcare before the existing funding for three-year-olds kicks in can be financially crippling. That the government acknowledges this struggle is a big step forward for families. This policy has the power to help more parents back to work and improve the quality of family life with increased income. However, it’s important to acknowledge that when you look more closely at the policy, there is a risk that it could potentially exacerbate existing issues in the childcare system.

Unfortunately, the childcare system has not received full government funding to support the ‘free’ childcare places for 2-to-4-year-olds that it introduced some years ago. In response, nurseries have had but to increase fees to meet the shortfall, resulting in the cost of childcare increasing for many parents. Simultaneously, the running costs for childcare providers have skyrocketed and childcare providers have been closing en masse; over five thousand in the past year alone.

Again, funding for the government’s ambitious new plans for 1 and-2-yearolds is estimated by the CBI to be half of what it will cost to implement, which will likely result in more closures, more competition and higher fees. Currently, the maths just doesn’t add up.

From April 2024, all 2-year-olds will be eligible for fifteen hours’ free childcare.

From 2025, children aged nine months and above will be eligible for thirty free hours. The reason for the delay is that the dwindling number of providers couldn’t cope with a sudden increase in demand. Even with the longer lead time, many providers still won’t be able to afford to offer the required places. This may leave some parents in the same situation of not being able to access their entitlement.

If your child is going to be eligible for free hours under the proposed changes, get ahead now and check with your local providers to ask whether they are going to be offering free hours for 2-year-olds. If they are, you may need to put your child on a

Flexible working

By Anna Letouze

waiting list because, as things stand, there may be a lot of competition for places.

In the meantime, there are other things you can do to lighten the load. First, make sure you’re claiming all the benefits you’re eligible for. If you are a working parent and not currently claiming financial support, start with the government’s online benefits calculator at www.gov.uk. Also research any other sources of support you may be able to access. The Cost of Living Support on the Working Families website (www.workingfamilies.org.uk) is a good start point.

You could also consider requesting flexible working. Everyone has the right to make a request once in a role for twenty-six weeks. Currently employers are not obliged to consider it, so prepare the groundwork to put forward a strong case. Head to the Working Families website for advice and free resources on the best way to make a request.

Anna Letouze writes on behalf of Working Families (www.workingfamilies. org.uk), the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers.

Flex is becoming an everyday part of our working lives, and the upcoming Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill will facilitate flex for many more parents and carers who need it. If it is passed later this year, the bill will make requesting flexible working a right from day one, permit two requests a year, reduce the processing time, remove the requirement to explain how a proposed arrangement will work and require a consultation between employee and employer should the request be rejected.

Flex comes in all shapes and sizes. Hybrid or remote working, reduced or compressed hours, changing start and finish times, flexitime, job share; the list goes on. If we start thinking of roles as comprising different tasks there is often an element of flexibility in when and how we can complete those tasks. There’s no one way to work flexibly; instead it is best achieved with a solution that is tailored both to your needs and the needs of your employer.

Under 5s Summer Fun

Gym Jams

Gym Jams is an award-winning traditional style soft play, exclusively for babies and toddlers in Normandy, Guildford. Open over the summer in their airconditioned venue. Providing a clean, safe environment for little ones aged 0-3 years to explore at their own pace, learning to crawl, toddle and climb under and over the equipment. It’s a fantastic facility that teaches socialising and sharing which has proved a massive hit. It gives the grown-ups a chance to relax away from home, offering a chance to enjoy a cuppa and the opportunity to chat and make new friends. Many grown-ups look forward to it as much as the children do. Bookings are made online at www.gym-jams.co.uk

New Monty Plonker Art Classes in Godalming

Monty Plonker have recently launched fun interactive art classes for children aged 3+. Classes take place every Wednesday from 1-2pm at Godalming United Church and they will be running throughout the summer holidays (except for Wed 16 & 24 Aug). Experiment with colour and design, learn about patterns, play with texture, use props and materials and engage actively in storytelling. £6 per child. To book please email info@montyplonker.com with your child’s name.

Baby Cats Summer Extravaganza

A free session on Friday 7th July for 0-4s with an adult from 9.3010.30am at St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley. Enjoy an hour of creative activities with specialist teachers. Free but places must be booked at www.stcatherines.info/ prep-home/baby-cats.

St Catherine’s have also launched

‘Cat Class’ for 3-4 year old girls on a Friday from 1.30-2.45pm as well as their existing ‘Cat Class’ running on a Tuesday. These classes will spark curiosity and nurture a love of learning. These sessions run in term time only and need to be booked at www.stcatherines.info/prep-school/cat-class

The Parent Pod Launches

Are you expecting a baby soon or do you have a young baby? Come and meet other new and expecting parents in a kind, caring and nonjudgemental environment at the newly launched Parent Pod at St Dunstan’s Church, Woking on Wednesdays 11am-1pm. The group runs each Wednesday throughout the year and is free with no booking needed. There is free parking and refreshments. There will be midwives and other professionals running the group, as volunteers, to reduce isolation and increase support for pregnant and new parents.

Moo Music

Moo Music Farnham and Aldershot are running lots of fun moosical sessions this summer, in Ash and Farnham. There’ll be sessions for mixed ages (up to 7 years) and under 2 sessions. Specials include free play and snacks. You’ll be playing musical instruments, exploring sensory props, dressing up, bouncing the parachute, dancing and catching bubbles. To book please go to www.moo-music.co.uk/fa

ARTventurers Farnham, Godalming and West Guildford

ARTventurers runs award winning art, craft and creative play classes for children aged 6months - 7 years along with creative workshops for older children. With a different theme each week and a range of activities to ignite your children’s imaginations, you can enjoy making memories and masterpieces with your little artists! Classes will be running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during August in Farnham and Guildford. Go to www. artventurers.co.uk/farnham for dates and locations and to book your place, or contact natalie@artventurers.co.uk

Pop Up Play Village Camberley and Woking

Pop Up Play Village children's role play sessions are suitable for babies and children up to eight years old. Enter into a role play world where children become doctors, chefs, artists, builders, waiters, childminders and shopkeepers. Imagination leads the way so no two play sessions are ever the same. Sessions run every week, including school holidays. They are on Tuesday and Friday mornings at Places Leisure Camberley and Sunday mornings at The Vyne Centre, Knaphill. They are also available for birthday parties, wedding creches, outdoor events and equipment hire. For more details or to book your place at one of their sessions visit www.popupplayvillage.co.uk or scan the QR code above.

Children's Role Play Activities

Dinky Dance

Dinky Dance are running summer specials on the mornings of Mon 7 Aug, Thurs 17 Aug and Mon 21 Aug in Woking and Guildford. These fun dance and movement classes use a range of music and props to build confidence, balance, musicality and coordination. From walking - 4.5 years old, older siblings welcome. To book email: hello@doitwithdance.co.uk or contact 07905 706829.

Some baby and pre-schooler classes take a break in the holidays, so here are some ideas for summer fun with your little one. There’s more in the Summer Boredom Busters section and What’s on diary as well!

Imagination Children’s Role Play

Imagination is an award winning role play and party venue for 0-7 year olds located in the heart of Camberley. The centre is now FULLY AIR CONDITIONED ready for the summer! The 90 minute sessions provide an educational experience to stimulate young minds through role play in a fun and safe learning environment. Children can explore the different rooms which include a Pirate Ship, Jungle room, Vets room and a designated safe play area for babies. The café serves delicious

home made lunches, cakes, snacks and drinks with options for dietary requirements. To book visit www.imaginationroleplay.co.uk. For further details call 01276 423430.

WELCOME TO

The Mucky Cow Play Café

The Mucky Cow Play Café is a family run business in the heart of Chobham. They have created a safe and fun environment for children under 5 and parents/carers to come together. The focal point is crawlers to 3yrs specifically, with that being said the frame has some great sensory pieces to entice the babies. They also have a selection of puzzles and books for when they need a little break. The frame is only petit but has a unique design to challenge little ones physically, promoting independence and using their imaginations. The Play frame is visible from the café area, and it has been designed so that the children can see the parents the whole way around. They are currently running four sessions a day starting from 9.30am, each session is an hour and half long. Bookings can be made via www.themuckycowplaycafe.com. Follow them on insta @themuckycowplaycafe for what’s on each week.

Chobham Adventure Farm

Enjoy a great summer’s day out at Chobham Adventure Farm! The Under 5’s have their own air-conditioned play frame indoors to have fun and keep cool! Outside they have their own trim trail with bridges, slides and obstacles, and can bounce on their own bouncy pillow, race down the zip-wires or whizz down the donut slide under the sprinklers on those hot days! In the Animal Barn Syd and his 60 friends wait to meet you – including the piglets, the baby goats and the rabbits. The café serves a huge range of healthy hot and cold options for all ages.

‘Story Explorers’ at Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham are running ‘Story Explorers’ for pre-schoolers on Wednesdays until 12 July, 10.30am-12pm. 'Story Explorers' aims to engage your little ones with nature through stories and fun activities. The session begins in the charming old Stable Block with action rhymes. Included in admission, online booking recommended.

Under 5s Summer Fun

Wee Nature Spirits

Wee Nature Spirits outdoor playgroup in Chobham offers an opportunity to meet like minded families who favour child-led play, with the benefits of fresh air. Using an old marquee and enclosed garden area with pre-school resources set up for babies to around 5 years old. Little ones learn to build resilience, increase independence and get muddy no matter what the weather! Open all summer. Older siblings welcome. Please complete a one off registration via website. Tasters £5.

Molly Moocow Summer Sessions

Molly Moocow Summer Sessions

Come and join Molly Moocow for their outdoor classes in Haslemere and Godalming on the first four Wednesdays in August. They will take place on 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August at 11am at Godalming Bandstand and 2pm at Camelsdale Rec, Haslemere. £7 per family, pay on the day. Weather permitting.

Come and join Molly Moocow for their outdoor classes in Haslemere and Godalming on the first four Wednesdays in August. They will take place on 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August at 11am at Godalming Bandstand and 2pm at Camelsdale Rec, Haslemere. £7 per family, pay on the day. Weather permitting.

New Playbarn at Godstone Farm

Surrey’s largest soft play is now open at Godstone Farm, but with the special additions of a dedicated baby area and toddler area. These areas allow little ones to discover, explore and play in a safe and comfortable environment specifically designed for them. There are baby sensory items such as bubble tubes and walls, and an infinity mirror, all inside an interesting space with toys suitable for those under 18 months. Toddlers can graduate into their own area with small slides, an exciting ball pool and interactive play panels. The café will keep parents fuelled with good coffee and older siblings get the chance to let off steam in the all-new GIANT play frame.

Your child, your family and Anxiety!

Can you relate:

School refusal, hiding in their room, lashing out, angry outbursts, procrastinating, headaches, tummy aches, panic attacks, sleep difficulties, bad eating habits, frightened all the time or not being able to share how they are feeling. For some children it might be worse and have developed into more physical actions, dark thoughts or eating disorders.

I can assure you that you are not alone and if you are questioning your child’s actions and behaviours, as their parents you are right to be concerned.

Childhood anxiety tends to creep up on you, one day you wonder how and when did this start. You find yourself coping, walking on eggshells, and just waiting for the next eruption.

Trust your instincts, you know your child best and the signs and behaviour that concern you need to be taken seriously. Being anxious is not the problem, anxiety is there to protect us and keep us safe from threats and danger. However, when it takes over and stops your child from living and enjoying their lives, you need to pay attention.

To go from being anxious to developing an anxiety disorder often takes time, it can be weeks, months or even years. You cannot expect it to be resolved instantly, it is not a switch that you can flick on and off and your child is most certainly not choosing this behaviour. Your child is battling daily and when you see or feel the anxiety in their actions, it is during the times your child is overwhelmed and unable to cope. When you see your child showing unusual behaviour, it is after they have been struggling and lost the battle in that instance. Your child needs support from their parents, you need to understand how to

be able to support your child correctly. The problem is that often your best intentions, can escalate the situation, causing both yourself and your child to react in a way that will have a negative impact on the situation. This is not because you are bad parents, no, it is because you are desperate to stop your child suffering but do not have the correct tools to support them in a way that will benefit them at that moment.

School is often the trigger; it can cause school refusal and volatile behaviour. For some children being at school requires a massive amount of energy and focus. They spend the entire day keeping themselves in check. Managing their temper, their emotions and double guessing their every phrase and action. It is no wonder that when they get home it only takes a tiny prod, one sentence, one look to send them over the edge. Remember home is their safe space...

I am sure most adults have days when you walk into your home close the door and when nobody is there you just let it all out, you are safe, and no one will judge you in your safe space.

For our children, it is their safe space too. I know as a parent, you have been busy all day and when your child comes home from school all you want is to show them love, support and interest in their day. You want to

By Maurice Edelson, Anxend CEO

know how they are, especially if we know they are struggling. It comes from the right place, yet it often goes so wrong. It feels like you cannot say or do the right thing, and yet you are trying so hard, second-guessing what you should say or do to make them happy. Possibly even trying too hard? Your child is not being mean, difficult, or naughty. They are simply losing a battle within themselves. They do not understand what they are feeling or why, nor do they know how to control the fear and emotions that are taking over their bodies. You are their safe space, it is home, that is where they need to put down their guard and take a break from the battle that is going on inside them. Unfortunately, you take the punches. It may not feel like it, but the fact that they can release when they are in their home and in front of you shows you that they need YOU!

Your child is doing the best they can, they need help, and it may not feel like it, but they need support and understanding from you.

Learn more, visit anxend.com or call 08082960333.

Walk on the Wild Side at The Square Camberley this Summer

Shop in our fantastic big brand and independent stores and take a Free Animal Safari Trail around the world!

Roar-tastic Free Kids Activities

Free animal themed activities. Enjoy crafts, dancing and much more!

24th – 27th July

Fancy Dress Competitions

9th & 23rd August at 1pm

Learn all about endangered animals in our Safari Animal Trail

29th July – 27th August

The first 500 children to complete our Animal Trail will receive a Panda Soft Toy

Free gift thereafter, whilst stocks last

For more information about this event scan here

thesqcamberley.co.uk

Prenups… not just for the rich and famous

By Hart Brown Solicitors

According to a survey carried out by the Marriage Foundation, one in five weddings now start with a prenup. They may be considered unromantic by many and the last thing people want to think about when they are in the midst of wedding planning, but they are becoming increasingly popular and are a sensible option for those bringing assets into a marriage or civil partnership.

Contrary to popular belief, prenups are not just reserved for celebrities or the very wealthy.

If you have a property, a business or significant savings acquired before the marriage, or if you want to protect a large future inheritance then a prenup is well worth considering. A prenup can stipulate how assets acquired prior to, and during, the marriage should be divided in the event of a relationship breakdown and it can also deal with income and debts. Having a well thought out and detailed agreement can provide you with a degree of certainty and can avoid potential costly litigation further down the line. Prenups should also be considered by those who are marrying for a second time and by those who wish to ensure their assets pass to any children from a previous relationship.

Are they legally binding?

Although not strictly legally binding in the UK they have a good chance of being upheld by a court provided they have been drafted properly and certain conditions are met. It is important that the agreement is signed at least 21 days before the wedding and that you did not feel pressured into signing the agreement. It is

also essential that both parties take independent legal advice and have a clear picture of their partner’s finances. The agreement should also meet the basic needs of the financially weaker spouse and any future children, as failure to do so may result in the agreement not being upheld by the Court.

If you have agreed to have a prenup, when should you start the process?

Start discussions with your partner as early as possible, be open and honest about your finances and take early legal advice. You should ideally start discussions at least 6 months before the wedding to give yourself enough time to think carefully about what should be included in the agreement. If your partner has asked you to sign an agreement close to the wedding date, do not feel pressured to sign the agreement without the benefit of legal advice. If you find

yourself in this situation you have the option to enter into a post nuptial agreement shortly after the wedding.

Please contact our family team for further information. Our specialist family lawyers will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement with you, and we will tailor the agreement to your particular circumstances.

Hart Brown Solicitors has been providing trusted legal advice to families across Surrey for more than 100 years. Get in touch today and speak to a member of our experienced Family team by calling 01483 887766 or visit www.hartbrown.co.uk.

*This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.

Summer Boredom Busters

( To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser)

Kids in the Kitchen at The Atrium, Camberley

Kids in the Kitchen will run every Monday during the school holidays (31st July, 7th, 14th, 21st August) and will have the kids learning about food and nutrition in a fun and exciting environment. 30 minute sessions run throughout each day from 11am-4pm.

This fun and interactive program is designed to teach children about healthy eating habits, basic cooking skills, and kitchen safety. Each week, children will have the opportunity to make a simple, nutritious recipe using fresh ingredients inspired by restaurants at The Atrium.

Experienced instructors will guide the children through each step of the recipe, teaching them about the importance of measuring ingredients, following directions, and working together as a team. The program is open to children of all ages and skill levels.

Parents are welcome to join in the fun and help their children learn new skills in the kitchen. Kids in the Kitchen is a great way for children to learn about healthy eating habits and develop a love for cooking. Free, but donations welcome which will go to the Besom in Camberley. It is recommended to book your space, please see www.theatrium-camberley.com for details. You are also welcome to join on the day.

Animal Fun at Merrist Wood College

Animal Encounters

Tours are running on Sat 15 July and Sat 5 August at 11am and 2pm. On the two hour tour you will see animals including meerkats, tortoises and a wide selection of birds and reptiles. You’ll learn about the different species, and meet some of the animals. Tours are for ages 5+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). Merrist Wood will also be offering their hugely popular Junior Animal Keeper Experiences this summer. Children will join the Animal Keepers from 10am-3pm, working with lots of animals including tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, meerkats and more. Dates for 6-10 year olds include: Sat 8 July, Sat 29 July and Sat 19 August. Dates for those aged 11-14 are: Sun 9 July, Sun 30 July and Sun 20 August. More dates for animal encounter tours and keeper experiences will be added so keep an eye on their website (merristwoodevents.co.uk). There are also Farm Open Mornings on 2 July, 6 Aug, 13 Aug and 3 Sept where you can meet all the wonderful farm animals (£6.50 per person, under 3s free). Book online for all activities.

Chobham Adventure Farm

Enjoy a great summer’s day out at Chobham Adventure Farm! Venture outside to the bouncy pillows, race down the zip-wires or whizz down the donut slide under the sprinklers on those hot days! Inside is a fully air-conditioned play frame with challenging slides that everyone is dared to do. Head to the Animal Barn to see Syd and his 60 friends –including the piglets or the baby goats – where you can get up close and personal. The café serves fresh homemade food with a huge choice of healthy hot and cold options, and the summer BBQ with mouthwatering creations. And top it off with a visit to the Bean Box to choose scoops of delicious Marshfield ice cream!

Family Fun Awaits at The Drift Golf Club

The Drift Golf Club invites families to enjoy a fantastic summer at their new 28 bay driving range.

With Trackman ball tracking technology, engaging games, and friendly competitions, it's the ideal place for family enjoyment. Relax at the café for refreshing drinks and snacks, or grab a delicious meal at the clubhouse. Everyone is welcome, and if you don't have your own clubs, they offer free club hire. Simply turn up and play or book online. Open 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 7am to 6pm on weekends. Don't miss out on family fun - visit The Drift Golf Club today! The Drift Golf Club, East Horsley KT24 5HD driftgolfclub.com

Staycation Live Festival

Staycation Live Festival will be back in the Phillips Memorial Park in Godalming over the weekend of the 4th, 5th and 6th of August! There’s something for everyone with Live Music, Beer and Cider Festival, Street Food, Cocktails, Prosecco Bar and Kids Zone. Suggested donation of £10 per day per adult with 25% of money raised going to local and international good causes. The parties roll on until 11pm Friday and Saturday with special guests and DJs so maybe book the sitter and make the most of Staycation Live weekend! For more info and full line-up visit www.staycationlivefestival.co.uk

Summer Boredom Busters

( To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser)

Safari fun this Summer at The Square, Camberley

The Square Shopping Centre Camberley (GU15 3SL) has free Safari activities from Mon 24thThurs 27th July. Donations to the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) are welcome. No booking is needed, just drop-in and have fun! Children with additional needs are encouraged to attend at the beginning of each session, when there will be a quiet table available. Activities include:

Mon 24 July: Make a gorilla diorama scene 11am–3pm with Mrs Potts’ Place.

Tues 25 July: Make an animal mask 11am-1pm with Craft Coop

Tues 25 July: Go Wild singing and dancing with Secret Stage School from 1.30pm–3.30pm.

Wed 26 July: Tiger and Lion face painting 11am-1pm and 1.30pm-3pm.

Thurs 27 July: Decorate a crocodile or octopus cookie 11am-3pm.

The free Summer Safari opens on Sat 29 July and runs to Sun 27 Aug with animatronic displays of animals and a fun trail around the centre focussing on conservation. Pick up a trail from the Customer Service Desk in Central Square. The first 500 young people to complete the trail win a free panda toy. Everyone who completes the trail will get a prize! Photo opps also available.

Adults and children can take part in the fancy dress #Wear it Wild competition at 1pm on Wed 9 Aug and 1pm on Wed 23 Aug in Central Square.

All details will be on their website: www.thesqcamberley.co.uk.

Guildford Spectrum

Guildford Spectrum offers a wide range of activities, including tenpin bowling, ice skating and four swimming pools. In the pools, you can show off your skills on the diving boards, race down the waterslides or test your stamina during a lane swimming session. Everyone can enjoy the indoor ice rink all year round, perfect for experienced skaters or beginners with the help of penguin skating aids. Challenge your friends and family to a game of bowling and show off your strike celebration! There’s also exciting soft play, ‘Specky’s Pirate Ship’ for little ones to explore. All activities can be booked online.

Fired Frog Pottery Cafe

Fired Frog Pottery Cafe is a friendly purpose-built pottery painting studio in Woking. Located in St Johns, they provide a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for creativity and fun. You can paint items for yourself or to give as gifts.

The shop is open all summer for pottery painting, kid’s parties, craft workshops and baby hand and footprints! Just book a session online to reserve your table! www.firedfrogpotterycafe.co.uk

Godstone Farm’s Hay down Hoe down

Surrey History Centre - Pirates

Free drop-in family activities from Tues 22-Thurs 24 Aug and Tues 29-Thurs 31 Aug 9.30am-5pm. Find out about the history of pirates, and make a hat, treasure map and feathery parrot friend. For ages 2-10 with an adult. 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6ND. Free parking. Donations welcome.

The Godalming Library Activity Trail

Available from Sat 8 July - Sat 23 Sept. Pick up an answer sheet from the library and let it lead you on a tour of the town of Godalming. How much do you know about this historic town? Hand in your completed answer sheets at the library to be entered into a prize draw.

Saddle up for a “Hay down Hoe down” at Godstone Farm this summer! It’s a real country affair with a whole host of exciting activities. This school holiday they are encouraging you to horse around! From line dancing to lasso lessons, with pony grooming and horseshoe throwing, plus, crafty cactus sessions it’s an epic adventure for budding cowboys and cowgirls. There’ll be all the usual farmyard fun down at the ranch this summer, with over 500 animals, extensive outdoor play PLUS a chance to experience Surrey’s largest soft play in the all new playbarn. “Hay down Hoe down” runs from Sat 22 July-Sun 3 Sept. There’s a no boredom guarantee!

Lidos

Aldershot Lido is open daily from 1 July 10am-6pm. There are water flumes, toddler paddling pool, sandpit and more. Save by buying tickets online in advance (adult £9.50, child £6.50).

At Guildford Lido general swim sessions are daily from 10.30am6.30pm. You will have access to the pool, paddling pool and garden area (the slides were closed when we went to press). Book online, peak (holidays and weekends) prices: adult £8.50, ages 3-15 £7.

Dinosummer!

At Princes Mead Shopping Centre

Saturday 22nd July - Sunday 6th August

Hunt the dinosaurs around the Centre for your chance to win tickets to Dinosaur Adventure Live at Princes Hall theatre!

Saturday 12th August

Help create pop-up artwork on a spectacular scale with The Hexagon. Take your colouring creativity to another level and use this fabulous backdrop for your selfies!

Saturday 19th August

Meet adventurer Captain Jon Voyage and his beautiful dinosaur, Odysseia the Parasaurolophus! Whether you join them on their quest, or pose for a selfie you are sure to have a jurassic lark!

Saturday 26th August

We open the doors to our Shed of Stories where words and stories tumble out and music and laughter fills the air!

Summer Fun

Summer Boredom Busters

( To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser)

Summer at Princes Mead Shopping, Farnborough

WIN tickets to see Dinosaur Adventure Live at Princes Hall Theatre! To enter the competition, intrepid explorers need to hunt for the hidden dinosaurs around Princes Mead shopping centre. Pop in to pick up your entry form in the centre and get dino spotting from 22 July - 6 Aug! Plus, don’t miss these free activities at the centre this Summer:

Miniature railways

No booking needed.

WIN

Guildford Model Engineering Society (Stoke Park, Guildford ) have a Gala Weekend with miniature train rides, model traction engines and model boating pools on Sat 1 and Sun 2 July 10am-5pm. There are also miniature train rides on Sun 23 July 2-5pm, Thurs 10 Aug 10am-1pm, Sun 20 Aug 2-5pm and Thurs 31 Aug 10am-1pm.

Sat 12 Aug: The Hexagon - the Hexagon is a pop-up artwork for everyone to enjoy, it’s just the thing for all ages to take their colouring creativity to another level. Come along to Princes Mead and use the special colouring pens to add your own stamp on the masterpiece. Drop-in anytime from 11am-4pm.

Sat 19 Aug: Dinotopia - meet the adventurer Captain Jon Voyage and his beautiful dinosaur, Odysseia the Parasaurolophus, torn from the pages of a Boys Own Adventure and ship wrecked on our shores. Odysseia will be roaming Princes Mead to meet humans from 11.30am-12pm, 1pm1.30pm and 2.30pm-3pm.

Sat 26 Aug: The Shed of Stories has appeared at Princes Mead, pop along to listen to tales being told at various intervals throughout the day. Between story times the shed becomes a pop-up library where children and families can read together. There will also be a small writing desk with paper and pencils where older children can pen their next masterpiece.

For more details please visit www.princesmead.co.uk.

Pony Days at Little Trotters Farm

Every Tuesday from 25th July to 29th August, Little Trotters Farm in Chobham are running their fun pony days from 10am-3pm. Each day your child will experience two riding sessions, education on the body of the horse, grooming/plaiting, poo picking, getting to know the ponies, seasonal activities, tacking up and farm management. Pony days are for children aged 4-9. £65 per day which includes lunch. Riding helmets are provided. For more information and to book please visit www.littletrottersponyparties.co.uk

More ideas for summer fun

Elm Nursery Children’s Farm (Guildford) - see alpacas, pigs, goats, chickens, ponies, guinea pigs, rabbits and more.

Alice Holt Forest (Farnham) - enjoy trails, bike rides, play areas, Gruffalo sculptures, Go Ape and lots more.

The Look Out Discovery Centre (Bracknell ) - over 90 exciting hands-on science activities and great adventure play in the woods. Book online for the discovery centre.

AirHop Guildford - lots of bouncing fun for all ages. Save with their summer pass which gives one jumper 5 x 60 minute open jumps. Please see www.airhop-guildford.com for details.

Crockford Bridge Farm Pick Your Own (Addlestone) - book online.

Hollycombe Steam in the Country (Liphook) - traditional fairground, train rides and woodland walks. Check website for opening days and times.

Craft Time with Tracy at Woking Library - runs every Thursday throughout the year from 3.30-4.30pm suitable for ages 4+ with an adult. Free, no booking is required. There will also be lots more going on at Woking library this summer, please check their website for details.

Mizens Railway (Knaphill ) Miniature train rides for ages 1+ every Sunday (2-5pm) until end Sept and every Thursday in August 2-5pm plus Sat 15 July 1-5pm for the Knaphill Show. Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway (Frimley Lodge Park) Miniature train rides on Sun 2 July, 6 Aug and 3 Sept 11am-5pm. Wed 2 Aug 11am-4pm (Teddy bear event) and Wed 9, 16, 23 and 30 Aug 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

Great Cockcrow Railway (Lyne) Miniature train rides for 2 years+ every Sunday from 1-4.30pm until 29 Oct (booking office closes 4.15pm). On Sun 3 Sept is a Gala with visiting engines.

The Surrey Society of Model Engineers (Mill Lane, Leatherhead ) Miniature train rides Mon 28 Aug 11am-4pm.

Reading Chest

Make summer reading fun for children with a subscription to ReadingChest.co.uk – the book swapping service for children learning to read.

Children won’t be able to resist opening their own regular postal deliveries of exciting books! Choose from the huge selection of fiction and non-fiction books at just the right reading level, so that children are challenged but won’t lose interest. Children can also earn certificates as they read, write book reviews which are published on the Reading Chest site and enjoy putting stickers on their reward charts! Monthly membership is from £11.95.

Rural Life Museum

Visit on a Wednesday* in the Surrey school holidays and get unlimited rides on the Old Kiln Light Railway included in your entry price. Or come and have a go at some of the many and varied activities on Activity Thursdays which run every Thursday* from 27 July - 31 Aug 10am-4pm. Activities take you back in time and may include spinning and weaving demonstrations, making air propelled rockets, learning about Victorian schooling in the ‘tin hut’ classroom and more. The Rural Life Museum is in Tilford near Farnham. *The museum is closed Mon 14-22 Aug.

Off The Trail

Here you’ll meet life size models of dinosaurs, safari animals and dragons! You’ll get a trail map which shows the location of the animals and it also has a fun quiz. Each booking is for 1.5 hours and it is £3.50 per adult and £7 per child. Located in Convent Lane, Cobham. Online booking is recommended: www.off-the-trail.com.

Summer Holidays in Surrey

Join

Landscape Garden

Dapdune Wharf

Hatchlands Park

Winkworth Arboretum

Surrey Hills

Polesden Lacey

family outdoor theatre. Enjoy a raft of sporty activities, Prologue Youth Theatre and the Big Camp.

Have nautical fun in a straw bale boat and enjoy the maze, games, family trail and family theatre. Explore the children’s play area, have picnics in the meadow and go cloud watching by the lake. Enjoy adventures in nature at Box Hill, sporty fun at Hindhead Commons, and free family theatre. Experience Polesden through the eyes of visiting royalty. Enjoy games, obstacle courses, and create your own masterpiece painting!

Normal admission applies, some activities priced separately

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/family-friendly

Aardman presents

The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt

Sat 22 Jul – Mon 28 Aug

There’s a brand new luxury bug hotel opening at RHS Garden Wisley. Can you help Lloyd and friends to find it? Follow a garden trail featuring an amazing new augmented reality app and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities all summer long!

Your visit supports our work as a charity.

Summer Boredom Busters

( To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser)

RHS Garden Wisley

Aardman presents:

Lloyd Of The Flies The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt

From 22 July – 28 Aug join Lloyd and friends at RHS Garden Wisley. Download Lloyd’s augmented reality Bug Hunt app and have fun on the Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt trail. There’s also lots more to do in the garden this summer. You can meet all sorts of bugs on an animal encounter with Zoolab, enjoy Aardman model making and animation workshops, make goodies in a Lloyd of the Flies themed cookery class and more! Plus you can enjoy all the delights of a day out at Wisley. Discover RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of gardeners. Race the kids up Battleston Hill, explore the colourful Exotic Garden, and wonder at the tropical Glasshouse. No booking required, all activities are included in admission. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/articles/summer-holiday-fun

‘Summer of Play’ at the National Trust

Come and try your hand at sports, games and fun activities at a National Trust place near you this summer! There will be a range to try - challenge your friends and family to different activities and have some fun. For details of The National Trust’s children’s outdoor theatre this summer please see page 28. ‘Summer of Play’ is running at:

Hatchlands Park East Clandon, GU4 7RT Sat 22 July – Sun 3 Sept 10am-4pm. Try volleyball, badminton, football or tennis or challenge friends and family to a sack or space hopper race! Don’t forget to say hello to the donkeys in their new stable complete with family picnic area and early years play. There will also be Nautical Adventures at Hatchlands Park this summer with sea-themed games, nautical dressing up and a trail through the garden and parkland. Captain the straw bale boat in the walled garden, ring the ship’s bell and look out for the sea creatures as you find your way through the straw bale maze. All these activities are included in admission.

Claremont Landscape Garden Esher KT10 9JG 15 July – 3 Sept 10am3pm. Each fortnight there will be different games to play at Claremont - challenge your friends to a game of badminton, croquet or skittles and hop, skip, and jump your way through the garden with skipping ropes. On selected days, you can also have a go at archery and join in with family yoga sessions. Row boats are available to hire from Thurs-Sun throughout the Summer holiday. And don’t forget there’s Badger’s Basecamp play area hidden amongst the trees.

Polesden Lacey Great Bookham, RH5 6BD 15 July – 31 Aug. Did you know that the King’s grandparents spent part of their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey? Follow in their footsteps and play tennis, create your own artistic masterpiece, or maybe crown yourselves Kings and Queens? These activities in Crab Apple Orchard are included in admission. Plus from 19 Aug – 28 Aug 10am3.30pm you can enjoy a game of pop-up mini golf.

In 1923 Bertie and Elizabeth (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) enjoyed a game of golf in the gardens on their honeymoon. Admission plus £3pp for mini-golf, pre-booking online advised for golf.

Dapdune Wharf and River Wey Guildford GU1 4RR 1 Aug - 31 Aug 11am-5pm. Something fun every day in August - no booking needed, free. The summer of play is being boosted this year with nature play - pond dipping, bug hunting and den building.

Winkworth Arboretum Godalming GU8 4AD 21 July - 3 Sept 10am3pm. Spend your summer holidays at Winkworth! Grab a Winkworth Winners score card and head to the ‘Pavilion of Play’. Capture moments of mindfulness and test out your yoga skills. Winkworth Wild Craft Wednesdays start on 26 July - learn a range of different crafts changing each week.

Hindhead Commons Hindhead GU26 6AB 22 July – 3 Sept 10am-4pm. Hindhead Commons gets in the sporting spirit this summer. Challenge friends and family to free fun and games such as volley ball, football or bowls on the green near the view point. Free. Usual car park charges apply.

My Life Tree Trail at Box Hill Tadworth KT20 7LB 22 July – 3 Sept 10am-4pm. Follow a trail through the woods and discover what was happening in the world when some of our most majestic trees were just saplings. Free. Usual car parking charges apply.

Please see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey for more details.

Perform in the Park

A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London. Four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14 plus evening events for teens. Set in a pop-up tent in Coram’s Fields, WC1N 1DN, families can also enjoy the park with wide lawns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all day café. Tickets start at £14.50. Visit performinthepark.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Ready, Set, Read!

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Local libraries and The Reading Agency are excited to introduce the Summer Reading Challenge 2023, Ready, Set, Read!; a sport and games-themed Challenge, in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust. The Challenge will start at your local Surrey library on 8 July to 23 Sept and Hampshire libraries on 15 July - 16 Sept and is aimed at children aged 4 – 11 years. Children can set their own reading goal, of reading up to six books over the summer holidays. Come back to the library in between books for incentives to keep them engaged. Younger children can take part in the Mini Challenge. For more info see www.summerreadingchallenge.org. uk or pop into your local library.

Art Trail at Painshill Park

The Art Trail runs from 22 July - 9 Sept 10am–4pm. Artwork featuring Painshill will be displayed around the landscape. Families can pick up activity sheets from the visitor centre. Book entry in advance and save up to 20%! Included in admission.

NEARLY NEW SALES Markets 4 Parents

The next sales will take place on Saturday 1st July and Saturday 2nd September from 10am12pm at Normandy Village Hall, Glaziers Lane, Guildford, GU3 2DT. Lots of stalls bursting with top quality like new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years. £2 entry, kids are free. Come and grab a bargain or book a stall and be a seller. Keep 100% profit on the day. For more information or to book a stall visit bookwhen.com/markets4parents or email info@markets4parents.com @markets4parents

NCT Woking Nearly New Sale

At Knaphill Scouts Hut, Waterers Rise, Woking, GU21 2HU on Saturday 1st July 10.30am-12pm. Entry from 10.15am for NCT members (bring proof of NCT Membership). Entrance is by donation and the sale includes children’s clothes, shoes, toys, puzzles, games, books, maternity clothes and larger equipment such as prams and baby bouncers.

godstonefarm.co.uk

Fun for the whole family Fun for the whole family

GODSTONE FARM’S

HOE DOWN

It’s all about Country this summer! Activities including shoot outs, line dancing, crafty cactuses, lasso lessons, horse shoe throwing, pony grooming plus all the usual farmyard

Walk in & play or book a bay online at driftgolfclub.com

Trackman driving range with ball tracking, games & competitions

Baskets from £4 50 for 25 balls & free golf club rental Range-side café & clubhouse open to everyone.

The Drift Golf Club, East Horsley, KT24 5HD

Local Camping and Glamping

Hammonds Glamping: Family glamping in the Surrey countryside!

Experience a fantastic family glamping getaway at Hammonds Glamping in Surrey’s Hatchlands Park. Set within the scenic National Trust grounds, this idyllic destination offers 10 furnished bell tents accommodating 4-6 guests in each with cosy beds and bedding.

Enjoy a host of activities like fire pits, a kids play area, football, and table tennis, along with hot showers. Cook up a feast at the communal BBQ area and treat yourself to a refreshing drink or hot coffee from the on-site coffee trailer. With plenty of nearby family attractions, this peaceful getaway is open from 26th May to 3rd September, with tent rates starting at £100 per night. Book now at hammondsglamping.com

Big Camp at Dapdune Wharf

Camp out under the stars at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford on Sat 22 - Sun 23 July. There will be a bonfire for toasting marshmallows and a barbecue available for you to cook your own food. Bring your own tents and food. Bacon and sausage butties and hot drinks will be available on Sunday morning at an extra charge. Booking essential via nationaltrust.org. uk/riverwey. £26 per pitch.

Farm Sleepovers at Godstone Farm

Godstone Farm is offering two camping packages this summer! The Big Farm Sleepover package, which includes 2 nights stay and 3 days entry to the farm includes exclusive activities before the farm opens and after it closes each day. You’ll have 3 full days access to the farm PLUS dinner and breakfast provided during your stay. Alternatively you can opt for the Little Farm Sleepover of a 1 night stay with 2 days entry to the farm. Big Farm Sleepover dates are 18-20 Aug and 25-27 Aug and Little Farm Sleepovers are on 22-23 or 23-24 Aug. Book at godstonefarm.co.uk.

What’s on diary

SAT 1 JULY

Ottershaw Village Fete

Ottershaw Memorial Fields KT16 0QB 1pm-5pm. Free children’s games, stalls, entertainment and the Grand Prize Draw! Entry: adult £2, under 12s £1, under 1s free.

Hale Carnival, The Green Upper Hale, Farnham Carnival procession, stalls, dog show, children’s area and more. 2pm-10pm.

The Bourne Show

Bourne Green

Farnham 12.30-4.30pm. Stalls, games, refreshments, children’s races and more.

Surrey Care Trust Duck

Dash and Lions Charity

Raft Race

Duck dash from 12pm at Millmead Island, Guildford (next to the Yvonne Arnaud theatre). Sponsor a duck for £2 on the day or in advance online and then see how it does on the day. Watch the raft race from 3pm. Start is at Millmead and finish is at Waterside Centre, GU1 1LW.

The Seale and Sands Show

The Sands Recreation Ground Farnham GU10 1NE

From 1pm. Adventure inflatable, reptiles, arts & crafts and more - all included in entry (adult £5, child free).

Gala Weekend

Stoke Park Railway

Guildford GU1 1TU 10am5pm. Miniature train rides, visiting model traction engines and model boating pools. No booking needed.

Get Buzzing! Haslemere

Educational Museum

10.30am-12pm. For 5-11s. Learn about bees, visit the observation hive plus crafts. Book online £7 (mem £5).

15 Minutes of Fun

Chertsey Museum

33 Windsor St, KT16 8AT 1.30-3.30pm. Free dropin craft activity for all the family, no booking needed.

Hascombe Summer Fete

Village Recreation Ground

2-5pm. Music, refreshments, stalls, games and more.

Clay Pet Sculpture

Farnham Maltings

£12. 10am, 11.30am, 1pm or 2.30pm. All ages and abilities (under 8s must be with a paying adult). Book online.

Brookwood School

Summer Fayre

12-3pm. Games, food & drink and lots more family fun.

To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser

Eco Explorers

Aldershot Town Centre By the KFC crossroads, Union St Free hands-on Eco activities. Drop-in from 10am-2pm.

Ash Fete

Ash Recreation Ground

The Ash Centre GU12 5DP Family fun from 12-4pm.

SUN 2 JULY

Summer Fair, William

Cobbett Primary School

Farnham GU9 9ER At the Junior Site from 12-3pm. Lots of fun including stalls, raffle, bouncy castle and homemade cakes.

Horsley Big Day Out & WellFest, Horsley Towers East Horsley KT24 6DU 2pm7pm. Free entry, charge for car parking. Children’s rides and activities, classic cars, food & drink and more.

Farm Open Morning Merrist Wood Worplesdon 10am12pm. £6.50, under 3s free. Meet all the farm animals – piglets, goat kids, lambs, donkey, alpacas and more! Get up close and pet the animals, animal feed will be available at an extra charge. Book online.

Eco Explorers

Farnborough Town Centre

By the old Peacocks unit, Queensmead Free hands-on Eco activities. Drop-in from 10am-2pm.

Gala, Stoke Park Railway See listing on 1 July.

Godalming Food Festival 10am-4pm in the town centre.

TUES 4 JULY

Mini Gallery Explorers

The Lightbox

Woking 11-11.40am. For under 5s with an adult. Discover the artwork with stories, rhymes and creative crafts. Places allocated on a first serve basis at Reception from 10.30am. Suggested donation £5.

Toddler Fun

Surrey Heath Museum

Fun and craft around the museum for under 5’s. Dropin anytime from 10.30am12.30pm. £1.50 donation.

WED 5 JULY

Cathedral Tots

Guildford Cathedral 10am. Informal worship for under 5s with an adult. Story, activities and more. Free, no booking needed.

FRI 7 JULY

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Haslemere Educational Museum

1.30-2.30pm. For under 5s with an adult. Listen to the story and then explore to see if you can find any caterpillars or butterflies. Book online: adult £1, child £2.

SAT 8 JULY

Pyrford & Wisley

Village Show

Pyrford Cricket Ground GU22 8ST 1pm-10pm. Entry: adult £3, child free. Arena events, rides, stalls, live music and much more.

Ripley Rocks

Court Meadow

Ripley GU23 6NE 12-10.30pm. Family friendly music festival.

Tilford Village Fete

Village Green

Opening ceremony 1pm. Funfair rides,traditional games, duck race, dog show, food & drink and lots more.

Summer Fete

Farnham Library

10am-12pm. All ages welcome. Celebrate the start of the Summer Reading Challenge with fun games in the grounds of Farnham Library. Donations welcome.

Binsted Fete, Flower & Dog Show, Binsted Recreation

Ground GU34 4PB 1-4pm. Fun traditional village fete.

Kids’ Craft – Pointillism

Cranleigh Arts Centre

9.30am or 10.30am. £8. Please book online.

Puffing-a-Wey

Dapdune Wharf

Steam powered boats are expected to be around the wharf in central Guildford from 11am-5pm. Free to watch.

Junior Animal Keeper

Experience

Merrist Wood College

Join the Animal Keepers for a day, working with a huge variety of animals. For ages 6-10 from 10am-3pm. Book online.

Black Cherry Fair

Abbey Field

Chertsey KT16 8PS Procession, arena events, stalls and more. Fairground arrives 6 July.

SUN 9 JULY

Wrecclesham Fete

Wrecclesham Recreation

Ground Farnham GU10 4PP 12.30-5pm. Dog show, games and activities, bouncy castle slides, donkey rides and more.

Junior Animal Keeper

Experience

Merrist Wood College

Animal fun for ages 11-14 from 10am-3pm. Book online.

Burpham Wellfest

Sutherland Memorial Park

Burpham, Guildford 10am-6pm. Free to enter Wellbeing Festival. Free activities include Kids Circus workshops, Baby sensory, Junk Jodie’s recycled art, mindfulness, storytelling & craft workshops, and lots more for all ages. Booking recommended at www.burphamwellfest.com

Frimley Green Carnival Village Green

12-5pm. Arena events, stalls and lots more. Procession at 2pm from Balmoral Drive.

FRI 14 JULY

Mini Painters, The Lightbox Woking 11-11.40am. For under 5s with an adult. Child £5, adult free. Book online.

SAT 15 JULY

Knaphill Village Show

Mizens Miniature Railway Barrs Lane GU21 2JW 1-5pm. Live music, dog show, Punch & Judy, beat the goalie, stalls, bouncy castle, BBQ and more.

Guildford Goes Wild 2023 Zero Guildford

14 & 16 Friary St, Guildford 10am-4pm. Free naturethemed activities, free face painting, vegan café & more.

Summer Fun Day, Cats Protection Haslemere

Upper Hammer Ln, GU27 1QD 11am-4pm. Children’s games, stalls, BBQ and more.

Animal Encounters Tour

Merrist Wood College

Guildford 11am or 2pm. See a wide range of animals on these two hour tours. For 5+ (with an adult). Book online.

Byfleet Parish Day

Byfleet Recreation Ground KT14 7LS Lots of family fun from 12.30pm-5pm.

Camberley Beach Party

Camberley Town Centre 10am-4pm. Play in the sand on Park Street plus roaming street entertainment and free family activities across the town including free face painting on High Street.

Junior Animal Keeper Experience

What’s on diary

SAT 15 JULY CONT.

Wood Street Village Show

Wood Street Village Green

12-5pm. Stalls, dog show, children’s activities and rides, food & drink and more.

Westival, West End Centre

Aldershot From 1pm. Family time at the Festival with activities, a board game café and face painting.

Alton ‘Village’ Fete Public Gardens

Alton, GU34 1EN 10am-2pm. Fun games, food & drink, stalls and more.

SUN 16 JULY

Open Sunday

Mane Chance Sanctuary

Compton GU3 1DL 2pm. Tour of the site followed by tea, coffee and cakes. Meet the horses and learn about what the Sanctuary does. Adult £3, child £2, under 5s free. Online booking essential.

All Aboard Club

The Lightbox

Woking Inclusive train play session for autistic, ADHD and SEN children. 11am12.30pm. Book at www.allaboardclub.com.

WED 19 JULY

Make Your Own Frisbee

Farnham Library

3.45pm. For ages 3+. 50p per child. Sign up at the library or email farnham. library@surreycc.gov.uk

THURS 20 JULY

Hold History in your Hands

Guildford Museum

12.30pm–1.30pm: Prehistoric objects. 2.30pm–3.30pm: Roman objects. Free. For ages 6+. Drop-in, no need to book.

SAT 22 JULY

Share a Shettie

Mane Chance Sanctuary

Compton GU3 1DL 10am2pm. Look after a shetland pony for the day. £35 for an adult and child (aged 7-17). Book online.

SAT 22 JULY-SUN 6 AUG

Dinosaur Trail

Princes Mead Shopping

Farnborough Hunt for the hidden dinosaurs around Princes Mead shopping centre for your chance to win tickets to see Dinosaur Adventure Live at Princes Hall Theatre! Pick up your entry form in the centrefree.

To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser

SAT 22 JULY - 28 AUG

The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt

RHS Garden Wisley

Woking Download Lloyd’s augmented reality Bug Hunt app and join him on the Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt trail. Plus meet all sorts of bugs on an animal encounter with Zoolab, enjoy Aardman model making and animation workshops, make goodies in a Lloyd of the Flies themed cookery class and more! No booking required, included in admission.

www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ articles/summer-holiday-fun

SAT 22 JULY-SUN 3 SEPT

Hay down Hoe down Godstone Farm

Lots of extra activities on the farm from line dancing to lasso lessons plus pony grooming, crafty cactus sessions and loads more.

SUN 23 JULY

Farnham Charity Circus Farnham Heath End School Farnham 12-5.30pm. Circus plus fete games - extra activities are free (except £1 for toy tomobola). Circus tickets £10, under 2s free. Book at the-hedgehogs.org. uk/product/farnham-circus.

Ripley Parish Day Ripley Green

12-4pm. Food, drink, face painting, games and music.

MON 24 JULY

Parkour, Superheroes and Breakdance Workshop

Guildford Spectrum

2.30-3.30pm. £8. For ages

6+. Cutting-edge workshop with breakdance, gym tricks and Acro, free-running, tricks and obstacles. For all levels. Book at bit.ly/synergyworkshops Make a Gorilla Diorama Scene, The Square Shopping Centre Camberley Craft fun with Mrs Potts’ Place. Drop-in from 11am-3pm. Free, donations to the WWF welcome.

TUES 25 JULY

Brilliant British Wildlife Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30am–1pm.

Wildlife arts and crafts. Book online. Child £4, (mem £2), accompanying adult £1.

Free, donations to the WWF welcome.

Archaeology Fun

Farnham Library

3.45pm. For ages 5+. Have a go at uncovering some treasures and making fossils. £1 per child. Sign up at the library or email farnham. library@surreycc.gov.uk.

Guildford Spectrum

Book these workshops at bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Disney Frozen Workshop

2.30-3.30pm. For ages 3-8. Includes Frozen-themed dance and drama games, giant parachute, magic props and snow disco. £8. Superheroes and Princesses Workshop

3.45-4.45pm. £8. For 4-8 years. Activities include learning a themed dance routine, games, snow disco and more.

£2 per child, for ages 5+. Walk-ins on the day welcome but if you want to book or need further info email: haselmere.library@surreycc. gov.uk

FRI 28 JULY

Animate Your Imagination

Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village

Compton, Guildford GU3 1DQ 10am-12.30pm or 2-4.30pm. For ages 9-13. £15 + 50p booking fee. Get playful with photography and create an animation. Book online.

SAT 29 JULY

Junior Animal Keeper Experience

Merrist Wood College

See listing on 8 July.

Share a Shettie

See listing on 22 July.

Picnic and Pop Festival

Manor Park Aldershot Family friendly festival. Children’s activities include a fun fair, circus skills area, footie skills, zorbing and crafts. Buy tickets online. Also on 30 July.

Synergy Dance Workshop

Pony Day Little Trotters Farm

What’s on diary

SAT 29 JULY - 27 AUG

Summer Safari, The Square Shopping Centre

Camberley Animatronic displays of animals and a fun trail around the centre focussing on conservation. Pick up a trail from the Customer Service Desk in Central Square. Free, prize for everyone who completes the trail.

SUN 30 JULY

Junior Animal Keeper

Experience, Merrist Wood College See listing on 9 July.

MON 31 JULY

Kids in the Kitchen

The Atrium

Camberley Kids will have fun learning about food and nutrition. They will learn healthy eating habits, basic cooking skills and kitchen safety whilst making a recipe. Parents are welcome to join in. Runs every Monday until 21 Aug. For all ages and skill levels. Free, but donations (to charity) welcome. 30 minute sessions run throughout the day from 11am-4pm. Booking recommended (see www. theatrium-camberley.com) although walk ins on the day welcome.

To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser

Build a Model

Guildford House Gallery

10.30am–12.30pm. Free. Suitable for ages 4+. Drop-in, no need to book.

Pony Day, Little Trotters

Farm See listing on 25 July.

Watts Family Day

Watts Gallery - Artists’ Village Compton GU3 1DQ

10.30am-4pm. Make a thaumatrope and camera obscura, take a photography trail through the grounds, enjoy storytelling and more. Aimed at 5+. Book online. £8 per child, accompanying adults pay admission (£13.50 per adult) + 50p booking fee.

WED 2 AUGUST

The Lightbox

Woking

Playday Gallery Explorers

11-11.45am. For under 8s with an adult. Discover the animals and myths in the ‘Sophie Ryder All of Us’ exhibition with stories, rhymes and craft. Places on a first-come basis at Reception from 10.30am. Suggested donation £5. Cork Minotaurs

Make a mini Minotaur. Drop-in anytime from 1.30-4pm. Free, suggested donation £5.

Multi-Sensory Immersive

Fun, Blunden Hall

Farnborough 30 min sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3pm. Free multi-sensory immersive fun for children with SEND & their families (ages 2+). Makaton-friendly. Book at h2hsensorytheatre. com/shop/tickets.

Storytime with local author

Liz Freeston

Godalming Library

11-11.30am. Liz will be reading her book Eddy the Ostrich and then you’ll make an Ostrich mask. For ages 2+. Free, donations welcome. No booking needed but spaces are limited.

Bracelet & Keyring Making

Haslemere Youth Hub

TUES 1 AUGUST

Flipbook Animations

The Lightbox

Woking For 5-10 year olds. 1.30-3pm. £9.50 per child, adult free. Book online.

Under The Sea Arts and Crafts

Haslemere Youth Hub

A choice of sea activities including suncatchers, ornament making and fish puppets. 10.30-11.30am for ages 3+. £3 per child. Book online via FIXR.

10.30-11.30am for ages 3+. £3 per child. Book online via FIXR.

Nepalese Cooking

Surrey Heath Museum

The Square, Camberley

11.30am-1pm. For ages 4-11. £3.50. Book by emailing: museum@surreyheath.gov.uk.

Family Event: Falconry Display, Haslemere Educational Museum 1-4pm. See these birds in flight plus talks and static display. Flights subject to weather. Book online £5 (mem £3).

Crafty Kids

Museum of Farnham

10am-12pm. Child £3.50, adult free. Drop-in sessions for ages 3-7 with an adult.

THURS 3 AUGUST

Family Day

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Guildford Drop in anytime from 10am-3pm. Free activities aimed at ages 3-8 (with an adult) include crafts, colouring, a summer-themed scavenger hunt, face painting and outdoor chalk art. The Riverbank Kitchen will be open to buy refreshments.

Wildlife Dioramas

Haslemere Educational Museum

10.30am-12pm for 5-11s. Make a 3D wildlife scene. Book online £7 (mem £5).

Theatre Set Design

The Lightbox

Woking For 11-16s. Make a mini theatre with characters, props and scenery. 1.303pm. £12. Book online.

Make Your Own Game

Farnham Library

11am-1pm. For ages 5+. Make a fishing game or design your own board game. £1 per child. Sign up at the library or email farnham. library@surreycc.gov.uk.

History Detectives

Museum of Farnham

10.30am-12.30pm. Workshop for ages 7-13. £6.50 (+ booking fee). Book online.

Multi-Sensory Immersive Fun See listing on 2 Aug.

FRI 4 AUGUST

Make a Sports Mobile Godalming Library

2.30-3.30pm. For ages 5+. £1.50 per child, advance booking from the library essential.

Bubble Fun and Face

Painting, The Lightbox Woking Drop-in from 1.304pm. Create bubble makers in the courtyard. Alternative workshop inside if weather is bad. Plus face painting for ages 3+ (first come first served.) Suggested donation £5 for each.

FRI 4 - SUN 6 AUGUST

Staycation Live Festival

Phillips Memorial Park

Godalming Family friendly festival with a great line up, fantastic food and drink, a kids zone and more. Suggested donation of £10 per day per adult.

SAT 5 AUGUST

Ewhurst Carnival Ewhurst Rec

GU6 7RB 12-4pm. Fun dog show, children’s rides, stalls, food & drink and lots more.

Eco Explorers, Aldershot

See listing on 1 July.

Animal Encounters Tour Merrist Wood See 15 July.

SUN 6 AUGUST

Eco Explorers

Farnborough

See listing on 2 July.

Farm Open Morning Merrist Wood

See listing on 2 July.

Open Sunday Mane Chance Sanctuary

See listing on 16 July.

MON 7 AUGUST

Early Birds, Haslemere Educational Museum

11am-1pm. Special opening for families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition. Book online, entry by donation.

Kids in the Kitchen

The Atrium, Camberley

See listing on 31 July.

The Godalming Library Sport Arena

Godalming Library

10am-4pm. Help create “The Godalming Library Sport Arena”. Help recreate a large paper model inspired by your favourite sports. It will be available to add to throughout the day. Free, donations welcome.

TUES 8 AUGUST

Flower Pot Decorating and Planting

Haslemere Youth Hub

10.30-11.30am for ages 3+. £3 per child. Book online via FIXR.

Pony Day, Little Trotters Farm See listing on 25 July.

Haslemere Educational Museum

Woodland Wonders

10.30-12pm for ages 5-11. Wildlife inspired crafts. Book online £7 (mem £5).

Family Event: Meet the Tortoise 1.30-4pm. Meet the tortoise and ask the expert your questions about tortoises. 25 minute sessions. £1, book online.

Weyside Storytime and Craft, Guildford Library

10.30am–11.15am. Free. Suitable for ages 2+. Spaces allocated on first-come basis.

Summer Safari, The Square Shopping Centre

Kids in the Kitchen The Atrium

come & dance

Parties, Workshops & Dance Classes

from 31 July - 4 August. For more details of this summer workshop please see page 29 and for more details of Perform in the Park please see listing on page 28.

And Perform’s term time classes are back in September and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform’s weekly classes get the academic year off to a flying start with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, co-ordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a free class. Classes run in Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Haslemere and Woking with classes launching in Cranleigh in September. They will be held at Cranleigh Village Hall on Wednesdays at 4pm for ages 4-7 and 5.05pm for 7-12 year olds.

Book a FREE class at any location at www.perform.org.uk/try

Activities will include feeding and watering, maintaining the enclosures and learning how to safely handle the animals. Experiences run from 10am-3pm

Classes launching in Cranleigh

What’s on diary

WED 9 AUGUST

Pirate and Princess Art and Crafts

Haslemere Youth Hub

10.30-11.30am for ages 3+. £3 per child. Book online via FIXR.

Wear it Wild Competition

The Square Shopping Centre

Camberley #Wear it Wild fancy dress competition at 1pm for adults and children. For more details see www.thesqcamberley.co.uk.

Godalming Library

Family Staycation

Storytime 11-11.30am. Stories, songs, and a special sport-based craft. For 2+. No booking, but limited spaces. Free, donations welcome. Design a Board Game Craft 2.30-3.30pm. Make a simple board game design and at the end you can test your creation. For ages 5+. £1, advance booking essential.

Dino Digging, Surrey Heath Museum See 26 July.

Crafty Kids, Museum of Farnham See 2 August.

THURS 10 AUGUST

Family Event: Teddy Bears’

Picnic & Mini Fete

Haslemere Educational Museum

1.30-4pm. Children’s tea (at 3pm), traditional games and fun stalls. Competition for the Best Wildlife Explorer-dressed Teddy. Free entry. A children’s tea can be bought online.

Make and Take with Indigo Moon Holistics

Urban Parklet

Phoenix Court, Guildford

Free. Create your own crystal bracelets or paint Mandala style rocks. 11am-3pm. No booking needed.

Young Inventors

Museum of Farnham

10.30am-12.30pm. Workshop for ages 7-13. £6.50 (+ booking fee). Book online.

FRI 11 AUGUST

Make a Medal Drop in Craft, Godalming Library 10am-4pm. Suggested donation 50p. No booking needed.

SAT 12 AUGUST

Car Show

Camberley Town Centre

10am-4pm. Over 250 vehicles plus free family entertainment including live music, face painting, and balloon modelling.

To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser

Minotaur Marble Maze

The Lightbox

Woking 1.30-3pm. For ages 5-10. Create a Minotaur themed maze. Child £9.50, adult free. Book online.

Lego Stay and Play Club

Haslemere Youth Hub

10.30-11.30am. Free, no need to book.

The Hexagon

Princes Mead Shopping

Farnborough The Hexagon is a pop-up artwork for everyone to enjoy. Use the special colouring pens to add your own stamp on the masterpiece. Drop-in from 11am-4pm. Free.

Chertsey Agricultural Show, Show Ground

Chertsey KT16 8LN 10am6pm. Lots of animals, stalls, crafts, arena events and more. 14 and under go free. Also on Sun 13 August.

Guildford Fire Station

Open Day

Ladymede, Guildford GU1 1DL 10-11am for SEN families only. 11am-4pm open to all. No booking needed. Free.

SUN 13 AUGUST

Classic Car Show

Cranleigh Showground

GU6 7DW 9.30am-4.30pm.

Classic cars, music, arena events, children’s rides and entertainment. Adult £10, under 16s free.

Watts Family Day

See listing on 1 August.

Farm Open Morning Merrist Wood See 2 July.

MON 14 AUGUST

All Day Activity Camp

QE Park Centre

Guildford 9am-5pm. £35. For ages 5-12. Activities include learning a themed dance routine, obstacle courses, parachute fun, arts and crafts and more. Book at bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Kids in the Kitchen

The Atrium See 31 July.

Make an Air Hockey Game

Godalming Library

10.30-11.30am. For 6+. £2 per child, advance booking essential from the library.

Junk Modelling

Farnham Library

2.30-3.30pm. For ages 5+. £1 per child. Sign up at the library or email farnham. library@surreycc.gov.uk.

TUES 15 AUGUST

Pony Day, Little Trotters

Farm See listing on 25 July.

Family Concert

Guildford United Reformed Church 10.30am. Book at www.bachtobaby.com.

Lego Challenge, Haslemere Educational Museum

10.30-12pm for ages 5-11. An exciting morning of Lego. Book online £7 (mem £5).

WED 16 AUGUST

Fantastical Beasts PopUps, The Lightbox Woking Create some pop up fantastical beast cards that showcase the myths and legends in the gallery. Drop-in anytime from 1.30-4pm. Free, suggested donation £5.

LEGO Exhibition & Build

Denbies Wine Estate

Dorking One hour sessions at 10am, 11.30pm, 1pm and 2.30pm. £3.75 for ages 6+, under 6 free with paying adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Online booking advised.

Flag Making

Surrey Heath Museum Camberley 11.30am-1pm. £3.50. Workshop for 4-11s. Book by emailing: museum@ surreyheath.gov.uk.

Crafty Kids, Museum of Farnham See 2 August.

THURS 17 AUGUST

Guildford Spectrum

Book these workshops at bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem

2.30-3.30pm. For 6+. This unique workshop includes dance moves, combo and stage craft - topped off with a snow disco to finish! £8. Pirates and Fairies

3.45-4.45pm. For 6+ years. Come on board as a Pirate or Fairy for an awesome drama and dance adventure. £8.

Circus School

Allen House Grounds

Chertsey St, Guildford GU1

4HL Enjoy the show, have your face painted, watch balloon modelers and learn plate spinning, juggling, and more. 11am-12pm, 12.301.30pm, and 2-3pm. Free. No booking needed.

Mythical Comic Characters

The Lightbox

Woking 1.30-3pm. For 11-16s. Anime comic art workshop exploring the weird and wonderful world of YOKAI - Japanese supernatural creatures! £20. Book online.

Family Event: Lego

Challenge, Haslemere Educational Museum

10.15am-11.30am or 12pm1.15pm. Join Brilliant Bricks for some fun Lego. £5 (mem £3), adult £2. Book online.

Time Travellers

Museum of Farnham

10.30am-12.30pm. Workshop for ages 7-13. £6.50 (+ booking fee). Book online.

FRI 18 AUGUST

Weyside Storytime and Craft, Guildford Museum

10.30am–11.15am. Free. Suitable for ages 2+. Spaces allocated on first-come basis.

SAT 19 AUGUST

Dinotopia

Princes Mead Shopping

Farnborough Meet adventurer Captain Jon Voyage and his dinosaur, Odysseia the Parasaurolophus. Odysseia will be roaming Princes Mead to meet humans from 11.30am-12pm, 1pm-1.30pm and 2.30pm-3pm. Free.

Ultimate Trophy

Haslemere Library

10.30am-11.30am. Make your very own trophy. £2 per child for ages 4+. Walk-ins on the day welcome but if you want to book or need more info email: haslemere.library@ surreycc.gov.uk.

Junior Animal Keeper

Experience, Merrist Wood College See listing on 8 July.

SUN 20 AUGUST

Music in the Meadow

Gostrey Meadow

Farnham GU9 7RH As well as listening to live music, children can make a small musical note cross stitch from 3-5pm - free drop-in activity (children must be with an adult).

Junior Animal Keeper Experience, Merrist Wood College See listing on 9 July.

The Hexagon, Princes Mead

Dinotopia

MON 21 AUGUST

Cyanotype Sun Printing

Farnham Maltings

10-11.30am. For ages 8-16. £20. Book online.

Kids in the Kitchen

The Atrium See 31 July.

TUES 22 AUGUST

Family Event: Circus Skills

Haslemere Educational Museum Book online. £5 (mem £3), accompanying adult £1 (participating adult £5). Circus skills workshops throughout the day with short demonstrations at 10.30am and 1.15pm.

Pony Day, Little Trotters

Farm See listing on 25 July.

Build a Model

Guildford House Gallery

10.30am–12.30pm. Free. Suitable for ages 4+. Drop-in, no need to book.

Watts Family Day

See listing on 1 August.

Make a Table Football Game

Godalming Library

2.30-3.30pm. For ages 6+. £3 per child. Must be booked in advance from the library.

Junk Modelling, Farnham

Library See 14 August.

Arts & Crafts Pick ‘n’ Mix

Haslemere Youth Hub 10.3011.30am for ages 3+. £3 per child. Book online via FIXR.

WED 23 AUGUST

Paper Making Surrey Heath Museum Camberley 11.30am-1pm.

£3.50. Workshop for 4-11s. Book by emailing: museum@ surreyheath.gov.uk.

Wear it Wild Competition

The Square Shopping Centre

See listing on 9 Aug.

Crafty Kids, Museum of Farnham See 2 August.

THURS 24 AUGUST

Dino Takeover Electric Theatre

Guildford 11am-12pm, 12.301.30pm and 2-3pm. Free. Learn how to become a Dino Ranger, meet friendly baby dinosaurs plus storytelling. No booking needed.

Farnham Maltings

Both these workshops are for ages 8-16. Book online. Pyrography Wood Art: 10am-12.30pm. £45.

Make a Wet Felt Picture 1.30pm-4pm. £45.

Lego Challenge, Haslemere Museum See 15 August.

Potty About Archaeology Museum of Farnham

10.30am-12.30pm. Workshop for ages 7-13. £6.50 (+ booking fee). Book online.

FRI 25 AUGUST

Giacometti Inspired Sculpture

Farnham Maltings

For ages 8+. 10am-3pm. £75. Book online.

Animate your Imagination Watts Gallery See 28 July.

SAT 26 AUGUST

The Shed of Stories

Princes Mead Shopping

Farnborough Listen to stories at intervals throughout the day. Between story times families can read together plus there will be a writing desk for older children to pen their next masterpiece. Free.

MON 28 AUGUST

Summer Fun Day

Mytchett Community Centre GU16 6AA 12-4pm. Children’s rides, inflatable slides, stalls and lots more.

TUES 29 AUGUST

Guildford Spectrum

Book these workshops at bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Disney Frozen Workshop

2.30-3.30pm. For ages 3-8. Explore the scenes and songs from smash hit films Frozen 1 and 2. Learn dances to form this fantastic magical winter wonderland! £8. Little Mermaid - Under the Sea Workshop 3.45-4.45pm. £8. For ages 4-8. Includes dance routines to music from The Little Mermaid films, and includes parachute and dance games, light up bubbles and more.

Pony Day Little Trotters Farm

Chobham 10am-3pm for ages 4-9. Includes two woodland trail rides, lunch, pony care, farm management and plaiting lessons. Book at www. littletrottersponyparties. co.uk

WED 30 AUGUST

LEGO Exhibition & Build

Denbies Wine Estate

See listing on 16 August.

Pompom Critters

The Lightbox

Woking Drop-in craft 1.304pm. Suggested donation £5.

Synergy Dance Activity

Camp, St John’s Church

THURS 31 AUGUST

Let’s Make Art White Lion Walk Guildford 11am-3pm. Free arty fun, no booking needed.

FRI 1 SEPTEMBER

Bubble Fun, The Lightbox Woking Drop-in anytime from 1.30-4pm. In the courtyard. Alternative workshop will take place inside if there’s bad weather. Free, suggested donation £5.

SUN 3 SEPTEMBER

Peg Doll Mythical Characters, The Lightbox

Woking 1.30-3pm. For ages 5-10. Discover the mythical world by creating your own characters. Child £9.50, adult free. Book online.

Family Event: Fantastic Fossils, Haslemere Educational Museum 10.30am-1pm. Explore the fossils in the handling collection plus fossil arts & crafts. Book online. £4 (mem £2), accompanying adult £1.

Farncombe 10am-12.30pm. For ages 5-12. £17. The session is structured around exciting physical, mental, and creative activities to keep the children entertained. Book at bit.ly/synergy-workshops

Paverpol Myths and Legends Sculptures

The Lightbox

Woking £12. For ages 11–16. 1.30-3pm. Book online.

Nepalese Cooking, Surrey Heath Museum See 2 Aug.

The Great Fair Shalford Common

From 11am. Live music, bouncy castle, funfair, face painting, food and lots more.

Farm Open Morning Merrist Wood Worplesdon 10am-12pm. £6.50, under 3s free. Meet all the farm animals – piglets, goat kids, lambs, donkey, alpacas and more! Get up close and pet the animals, animal feed will be available at an extra charge. Please book online.

Synergy Dance Workshop

Children’s Theatre

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, Guildford

Around the World in 80 Days

To avoid disappointment, please check details with organiser

PERFORM IN THE PARK - LONDON’S FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Tues 11 – Sat 15 July. This brand-new, fun and colourful family production tells this story as you’ve never seen it before. A band of travelling circus performers embark on their most daring feat yet: to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world. Best for ages 5+.

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh

Fri 11 - Sun 13 Aug. Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh and friends come to life in a beautifully crafted musical. This fresh stage adaptation is told with stunning life-sized puppetry through the eyes of the characters we all know and love, in a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood. Suitable for all ages but recommended for 3+.

Stick Man

Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town! This award-winning production, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. For ages 2+.

CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE

GARDEN, Esher

Robin Hood

Fri 7 July 5-7pm. Featuring tales of camaraderie, good against evil, swashbuckling action and riotous comedy. Most suited to 5+. Adult £18, child £12. Book online.

Peter Pan

Sat 12 Aug 5-9pm. This show isn’t just for kids; the brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw. Adult £19.50, child £12.50. Book online.

THE DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL , Hindhead (head to the viewpoint) and BOX HILL , Tadworth (meet at the visitor centre).

Arbor Devil’s Punch Bowl: Sun 30 July & Sun

13 Aug

Box Hill: Sun 20

Aug & Sun 27 Aug

Free shows at 11am & 3pm. Arbor tells the story of a tree pushed from his home and his fight to save his future. A visually stunning show, with lots of loveable puppets. No need to book. Usual car parking charges apply.

G

LIVE, Guildford

Jurassic Earth

DAPDUNE WHARF, Guildford

Just So Stories

11-14 July 7-9pm. This musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic stories is brought to magical life by Prologue Youth Theatre Company. Come, oh best-beloveds, and see how the elephant’s trunk, the leopard’s spots and the camel’s hump came to be. £16. Book online.

HATCHLANDS PARK, East Clandon

The Wizard of Oz

Fri 25 Aug 6-8.15pm. Join Dorothy and friends on her quest to the Emerald City in search of the mighty Wizard of Oz. With plenty of audience participation, dazzling costumes and plenty of laughter, a fantastic treat for all the family. Adult £12, child £10, family (2+2) £34. Book online.

Children’s drama school Perform is hosting London’s first ever children’s theatre festival this summer in Coram’s Fields, Bloomsbury. This six-week festival features professional actors across four musicals, two of which are original productions. Shows run daily from 22 July to 28 August. The line-up includes The Three Billy Goats Gruff, a smash hit musical adventure for 2-7 year olds. For 3-8 year olds, Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! will be staged, based on Mo Willems’ wonderful books. Perform’s brand-new Caribbean adventure, Mermaids & Pirates, will be presented for ages 4-11. Finally, for ages 7-14, another original show from Perform, The Dream, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, rebooted for a new generation. As well as these four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14, there are special guest evening events for teens plus a charming all-day café and, of course, all the usual child-centred delights of Coram’s Fields. Tickets start at £14.50. Visit performinthepark. uk for more information and to book tickets.

Sat 15 July 12pm & 3pm. Talk to a Triceratops, roar with a T-Rex, look up to a Brontosaurus, scream with a Spinosaurus and run from a Raptor!

Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain

Tues 22 Aug 1.30pm & 4.30pm. Britain’s favourite history show is back full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past!

Milkshake Live!

Wed 23 Aug 12pm & 3.30pm. Milkshake! Monkey is back and can’t wait to put on a spectacular NEW show for you all, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake! friends plus two Milkshake Presenters creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen!

Tales From Acorn Wood

Thurs 31 Aug 1pm & 3.30pm. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Full of toe-tapping songs and puppetry, perfect for all ages.

Fireman Sam

Tues 24 Oct 12pm & 3.30pm. An all singing, dancing, action-packed show.

HASLEMERE HALL

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Thurs 24 - Sat 26 Aug.

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE Woking

Ministry of Science LIVE Sun 2 July 2.30pm.

Pop Princesses Sun 16 July 2pm.

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

Tues 22 Aug - Thurs 24 Aug. For 3+.

MEADOWBANK PARK Dorking

David Walliams’ Bad Dad Sat 8 July, 2pm. For ages 7+. Book at www.dorkinghalls.co.uk.

RHODA MCGAW THEATRE Woking

The Adventures Of Alice In Wonderland

Tues 22 Aug - Thurs 24 Aug.

CAMBERLEY THEATRE

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Thurs 4 July 11.30am.

The Little Mermaid Tues 29 Aug 2pm.

PRINCES HALL Aldershot

Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain

Wed 26 July 1.30pm & 4.30pm.

Dinosaur Adventure Live Wed 30 Aug 2 & 4.30pm.

FARNHAM MALTINGS

Football Freddie

Sat 8 July 11.30am & 2.30pm. For 3-7s.

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Thurs 13 July 11.30am.

The Munch Mission

Sun 30 July 11.30am & 2.30pm. For 6+.

Loki, Lord of Mischief Thurs 24 Aug. For 5-11s.

The Guy in the Luggage Rack

Wed 30 Aug 3pm & 6pm. Performed outside. For 8+.

FARNHAM CRICKET CLUB

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Wed 16 Aug 2.30pm. Book at farnhammaltings.com

HASLEMERE MUSEUM

Outdoor theatre: The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny Tues 16 Aug 5.30pm.

NATIONAL TRUST OUTDOOR THEATRE

Credit: Pamela Raith

All holiday camps must be booked in advance

Seren Super Camps

Seren Super Camps by Seren Kids is a 5 star exciting and innovative holiday camp provision for children aged Year 1 up to Year 7 (5/6-12 years)!

Children get a fun mix of sports, filming, podcasting, editing, robots, coding, gardening, art and so much more! It is led by highly qualified staff and ofsted registered so they can accept Childcare vouchers/ grants etc. PLUS if you book for summer dates by 3rd July your children will get free nutritious hot meals and fruit and veg snacks at camp! The camp is held at Rydes Hill Prep School, Aldershot Road, Guildford. To book visit www.serenkids.com or email: hannah@serenkids.com

Next Step Holiday Activities

Next Step Holiday Activities is the perfect place for your children to have fun! They provide active, affordable, and exciting childcare during the holidays for children aged 4-11. Their two programmes, NS Stars and NS Strikers, will see your child enjoy their time away from school. Their unique programmes, led by a dedicated, enthusiastic, and highly qualified team, ensure your child can maintain their development and learning through play in a safe and appropriate environment. They are running at Brookwood Primary School (GU23 0HF) and Sythwood Primary School (GU21 3AX) on selected dates throughout the summer holidays. For further information and bookings please visit www.nssport.co.uk, or email enquiries@nssport.co.uk

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford has a jam-packed programme of holiday workshops this summer. Please book online: Mon 31 July 2-4pm: Theatre Explorers for 7-11 year olds.

Tues 1 Aug 10am-12.30pm: Tales

From Adventureland for ages 5-7.

Wed 2 Aug 10am-4.30pm: Intro to Puppetry for 12-17 years.

Fri 4 Aug 10am-2pm: Intro to Directing for 14-18s. Mon 7 Aug 10am-4.30pm: Physical Theatre for 12-17 years.

Tues 8 Aug 10am-3pm: Drama Camp (Juniors) for 7-11s.

Wed 9 Aug 10am-3pm: Drama Camp (Seniors) for 11-16s.

Thurs 10 Aug 10am-12pm: Sound Design for 11-16 year olds. There is also a free Family Fun Day on Thurs 3 Aug 10am3pm for 3-8 year olds (no booking needed for this).

Challengers

Challengers Play schemes are places where disabled and non-disabled children aged 4-12 can come together to play, have fun and make new friends in a safe space. The play schemes run locally in Farnham and Guildford 10am-4pm on Saturdays, alternate Sundays and throughout the Summer Holidays. Each Play scheme has a variety of areas set up for different types of play. These include areas for art and creative activities, larger open spaces for noisy and active play, outside space for accessible bikes and trikes, a sand and water play area, and a quiet sensory space. £32 per day.

Summer Holiday Camps & Workshops

Caroline Lee Dance Studio

Caroline Lee Dance Studio

Summer Camp is the perfect place for dance lovers, age 5-11. Your dancer’s days will be filled with exciting Jazz, Street Dance, Lyrical and Acrobatics, alongside fun activities such as Cheerleading, Crafts and Games. Camp is running at St John‘s Youth Centre, Woking, from Monday 31st July to Friday 4th August. Standard day 9am-4pm for £42 per day and extended day 8am-5pm for £51 per day. Single day bookings available with discounts for multiple day bookings: 3 days 5%, 4 days 10% & 5 days 15%. Book online: www.carolineleedance.co.uk

Ultimate Activity Camps

Ultimate Activity Camps (UAC) provide an inspiring programme of over 40 stimulating and outstanding activities during the school holidays for children aged 4-14 at some of the UK’s leading independent schools. The award-winning OFSTED registered camps are delivered by qualified and motivating staff. Children can enjoy a huge range of sports, games and craft activities each week. Camps run Monday to Friday and you can book by the day or week for ultimate flexibility. In the summer holidays, UAC will be running locally at St Andrew’s School in Woking, Amesbury School in Haslemere, Prior’s Field School in Godalming and Manor House School in Bookham.

The Man In The Moon

The Man In The Moon's drama day camps at Camelsdale School, Haslemere, are an ideal solution for what to do during the school holidays. These unique day camps are creative, inclusive, exciting and reassuringly affordable. The daily workshops include improvisation, role-play, movement, drama games and crafts that fuel the imagination. Numbers are kept low to make sure there's individual attention from their experienced crew members. For more details, check out the website themaninthemoon.co.uk.

Perform Drama

Perform are off to see the wizard this summer, as they sing and dance their way down the yellow brick road in their Wizard of Oz holiday course which runs from 31 July – 4 Aug at Christ Church Hall, Guildford. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. Suitable for ages 4-10, children attend from 10am-3pm. Book online at perform.org.uk/wizard. For any queries call 020 7255 9120.

Summer Holiday Camps & Workshops

Stagecoach Summer Workshops

Enjoy a fun filled week of singing, dancing and acting; putting on a musical extravaganza on the last day for friends and family. Childcare vouchers and tax free childcare accepted. You don’t need to be a Stagecoach student to attend these workshops.

Stagecoach Frimley

Stagecooach Frimley will be running a summer workshop from 14 - 18 Aug at St Augustine’s School, Frimley. Children aged 4-6 attend from 9.30am-12.30pm and ages 6+ attend from 10am-4pm. Both age groups will be putting on a show at the end of the week and will enjoy lots of games and fun making new friends and building their confidence. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/frimley

Stagecoach Guildford North

Enjoy a week of singing, dancing and put on a show at the end of the week with professional lighting, costumes and photography. The Shrek Jr summer workshop runs from 31 July - 4 Aug at King’s College Guildford. 9.30am3.30pm for ages 6-19 and 9.30am-12.30pm for ages 4-6. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/guildfordnorth

Stagecoach Farnborough

Don’t miss this all singing, all dancing week, putting on a performance of ‘High School musical Jr’. Running at Samuel Cody School, Farnborough from 14-18 Aug, ages 4-6 attend 9.30am-12.30pm (3.30pm on Friday) whilst children aged 6+ attend from 9.30am-3.30pm. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/farnborough

Stagecoach Camberley & Yateley

Sing, dance and act all week creating a show at the end with costumes and lights. ‘Cave of Wonders’ workshop for ages 6-18 runs from 31 July - 4 Aug 10am-4pm at Kings International College, Camberley. Children aged 4-6 will attend from 9.30am-12.30pm and work on ‘A Whole New World’. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/camberley.

Stagecoach Liphook

Workshops run from 24-28 July at Liphook Infant School with end of week performances at Liphook Millenium Hall. 7-18 year olds will be performing the hit musical Matilda Jr with it’s catchy songs and high-energy dance numbers and attend from 9.30am-4.30pm (7pm performance on Friday). 4-6 year olds have a week of fun creating a show based on the popular ‘Gangsta Granny’ story, attending from 9.30am-12.30pm. Book at: www.stagecoach.co.uk/liphook

Stagecoach Farnham

Stagecoach Farnham are excited to announce they are putting on Frozen Jr for their summer workshops which run from 24-28 July at Farnham College. 9.30am-3.30pm for ages 6+ while 4-6 year olds attend from 9am-1pm. Make new friends and have loads of fun! Book your place at www.stagecoach.co.uk/farnham

Stagecoach Guildford

Stagecoach Guildford’s Summer workshops will be running at Bushy Hill Junior School, Guildford from 21-25 Aug. The Early Stages Workshop for ages 4-6 is from 9.30am-12.30pm (3.30pm on Friday) and children aged 6+ attend from 9.30am-3.30pm. The workshop will culminate in a production of ‘High School Musical Jr’, with professional lights, costume and photography. Book at www.stagecoach.co.uk/guildford

Circus Skills Summer Course

Running at the West End Centre, Aldershot from Mon 24Wed 26 July for ages 7-12. Your child will have the chance to learn juggling, acrobatics, and circus crafts. The days run from 10.30am-4.30pm. £110. Please book at www.westendcentre.co.uk

All holiday camps must be booked in advance

Dynamic Performing Arts

From 7-11 August, Dynamic Performing Arts are offering a variety of workshops for 3–14 year olds at Worplesdon Memorial Hall, Guildford. The workshops will be packed with learning songs, scenes and dances from popular films including ‘Sing’ and ‘Trolls.’ Workshops also include fun with arts & crafts, treasure hunts and parachute games. Half and full day booking options available, as well as a new three-day Musical Theatre ‘Matilda’ camp working towards a showcase performance. ½ day £20, 1 Day £30, 3 days £85. Booking is now open online www.dynamicperformingarts.co.uk

Xtreme Activate Holiday Day Camp

OFSTED registered fun-filled holiday camp that runs at Guildford Spectrum entertaining and challenging children aged 5-8 and 9-12 years. The Camp runs every school holiday from 8.30am-6pm.

Children will take part in activities such as ice skating, bowling, swimming (everyday for 9 years + and on certain days for ages 5-8), track time (weather permitting) and arts and crafts. Bookings can be made in person at Customer Services (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm) or by calling 01483 443322, option 3.

Surrey Theatre Academy

Have a serious amount of fun and perform in a show on the last day to friends and family in one of these fantastic summer theatre camps, taught by highly experienced teachers.

At Haslemere Hall:

Mini Matilda Theatre Camp

Mon 31 July-Fri 4 Aug for 5-9s 9am-12pm.

Matilda Summer Theatre Camp

Mon 7-Fri 11 Aug - SOLD OUT

At Godalming Borough Hall:

2-Day Matilda Theatre Camp

Mon 14-Tues 15 Aug for 5-10s 9am-12pm.

2-Day Little Mermaid Summer Theatre Camp

Thurs 17-Fri 18 Aug 9am-12pm for 5-10s.

Matilda Summer Theatre Camp Mon 21-Fri 25 Aug 9am-3pm for 6-16s. Book at www.surreytheatreacademy.co.uk

Guildford Summer Youth Project

Are you between 8 and 16 years old? Do you have a passion for dance, drama and singing? Join Guildford Theatre School’s one week course and put on a show at The Electric Theatre this Summer! Singin’ in the Rain Jr runs from Mon 31 July - Fri 4 Aug from 10am-5pm. This one week workshop stimulates and inspires young and up-and-coming performers and learners. To book contact The Electric Theatre at www.electric.theatre

All holiday camps must be booked in advance

The Art House

The Art House is an Art School based in Horsell, Woking for all ages. Summer Holiday classes run from 24 July - 25 Aug. Little Artists are for 2-6 yrs, children do 2 activities within the hour, various themes.

There are 5 hour and 3.5 hour Art Camps for ages 7-11 and other painting and sculpture classes for ages 6+. There are also new crochet classes for 10 years and up. Please refer to the timetable on www.thearthouse.co. Bookings are made online. Onsite free parking. The studio is only a short 10min walk from Woking station, or 5min walk from Horsell Village.

Genie Lab Science Summer Workshop

Calling all budding scientists aged 5-11!

Genie Lab science summer workshop runs from 24th-25th July 9am-3pm. Enjoy 2 days of jam-packed sublime science madness this summer! Whether it's firing up rockets and canons, powering pop-pop boats or making toys, sweets or fizzing bath bombs...there's something for everyone! This 2 day workshop takes place at Rydes Hill Prep School, Aldershot Road, Guildford, GU2 8BP. To book go to: www.bookwhen.com/geniesummer

In2Drama

In2Drama is back this year, with Industry professionals as coaches at the Cranleigh Arts Centre. Award winning screen and stage actor Edward Bennett (War Horse, Hamlet, Love Song, Miranda, Poldark, Cobra) will be running audition Master Classes at the five-day academy which runs from 24th-28th July, 9am-5pm. The academy suits aspiring actors and filmmakers. The focus is on developing skills for musical theatre, film, acting, music production, dance and tech. Age related groups of 11-15 and 16-21 allows for better 1:1 focus. The In2Drama students will have the opportunity to perform to a public audience each day. There are strictly limited places. For more information and to book today go to www.in2drama.com

MultiSports Guildford

Summer Holiday Camp runs from Mon 24 - Fri 28 July at St Peter’s School, Guildford. Suitable for boys and girls of all abilities, with half days for 4-6 year olds and full days for 6-16 year olds. Students will take part in 16 sports with professional coaches and mini tournaments. OFSTED registered, Childcare Vouchers accepted. No previous experience necessary, applicants do not have to be regular MultiSports students. For more information or to book please contact Ingrid on 0844 8009096. www.multisportsguildford.co.uk

Summer Holiday Camps & Workshops

Creating Kinder Kids

Make the Summer Holidays even better by joining these forest sessions for fun packed adventures through the Kingdom of Kindness! Go on an imaginative adventure where you will use a mixture of yoga, drama games, meditations, breath work, empathy role plays and arts & crafts to learn how to be kind to yourself, others and the world around you. Each session ends with toasting marshmallows on the campfire. For kids aged 4-10 at Greensand Forest, Grayswood, Haslemere. Sessions run on 7th, 8th & 9th August from 10am-3pm. To sign up email creatingkinderkids@gmail.com or for more info visit www.creatingkinderkids.com

SportyKidz Holiday Camps

Sporty Kidz will be running their popular Football or Multi-Sports Camps for 3-13 year olds in Woking at the Winston Sports Centre from Mon 24 July - Fri 25 Aug led by their excellent coaches. Standard day 9am3pm, extended day 8.15am-5pm!

Football camp - children will learn new skills and enjoy fun competitions with the wonderful FA Qualified coaches. MultiSports Camp - children will learn from a variety of 15 sports each week and play fun games, parachute games and mini Olympics. Childcare vouchers and HMRC tax free payments accepted. Book online at SportyKidz.co.uk.

Pitch Pals

Pitch Pals are running more fantastic football camps at Broadwater School, Godalming throughout the Summer holidays. All days run 9am-3.30pm (late pick-up and half-days available). Your child can expect a camp full of fun games, activities and tournaments suitable for all. Expert coaching from FAqualified Coaches in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. Early booking is recommended to guarantee your child’s space. You can book at https://pitch-pals.class4kids.co.uk

Synergy Dance SEND Holiday Workshops

SEND Dance for ages 6-12 years runs at QE Park Centre, Guildford on 22 July, 29 July, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug and 26 Aug 2-5pm. Includes dance, music and movement, improvisation, musical theatre and imaginative play in acting and dance. SEND Dance for teenagers aged 12+ takes place at Guildford Spectrum on 22 July, 29 July, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug and 2 Sept from 2-5pm. These classes will help your teen to build new skills and resilience, improve mental and physical well-being, and build feelings of confidence and independence. Suitable for teenagers with SEN or a disability. £5 per session. Siblings welcome. Please book your place at: bit.ly/synergy-workshops

INDOOR PLAY

Two play frames, one for the Under 3’s and a challenging frame for children and adults. Plus three fantatsic large slides.

OUTDOOR PLAY

A massive sandpit with slides & construction site, two bouncing pillows, a small & large playframe with zipwires plus a new donut slide.

Come and visit Syd, our Highland Bull and all of his animal friends where you can get up close and personal to 14 di erent types and sizes of animals.