Families Upon Thames May/June 2022 DIGITAL

FR EE

Upon Thames

May/June 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 1 Familiesonline.co.uk

day preparatory school An independent day preparatory school -13 and girlsforaged boys aged 3-4 3-13 and girls aged 3-4

O L D T“ T H L H EE B OS Y SC S OH L DO T HO E SC HOOL Y WER E A CET FO R UE S. X THE Y W R EL E XY ACTLY H AY T I W AO N T EN D MY SON A N T E D WM S T OW B E L IY KE E INA A FR EW N A FE SY:E A R S : A RD TICULATE AND LATE AN T HO OUG HT FUL ABOUT TFUL AB U T T H E W ORLD.” WORLD.”

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PARENT

CURRENT PARENT

To arrange a visit or sign up to an upcoming r sign up to an upcoming Open Morning, Bass please contact ase contact Sally atSally Bass at bass.s@kingshouseschool.org shouseschool.org 20 8940 1878 or call 020 8940 1878

useschool.org kingshouseschool.org 68 King’s Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6ES hmond, Surrey TW10 6ES

Join us for our Open Days Thursday 19th May I 5 to 7pm Saturday 21st May I 10am to 12 noon Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18 2BT

Every Step of the Way www.stainesprep.co.uk

2 May/June

admissions@stainesprep.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

So much to look forward to in May and June, including two bank holidays, one of them extralong! Yippee!

4

Education

9

Clubs & classes

Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start planning some family adventures in your local area and exploring the great outdoors again.

13

Summer

17

Win a holiday

If you are looking at planning a break but want something that will truly be family-friendly, check out our ‘tried and tested’ suggestions.

18 Summer food 19 Travel 20 What’s On 26 Garden toys 27 Adventures outdoors

If you have a little one who starts school in September, now is also the time to start thinking 28 Adventures at home about preparation. Find advice and resources in 30 Father’s Day gifts our Education section.

Finally, in this issue, we have lots of giveaways, including a family holiday and cuddly Care Bear companions for your child to fall in love.

Don’t forget to apply!

Get in touch

Competition winners from our January/February issue Congratulations to all our winners.

You can find a list here.

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 3

EDUCATION

School readiness checklist

Download our checklist and help your child get ready to go to school.

Talk the skills through with your child and explain why they are important at school. Show them that once they can master a skill, they can colour in the smiley face!

Then help them practise.

Colour in the

I am ready fo

happy face wh

I can....

Colour in th when you ca e face n do this

( (

Recognise m y name

r school!

en you can do ready to go! these things and you’ll be

( (

(

Get dressed

( (

(

Do up my co at/ cardigan

(

Put on my sh

( (

oes

( (

(

Go to the to ilet by myself

( (

(

Take my clo thes off

(

Open my sn

( ( (

Share with ot her children

( (

(

Wash my ha I’ve been to nds after and before I the toilet eat

(

( (

Eat with a kn ife and fork

(

( (

ack box

4 May/June

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR CHILD HERE

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Starting school in September?

Wondering how your child will manage school lunches?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

A happy, nurturing and inspiring environment for boys aged 4 to 11 in Twickenham

OPENING

SEPTEMBER 2022

New day nursery for boys and girls aged from 0-4 Extended day

51 weeks a year Large outdoor area Now taking registrations

“The Mall is a fantastic school and I know I have made the right choice for my son. He loves going to school each day and talks very fondly of all his teachers and class mates.”

Current parent

185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ • 020 8614 1082 admissions@themallschool.org.uk • www.themallschool.org.uk

84 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5QS • 020 8898 3528 info@themallnursery.org.uk

Bringing out the best in every child Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 5

EDUCATION

NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL

EXPLORE CHEAM

OPEN MORNING

Independent Nurseery & Preparatory Day School for Girls and Boys from 3 to 13 Years

Friday 20 May | 10.00am to 12.30pm

Cheam is a leading independent, day and boarding prep school, nestled in 100 acres of Berkshire countryside, for pupils aged 3 to 13 years. Local and London bus services are available.

INNOVATE, NURTURE, INSPIRE, FLY...

and inspiring place for children to spend their formative years. Visit our website to register for an Open Morning or to arrange an individual tour.

WELCOME MORNINGS 13 May

Please join us and see first-hand why Cheam is such a special

17 June

Newland House School

Waldegrave Park, Twickenham, TW1 4TQ T. 020 8865 1305 E. admissions@newlandhouse.net www.newlandhouse.net

www.cheamschool.com

Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway!

Turn your child’s imagination around!

registrar@cheamschool.co.uk +44 (0)1635 267822

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Worth £34.99 each 5 available

APPLY HERE Magazine 6 May/June

APPLY HERE T&Cs apply

Magazine

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Times tables learning resources It really is true that multiplication tables are the bedrock of maths learning. Get your child up to speed with the following resources.

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Numberjacks Times Table App

Times Tables Flashcards

Learn times tables by singing about them!

FREE

Times table activities based on the CBeebies show. FREE

Rapid recall practice in the 1-12 times tables.

Ages 8-11. £6.99

Colour-coded Multiplication Square

The Times Table Adventure

Times Tables Heroes Board Game

Visual aid which helps spot patterns and learn tables. FREE

Times Tables Wall Chart Download and stick up where they’ll be seen often. FREE

Familiesonline.co.uk

Ideal for children who like video games like Minecraft. FREE

10 Minutes A Day Times Tables

Book featuring 10 minute games and tests.

Maximum fun, maximum effect. £14.99

Fun multiplication board game to prepare for Year 4 tables check. £11.75

Number Rumbler Card Game A family card game which practises times tables. £7.99

May/June 7

EDUCATION

Meet the Head

Meet the Head

Special feature

Families chats to Mark Turner, Head of King’s House School in Richmond.

What do you like best about being Head of King’s House School?

Following the journeys of the boys through the school, watching their characters develop and seeing what they become involved with. I also love that we are a local school – our children live within walking distance play and the sheer happiness and palpable excitement that runs generally – and this creates a real through our early years setting. community amongst both children and parents.

King’s House is a boys’ prep school from age 4. What do you think are In three words, how would the the key benefits that boys’ prep students describe you?

Approachable, a good listener – and schools offer young boys? tall! The nursery did a re-enactment From Reception, our curriculum of Jack and the Beanstalk the other exactly matches the needs of boys. Our staff understand their day and I went down and played the giant for the day. So the children development and the pace and approach they require and our might actually even refer to me as facilities support this. Interestingly ‘the giant!’ though, I find that being a boys’ school is low on the list of why What aspect of the school’s early parents choose us – top of the list years offering are you most proud is the community feel of the school of? itself.

The breadth of our curriculum, the commitment to learning through School needs to be a happy place if children are to learn well. How do you strive to ensure the pupils at King’s House School are happy?

By appointing staff who care about them holistically and not just academically – it’s the major priority when we recruit both teachers and staff.

READ MORE 8 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES Fre Book e Assessm e your c hild nnt ow!

Warm water Max 5 children in a group Teachers in the water Dry Coffee area UV filtered water Adult lessons Private Car Parking

Danceforce School of Dancing, Kingston RAD BALLET

Free trial class

ISTD TAP, MODERN & JAZZ CONTEMPORARY PRE SCHOOL, MINIS, JUNIORS, SENIORS & ADULTS

www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com office@danceforceschoolofdancing.com

07915 510720

info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com

To book a space in our next issue contact Amanda on 07835 848066

FootballFootball fun for children aged fun 18 months - 7 years.

A friendly & professional dance school with classes

for children suitable for all ages and abilities giving students a safe Classes available in space to learn and have fun.

Ages 18mths to 7 yearsmultiple venues across Classes available acrossElmbridge/Spelthorne Ballet - Modern - Tap Elmbridge & Spelthorne Contemporary - Acro - Pilates Get in Touch: Find out more! northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk www.kewacademydance.co.uk northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk 07880 63office@kewacademydance.co.uk - 07967341117 3 885 07880 633885 Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

www.LittleKickers.co.uk LKFCNorthSurrey Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

facebook.com/LKFCNorthSurrey

Fun & engaging NEW ballet classes for girls and boys age 4+ held Wednesdays & Saturdays in Weybridge FREE TRIAL classes available

Call: 07455 336032

office@releveschoolofballet.co.uk www.releveschoolofballet.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 9

CLUBS & CLASSES

Learn to act, dance and sing at Stagecoach Hinchley Wood & Esher!

‘Stagecoach is the best part of the week for my girls, I only wish I’d found you sooner. They come out of class with a sparkle in their eyes and can’t wait to share what they’ve been learning. It is a magical place that has given them the confidence to shine.’

Stagecoach Hinchley Wood & Esher parent For over twenty years, Stagecoach Hinchley Wood & Esher has been providing performing arts classes and school holiday workshops for ages 4-6 (Early Stages), 6-15 (Main Stages) and 15+ (Further Stages).

These engaging performing arts classes stretch children’s imaginations as they build essential life skills including communication, confidence and creativity.

Children quickly make friends, enjoy becoming part of a team and become more creative, expressive and confident when performing.

For ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 15, classes take place on Fridays after school in KT10 0NB and Saturday mornings and afternoons in KT7 0AD. For ages 15+, classes are held on Saturday afternoons.

Stagecoach Hinchley Wood & Esher’s two week trial is a perfect way to experience classes before committing to the term.

To book, call 01372 238238, email or enrol HERE

For an amazing, adventure-filled summer...

Apply for a Map of Wonders!

10 available

Handwriting Tutor ✓ Achieve clear and confident handwriting ✓ Neat handwriting is important in Exams ✓ Don’t lose marks unnecessarily!

Mrs Cutler: 07521 554188 e: Info@handwritingsupport.co.uk BA(Hons) Languages . Professional Handwriting Analysis/Graphology Member of the National Handwriting Association . DAB checked

10 May/June

Magazine

APPLY HERE

T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES Danceforce School of Dancing FREE Kingston TRIAL RAD BALLET, ISTD TAP, MODERN, JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY

Ballet Modern Tap Contemporary Acro Pilates

A friendly & professional dance school with classes suitable for all ages and abilities giving students a safe space to learn and have fun.

SINGING, DANCING AND ACTING CLASSES FOR 4 TO 18 YEAR OLDS Chertsey, Hinchley Wood & Esher, Richmond, Staines, Teddington, Twickenham, Weybridge

www.kewacademydance.co.uk office@kewacademydance.co.uk - 07967341117

PRE-SCHOOL, MINIS, JUNIORS, SENIORS AND ADULTS

www.stagecoach.co.uk

www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com

Fun NEW ballet classes ages 4+ Weybridge FREE TRIAL

Fun football classes

CONFIDENCE BUILDING FUN

Ages 18mths to 7 years Elmbridge & Spelthorne

Try a FREE drama, dance and singing class

Call: 07455 336032

office@releveschoolofballet.co.uk www.releveschoolofballet.co.uk

Book at www.perform.org.uk/try

northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk

Fre Book e Assessm e your c hild nnt ow!

Kingston and Twickenham

Pre-school dance classes from 18mths office@danceforceschoolofdancing.com www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com

Warm water Small groups FREE assessment Classes in Cobham

07915 510720

Your classes ad here?

Contact Amanda on 07835 848066

info@teamswimschool.com www.teamswimschool.com

The Little Gym’s age-appropriate children’s activities are Serious Fun! Using movement, music, learning and laughter to nurture ongoing skill development and boost self-esteem, your child progresses at their own pace, having fun and building confidence.

Explore the range of classes on offer at The Little Gym of Hampton & Teddington.

Visit hamptonteddington.thelittlegym.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 11

CLUBS & CLASSES

Serious Fun at The Little Gym of Hampton Hill and Teddington!

Classes The Little Gym’s age-appropriate children’s activities are Serious Fun! Classes use movement, music, learning and laughter to nurture ongoing skill development and boost self-esteem. Children progress at their own pace, having fun and building confidence as they develop new skills.

Explore the range of classes offered for children ages 4 months to 12 years.

entertainment to food.

And the best part is you don’t even have to tidy up afterwards!

Find out more HERE

School holiday camps Rain or shine, The Little Gym’s themed camps combine fun, sport, creative activities and learning to keep kids active, entertained and laughing. All while carefully developing their minds, bodies and self-confidence. Children love them!

Camps are open for both members and non-members and can be attended full or half days.

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Birthday parties When you have a big birthday party to plan, The Little Gym has your back.

Offering individually created birthday parties to celebrate your child’s special day and planning everything from, decorations to 12 May/June

APPLY HERE Magazine

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER

Get creative at Hever Castle during Art Week

Survival Week at WWT London Wetland Centre

From 28 May to 1 June, join a Victorian governess and tutor to discover the artistic techniques that Victorian children were taught. Try some of these techniques as part of a free thirty minute show.

From 28 May to 5 June, take part in exciting adventures at London Wetland Centre’s Survival Week including:

Dig for mosaic pieces or create a bookmark with Origami paper and join sculptor and Dragon’s Den star, Guy Portelli alongside Escape Arts Centre from Tonbridge and experience painting in the plein air.

Enter a painting competition and depict the castle or gardens for a chance to win a prize. Selected artwork will be displayed at The Escape Arts Centre. Go on an art trail and discover paintings from the castle hidden in the gardens.

Wander through the castle and find out interesting facts about the paintings there (included with admission only). Finish off your arty day by getting your face painted! (£5 charge).

MORE HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

Mud Kitchen. Create imaginary, culinary concoctions with mud, pots, pans and utensils. Freeplay drop-in activity. 10am to 4pm. All ages.

Pond Dipping. Grab a net and discover the underwater life of the Pond Zone. Free drop-in activity. Session capacity limited to 30, first come, first served. 11 am & 2 pm. Ages 3+.

Adventure Workshop. Learn how to build a makeshift shelter, safely light a fire and tie the right knot in any survival situation.

End with marshmallow toasting around the campfire. 1.5 hour, pre-booking only. 11.30am & 2.30pm. Ages 7+. Children must be accompanied by adult (adult - no ticket required).

Map Challenge. Hone your map reading skills in this free, selfguided activity. Ages 5+.

MORE HERE May/June 13

SUMMER

Perform’s Peter Pan summer courses Try some free weekly fun this summer term

Inspire your child’s imagination this summer with a unique drama, dance and singing holiday course. In July or August, children ages 4 to 10 years can fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends on an unforgettable confidence-building adventure.

With a sprinkle of Perform fairy dust, a team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will ensure your child enjoys every minute as they work towards a show-stopping performance to delight family and friends.

‘Freyja got so much out of those three days; it’s given her a lot of confidence in her ability to join in, make new friends and perform songs and dances. We were so proud of her.’ Emma Robinson (parent) Courses take place from 1 to 5 August and 15 to 19 August in Richmond and 8 to 12 August in Twickenham.

Find more information and book HERE. 14 May/June

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children ages 4 to 7 and 7 to 12 run throughout the summer term and are specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and co-ordination.

Book a FREE trial at one of the following venues HERE. Brentford: St Paul Church of England Primary School Cobham: St Andrew’s Church Hall Esher: Church of the Holy Name & St Andrews Urc Isleworth: St John’s and St Mary’s Church Hall Kew: Kew Community Centre Kingston: Alexandra Infants School & The Parish of St John the Baptist Richmond: Vineyard Life Church, The Russell Primary School & Holy Trinity Church Centre Teddington: Teddington Methodist Church Twickenham: The Crossway Centre & Twickenham United Reform Church Weybridge: St James’ Parish Centre STARTING IN SEPTEMBER Hampton: Linden Hall Community Centre St Margarets: St Margaret’s Catholic Church Hall Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps checklist

To help you book a summer camp or workshop and get your child ready.

What to wear

For cool weather, warm comfortable clothes including a jacket/coat and jumper/hoodie.

For sunny weather, suitable clothes and sun hat. Apply sun cream once before your child leaves the house.

Comfortable footwear.

General questions

How many children are there on a camp?

What age group will my child be in?

Can my child be in the same group as their friend/sibling?

Do I need to provide lunch and snacks?

Do you provide sun cream?

What to take

Swimming costume and towel.

An apron or shirt for creative activities.

Refillable water bottle Packed lunch and snacks, if needed.

Rucksack (to carry everything).

Sun cream, if required.

Childcare questions

Are you registered with Ofsted?

Will my child have a key worker?

Do you accept childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare?

Is wraparound care available?

Questions about booking and costs

Can I make changes to my booking? What is the last date for changes?

Can I pay in instalments?

If there’s wraparound care, how much is it?

Will I pay extra if I’m delayed in collecting my child?

Are all activities included in the cost?

Familiesonline.co.uk

Small and caring pre-school in Hampton Ages 2 to 5 Teaches Early Years Foundation Stage.

Curriculum and Montessori Method.

For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838 991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com May/June 15

SUMMER

English Tutor

7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, A level I work with all abilities and levels on comprehension/creative writing/spelling/ 10+ years’ punctuation & grammar/verbal reasoning/ experience/ DBS persuasive writing/literary analysis/essay checked writing/exam technique/references available

£40ph

Joanna joanna2tutor@gmail.com 07941 799096

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Location: Hampton Hill

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2638-Art-Week-Advert-For-Families-Magazine-AW.indd 1

19/04/2022 16:38

Illustrations © Tony Ross, 2011. Cover lettering of author’s name © Quentin Blake, 2010.

Discover it this half-term

at London Wetland Centre

THU 7 - SUN 10 JUL 2022

Book now Search WWT London

0844 871 7615* ATGTICKETS.COM/Richmond*

* Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

16 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk WLO_Survival_Week_87x130_Advert_202203.indd 1

06/04/2022 11:23

GIVEAWAYS

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

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

Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Experience one of its fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast. Fall in love with a new type of holiday - where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime.

Explore the New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes or Boston West in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, Barmouth Bay in Wales, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island or Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight.

APPLY HERE by 18 June 2022. T&Cs apply.

Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway!

Turn your child’s imagination around!

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Worth £34.99 each 5 available

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE T&Cs apply

Magazine

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

May/June 17

FOOD

Cooling summer treats Get the kids involved in making these perfect treats for hot summer days.

Club tropicana ice cream cake

Watermelon & strawberry slushies

Vegan orange lollies

Easy strawberry ice cream

Quick banana ice cream

Fruity ice-lolly pens

Nutty caramel & choc sundaes

Frozen banana lollies

Raspberry lemonade slushies

18 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

TRAVEL

Vacation staycations It’s not always easy to know whether the holiday destination you’ve found online is truly family-friendly. Families asked the experts at Tested

by Tots for their tested and rated recommendations for your next break.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest

Excellent facilities, and service. Activities for all.

Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Charming and family-run On-site facilities.

Cherry Tree Farm Camping, North Devon

Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire

Drayton Cottage, Isle of Wight Home from home, walk to beach, relaxing, secure garden, BBQ.

Forest Holidays, North Yorkshire

Beautiful cabins, peaceful, beach nearby.

Forest activities.

Ham Bottom, Somerset

Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick

Park Plaza London Riverbank

Beautiful yet cosy.

Excellent facilities.

Self-catering lodges, with trampoline, slide, and climbing frame.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Great value & location to explore local attractions.

300m from beach, surf gear hire, food truck & more.

Features the capital’s first hotel room designed by families for families.

May/June 19

WHAT’S ON

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.

Every Thursday Storytime with Mark at London Museum of Water & Steam Songs, rhymes and stories for babies and under 5s, 1.30pm.

Every Sat & Sun Steam Train Rides at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway Train rides every half hour and picnic area open (not every Sat). Booking required.

Sun 8 May Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House Join an artist to explore different themes and techniques in friendly, relaxed environment. For children ages 4-11.

The Dittons Fair at Thames Ditton Arena events, tombola, sideshows, craft & charity stalls, refreshments.

Tue 10, 24 May & 7, 21 Jun Fri 6, 20 May, Wed 1 & Curious Tots at Orleans Fri 17 Jun House Play:Make:Art at Orleans Sing along, wiggle and House Gallery explore sensory worlds Have fun exploring art with Charlie Betts. skills and techniques in workshops for children Thu-Sun 12-15 May ages 2-5.

Hever Castle Spring Fair Variety of stands from Fri 6 May & 1 Jul textiles to paintings, Museum Monkeys at furniture, ceramics, glass Chertsey Museum and jewellery, meet the Join Charlie the Chimp for craft makers who made singing, stories and crafts them, sample food and for under 5s. drink and listen to live bands.

Bat Walk at Hatchlands Park Fri-Sun 13-15 May Join a guided walk at Artisan Festival at dusk in search of some of Hampton Court Festival the park’s bat population. Explore Henry Vlll’s home, Booking required. luxury shopping, handcrafted gifting, artisan, family fun and workshops.

20 May/June

Sat & Sun 14-15 May Summer Steam Up at London Museum of Water & Steam Discover the fascinating world of water and steam.

Mon 16 May Welly Walk at Marble Hill House Ranger-led, learn about the history of the house and park whilst having fun and splashing in the puddles for under 5s.

Sat 21 May Young Archaeology Club at Chertsey Museum Join archaeologists investigating uncovering mysteries at the Runnymede and Ankerwycke.

Sat & Sun 21-22 May & 18-19 Jun Steaming Weekend at Kempton Steam Museum Watch unique and enormous ancient steam engines in action.

Tue 24 May Jubilee Funday at Hersham Community Centre Range of fun activities for all ages.

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

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.

HALF TERM Fri-Sun 27-29 May Winkworth Weekend Help celebrate Winkworth Arboretum’s 70th year with a weekend of events.

Sat 28 May Petanque Family Day at Oxshott Village Sports Club Join in an afternoon of petanque (boules) and stay afterwards for a drink and slice of pizza.

Sat 28 May-Wed 1 Jun Art Week at Hever Castle Take part in a range of art activities including art lessons, drawing, origami, painting competition and face painting.

Sat 28 May-Sun 5 Jun Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Polesden Lacey Live bands every day, train rides on Friday and a Jubilee treasure hunt with a prize at the end.

Survival Week at London Wetland Centre Enjoy a fun and creative outdoor experience and hands-on activities.

The Power of Superbees at RHS Wisley Create a buzz this May Familiesonline.co.uk

Wed 1-Sun 5 Jun Jubilee Joust at Hampton Court Palace Experience the sport of Sat 28 Jun – Sun 5 Jun kings as knights from Jubilee Trail at Claremont around the country joust Landscape Garden to celebrate the Queen’s Enjoy a week of fun and Platinum Jubilee. celebrations including dressing up and a trail, Thu 2-Sun 5 Jun Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Half-term Butterfly Trail at Hever Castle at Hatchlands Park Enjoy the Queen’s Enjoy a butterfly-themed Platinum Jubilee Beacon trail through the parkland. Trail, a specially designed augmented reality activity.

Enchanted Forest at Take part in a hunt for the Winkworth Arboretum Queen’s crown and jewels Uncover a secret world in the Castle and other of magical creatures like activities. fairies and goblins Fri 3-Sun 5 Jun Tue 31 May & Thu 2 Jun Foodies Festival at Syon Half Term Jubilee Floral Park Crown Workshop at Top chefs, tasty food, Polesden Lacey delicious drinks and live Make your very own music with The Kids flower crown using fresh, Cookery Theatre. seasonal blooms.

Sun 5 Jun Tue 31-Wed 1 Jun The Queen’s Platinum May Half Term at Jubilee at Syon Park Richmond Museum Come and have a picnic Create your own hand in the gardens, FREE puppet character based entry. on A Midsummers Night Dream.

Street Party at Esher Theatre Wed 1 Jun Celebrate the platinum Jubilee Summer Fayre at Jubilee with live music, Cobham Centre for the iconic British vehicle, food Community and drink stalls.

Activities for all ages. half term with a garden trail, daily activities and interactive performances.

May/June 21

WHAT’S ON

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.

Sun 5 Jun Big Jubilee Lunch Garden Party at Claremont Landscape Garden Bring a picnic, celebrate, ans take part in Georgian & Victorian games.

Sun 5 Jun & 3 Jul Public Running Day at Thames Ditton Miniature Railway Take a ride and have a picnic - but make sure you book.

Every Wed from 8 Jun Story Explorers at Polesden Lacey A morning of fun with a story, rhymes, and a fun nature-based craft activity.

Fri-Sun 10-12 Jun Watermans Weekender A weekend of fantastic events, activities, workshops, performances and screenings plus food and drink at Watermans Arts Centre. Something for everyone, including music, art, theatre, cinema, DJs, cabaret and more. Great for kids and families.

Sat 11 Jun Shepperton Village Fair Over 200 stalls, arena 22 May/June

The Middlesex Food Festival at Sunbury

attractions, great food, big procession, huge marquee, FREE entry.

Sat 18 Jun Kew Fete Victorian fun fair, 100+ stalls, craft marquee, live stage music and acts, friendly dog show, tug of war, fun inflatables, mobile farm, beer tent, tea tent, charity raffle.

Lyne Village Fete and Dog Show Popular village show with petting farm, dog show, fun fair rides, arena events, live music, stalls, tea room and more.

Sat & Sun 18-19 Jun The Middlesex Food Festival at Sunbury Local businesses will be showcasing exquisite ranges of food and drink with a Kids Zone.

Sat & Sun 25-26 Jun Barnes Children’s Literature Festival at London Wetland Centre Includes Paddington Bear’s First Concert and family workshops.

Sun 26 Jun Mortlake Summer Fair Games and activities, face-painting, Punch and Judy, a giant inflatable slide and a teacups ride, together with fantastic live entertainment and displays.

Sat 2 July St Margaret’s Fair Jam packed full of fun that will keep the whole family thoroughly entertained.

Sat 9 July Claygate Flower & Village Show Classic cars, dog show, marching bands, gift stalls, fancy dress parade, fun fair, farmyard animals and more.

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

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.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE THE EXCHANGE, TWICKENHAM Little Grimm Tales 28 May Stunning new adaptation of Grimm’s most magical tales. Ages 3+.

THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD The Princess and The Pea 29 May Fantastic dancing, beautiful costumes and lovely music to enthral children and families.

Ages 2-11.

LITTLE LYRIC, HAMMERSMITH Suddenly…! 7 May Can you help Edwin, Mr Wolfe’s spoilt but lonely son, start his own story.

Ages 6+.

The Wind in the Willows (The True Story) by Rat and Toad 14 May Creative use of props, puppets, and actors showcase the fun and adventure of this masterpiece.

I Spy with My Little Eye 21 May Beautifully interactive Familiesonline.co.uk

The Extraordinary TimeTravelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen 12 Jun Catch That Beast! 28 A family friendly, May improvised, storytelling Full of humour, live music, comedy show loved by inventive puppetry and children and adults alike. audience participation.

Ages 5+.

The Princess & The Dragon 8-10 Jul Duckie 31 May-4 Jun This new, modern A re-imagining of Hans fairytale navigates Christian Andersen’s The freedom and friendship.

Ugly Duckling.

Ages 7-11. musical celebrates everything great about being a kid. Ages 2+.

MORDEN HALL PARK FAMILY THEATRE

PAINSHILL, OUTDOOR THEATRE

Aesop Fables 21 & 22 May Enjoy a magical performance of Aesop’s Fables in the setting of this lovely park.

Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie 2 Jun Will feature REAL flying.

Persephone & the Pomegranate Seeds 21 & 22 May Magical performance of classic Greek myth that explains how the seasons came to be.

Plastic Drastic Fantastic until 8 May New interactive dance show exploring our complex relationship with all things plastic. Ages 7+.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE Errol’s Garden 30 May-1 Jun Filled with catchy songs, humour and imagination, an interactive musical.

Ages 3-11.

POLKA THEATRE, WIMBLEDON

The Emperor’s New Clothes until 22 May Hiccup Theatre spin music, puppetry, BSL and storytelling into a very special yarn. Ages 3-8.

May/June 23

WHAT’S ON

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.

POLKA THEATRE, WIMBLEDON Glisten 11-15 May An interactive performance for babies aged 0-18 months and their grown-ups.

The Paper Dolls 10 May7 Aug The Paper Dolls comes to life with stunning puppetry and original music. Ages 3-7.

Snow White 27 May–5 Jun Joyful retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Ages 5+.

THE ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON Six 17-29 May Multi-award winning international smash hit musical. Ages 8+.

Oi Frog & Friends 31 May–4 Jun Expect songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at. Ages 3+.

RICHMOND THEATRE The Tiger Who Came to Tea 19-21 May The tea-guzzling tiger is back in this delightful family show. Ages 3+.

Gangsta Granny 7-10 July It’s Friday night and Ben is staying with Granny and things are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine!

humour that combines ‘myths and legends.’ Ages 5-12.

We Are Not Shellfish 28 May Rollicking, fast-paced adventure with bite.

Ages 7+.

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD Adventures of an Ugly Duckling 25 May A new adaptation with interactive and sensory role-play. Ages 0-4.

In The Night Garden Live 3-4 Jun Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends RIVERHOUSE BARN are back in their fun-filled ARTS CENTRE, WALTON live show.

ON THAMES The Big Top 29 Jun Robin Hood Rescues the Interactive and Forest 7 May creative storytelling to Interactive production enthral your little one’s filled with music and imagination. Ages 0-4.

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July/August 2021

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Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Enjoy Gangsta Granny at Richmond Theatre!

From the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories comes a wonderful adaptation of this amazing story by David Walliams, the UK’s best-selling author for children.

It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows more thing for sure – it’s going to be SOOOOOOO boring!

But there’s something that Ben doesn’t know. Granny has a secret. And it’s a secret that’s going to make Friday nights a hold load more exciting than he could ever in his wildest dreams imagine.

Gangsta Granny plays at Richmond Theatre from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 July and makes the perfect summer treat for all the family. Book HERE

A weekend of fantastic activities for everyone!

SAVE THE DATE – MORE INFORMATION SOON AT:

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 25

TOYS

It’s time to play outside!

If you’re looking for some entertaining garden activities for the summer, here are our recommendations.

Target Ball Game

Soft Archery Set

Wheelbarrow Set

Family garden game with giant inflatable Velcro target. All ages. £19.99

Soft, safe and durable, this set is great way for kids to discover a new hobby. Ages 8+. £39.99

Let budding gardeners develop their own green world. Ages 3+. £12

My First Giant Bubble Kit

Family Paddling Pool

Garden Tumble Tower

Youngsters will love these eco-friendly giant wooden wands.

Ages 3+. £21

Big enough for families to chill out together.

Ages 6+. £75

Great backyard game builds a tower over 3ft.

Ages 5+. £35.99

Ladybird Wheely Bug Ride-On

Wavy Kids Slide

Sandpit Picnic Table with Lid

Suitable for decking and driveways. Easy to ride!

Ages 1-3. £67.50 26 May/June

Outdoor classic offers a fast slide and 5.8ft of fun.

Ages 3+. £54.99

Keeps up to four children entertained for hours.

Ages 3+. £79.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES OUTDOORS

Family adventures outdoors We asked our friends the Meek family for some top picks from their book 100 Family Adventures. Here’s what they have come up with.

Sleep on a beach

Eat nettle soup

Build a bridge

Be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves.

Surprisingly fresh and light!

Kids love the excitement of building a natural structure.

Go on a scooter safari

Venture behind a waterfall Connect to the power and awe of a waterfall.

Make a rope swing

Put some ‘natural’ back into the outdoor play experience.

Go on a forest night walk

Go coasteering

Don’t go with the flow

Borrow some extra scooters explore the local area.

Children will love the excitement of the forest at night.

Familiesonline.co.uk

A nature trail along a rocky coast. Scrambling, swimming and rock hopping.

Head ‘off piste’ - follow a stream in reverse!

May/June 27

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Mini Olympics

Wildlife hunting

Our garden Olympics is an annual favourite. Open the games with a (tissue paper) Olympic flame and homemade hanging flags, followed by competitive rounds of egg and spoon, sack races, hula hooping, bean bag throwing and swing ball. Keep score on a chalkboard and finish with salt dough medals award ceremony.

Find out who you share your garden with, using a nature guide to help with identification.

Encourage some new residents with a log pile house for insects, feeders for birds, a compost heap for worms, upturned pots for frogs and a colourful flowerbed for bees and butterflies. Keep an illustrated journal of what you see.

Family heritage

Reading nook

Ask relatives about their own adventures, jotting them down as you go. If the weather is rubbish, this is the perfect excuse to scour old family albums full of photos of when they were young.

A reading nook is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Set up a den or a tepee, make it cosy inside and fill a basket with books.

And if the weather is kind, ask them to take you around their old haunts.

28 May/June

Make the most of little ones curled up in your lap for story time. Or even write your own story together.

Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Garden music festival

Go without electricity

Dig out your tent, drag out your blankets and cushions, power up the radio and set up camp. Spend the day listening to music in the comfort of your own garden. Homemade ribbon wristbands and VIP lanyards allow unlimited access to the snack cupboard, fruity mocktails and ultimately, the lavatory without needing to queue!

Challenging the family to go without electricity is great fun. It encourages you to get creative with your time and introduces the broader topic of eco-living: which small changes can be made at home? Activities for the day might include painting, poetry, games, bird watching, cooking over an open flame and sleeping outside.

Stargazing

Garden fete

Our favourite way to stargaze is in an old inflatable pool, patched with duct tape and filled with duvets! It keeps the chill out whilst we snuggle down and watch for the first star to appear amidst the myths and legends.

Village fetes are often a washout but you can schedule yours in when there’s glorious sunshine!

String up your bunting, bake some scones, set up a raffle and a lucky dip (from old goody bag items), provide an (unplugged) microphone for announcements, hold a pet show, even set up a Pimms’ tent (no judgement here).

Look out for the Big Bear, the Pegasus and Draco the dragon.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 29

FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day gift suggestions

Is it sometimes difficult to know what to buy for dad? Here are our top picks.

Dad’s Shed Slate Sign

Handcrafted natural slate sign to mark out dad’s territory. £12.99

Docking Station Help dad keep all his things together – stylishly! £27.90

Supercar Driving Day

Get day in a race car!

Circuits UK-wide. From £39

Peppa Pig: My Burgon & Ball Billionaire Gardening Gloves Shortbread Truffles Daddy Board Book

These quality gloves are For dads with a sweet great for dads with green tooth - a little decadence. fingers. £17.99 £16

Bread Baking Club Gift Subscription

Your dad could be star baker with this 3-month gift subscription. £36 30 May/June

100 Things to Do with Dad Scratch Off Bucket List Poster 100 activities! £10.99

Something for dad to read with your little one. £4.49

Personalised Socks with your Child’s Drawing

Celebrate Father’s Day and your child’s artwork. £20 Familiesonline.co.uk