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IN THIS ISSUE
Summer Fun What’s On Education Clubs & Classes Issue 24 July/August 2022
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CONTENTS
Welcome
CONTACT US:
The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of holidays and fun with the family, but also, for many parents, the challenges of summer childcare arrangements and keeping the kids entertained for at least six weeks….
Editor: Rebecca Carr T: 07789 882467 E: editor@familieskent.co.uk
Well, you can rely on us to have you covered. We have loads of low-cost summer entertainment ideas in this issue and tips on piecing together the summer childcare jigsaw. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of information about local events and activities to make the summer memorable close to home.
Advertising sales: Amanda Biggs T: 07835 848066 E: amanda@familiespublishing.co.uk
In our education section, check out our uniform tips and the skills you can help your school starter build over the summer before the big day.
Next issue: September/October Booking deadline: 3 August To receive free copies of Families Kent for your school, club, class or venue, call or email us.
IN THIS ISSUE: 3 News 4 Education 6 Childcare 8 Parenting 9 Clubs & Classes 10 Summer fun 12 What’s On
Finally, in this issue, we have loads of cool kids’ backpacks from Grass&Air to giveaway! Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/ go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer. Have a great summer!
Rebeccca Editor, Families Kent © Families Kent 2022. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
Cover image:
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Play n’ Grow Holiday Club Southborough, and Tonbridge Themed craft, cooking, games, outdoor play and trips. 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri during school holidays (exc. bank holidays). Call 07727 692645 play.growholidayclub@gmail.com
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06/06/2022 16:53 Familiesonline.co.uk
NEWS
News & Views
Take nature’s pulse in the Big Butterfly Count The Big Butterfly Count (15 July to 7 August) is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping the Butterfly Conservation charity assess the health of the environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies.
Embark on a journey with the Festival of Archaeology The UK’s biggest archaeological event, the Festival of Archaeology runs from 16 to 31 July and this year’s theme is ‘journeys.’ Through nationwide digital and onsite events, archaeological experts will help families discover how their local landscape has changed and shaped to become what it is now, as well as discover exciting stories about their local community. Join educational guided walks, listen to talks, get involved with exciting archaeological excavations, or join digitally online through social media and discover more about your local area. www.festival.archaeologyuk.org Would you like to feature your business in our next issue? Book by 1 August to be featured, call Amanda on 07835 848066 or email: editor@familieskent.co.uk
According to the Butterfly Conservation charity, counting butterflies is essential because they play a vital part of the ecosystem as both pollinators and components of the food chain. The data gathered by the public will be used to assess where conservation efforts should be targeted. Taking part in the Count is easy: just spend fifteen minutes counting the butterflies you see and then submit sightings online or via the free app. There’s also a handy free downloadable butterfly chart to use. www.bigbutterflycount.org
Celebrate play on Playday UK! Playday is the national day for play in the UK and will take place this year on 3 August. It is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing at outside events. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children’s play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year. From small-scale community events to big events organised in parks and open spaces, Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them. As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives. You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www.playday.org.uk
The Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal. Children’s reading can decline during the holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure. This years science-themed challenge called ‘Gadgeteers’ will inspire children to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around you. The Challenge will launch in libraries in England on 9 July. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
M WH EE ER TS E TH CL EM IMB E IN PA G RK
NG K BI AR IM P CL ME RE THE E H W ETS E M
Tonbridge is home to the biggest Clip n Climb in the WORLD
Book your session now: www.clipnclimbtonbridge.co.uk | 01732 753330 UNIT 4 TON BUSINESS PARK, 2-8 MORLEY ROAD, TONBRIDGE, TN9 1RA
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Families Kent 3
EDUCATION
How to have an educational holiday By Jemma Zoe Smith Holidays are all about swimming, having fun and playing games, all past bedtime, aren’t they? Living in the UK, our ‘big annual holiday’ often takes place in the summer and whether you are jetting off abroad or staying in a tent at home, this break is generally considered to be a time that is free from the demands of school and everything that comes along with it. What does it mean then to have an educational holiday? Do you have to stay inside and read books all day? Well, no. Holidays can be fun AND educational. You can use these tips to make sure that your child comes back from their summer break knowing a little bit more than they did before. Get kids involved with planning Whether you are choosing to go to Spain or Salcombe, get your child to look up the location on a map or on Google Earth. They can find out how many kilometres you will travel to get there, how long it will take to drive, walk or fly. This will help them contextualise the place they are visiting, hopefully avoiding the ‘are we nearly there yet?’ questions as well. Learn a bit of the local language Regardless of where you are travelling to, the locals will have a specific vernacular. Learning hello, goodbye and thank you is not just a way to introduce a new language to your child, it is also a great way to get along with the locals. Discuss any similarities between English and the local language, for example, in French the word for ‘dance’ is ‘danse.’
Take an immersive class If you are travelling to Italy, how about learning how to make pizza or pasta? If you’re on holiday in France, learn how to play boules; in Spain, try a bit of flamenco! It is a great way to celebrate a local culture and learn a new skill; after all, not all learning happens in the classroom. If you’re holidaying by the beach and your child likes being in the water, consider scuba diving, fishing or surfing tuition. Waiting games Instead of handing your child your phone when you’re in a queue for an attraction, try some simple word games. See how many words you can think of that are … a type of hat? Trilby, sombrero, cap, bowler! You could even bring along a pocket quiz game to keep you all occupied. Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).
Enjoy a PGL family adventure holiday!
Educational travel activities
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Here are some ideas to keep your kids ticking over whilst on holiday.
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Let loose and get lost together on an exciting, action-packed adventure that turns the family back into a team. Whether you’re conquering the kayaks, hanging out on the high ropes or zooming down zipwires, there are plenty of goosepimpling adventures to dive into whilst your family enjoys a PGL holiday. You’ll be amazed by what you can all achieve when you tackle the fun challenges on offer. Don’t miss out on PGL’s final summer sale and the chance to give your family the break they will always remember. What’s more, you can save up to 50% off when you book a family adventure holiday or kids adventure camp this summer! Visit https://pgl.co.uk/familymag to find out more and to book. 4 Families Kent
Using currency and converting between pounds and local currency; Using a map and scales; Writing letters/postcards home; Writing a scrapbook/keeping a journal. There are also some longer projects that older kids can embark on and many of these relate to the school curriculum. I use these when I accompany students on their trips as a full-time tutor. Creating a vlog or website for friends and family; Getting involved with local conservation efforts; Learning about volcanoes or Egyptians by visiting key places and then creating a poster or presentation; Putting together a talk or a short video which will teach the class about the place you’re visiting; Writing a story for kids about the area that you are visiting.
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EDUCATION
Preparing for school By Emma Lewry No sooner has summer arrived than we are starting to talk about ‘starting school’ or ‘back to school’ preparation. Uniforms line the shop rails tempting us to think about being organised and ready for school. If you’re already thinking ahead, here are some top tips for preparation. If your child is starting school this year it can feel like a huge event with lots of pressure. You may be aware of parents swapping notes about how ready their children are to start school. Try not to compare your child with others; each child is unique and individual in their strengths and in the areas with which they need support. Teachers are ready for this and they know how to support lots of different children in a class. In fact, the uniqueness of each child is often what they love best about the job! When you start to think about preparing your child to begin school there are some key skills which are beneficial to practise and develop. I’m not talking about academic things; your child doesn’t need to be able to read the alphabet or do the two times table. The three skills I recommend are building CONFIDENCE, COMMUNICATION and INDEPENDENCE. These skills can be developed through play and fun at home, giving lots of opportunities for your little ones to try new things and offering plenty of praise and encouragement. Talking to your child and reading books about school opens up lots of valuable communication too.
schools want children to be working on developing those confidence, communication and independence. It can be helpful to offer additional emotional support in the lead up to going back to school, especially if your child is moving to a new school. Talk about what will be different but also what will be the same. These constants support many children’s need for things to feel safe and familiar. What if your child isn’t keen on talking? Looking at pictures, reading stories and role-playing school are all great ways to initiate conversation over the summer. Good luck with starting and going back to school! Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.
If your child is heading back to school and moving up a year group, many of the starting school ideas apply. At all ages,
Independence
Uniform top tips
Building independence is important for children of all ages. Children who are independently motivated to play, complete tasks and try new things will often excel at school across the age ranges.
Be careful to check the school uniform list and stick to the items and colours listed. Schools are generally strict about their uniform and as it’s expensive, it’s not worth having to re-buy items if they are wrong.
Here are two ideas to try before school starts.
Make a shoe fitting appointment now for the week before school starts. If it’s possible to book in with a shop local to you, this is a great idea and will ensure you don’t get left in a shoe panic two days before the start of term! You might feel happy to buy trainers in advance but buying school shoes is best left as late as possible to avoid an expensive trip at half term if your child’s feet suddenly grow.
Give your child ownership over one meal that they can plan and prepare for the family, with appropriate support for their age. This could be a simple breakfast that they get to choose and make or a more complex dinner. Any activity like this means they are getting a feel for completing a task and the pride they feel will boost their desire to try other independent tasks. Don’t rush in to help them when they are struggling. Sit on your hands, count to fifty or do something to distract yourself while giving them the opportunity to struggle a little with a task. This ‘holding back’ goes for anything and for children of any age - from simply joining a child who is playing alone or stepping in to help with a new craft. Children who are more exposed to the need to persevere are more likely to have the ability to be independent.
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Check out the school website and social media pages if they have them. This is a great way for you and your child to get tips on sourcing uniform, to check specific uniform requirements and to find out about ways of obtaining uniform more cheaply. Many schools or their PTA (parent and teacher associations) will run second hand uniform sales which can be a great way to pick up some bargain items. It’s also good for the planet to reuse and re-love as much clothing as possible.
Families Kent 5
CHILDCARE
The summer holiday childcare jigsaw By Andrew Campbell For many parents, the long summer holidays can cause a massive childcare headache requiring an enormous amount of juggling and ‘piecing it together’ and involving substantial cost. If you’re facing the school holiday childcare puzzle right now, then here are some of the pieces you might be able to fit together in your jigsaw. Family care Family members, typically grandparents, are often more than happy to share the childcare burden and with this comes with the advantage of knowing your children are with someone you all trust. Your kids will benefit by learning they don’t need you all the time and will build long-lasting bonds. Other parents Teaming up with other parents by taking turns to care for each other’s children is a great way to spread the load. But this will require forward planning and organisation - so get in now. Try setting up a summer childcare WhatsApp group with the parents of your child’s friends. Private nursery Many nurseries continue as normal throughout the summer but those adjoined to schools and pre-schools usually follow school term dates. Some private nurseries will take on some younger children just for the summer holidays. Contact them to enquire. Childminders Childminders care for small groups of children of different ages in the childminder’s home. The children usually come from different families and sometimes include the childminder’s own children. If you currently use a childminder, ask about availability
Grandparent care
Here are some do’s and don’ts if your parents will be looking after your kids this summer. Rules and routines. Don’t assume grandparents know all the rules your children are expected to follow or their routines. Make sure they are all discussed and written down if necessary. Timekeeping. Stick to the agreed times for pick ups and collections. Caring for young children can be exhausting, especially for elderly relatives. Money. While most grandparents won’t expect to be paid for occasional babysitting, it is reasonable for them to be paid if they provide ongoing or full-time care. Don’t expect them to meet all expenses such as nappies, activities and treats - they quickly add up. Be fair. If you regularly use grandparents for childcare, be conscious that other grandchildren or children in the family may be missing out. Be considerate. Grandparents have their own lives and activities too. They can often be very flexible but do offer as much advance notice as possible. Backup plan. In case of illness, make sure you have another option. Make this clear at the outset, so grandparents don’t feel under pressure if feeling poorly. 6 Families Kent
for summer childcare as they take holidays too. Nanny share A nanny share or ‘home childcarer’ is when you and another family share the costs and responsibilities of employing a nanny to look after your children in your home. Nannies can often work for two or more families, by caring for the children all at the same time or by splitting the week between them. Holiday camps and workshops Run by private providers, these can be multi-activity day camps focussing on a variety of sport and/or creative activities or single activity camps focussed on a specific sport/creative activity. Holiday workshops tend to take place for shorter more intense periods and, often organised by providers that also offer weekly term time classes, they offer a valuable opportunity to receive elite coaching and tuition. Holiday play schemes Playschemes are usually for children of primary school age. Run by schools, councils, youth clubs and community groups, they provide a range of activities and typically cost around £30 a day although this can vary widely, with subsidised prices offered for low-income households.
Where to find childcare? Finding someone you trust to look after your children can be a formidable undertaking. There are three main ways of finding the best person for the job. Using an agency Whilst there will be additional agency fees payable, using an agency means you don’t have to check references/backgrounds and do Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) checks. Look out for agencies registered with ANA (Association of Nanny Agencies) or the British Au Pair Agencies Association (Bapaa). Searching and advertising Parents who wish to employ someone directly can search or advertise on websites such as www.searchchildcare.org.uk, www.childcare.co.uk, www.nannyjob.co.uk or even www.gumtree.com. Check https://bit.ly/FamChildmind for local registered childminders and look up a childminder’s latest Ofsted report at www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports Word of mouth Ask friends, neighbours and parents you know in the local area. Personal experience is likely to give you the best insight into the quality of childcare care offered by a provider. Familiesonline.co.uk
SUMMER CLUBS
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Families Kent 7
PARENTING
Meaningful holiday communication By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble Communication is essential to children’s development. Teaching them to listen and talk effectively, verbally and non-verbally are invaluable life skills we can impart by being effective role models. Relationships between children and parents are noticeably improved by meaningful communication. This is how children begin developing their ideas and beliefs. The more positive the communication, the more secure and confident they become. It’s what’s often called ‘quality time.’ From the child’s perspective, quality time is having direct and full attention from their parents, not just being present in the same space. Long school holidays give us more opportunities to interact. Depending on the age of your child there are many ways to create space to encourage communication. With younger children, it’s about playing at their level; chatting while drawing, building Lego or being part of their make believe games. Together is key.
As parents, we may still need to carry on with work and other responsibilities during school holidays. This is where enriching holiday camps and allowing some use of screens can be a godsend. But one of the greatest challenges for parents is balancing screen time with other activities. The important distinction is that this balance is achieved via moderation and self-regulation, not restriction. Despite other responsibilities, finding time to spend together is possible and whatever you can manage will benefit your children in the long run.
With older children it might be making time for each other for a chat. If at all possible, make time for each child on a one to one basis, sharing something you both enjoy. For family communication, mealtimes set the scene for open discussion.
Effective, open communication takes hard work and practice. Remember, it will not always be perfect. What’s important is making the effort to communicate with our children. The result will be a much closer, honest, open and positive family relationship.
Communication is only half the job; it’s how we listen and acknowledge what our children are saying that is key. Validating and acknowledging make a difference, even a simple nod or a touch will let your child know that you are listening and that what they are saying is important.
Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with insights, skills and tools to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.
Listening: the key to effective communication
Screen time: how much is too much?
Make and maintain eye contact. Watch your child’s facial expressions and body language. Listening isn’t just about hearing words but also about trying to understand what might be behind those words.
The online world can be great for creativity, learning new things, connecting and downtime. It allows parents some time off too. However, there needs to be a balance.
Eliminate distractions. When listening to your child, undivided attention is essential. Put aside whatever you are doing. If you are unable to do so at that moment, then make sure your child knows when you will be free to give them that time. Listen without interrupting. Offer encouragement with a smile or touch. Interuption can break a train of thought so try to let your child finish before adding your own words of advice or wisdom. Ask open ended questions and not too many. Build on what your child is telling you and show your interest by saying things like ‘Tell me more about ...’, ‘Really!’ and ‘Go on ....’ Validate. Repeat and rephrase what your child has said from time to time. This lets your child know you’re listening and helps you check what your child is saying.
8 Families Kent
Consider an agreement on holiday tech use. Set age specific rules around what, when, where and how much time each child is allowed. Once the rules are agreed, stick to them. Don’t use screen time as a reward. This sends the wrong message about screen importance. Give countdown warnings before screen time ends. Simple verbal reminders prepare children to switch off, thus avoiding techno tantrums! Review the latest apps, games and movies together. Let your child show you what they are doing. Use parental controls to ensure children aren’t accessing inappropriate content. Try www.familyzone.com or www. breckfoundation.org/post/screen-time Establish no-tech zones such as the bedroom and mealtimes, set a good example by not constantly checking your own phone and make sure that all tech is switched off at least an hour before bedtime. Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Clubs & Classes
Camp Beaumont Adventure Day Camps - from just £43 a day A love of performing can develop key skills for life Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, and the benefits of this can often go unnoticed. Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life. These include: Creativity Children are naturally imaginative, and pretend play and make believe comes easily to them. Imaginative play can enable a child’s social and emotional development, helping them to form new ideas and develop resourcefulness. Problem solving The ability to solve problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can be transferred to everyday life when dealing with a variety of issues. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall.
Dedicated to delivering confidence-building adventures throughout the school holidays, Camp Beaumont run awardwinning day camps offering over 50 activities including archery, football and arts and crafts across 45 locations in London, the South East including Kent. Camp Beaumont is looking to support families and help children to get back on track this summer, with a focus on reducing stress and learning new skills through carefully selected activities that get children moving, socialising and back in the great outdoors! Book one of their multi-activity programmes and ensure your child learns new skills, makes new friends and enjoys their most exciting school holiday yet! Camp Beaumont has over 40 years experience caring for children and their fully DBSchecked Group Leaders ensure safety and fun for every 3-16 year old. Find out more at www.campbeaumont.co.uk
Empathy Performance is a classic form of storytelling, not only for entertainment but for sharing tales and ideas. Performing in character can help children appreciate another person’s point of view. To accurately portray a character, we need to be able to step into their shoes, understand their situation and what has brought them to that situation. If a child understands a character in this way, they can apply this to everyday life, helping them to react to friends and adults and develop their social skills. Listening The ability to listen is an important skill, especially when a child is in a new setting with new routines and expectations. During performing arts classes children take direction from their teachers and peers. This encourages them to be receptive to others’ ideas and work collaboratively. Confidence Building Some children are never happier than putting on a show for their family and friends, but for some standing up in front an audience can be daunting. Performing arts is hugely beneficial to a childs confidence level. Learning new skills, rehearsing, and performing in a safe space, with the support of expert teachers and encouragement of their peers, can prepare children to deal with situations in which they feel anxious. Pauline Quirke Academy believe that their three core modules, Musical Theatre, Comedy and Drama and Film and Television, offer students the very best mix of both performance based and technical training as well as providing them with skills for life to help them grow into well-rounded individuals. To find out more and a local class visit www.pqacademy.com Familiesonline.co.uk
Families Kent 9
SUMMER FUN
Enjoying the great outdoors By Ed Bassett The school shoes have been kicked under the bed until September, the weather’s looking promising and there’s the great outdoors to explore as a family. A recent study found that taking part in nature-based activities leads to improved mood, less anxiety and positive emotions, so let’s get out there!
Kayaking
function, supports healthy functioning of the immune system and relieves stress.
Kayaking is an exhilarating activity for families with children who are confident in water. It’s also a very versatile activity, given that you can kayak on almost any body of water, including lakes, rivers, streams or even the sea.
Encourage children to observe out loud what they can see, hear and smell around them and how it makes them feel.
Camping Camping makes the most of longer days and even a weekend spent immersed in nature is a breath of fresh air and healthy, wholesome fun for all ages.
Tuition and guided trips are widely available throughout the country for first timers.
Gardening Gardens are great spaces to explore sensory development. By encouraging children to feel and understand the texture of soil, actively listen out for birds (and next door’s dog) and smell the flowers, you will improve their sensory awareness and recognition.
Look up at night and marvel at the free light show on offer from various constellations, stars and planets.
Better still, if you engage children in growing their own food, they naturally have a keener interest in eating it, encouraging healthy eating habits from a young age. Even city kids can watch and wonder at plants growing on a windowsill. Cress, salad leaves and tomato plants are very simple to grow and don’t require any outdoor space at all.
Forest bathing Forest bathing is about being calm and quiet among trees, observing the natural environment while breathing deeply, in order to de-stress and boost wellbeing. This meditative practice can be beneficial both for adults and children. Find a quiet spot and start breathing deeply. Try hugging a tree. Deep breathwork balances blood pressure, boosts energy levels, improves sleep, strengthens respiratory
Ages 2-11
You’ll enjoy the slower pace, a greater connection both with nature and your family and be ready to return home feeling calmer, less anxious and less irritable.
Scavenger hunts A scavenger hunt adds an extra layer of interaction and incentive to any walk. Set out with a list of specific animals, bugs, flowers and trees to find and challenge the kids to find the natural treasures along the way. For younger children, ask them to spot different colours - such as looking out for red leaves, ladybirds or birds’ feathers.
Foraging Nettles, elderflowers, blackberries, cherries, chestnuts and apples can all be found in woods and forests at various points throughout the summer and early autumn and can be safely foraged for all types of cooking, baking and jam-making. The Woodland Trust has a handy guide for what’s in season in the UK for those wanting to try their hand at foraging. (https://bit.ly/WoodlandTrustForage) Remember, while foraging in public spaces and footpaths is perfectly legal, if you’re on private land you will need the permission of the landowner. Ed Bassett is Head of Wanderlust at Camptoo. To book a campervan for your next road trip, visit www.camptoo.co.uk
Play n’ Grow Holiday Club Southborough and Tonbridge Themed craft cooking games outdoor play trips 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri during school holidays (excluding Bank Holidays) 07727 692645 I play.growholidayclub@gmail.com 10 Families Kent
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SUMMER FUN
Low-cost summer fun
Educational
Out and about
Visit a museum. There are world-renowned museums in cities across the UK that offer free access to exhibitions year-round. To find a museum near you, visit www.visitbritain.com
Cinema deals. Odeon cinema and Cineworld will be running kids screenings all summer, with tickets priced from £3.25. www.odeon.co.uk and www.cineworld.co.uk
Festival of Archaeology. The Council for British Archaeology has teamed up with hundreds of museums to organise more than one thousand archaeology-related events and activities all over the country. www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk
Hop on board the train. Taking the train to visit somewhere new is an adventure in itself. And it doesn’t need to cost the earth if you buy a Family and Friends Railcard. www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk
Take the summer reading challenge. The challenge, aimed at children aged 4 to 11 years, is to read six or more library books over the summer. There are stickers and other rewards available from the library. Sometimes free and always inexpensive, a local library membership will really encourage your children to dive into books, audiobooks and more. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. Get your kids closer to nature with The National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to undertake during the summer, from watching the sunset to creating some wild art. Many can be done at home and in your garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50-things-to-do
Visit a pet store. Kids will enjoy seeing all the furry pets for sale including hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and fish. Pet stores often run animal handling sessions and other free activities during the holidays. Find My Pet Pals workshops at www.petsathome.com Pick your own berries. Take your young ones to a pick-your-own farm to gather a heap of juicy strawberries or raspberries. Of course, they will do plenty of eating too but, hey, it’s fruit! Drive-in cinema. The perfect retroactivity for a balmy summer night or afternoon, why not head to an outdoor cinema? With outdoor or drive-in cinema popping up in various places throughout the UK, you might catch a family favourite or retro classic.
Go outdoors
Something different
Go fly a kite! They’re cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them. www.thekitesociety.org.uk
Let’s fish! The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing taster sessions over the holidays, with professional angling coaches on hand to teach the basics. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Join in National Play Day. National Play Day takes place across the country on 1 August. Children and families have the chance to play at hundreds of community events, from mass adventures in woodlands to street parties with games. Find your nearest ones at www.playday.org.uk
Go for a bike ride. Cycling is a great way to reconnect with nature and get off the beaten track. Take a ride on a local cycle path or if you’re a bit more ambitious, why not take a family bikepacking trip somewhere a bit further afield? Find the Gruffalo. If your kids love Julia Donaldson, there are themed walks based on her books up and down the country to take the family to visit. Find out more details on these trails at www.forestryengland.uk/gruffalo Woodland adventure. Explore your nearest woodland and enjoy adventure play areas, natural play, off-road cycling and lots of space to create dens. Find your local wood or forest at www. forestryengland.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
Enjoy a wild swim. When it’s warm, it doesn’t get much better than taking a dip in the sea, lake or river. If you live in a big city, don’t be put off! You’ll be surprised how many wild swimming spots are nearby. www.wildswimming.co.uk
Go geocaching. This is a real outdoor treasure hunting game that uses an app. You navigate to a set of GPS coordinates and try to find the treasure at that location. www.geocaching.com Borrow a doggy. Join Borrow My Doggy to let your kids bond with a dog that need some love while their owners are out at work. It’s a great way to get the kids walking in the school holidays. www.borrowmydoggy.com Free tennis coaching and court usage. You can net free tennis sessions or coaching as part of Big Tennis Weekends, organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), at venues across Britain. www.lta.org.uk
Families Kent 11
TOYS
What's On
Fun for all the family
To promote your local event, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next issue, email editor@familieskent.co.uk. Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and venues are open. Every Monday Stay & Play – Toddler Group at Whitstable Umbrella Centre Stay & Play group for parents/ carers and under 5s. 9:30-11:30am, book in advance. www.umbrellacentre.co.uk
Summer Jousting at Hever Castle
Every Saturday Love Your Local Market at Bligh’s Meadow, Sevenoaks The Market takes place in Bligh’s car park every Saturday, with a wide range of local goods on offer, from fresh bread to arts and crafts stalls. Throughout July Dino Expedition at Betteshanger Park, Deal Find your own fossils at Fossil Park and learn about our collection of dinosaur fossils including a Spinosaurus tooth! With educational boards and games, this is a great activity for 2022, when every child will be obsessed with Dinosaurs as the new Jurassic World film hits cinemas. Complete your session by Hunting the Hybrid dinosaur in the woods and have your photo taken. Book online. www.betteshanger-park.co.uk/ event/dino
Snake, Squirrel and Owl are spread out across the pinetum. www.forestryengland.uk/ bedgebury/activities
Throughout July & August Superworm Trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst Join Superworm and friends on their brand-new adventure at Bedgebury Pinetum. Discover the small but mighty creatures in the much-loved story and learn Throughout July & August about the everyday heroic feats Gruffalo Sculptures at of minibeasts in the forest. The Bedgebury National Pinetum new self-led trail features brightly and Forest, Goudhurst illustrated panels and a trail pack When you explore the National full of fun activities. Ages 3-9. Pinetum you may spot the Gruffalo www.forestryengland.uk/ and his friends. Can you find them BLI-Fun-at-the-Fair-PressAd 180x85mm.pdf 1 13/06/2022 bedgebury/activities all? The Gruffalo, Fox, Mouse,
Wed 6th July Stories and Rhymes at Maidstone Museum Listen to a story and rhymes, join in with actions, and make a themed paper craft to take home. Under 5s. 10.30-11.30am. £2.50 book in advance. www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk Sat 9 & Sun 10 July Ice Cream Festival at Kent Life There will be over 40 fabulous varieties of ice cream to try and buy and don’t forget to visit the toppings station to finish off your ice cream with a variety of syrups, marshmallows and sprinkles. 10am to 5pm. £12. Book in advance. www.kentlife.org.uk/event/ice15:50 cream-festival
Sun 10 July & Sun 14 August Tudor Legacies at Penshurst Place Visiting in July and August, the ladies and gents of this group arrive in full Tudor and Elizabethan clothing and are only too happy to speak with our guests about the nobility they portray, and what the royal family was really like during this period! 11am to 3pm. www.penshurstplace.com Fri 15 July Outdoor Theatre: The Merry Wives of Windsor at Penshurst Place The talented cast will be entertaining guests with William Shakespeare’s comedy “The Merry Wives of Windsor” performed on the South Lawn which overlooks the beautiful Italian Garden. Doors will open at 5.30pm and curtains up at 7pm. Bring along folding chairs or a picnic blanket to sit on. www.penshurstplace.com 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31 July & 14, 20 & 21, 26 to 29 August Jousting Tournaments at Hever Castle & Gardens Join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights of Royal England in the procession to the Jousting arena. The Knights of Royal England’s tournaments provide the very best in jousting and medieval entertainment. Spectacular action, stunts, falls, fights and galloping horses, professional commentary, and music throughout the show. www.hevercastle.co.uk
Your favourite nostalgic games including Hook a Duck and Coconut Shy Sweet treats for all ages Live music and more! Visit blighsmeadow.com for more
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WHAT’S ON
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Rediscover England’s First Cathedral • UNESCO World Heritage site • 1,400 years of history • Resting place of saints and royalty
Kids Go Free until 31 October 2022 (T&Cs apply) www.canterbury-cathedral.org
CHILDHOOD HOME OF ANNE BOLEYN
Where a Love of History is Set in Motion
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WHAT’S ON Mon 18 & Tues 19 July The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. Featuring your favourite titles: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. £14. www.emftheatre.ticketsolve.com/ shows/1173623275 Fri 22 July to Wed 31 August Summertime at Leeds Castle This summertime be entertained by a host of fun-filled family activities within 500-acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. Enjoy blue sky strolls through the sun-drenched Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces, dream beside the streams, rivers and moat, and take part in an exhilarating summer activities agenda, which’ll take you through the parklands, woodland walk and up to the thrilling children’s playground. www.leeds-castle.com Fri 22 July to Wed 31 August Spellbound Summer at Hever Castle From magical activities to falconry displays and Jousting, summer at Hever Castle promises something for all the family. Throughout the summer holidays take part in a series of hands-on activities and enter the magic of Hever during medieval times. Come dressed as fairy-tale characters, your favourite witch or wizard or perhaps as a
Explore 1400 years of history at Canterbury Cathedral
just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk. Wed 1pm, 4pm and Thur 10am & 1pm. www.orchardtheatre.co.uk Sat 30 - Sun 31 Jul Pirates at Dover Castle Ahoy, me hearties! Set sail for Dover Castle this summer and get ready for a spectacular adventure on the high seas. See some of history’s most famous pirates fight it out at close quarters, and listen to them tell their tales of booty, bounty and barnacles. With shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities, there’ll be fun for the whole family 10am to 5pm. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/whats-on
brave knight and the best dressed will receive a certificate. www.hevercastle.co.uk
you didn’t know about underwear! www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk/ whats-on/events/pants
Fri 22 July to Wed 31 August Summer holiday fun at Kent Life There’s so much fun to be had at Kent Life with a jam packed summer of entertainment! Why not have a go on our hand powered paddle boats, enjoy an owl flying demonstration, join in with animal feeding sessions, catch a show in our Big Top and so much more! 10am to 5pm. £12 per person. www.kentlife.org.uk/event/ summer-holiday
Sun 24 Jul to Tue 28 Aug Summer Sunday Storytelling at Penshurst Place & Gardens Follow the actors through the gardens as they help you reimagine some of the classic tales we grew up with, among the greenery and flora of the formal gardens. www.penshurstplace.com
From Sat 23 July Pants! At Maidstone Museum Why do we wear underwear? What does your underwear say about you? Take a journey by the seat of your pants to discover everything
Wed 27 - Thu 28 July In the Night Garden Live at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts
Thursdays in Aug & 1 Sep Jolly Roger’s Swashbuckling’ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway Have a swashbucklin’ good time and join Jolly Roger as he tries to find the lost treasure. Packed full of slapstick comedy, thrills and spills. Departing from Tunbridge Wells West at intervals throughout the day. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk Fri 5 & Sat 6 August Children’s Theatre: Rapunzel at Leeds Castle Let your hair down and get tangled in a brand-new musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Rapunzel. This fast-paced, larger-than-life production features a laugh out loud script, heaps of audience interaction, a host of catchy songs, unforgettable characters, and maybe even the odd water gun or two! 5pm. www.leeds-castle.com
Hever Castle Summer Jousting Tournament
Explore 1400 years of history at Canterbury Cathedral
The annual Summer Jousting Tournaments will run from 16 July to 29 August at Hever Castle on various dates.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and resting place of saints and royalty, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597AD and it’s thrilling history spans hundreds of years, telling the stories that have shaped England.
This summer, the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat, the valiant knights will then compete for points to find this season’s ultimate champion. Join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights of Royal England in the procession to the Jousting arena. Bring a blanket or watch the joust in style from the medieval spectator stands. The spectator stands are available for a small cost (£2 per seat) on a first-come, first-serve basis. Then choose which knight to support and cheer them to glory. The event runs on 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31 July and 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 26 to 29 August.
KIDS GO FR EE
until 3
1 Oct
Whether admiring the medieval stained glass windows – including the oldest in Britain, marveling at carved tombs, seeking out dragons and grotesques, or exploring the Cathedral’s stunning Cloisters and green spaces, there’s plenty to do. You might even be lucky enough to spot the peregrine falcons that sometimes make the Cathedral their home. With new visitor experiences and Kids Go Free until 31 October 2022 (terms and conditions apply), there’s never been a better time to visit. Book now at www.canterbury-cathedral.org for a day out 1400 years in the making and rediscover England’s first Cathedral.
More information available at www.hevercastle.co.uk 14 Families Kent
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WHAT’S ON Sat 6 August Fun at the Fair at Bligh’s Meadow, Sevenoaks Join in for a fun and FREE day at Bligh’s with your favourite nostalgic games, face painting, sweet treats for all ages, live music and lots of prizes to be won! Sat 6 & Sun 7 August See The Gruffalo and Stick Man at Spa Valley Railway The Gruffalo and Stick Man will be appearing at Groombridge station at intervals on each day – don’t forget your cameras! Take a steam train ride from Tunbridge Wells West travelling to Groombridge where you can alight to see Gruffalo and Stick Man as the steam locomotive runs around its train. Various times. See website for full details and booking. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk Wed 10 August Beastie Days at Brogdale Farm, Faversham Join in for a day of mini-beastie fun! A day of exploring Brogdale and discovering fantastic bugs & mini beasts. 10am to 3pm. www.brogdalecollections.org Sat 13 August Pilgrims Summer Fair atThe Farriers Arms, Ashford Enjoy a fun afternoon for the family. Sit and relax with an afternoon tea or browse some of the popular stalls including plants, crafts or pre-loved treasure. There will be surprise visitors including a magician on the day to help entertain. Whatever you like, there is something for all ages. Help Pilgrims Hospices to support people across east Kent who are living with an incurable illness. Free
entry (donations welcome). 11am to 4pm. www.pilgrimshospices.org
exploring the orchards and learning new skills. 10am to 12pm or 1-3pm. www.brogdalecollections.org
Sat 13 & Sun 14 August Plum Weekend at Brogdale Farm, Faversham Guided Orchard Tours, Tractor Trailer or self-guided Orchard Walks. Enjoy a small display of the plums in season from the 332 varieties the National Fruit Collection. 10am to 4pm. Book online. www.brogdalecollections.org
Sat 20 August Open Air Theatre: Cinderella at Belmont House In an enchanted kingdom in a faraway land magical creatures and fairy godmothers come together to tell the best loved of all fairytales. Full of song, mirth, and joy for the summer ahead, join us on Cinderella’s journey of a lifetime to a magical ball where nearly anything is possible especially if it is before midnight. Bring your own picnic blankets or low-backed seats to sit on to enjoy the performance. 3pm. www.belmont-house.org
Sun 14 August 5K and 10K Superhero run at Margate Football Club Kent Association for the Blind’s Superhero 5K, 10K and 1-mile Fun Run is back at Margate Football Club. Come dressed as your favourite superhero and take on the 1-mile fun run (ideal for children and families) in the park adjacent to Margate FC. Or take on the 5K or 10K, which takes you along Margate’s seafront. This event will raise money for Kent Association for the Blind, helping people with a sight impairment to live independent lives. www.kab.org.uk/superhero Tue 16, Wed 17, Mon 22, Tue 23 August Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking at Brogdale Farm, Faversham Are you wondering how to keep the kids busy this summer? Look no further. Why not spend a day of exploring our orchards at Brogdale and discover some new skills. Book your Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking kids cooking session for some delicious, healthy, hearty, seasonal fun and spend some time
Tue 23 to Thu 25 August Dragons & Mythical Beasts at the Marlow Theatre, Canterbury Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Ages 3+. 2pm. www.marlowetheatre.com/shows/ dragons-and-mythical-beasts Sat 27 & Sun 28 August bOing Family Festival at The Gulbenkian, Canterbury As ever, bOing! is totally free to enter so you can relax and enjoy a brilliant festival day with lots of free, outdoor performances and activities. bOing is a family festival, meaning it’s not just for children – they programme fantastic artists from across the UK and beyond who make work for all ages. See website for full details. www.thegulbenkian.co.uk/ festivals/boing-internationalfamily-festival-2022
Sat 27 to Mon 29 August Knights Tournament at Dover Castle Go back in time and get closer to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at the Dover Castle Knights’ Tournament. Swords will clash and the winner will be decided in the Grand Melee finale. Immerse yourself in medieval life in the encampment, where you can meet people from the Middle Ages, witness hand crafts, weapon repairs, cooking and life at camp. 10am to 4pm. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/whats-on Fri 27 to Sun 29 Aug Hever in History Step back in time at Hever Castle during the August bank holiday weekend. Immerse yourself in different periods of history with encampments and re-enactments from the Middle Ages to as recent as 20th Century. Get up close to weaponry and suits of armour and try them on for size. Hever in History is included in the Gardens only. Pre-book and save 10% online. www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/ hever-in-history Sat 28 & Sun 29 Aug Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show at Ardenrun Showground The most spectacular August Bank Holiday day out, with a warm welcome and packed with entertainment for all the family. Come and celebrate farming, rural life and the finest food and drink from Kent, Surrey and Sussex. As well as competitions, there is a whole host of entertainement. www.edenbridge-show.co.uk
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