Families South East London May/June 2023 Digital

South East

Welcome

Now the weather is getting better and the evenings longer, you can get the kids outside to play. We’ve provided some tempting activity ideas for outdoor fun. It’s also a great time for eating outside –from family barbeques to street parties. Check out our simple outdoor dining ideas. Meanwhile, if you’re planning some time under canvas this summer, you may be interested in our top picks for UK camping destinations.

And as we head towards the end of term, don’t forget Father’s Day or a thank you gift for your child’s teacher – we have plenty of ideas for you in this issue.

There are some great giveaways for you in this issue too, including your chance to win a holiday from Away Resorts, tonnes of Orchard Toy Little Shopping Lotto games and much more! Apply inside and also ensure you receive every issue of our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Get in touch

Competition winners from our January/ February issue

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

The perfect setting to shape your child’s future

} Focusing exclusively on cutting edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life.

} Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous fiveyear curriculum.

} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ into Year 3 at independent or state schools – with that special Herne Hill School spark.

} Unique Reception Cycle for 3+ year-olds with a bespoke and ambitious curriculum that is fun, fun, fun.

} Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm.

} Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 4.45/6pm depending on the year group.

Herne Hill School

I can be whatev e r I want to be

The Mighty Girls Challenge shows me what I can do.

BL A CKHE A TH HIGH

Our girls are encouraged to be brave, ambitious and curious through our Mighty Girls Challenge programme.

Where girls boldly go blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

The Old Vicarage 127 Herne Hill London, SE24 9LY

“Unrivalled. So very impressed.”

Teacher gift ideas

It’s approaching the end of term again…here are some great ‘thank you’ gift ideas for your child’s teacher, both hand-crafted and shop-bought.

Make a photo frame

Simple, fun project. Requires three materials and a photo memento.

Make a terrarium

Terrariums of all shapes & sizes look great on a desk!

Make DIY hot chocolate bombs

Encased in chocolate & filled with mini marshmallows.

Make pebble class art

Decorate pebbles marking out members of your class and your teacher.

Teacher’s Tin

A novelty desk tidy for the teacher who likes to be organised. £11.79

School backpack charity gift

A charity gift your child’s teacher will love. £11 ActionAid

Keep Calm & Pretend coffee mug

Fun quality mug for the teacher who enjoys a joke. £9.45

Thank You Teacher chocolate gift box

For a teacher with a sweet tooth! £10

Personalised

Teacher’s Survival Kit

Fill with essentialstissues, paper clips, tea bags £7.87

What is the CPA approach in maths?

By Jemma Z Smith

CPA (concrete, pictorial, abstract) is a maths teaching approach that has grown in popularity in recent years. It involves using tangible objects for children to add, subtract, multiply or divide. They then progress to using pictorial representations of the objects and ultimately, abstract symbols.

This way of learning is one of the foundations of Singaporean maths, now being adopted in the UK.

Concrete

The tangible, ‘handling’ stage uses physical objects to solve problems. For example:

There are four buttons in the pot. Stanley has two buttons in his hand. How many buttons are there altogether?

In this problem, the children might first count out actual buttons before moving on to non-related objects such as counters.

Of course, almost anything can be used to help a child master this stage from pencils to plastic pots, to counting beans and coins. You don’t need to spend money on concrete resources to support learning.

Pictorial

The next step is for learners to move on to making their own representations.

Returning to the buttons example, these could be drawn as four circles on one part of the paper and two more on another part, representing the pot and the hand. Kids can then count each small circle, getting the same answer as with the buttons

Hape Nature Fun Detective Sets

Meet the Head

Families chats with Natalie Argile, the new Head of Blackheath High School in south east London.

How do you feel to be appointed as the new Head Teacher of Blackheath High School?

It honestly feels like a dream come true!

To lead any school is a privilege but Blackheath High School holds a special place in my heart. Since joining in 2015, I have looked forward to coming into work every day.

The community is wonderful and each student so inspiring that I feel constantly motivated to lead the school to the most ambitious standards possible and my plans are to lead it on an incredibly exciting journey. I’m looking forward to playing my part in consolidating it as a place of creativity, vivacity and inspiration.

What made you apply for the position of Head?

Working under the brilliant former Head, Carol Chandler-Thomson for the previous seven years, I’ve grown to love the school and truly feel part of its community.

I enjoyed contributing to Blackheath High School as a teacher but in my role as Assistant Head I truly saw the school shine. It has the most respectful, friendly and lively

atmosphere of any school I’ve ever worked in and working with Carol to instill that culture has been an honour. I’m now perfectly positioned to make further, immediate advances in many areas that will quickly have an impact – this really appeals to me.

Ultimately, I am fully behind the ethos and values of the school and its community and I have a passion for girls’ only education. I also feel very grateful to be part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) and the instant family it provides.

What is your vision for Blackheath High School?

I have great ambitions for Blackheath High School and a clear plan of where its focus needs to be.

Developing independent learning

By Zuzu Jordan

How handwriting affects self-esteem

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

Big family celebrations occur when our children display independence by taking their first steps or riding their bike without stabilisers.

So how do we then help children develop independence in their learning?

READ MORE

Is it time to rethink school attendance?

By Catherine Lynch

During the pandemic, school absence was understandably high with anxiety about sending children to school and many children absent with Covid 19. However, throughout the past year, problems with school attendance remain ongoing.

READ MORE

Kids who struggle with handwriting are often at a disadvantage in the high-paced classroom setting. According to the Dyspraxia Foundation, they are usually aware of their difficulty and their untidy writing can make them feel uncomfortable and frustrated.

READ MORE

Would you like to feature your business in our next issue? Book your space today! Call Patricia on 07980 556813

Learning to swim with Water Babies

Few things are more important than teaching your child how to swim. Not only could it save their life but it’s also a great way for little ones to develop strength, flexibility and coordination, learn skills that will stay with them forever and socialise with other children.

Water Babies teaches parents and their babies essential safety skills from the outset in a supportive, stress-free environment. Just knowing that your child has the knowledge and ability to keep themselves safe around water is priceless.

With classes for babies from birth, Water Babies leading swim programme has been developed to build water confidence throughout your child’s first five years, as they move from fun floating, kicking and splashing to swimming independently.

For SE London classes, call 020 8858 5242, EMAIL or visit website HERE or see next page.

Hape Nature Fun Detective Sets

Bonding builds in your arms

Teaching your little one to swim is one of the most important skills they can learn in life.

We have classes available in South East London and Bromley, taught by the highest qualified teachers in the country. We teach 0 – 5 year olds all about water safety, whilst building their confidence and encouraging independent swimming. Our lessons are structured and progressive and we teach based on the age and ability of little ones in the class.

Contact us now to enjoy a great bonding experience in a lovely warm pool with your little one. We take all our cues from them. When they’re ready, we’re ready.

Quote SEMAG for a free Happy Nappy Duo when you book!

0208 858 5242

divein@waterbabies.co.uk

Classes Held:

• Charlton Park Academy, SE7 8HX

• Darwin Court, SE17 1AD

• Novotel Blackfriars, SEE1 8NZ

• Nuffield Health, BR2 9EF

• Cherry Garden School, SE15 5BB

• Tuke School, SE15 6ER

Book a FREE summer term class with Perform

Summer term is here and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform weekly classes round off the academic year with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes for all abilities are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

This term, ages 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger for an adventure with the Mermaids & Pirates. Meanwhile, ages 7-12s will enjoy a laugh-out-loud adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in The Dream. The curriculum has an emphasis on fun with free apps and videos to watch at home.

Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a free local class.

Book a FREE class HERE, call 020

7255 9120 or EMAIL.

Local venues:

Beckenham: St George’s Church Hall & Beckenham Methodist Church

Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall

Bermondsey: Bermondsey Village Hall

Blackheath: St Michael and All Angels Church Hall

Brockley: St Andrew’s Centre

Bromley: St John The Evangelist Church

Camberwell: Longfield Hall

Chislehurst: Chislehurst Methodist Church

East Dulwich & Dulwich: St

Stephen’s Millenium Hall, St

Barnabas’ Church Hall, Francis Peek Community Room, Goose Green Centre, St Barnabas’ Parish Hall

Eltham: Christ Church Community Centre

Forest Hill: St William of York Catholic Church Hall

Greenwich: The Forum

Herne Hill: The Prince Regent, Carnegie Community Hub

Hither Green: Lochaber Hall

Kidibrooke: St James Rectory

Lee: Church of the Good Shepherd

Orpington: Orpington Methodist Church

Petts Wood: Lakes Wood Hall

Surrey Quays: Time and Talents, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre

Woolwich: Under 1 Roof

Creative garden play

Water

Plastic water bottle guns – use old squeezy detergent bottles for squirty fun.

Water balloon pinata - make with balloons, water, string and a stick.

DIY Slip n Slide - spread out a long tarp and apply hose for slippery, slidy fun. Ice play – freeze water overnight in empty cartons for building, sculpting and slipping.

Mix & stir

Leaf tea – infuse a variety of leaves from the garden in an old teapot or saucepan. Cappuccino – help them carefully froth a muddy watery mix with a whisk.

Mud ice creams – use ice cream cones, dirt and flowers for decoration.

Garden perfume – using sealable bottles, add water and best smelling flowers and herbs.

Make a cheap & easy mud kitchen

Sand & mud

Mobile mud patch – convert your wheelbarrow into a mud pit. Natural sand pit – dig a shallow hole. Line using plastic with rock edging. Add sand.

Sand wall – attach old, upsidedown cartons and bottles with ends removed for pouring sand. Muddy car wash – get the toy cars really muddy, then wash them in a soapy water bucket.

Creative garden

Small world garden play –connect with the natural world with these imagination zones. Soil art – use an ancient method to make paint from the garden. Paint a mural – let imaginations flow using a washable chalk paint recipe.

Ice excavation – freeze interesting items inside blocks of ice for your children to release.

Make seed bombs

Transform an old chest of drawers into a kid’s kitchen using household junk.

Two simple ways to spread colour and biodiversity in your garden.

Kid’s theatre festival Perform in the Park

Children’s drama school Perform is embarking on its first ever children’s theatre festival this summer in Coram’s Fields, Bloomsbury (WC1N). The six week festival includes four musicals, two of which are original productions, with shows running daily from 22 July to 28 August.

The line-up includes The Three Billy Goats Gruff, a smash hit musical adventure for 2 to 6 year olds and, based on Mo Willems’ wonderful book, Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! for children ages 3 to 8. Perform’s brand-new Caribbean adventure, Mermaids & Pirates, will be presented for ages 4 to 11 whilst, for ages 7 to 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, there are evening events for teens, a charming all-day café and all the usual child-centred delights of Coram’s Fields.

More info and booking HERE

Hape Nature Fun Detective Sets

6 Available

Sustainable toy for curious little explorers

T&C’s apply

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave

The Fox & Firkin, SE13

6JZ

14 May

A DJ-led, al fresco family rave filled with bubbles, balloons and a parachute dance. Crafts, facepainting and a baby chill cabin add to the fun, plus there’s the chance to win a family ticket to Camp Bestival.

Dulwich Festival

Around Dulwich SE21

12-21 May

Dulwich Festival is back with a full programme of live events celebrating the arts, culture, history and community of Dulwich. Family highlights include children’s art exhibitions, craft activities and picnics. Finishes with a wonderful family day on Goose Green.

West Dulwich Spring Fair

Croxted, Park Hall and Rosendale Roads SE21

20 May

A family-friendly street fair filled with arts and crafts, music, entertainment, children’s activities, maypole dancing and fantastic food stalls run by and for locals. All ages!

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Various venues

23 May & 27 June

Crystal Palace

5 June & 3 July Bromley

Top stand-up comedians plus a compere, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Ages: grownups plus 0-12 months.

Brockley Max Festival

In and around Brockley

SE4

2-10 June

A nine-day community arts festival celebrating local talent, with live music, crafts, poetry readings, art installations, film nights and more, culminating in a family day in Hilly Fields.

Mum2mum Market

Various venues

20 May in Bromley

3 June in Bexley

Nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and baby equipment.

Independent Bookshop Week Nationwide

17-24 June

During this week, hundreds of indie bookshops will feature author events, bookshop crawls, guest bookselling and much more.

HOLIDAY CAMPS

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes

Various venues

29-31 May

Make music the fun way in with fun beginner workshops. Children learn how to write and play notes C-G and try some famous tunes using electronic keyboards. All equipment and take home workbook provided. Ages 4-9.

Global Camps

Kelvin Grove School

SE26 6BB

30 May-2 June

A unique mixture of language learning, sports coaching, art & craft and outdoor adventure to keep your young ones active and engaged. Ages 4-12.

THEATRE & SHOWS

Woolwich Works

The Fireworks Factory

SE18 6HD

20 May

Before the Firebird

A relaxed, small-scale LPO performance for families, inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s original masterpiece The Firebird. Ages 7+.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

THEATRE & SHOWS

The Broadway Theatre, SE6 4RU

20 May

Montage Theatre

Showcase

Lewisham based charity, Montage Theatre Arts turns 25 this year and to celebrate, the talented young students are putting on a show of classics and modern hits from stage and screen.

Theatre Peckham, SE5 7SB

5 May-4 June

Peckham Fringe

A festival of dynamic stories and culture, bringing new voices to the stage with engaging stories of family and growing up.

Blackheath Halls, SE3 9RQ

27 & 28 May

Twirlywoos Live!

Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends discover the wonderful world around us. Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat.

Shakespeare’s Globe New Globe Walk SE1 9DT

30 & 31 May

Twelfth Night with CBeebies

With plenty of songs and dancing, this is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare.

Family Workshops

The Globe’s family workshops feature a range of activities and games based on Shakespeare’s plays:

27 May-2 June

Romeo & Juliet, ages 5-8 and 9-12.

Until 26 August

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ages 5-8 & 9-12.

Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ

27 May-2 July Squirrel

A story of new growth and new beginnings with a favourite acorn, a sprinkling of magic and puppetry mayhem thrown in. Ages 6 mths-4 years.

28 May-18 June

The Invisible Man

Imagine how much fun you can have when no one can see you! Take a seat and watch this surreal and hilarious show. Ages 5-11.

Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

13 May Before the Firebird

A live, LPO

FUNharmonics concert for the whole family, inspired by Stravinsky’s masterpiece. Ages 7+.

14 May Divergent Sounds

Amble Skuse’s soundscapes, played by City of London Sinfonia, build on conversations with neurodivergent people to explore their experience and identity. Ages 7+.

3 June Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed at the Orchestra

The Beano’s Dennis and Gnasher invite you along for some musical mischief-making in a family concert.

The London Palladium, W1F 7TF

23 June-3 September

The Wizard of Oz

A spectacular production featuring the iconic original film score and starring Gary Wilmot, Jason Manford and Ashley Banjo.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, EC1R 4TN

Last Friday of the month Family Fridays

Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist. Ages 2-4, all abilities.

Shaftesbury Theatre, London, WC2H 8DP

From Fri 12 May

Mrs Doubtfire

This musical adaptation of the heart warming,

hilarious and beloved story takes the best parts of the 1993 film and adds layer upon layer of fresh and exciting elements that will leave audiences wanting more.

Bromley Churchill Theatre, BR1 1HA

12 May

Baby Broadway

A fun interactive family concert featuring West End singers, songs from hit musicals/films, bubbles, puppets and dance moves. Ages 0-7.

Bach to Baby

Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

22 May in Dulwich Village

28 May in London

Bridge & Borough

29 May in Bromley

30 May in East Dulwich 28

For ages 5 - 11

MAY - 18 JUN

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Horniman Museum

SE23 3PQ

Until 29 October

Brick Dinos

Some of the largest beasts to ever walk the earth have been recreated with LEGO bricks. Handson children’s activities include build your own dinosaur and digging for fossils.

Brunel Museum, SE16 4LF

Until July

The Wild Escape Pictures and stories created by children, based on their favourite animals and brought together in a collective work of art.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich SE10 9NF

Until 24 September

The Tempest and The Thames

Discover the connections between Shakespeare, the sea and Britain’s maritime history. This exhibition includes an edition of the first printed edition of Shakespeare’s First Folio, on loan from Dulwich College.

27 May-4 June

Navigating Oceans

Family activities centring on how seafarers have drawn maps and used the stars to explore.

10 June

World Oceans Day

A day of workshops, talks and opportunities to talk to ocean and climate experts. Free.

Queen’s House, Greenwich SE10 9NF

3 June

Families Drawn Together

Take inspiration from the Van de Veldes and work together to create your own collaborative masterpiece. All ages.

27 May - 4 June

Character Actors

Discover different characters from history with their own fascinating stories to tell about life in the royal residence. Ages 5+.

Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT

Half term week and weekends

Cutty Sark Characters Climb aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Ages 3+.

Various dates

Rig Climb Experience

Cutty Sark’s famous masts offer views of the Thames and London like no other. Buckle up and scale the rigging of a true London icon. Ages 12+.

Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD

Until 10 September

Berthe Morisot: Shaping Impressionism

A founding member of the Impressionist group, Berthe Morisot (18411895) was known for her swiftly painted glimpses of contemporary life and intimate domestic scenes.

Art Sundays

Be inspired to make art together as a family in these free creative workshops at the Gallery. Family Fridays

Free, expressive artinspired activities.

Natural History Museum

SW7 5BD

From 1 May

Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur Step into the world of one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. You’ll learn how Patagotitan mayorum stayed safe, found food

What’s on

Brockell Park, SE24 0NG

29 May City Splash

30 June - 22 July

The Tempest

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. and kept cool as you follow its journey from tiny egg to towering head and shoulders above other Cretaceous critters.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Dulwich Park Fair SE21 7EB

14 May

Dulwich Park Fair

A family-friendly afternoon with a fun fair, Punch and Judy, animals from Vauxhall City Farm, interactive performances, a dog show, live music and stalls galore.

Home Park SE26 5SE

27 May - 4 June

Hare v Tortoise

A spectacular reimagining of the classic tale with other Aesop’s fables mixed in for good nature, performed outdoors.

Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

27 May - 4 June

The Great Outdoors Pop on your wellies and join the farm’s resident bug hunter for a weekend of creepy crawly fun. Take part in scavenger hunts, brave critter corner, attend Forest School, listen to campfire stories and much more.

A one-day festival bringing the hottest carnival vibes to South London.

Dulwich Park SE21 7EB

9-11 June

Pub in the Park Pub in the Park is a celebration of food, world-class chefs and iconic music with friends and family. A dedicated kids area has crafts, games and more.

Greenwich Park SE10 and Thamesmead SE28

16 June-12 August

Summer in the Park Series of free performances, dance experiences and big weekend picnics in parks and outdoor spaces across Greenwich and Bexley.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre, NW1 4NU

17 June - 22 July Robin Hood. The Legend. Re-written. Prepare for a thrilling new take on the classic tale which promises humour, heart and a forest full of secrets. Ages 8+.

When the sorcerer Prospero conjures up a storm to shipwreck his enemies, he sets the scene for an enchanting tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. Ages 6+.

COMING SOON

Perform Summer Workshops

East Dulwich, Greenwich, Blackheath, Dulwich and Beckenham

24-28 July East Dulwich/ Greenwich

31 July-4 August

Blackheath

7-11 August Beckenham

21-25 August Dulwich

Perform are off to see the wizard this July and August, as they sing and dance their way down the yellow brick road in their Wizard of Oz holiday courses. 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. Ages 4-10.

Perform in the Park Coram’s Fields WC1N

1DN

22 July-28 August

A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London.

Great gifts for the dad in your life

Don’t forget to show dad how much he’s appreciated on Father’s Day on Sunday, 18 June. Check out our gift suggestions for something he might like – all for £20 or less.

FOCO Moccasin slippers

Comfy suede slippers with your dad’s team logo. £15.

Reversible belt

Wardrobe versatility with this reversible black/tan belt. £20.

Dad’s Toblerone

Personalised Toblerone bar for a special treat. £17.

Stormtrooper decanter

For the Star Wars lover. Stores spirits, decants wine and serves. £19.99.

I Love My Daddy picture book

Spend special time with dad with this joyful, rhyming picture book. £6.64.

Tile Mate

Keeps track of Dad’s keys, wallet and phone. £15.99.

V&A Italian hot chocolate

Rich, mouth-watering hot chocolate from Italy in a keepsake arty tin. £10.

Hotel Chocolat Milk Chocolate Old Fossil

Smooth, mellow and from the prehistoric era (remind you of anyone?).

Personalised face cooking apron

Great for the cook who can’t get too much of himself! £19.99.

Upcycling your child’s party

Be kind to the planet with these ideas from Ice Cream and Jelly

Party bags

Store shopping bags can make perfect gift/party bags. With a little imagination, crafty materials and glue, these branded shop bags can be transformed into unique, personalised bags. Or make your own: there are some easy video instructions on making a paper bag in the tutorials section on Instagram.

Tablecloth and napkins

Party bag

fillers

Make time to make these rather than buying new. Here are some ideas to get you started: scrunchies made from leftover fabric, painted rocks or shells found on the beach, bracelets made from beads from your local scrap store or crayons made from all your kids’ broken crayons.

Wrapping presents

Old bed sheets work well refashioned into tablecloths - paint, tie-dye or appliqué in order to tailor them to the party theme. It’s a great activity to get the kids involved in! If you already have a tablecloth, make placemats or a table runner from scrap fabrics to match the theme of your party.

There are many household items that you can use for wrapping gifts: magazine pages, old maps, pieces of sample wallpaper, your kids’ paintings or leftover packing paper. If you can sew, you could make a drawstring bag from leftover fabric scraps. Alternatively, reuse an old pillowcase or wrap with fabric, like the Japanese art of Furoshiki.

Simple outdoor eating

Take your pick of these great recipes and create meals to eat outside which the family will love.

Roast chicken garden salad

Sweet & sticky chicken wings with classic slaw

Super easy Spanish tortilla

Quick grilled pizza

Lamb meatball pitta pockets

Salt & pepper tofu skewers

Vegetable tartlets

Roasted banana & cinnamon ice cream

Lemon sherbet ice

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.

Experience one of Away Resorts’ fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast, all within areas of natural beauty. Your accommodation will be off-thescale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. Jam-packed with activities, entertainment, fantastic facilities and events, every member of the family will be grinning from ear to ear.

Explore The New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes Appletree or Cleethorpes Pearl in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex or Golden Sands in North Wales –or perhaps somewhere else will take your fancy.

Full list of locations HERE.

APPLY HERE by 30 June 2023 T&Cs.

6 Available

Eco family days out

Entertaining and inspiring places with a conscience that also offer bags of adventure for a family visit.

Bewilderwood

Environmentally-friendly adventure parks in Norfolk and Cheshire.

The Centre for Alternative Technology

Snowdonia, Wales. Interactive displays, ecodemonstrations & family activities.

Cornwall. Rainforests, Mediterranean zones & outdoor gardens.

The Living Rainforest Berkshire. Tropical rainforest adventure with plants & animals.

Award-winning indoor and outdoor adventure park in North Norfolk.

Award-winning family fun park in Gwynedd, Wales.

Essex. Ancient woodlands, arboretum & The Wild Wood play area.

Kent.

Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland & holds over 200 British animals in natural enclosures.

London.

Land train, nature play area, the Hive & the Children’s Garden.

Wildwood Trust

Greenwood Family Park

Kew Gardens

Pensthorpe

The Eden Project

Markshall Estate

Tackling summer ailments

Summer is fun but it’s good to be prepared for the common ailments your child may suffer that are peculiar to the season. Here are our tips.

Sunburn

* Stay in shade from 11am to 3pm;

* Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses;

* Use at least factor 30 sunscreen;

* Reapply frequently.

Insect bites

Most improve within hours. * Remove the sting; * Wash affected area; * Apply cold compress to any swelling; * Avoid scratching/bursting any blisters.

Dehydration

Thirst/dark yellow, strong smelling wee, weeing less, lightheadedness, dry mouth, lips & tongue – if untreated, can become serious. * Give extra fluids gradually.

Asthma

*Keep taking preventer inhaler;

* Take reliever inhaler everywhere; * Use your action plan; * Go outside earlier - air quality better; * Drink plenty of fluids.

Heat exhaustion

Dizziness/nausea/ headache/fast breathing or heartbeat. * Move to cool place; * Remove clothing; * Give sports drink/water;

* Cool skin; * If still unwell after 30 minutes, call 999.

Tick bite

* Cover skin walking outdoors; * Use insect repellent;

* Check for ticks on clothes and skin;

* Remove quickly;

* If rash appears or child become unwell, see GP.

Eczema

Itchy, red, dry, cracked skin.

* Dress in thin cotton layers; * Use light cotton blankets or sheets; * Apply moisturising cream;

* Keep out of the heat.

Swimmer’s Ear

eczema

Painful ear/itchiness/reduced hearing/noises inside ear/discharge from ear. * Use drops from pharmacist.

* If symptoms after a week, see a GP.

STEM craft activities

Stimulate your child’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with these inspiring craft ideas.

Create salt dough fossils

Fun activity which shows kids how fossils are made.

Paper straw rockets

Experiment with propulsion and flight with these easy downloadable templates.

Gravity action art

A super-easy way of seeing science and art working together.

Magnetic slime

Discover how to create magnetism with this fun activity.

Paper building blocks

Simple craft demonstrating engineering with paper.

Fruit Solar System

A fruity way to grasp the planet sizes in our Solar System!

Invisible ink art

Fascinating art project where science plays a big role.

Make a volcano

A safe miniature eruption!

Robot Hands

Discover the mechanics of robotics and how everything works together.

Best travel games for kids

Perfect for stashing in a corner of the suitcase or car when you head away this summer!

Mixups

Compact card game for Snap or creating fantastical beasts.

Ages 4+. £5.94

Othello on the Move

Pint-sized version of this classic strategy game.

Ages 7+. £9.95.

Mini 4 in a Row

Classic game. All-in-one folding compact design. Ages 3+. £5.59

Articulate!

Compact version of this classic fast-talking description game.

Ages 6+. £10.19

Cluedo Grab & Go

All the thrills of the classic detective game in a mini set.

Ages 8+ £5.

Battleship Grab & Go

Compact, mobile version of the Battleship game. Ages 7+ £5.

Dino Dump

Speedy card game featuring kids’ faves: dinosaurs and poo!

Ages 6+. £9.99

100 PICS Riddles

Family Travel Card Game

Pocket sized, full of family-friendly brain teasers. Ages 6+. £6.99.

Rummikub Travel

Fast-paced game of tile manipulation. Ages 8+ £15.99.

Top UK camp sites for families

Looking for a family-friendly camping experience? Take a look at our top picks.

Catgill Farm

Camping to glamping in Yorkshire Dales. Outside village of Bolton Abbey.

Burnbake

Woodland campsite/ luxury lodges in Dorset, close to coast & Corfe Castle.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park

Surrounded by Norfolk woodlands/trails, indoor/ outdoor pools, steam railway.

Sherwood Pines Campsite

Acres of Nottinghamshire woodland, walk to adventure playgrounds, Go Ape, bike hire.

Gwithian Farm

West Cornwall. Close to beach & pub, goats & guinea pigs to feed.

Glenmore Camping

On the shores of Loch Morlich, Scottish Highlands. Hiking, swimming, kayaking.

Fforest Fields

Set on family run farm in Wales; green hills, woodland trails, lakes.

Red Shoot Camping Park

Ideal base to explore New Forest, attractions nearby, family friendly pub.

Heathland Beach

Walk to Suffolk beaches.

Heated pools, fishing lake, tennis, family restaurant.

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