Families London Kent Borders July-August 2018 Issue 44

Summer

FUN ON A BUDGET

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In this issue...

Families London–Kent Borders Magazine or Twitter @familieslkb

ISSUE 44: JULY-AUGUST 2018

9 Summer Fun 4 Family Limit children's snacks to 100 calories twice a day

13

Out & Abo

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6 Education How to avoid brain-drain during the summer holidays

11 Education How to seize the summer with Explore Learning

7 Recipe Healthy ice lollies to make with your kids

12 Holidays Why everyone loves a 'Staycation"

13 Out & About 9 Summer fun on a budget The best of What’s On near Activities on a budget that work you this Summer for the whole family

Front cover: Big Stock Photo Photo by Alena Ozerova Editor: Mima Walia 07792 006546

editor@familieslondonkent.co.uk Design: Kevin Smith Listings Editor: Anna Blackshaw

Families London-Kent Borders Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London-Kent Borders are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London-Kent Borders. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Family News

LIMIT CHILDREN’S SNACKS TO 100 CALORIES TWICE A DAY

Looking for a Beautiful Baby Gift?

P

arents have been advised by health officials to restrict children to only two snacks of 100 calories or less per day to reduce sugar intake between meals.

Recent research has found that half of children’s sugar intake is being consumed between meals.

On average, children are consuming at least 3 unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks a day, with around a third of children consuming 4 or more. The overall result is that children consume 3 times more sugar than is recommended.

The ‘100 calorie snacks, two a day max’ tip applies to all snacks apart from fruit and vegetables.

To help parents make healthier choices Public Health England has developed ‘Be Food Smart app food scanner’ app that shows by scanning the bar code how many calories, sugar, salt and saturated fat is in the food they are buying.

More information, visit www.nhs.uk/change4life

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Here at Sugar Rush Uk they have created these utterly adorable and unique keepsakes for newborns, Baby Showers or even Christening Gifts. All Handmade with Sugar, can also be personalised and will last for years to come. Such a Sweet Gift for any Baby.

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Why the UK Needs a Better Perinatal Support Network Mental health issues around the time of birth are often little-spoken of, but new figures from the MMHA and Royal College of Psychiatrists have revealed that 11% of women experience depressive symptoms during or shortly after birth and 5% suffer with a major depressive disorder.

For women, receiving support from the NHS is a postcode lottery, as 26% of trusts do not have dedicated perinatal teams, made up of psychiatrists and nurses.

Robert Rose, Partner and Head of the Clinical Negligence team at Lime Solicitors says: “Support for new mothers needs to improve and a countrywide perinatal support network could be the answer. This would raise and also provide mothers with the crucial support they need.

If you are a new or expectant mother, it’s important to have an open channel of communication with your midwife/doctor. Discuss how you are feeling with them and raise any issues you might have. This will help secure the support you need.”

JULY - AUGUST 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Family News

Holiday computer coding workshops This Summer, Spark4Kids are running holiday workshops that introduce children to computer coding through the medium of games. Available are courses on Minecraft Modding, Unity/C#, Robotics, Games Design, MicroBit, Python, HTML/CSS and JavaScript in a fun, engaging environment. Ages 5-7 years, and 8+.

Spark4kids Computer Coding Workshops

Dulwich/South-East London Monday 30th July to Friday 3rd August Monday 13th August to Friday 17th August Courses for 5-7 year olds: Tech 4 Little Kids (ages 5-7) - 2, 3 or 5 mornings Courses for ages 8-10 years: Games Coding 4 Kids (ages 8+) - 2, 3 or 5 days HTML Intro 4 Kids (ages 8+) - 2 or 3 days Robotics 4 Kids (ages 8+) - 2 or 3 days Minecraft Modding 4 Kids (ages 10+) - 3 or 5 days MicroBit 4 Kids (ages 10+) - 2 or 3 days Courses for ages 11-12+ years: MicroPython 4 Kids (ages 11+) - 2, 3 or 5 days JavaScript 4 Kids (ages 11+) - 3 or 5 days Python 4 Kids (ages 11+) - 3 or 5 days Unity Intro 4 Kids (ages 12+) - 2 or 3 day

Please visit the Spark4Kids website for more details.

020 8090 1444, www.spark4kids.com

4 IN 10 UK PARENTS BELIEVE A SUN TAN IS HEALTHY Research released by the MET office and NHS reveals relaxed attitudes to sun care amongst many parents.

The study found that 34% think a sun tan helps build resistance to the sun while 37% think a sun tan is a sign of good health.

However, according to NHS England, there's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. It doesn't protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects and is a sign that the skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself. Repeated sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.

The MET says that UV levels are usually highest between May and September. Clouds don’t always stop UV rays, so it's very easy to get sunburnt in the UK, even when it's not particularly warm. Parents can check the UV forecast on the Met Office app.

More information, visit www.nhs.uk/livewell or www.metoffice.gov.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2018

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Education

How to avoid brain-drain during the summer holidays

By Claire Winter

W

e all know that our children need a break during the summer, so they come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. However, research consistently shows that children can lose up to a third of what they have learned during the holidays.

Here are eight great ideas to keep young brains active during the long break: Write a Summer Bucket List Get the kids to write a list of things they want to do during the holidays.

They can create a scrapbook or document it on a computer or tablet.

Get them to research where the places are and the cost of visiting.

Give them extra credit for finding free activities or keeping the trip under £20. [You can mention the free activities feature here]. You can also get them involved in household budgeting, shopping and cooking too.

Read for Pleasure Remind them about the wonder of books. Being told what to read at school can make it less enjoyable, so let them choose what they want to read. Oxfam has dedicated bookshops at which you can pick up teen favourites and kids books for as little as £1. You can also sign up your children for the Summer Reading challenge at the local library. This year’s theme is Mischief Makers, inspired by the classic comic, The Beano.

Get Outside Being outdoors in new environments will keep everyone happy as well as firing up brain neurons! A study by the University of Rochester has found that spending time outdoors not only makes you happier, it also leads to an increased sense of vitality. Being in nature can also calm the mind, boost creativity and improve focus and attention.

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Take a Class Summer holiday workshops and camps can teach your children some new skills, which will also help their brains stay active. Circus skills, kayaking, and coding are all interesting options. [plug your local classes/camps/workshops here] Create Art Remember the holidays are supposed to be fun, so get the kids creating some fun art in the garden or kitchen. This will enhance their creativity and motor skills. Leysa Henderson, education specialist and author of Lost Lives says, “We need to encourage creativity; it could be in the form of music, movement, art or cooking. Computer games keep us passive. I'm seeing more and more passive learners in schools as teachers feel under pressure to deliver an unrealistic curriculum.

Give children a chance to get it wrong as it teaches resilience to push through challenges.”

JULY - AUGUST 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Avoid Gadgets There are some great viral posts about this on social media, in which parents change the WiFi password at home and say to their kids they will only get it back if they tidy their rooms, read a book or go outside! You can set your own rules with this one. Most kids need an Xbox or mobile phone detox, so just set some limits on screen time and let them decide when they get to use their allocation.

Mindset Matters Teach your children resilience and the growth mindset – for example, they aren’t good at something ‘yet.’

The fixed mindset is the belief that they can’t change or develop new or different skills, and are born clever or ‘arty’. The summer is the perfect time for them to try new things or develop existing skills and understand that you can become good at something if you practice. Children who have a growth mindset are much more likely to try a new challenge.

e p i c e R Healthy ice lollies to make with your kids YOGHURT AND BERRY COCONUT ICE LOLLIES Ingredients Makes 4 (but this is depending on the size of your lolly moulds) • 400g of frozen (or fresh) berries. A mix is great - I use blueberries and strawberries • 1/2 tin of coconut milk • 400g natural yoghurt • 1 tbsp maple syrup (use a little less or more depending on how sweet your fruit is) • 1 tsp vanilla

L

et the kids cool down in style with healthy homemade ice lollies. There is no limit to the range, as you can use any fruit you like – and even smuggle in some veggies!

Whipping up a batch of homemade ice lollies makes for a quick and exciting summer project for kids and these are a breeze to make. All you need is a food processor or blender, ice lolly moulds and a bit time to allow them to set. Below is my favourite recipe for yoghurt and berry ice lollies, which is also one of the easiest!

Have fun!

Instructions 1. Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into your ice-lolly moulds and attach the freeze tops.

3. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours until solid.

4. Warm the moulds under water to release the pops when you are ready to eat them.”

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B A N K H O L I D AY M O N D AY

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Summer Holiday Activities Mon–Fri Indoor and Outdoor Facilities ensure

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Animal Area • Jambs Owls • Bouncy Castles • Toys & Games • Traditional Fun Fair • Meet the Mascots • Ice Cream • Refreshments, Snacks & Tasty Treats • Face Painting & Balloon Modelling • Exciting Equestrian Competition • Canine Capers in the Dog Classes

Bring Your Pooch Dog Classes – 12 noon start – just £4 per class or £10 for three classes: Super canine prizes to be won, sponsored by Amanda’s Mucky Pups & Posh Poochies Dog Grooming.

Grand Charity Raffle, Charity Cake Stall, Bottle Tombola Raising funds for the Mayor of Bexley’s Charities - Bexley Mind and Bexley National Autism Association

Mount Mascal Stables, Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 2AW

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The perfect whatever the weather activity running throughout the upcoming Summer school holidays. The fun always includes a group ride with pony handling & care Pony plus extra Fun choicesDays – gymkhana games, tractor rides & woodland walks,9:45am picnics, quizzes and more – Pony Fun – 3:45pm I £42 Days are varied and no two days will be exactly the same!

Theplus day Group riding, pony handling includes lunch & drinks, discount for full week bookings. extra options – gymkhana games, Advance booking & payment required 0208 300 3947 tractort rides & woodland walks,

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varied, no two days exactly the A super fun and unique pony experience especially andsame - Lunch & drinkscreated included designed with little ones in mind. our lovely patient Age Meet guideline, 6 years + ponies – plenty of fun to be had riding, patting, playing and grooming. Learn about how we take care of them too. A little refreshment included, Pony Mornings and aFun rosette Mini in a choice of colours along with a take home craft activity 9:30am – 12noon I £25 as a memory of the day. Private groups also welcome.

A fun with a pony experience especially created for very little Mon – Fri during theones Summer Holidays - Meet lovely patient ponies for patting & playing, greeting & Mini Mornings: Pony Days: grooming plus care & riding time – • Ages 3 – 7 • Age 6 and up Includes fruit & biscuit refreshment • Ideal for Pre-schoolers • Ages are advisory only treat and a take home craft activity Early drop off and late pick-up - Age guideline, 3-7 years available at an additional cost familyfun@mountmascalstables.com www.mountmascalstables.comwww.mountmascalstables.co.uk Telephone 020 8300 3947 Telephone 020 8300 3947 Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 2AW @mountmascal families@mountmascalstables.com Vicarage Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 2AW

Summer Fun

© Trustees of NHM

Summer Fun ON A BUDGET

By Claire Winter

T

he summer holidays will soon be here! While our children are looking forward to it, many of us parents are wondering how we are going to juggle work, play, and activities within our budget in a way that works for the whole family.

If you’re short on ideas for fun on a budget, add these to your list, as they won’t break the bank!

Visit a Museum Britain has an amazing array of museums and entry is often free or by donation. Head to London for one of the “big 3” - the Science Museum (www.sciencemuseum.org.uk), the Natural History Museum (www.nhm. ac.uk) or the V&A (www.vam.ac.uk).

Our family favourite is the National History Museum. You’ll need at least half a day to as there are thousands of exhibits ranging from dinosaurs, to volcanicity, to evolution. Don’t miss the skeleton of the Blue Whale in the Hintze Hall, which is truly majestic.

If you’ve done these, try a lesser-known one, like The Cartoon Museum (www.cartoonmuseum.org) in Holborn.

Entry is £7 for adults and £3 for children.

In Manchester, great free museums include the Museum of Science and Industry (www.msimanchester.org. uk). Set amid the remnants of the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station, this is a true museum for all the family. If you are in Birmingham, Sarehole Mill (www. birminghammuseums.org.uk/sarehole) is worth a visit. It’s a 250 year old working water mill famous for its association with author JRR Tolkien. It costs a modest £6 for adults and £3 for children and runs family events on many days during the summer.

Sporting Events This summer there are lots of great sporting events to look forward to.

Wimbledon kicks off early in July, and many places will have tennis-themed

© Lloyd Images

events to celebrate. In Maidenhead, Berkshire they screen the big matches on a big screen on the High Street (enjoymaidenhead.com). You could also host your own party in the garden.

Get some rackets with a soft ball and some strawberries and cream. Game, set and match!

Glasgow (together with Berlin) is hosting the inaugural European Championships (www.glasgow2018. com/championships) this August, an exciting new multi-sport event bringing together some of the continent’s leading sports including the existing European Championships for Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon. There are sure to be some opportunities to get outside and watch some of these things on the big screen around the city or enjoy a homebased family viewing opportunity.

The Extreme Sailing Series™ is sailing into Cardiff Bay, Wales, over the August Bank Holiday weekend, as the headline act to the Cardiff Harbour Festival. An international fleet of hydro-foiling GC32 catamarans will battle it out in the sixth stop of their global tour. There will www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2018

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Wellbeing Summer Fun

exhibition with a new family activity pass (family tickets usually start at £15.30). This pass will give you free access to family activity days for six months. Activity days give families a chance to step inside the Bridge to experience the Glass Walkways, exhibitions and atmospheric Victorian Engine Rooms while exploring its fascinating history and engineering feats through soundscapes, storytelling and art activities.

© Claire Winter

also be FREE shore-side entertainment for the whole family. Spectators can enjoy live music, entertainment, bars, food stalls, a kids’ zone and expert commentary on the racing. www. extremesailingseries.com.

£26, and it is well worth the cost to see one of the UK’s finest castles. Off the coast, you can visit the beautiful Farne islands, which have a great array of wildlife including migrating birds, seals, and dolphins.

Explore Nature Britain has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. We have nearly 7,800 miles of coast, ideal for surfing, walking, exploring and wildlife watching. Most places in the UK are no more than two hours from a beach. Northumberland has an incredible stretch of beaches and you can visit the mighty Bamburgh Castle (www.bamburghcastle.com).

Entry for a family four is a reasonable

The rugged Cornish coast is always a good place to visit too. If you are a fan of Poldark, you should visit Kynace Cove, which is one of the locations that doubles as Nampara in the series. I am not promising that you’ll get to meet a dark, handsome man in breeches though!

If you’re planning a road trip, head to the Scottish border and visit Hadrian’s Wall. Built by the Romans in 122AD to keep the Scots out after they invaded Britain, this amazing stone wall once stretched nearly 80 miles from coast to coast in the north of England. It is thought to have taken three legions of men at least six years to complete.

It’s now part of a 150-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the UK’s most spectacular Roman monuments. You will find different, planned family itineraries starting at different locations along the length of the wall at hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/ visit/itineraries

Visit a Landmark If you visit Tower Bridge in London this summer, you can also visit the

at Weald of Kent

TAKING BOOKINGS NOW FOR SUMMER 10

JULY - AUGUST 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Education

How to seize the summer with Explore Learning The summer holidays are a great time for families to spend time together.

However, it can also be a time when children forget some of the skills they have mastered at school.

Miss Evans, a year 6 teacher, stated “Teachers often find that children begin the new school year having forgotten key skills. It is important that children have opportunities over the summer break to continue to develop their abilities.”

Here are some ideas from Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning, on how to seize the summer.

START A BLOG Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing.

SEND A POSTCARD Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to. They’re only short so are a wonderful

way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like ‘By Post’? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.

READ, READ AND READ SOME MORE Pop a book in your bag so you can use this when travelling on days out. We will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading.

Visit explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and download your first activity!

PLAY SOME GAMES These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills.

Needs some new games? Have a

scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game.

TUITION To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a tuition centre where there are lots of other children getting involved.

Explore Learning offers free taster sessions, so get in touch today by calling 033 01243802.

Explore Learning was voted number one private tuition centre in the UK. With over 137 centres nationwide, Since 2001, they have helped over 200,000 children aged four to 14 to achieve their potential. They get to know every child as an individual, giving them the space to unlock their imagination and discover the magic of learning.

Explore Learning is offering a saving of £50 to the first 65 members who join between 11th July– 11th August 2018.

Visit explorelearning.co.uk/offer. T&Cs apply.

Award -winni ng math s and Engli sh tuitio n

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Research shows

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OF CHILDREN FALL BEHIND IN THEIR STUDIES OVER

We believe that progress shouldn’t stop at the end of term and crucially, research shows it shouldn’t either. t

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ERS 65 NEW MEMB

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Why not try us for free?

033 0124 3802 | explorelearning.co.uk Your nearest centres are in Ashford, Bromley, Crayford, Orpington, Sidcup, Southborough and West Wickham.

*11th July - 11th August 2018, T&C’s apply

www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2018

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Holidays

WHY EVERYONE LOVES A ‘STAYCATION’ ‘Staycations’ are still proving to be popular choice in the UK. Post-brexit ‘staycation’ searches and bookings went up a quarter last year, according to research by Travel marketing group Sojern. Claire Winter takes a look at some of the best options.

Lodge 37, Norfolk Holiday lodges used to be considered to be a bit old-fashioned and chilly.

They are now a chic staycation option. Lodge 37 has been lovingly refurbished and is a Californian style Lodge located in the Cliff House Holiday Park in Dunwich on the Suffolk Heritage Coast between Southwold and Aldeburgh. Just a two-hour drive from London, it has fantastic sea views and is a oneminute walk from Dunwich Beach.

We were lucky enough to stay there for the weekend. The sea views are fantastic, and the open plan style of the living room and kitchen area is perfect for socialising. The kid's bedroom has two sets of bunk beds in it so you can sleep four kids in there easily. If you are too lazy to cook there is a great restaurant called the Lost Churches just a few minutes’ walk away which serves a variety of tasty meals and snacks. It has a well-stocked bar with a large variety of gins for the discerning gin drinker. We ate there the first night, and the food was delicious. You can also go on lots of great walks; we did a great 8-mile circular walk that encompassed cream tea at National Trust Coastguards tea room. There is so much to see and do, a weekend isn’t long enough.

To find out more go to www.lodge37.com

Lodge 37, Norfolk

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Farrs Meadow, Dorest This idyllic campsite is set in picturesque Dorset; it’s a 15-minute walk from the River Stour and a short drive from the village Wimbourne.

The campsite is tents only, you have to leave your car in the car park, and they take your gear up to the site with a quad bike. We loved this campsite because you could have an open fire.

Nothing beats sitting around a fire toasting marshmallows with the kids.

The site also offers Yurts and Gypsy caravans if you don’t fancy lugging all your camping gear out of the garage or loft for a weekend away.

Be warned you get to shower and go to the loo in converted horseboxes, which the kids loved doing of course!

A head torch is a good investment. www.farrsmeadow.co.uk

YHA Ambleside, Lake Windermere Dust off your walking boots and

YHA Ambleside, Lake Windermere

JULY - AUGUST 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

take a trip to the Lake District. The region has 900 square miles of lakes, forests, and mountains. It is stunningly beautiful, and you can walk, mountain bike or take part in numerous water sports. You can stay at the brilliantly situated YHA Ambleside, which is just on the shores of Lake Windermere. It even has its own jetty and slipway.

Family rooms start at just £25 per night, and it has recently undergone a £1.4 million refurbishment. www.yha.org.uk/hostel/ambleside

The Pollurian Bay Hotel, Cornwall If luxury is more your style, you could stay at the Polurrian Bay Hotel, situated on the cliffs of the Lizard. It has stunning coastal views, a spa, free childcare and children’s activities, so everyone has a break! www.polurrianhotel.com

Pembrokeshire The coastline boasts some gorgeous white beaches. They are national coastal park, which means Pembrokeshire’s coastline and waters remain pristine. There are lots of family-friendly attractions.

Airbnb has lots of great properties to rent across Pembrokeshire. www.airbnb.com

Out & About

Out & About T H E B EST O F W H AT ’S O N N EA R YOU

SUMMER ICE CREAM FESTIVAL AT KENT LIFE Kent Life in Maidstone welcomes back the popular annual Ice Cream Festival!

There will be over 20 fabulous flavours of ice cream available at the festival and everyone can sample delicious tasters from the ice cream vendors as well as visit the chocolatiers and sweet stalls offering tasty treats including candy floss, popcorn and snow cones.

The event is perfect for anyone wanting to just sit back and relax while listening to the live music on the “Dairy Stage” in between enjoying all the fun things to do at Kent Life. There will also be a face painter and traditional entertainment from the Punch and Judy show.

Admission includes fun rides round the farm on the land train, all the indoor and outdoor play areas including cuddle corner where children can get up close to some of the farm’s smaller animals including rabbits and guinea pigs, daily owl flying displays from the Kent Owl Academy and the opportunity to visit the inquisitive Meercats. Visitors can also enjoy a nature trail and walk through several interesting and historic farm buildings.

Dotty’s Tea Room will also be open with a great selection of home-made cakes and other tasty meals and snacks. Pizzas are also available from the special woodfired pizza oven in the Pizza Garden.

Admission prices are: adults £9.95, children (3 to 15 years) £8.25, concessions £8.95, Family Ticket (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children) £32.95. Under 3’s and members FREE. Annual membership passes are also available.

Kent Life is open from 10am to 6pm with last admission at 5pm.

There is a 15% discount for advance online bookings.

This is a FREE event for Kent Life members. Membership passes will be required at admission.

For further information, call 01622 763936 or visit www.kentlife.org.uk

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BABY BROADWAY Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA 020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Baby Broadway brings the sound of the West End to your doorstep. The whole family can sing and dance along to songs from Motown, My Fair Lady, The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Frozen and many more plus there will be bubbles, puppetry and dance moves in a family concert performed by West End singers.

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DARTFORD FESTIVAL Central Park, Cranford Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1JP. www.dartford.gov.uk

A fantastic free two-day family event! The Dartford Festival has been running for over 80 years and has developed from a town carnival into a muchloved FREE music and family fun weekend.

Until 15 July

SUMMER MAIZE MAZE Penshurst Place Estate, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG. 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.com

Back by popular demand, the Maize Maze this year features some new twists and turns so, if you think you cracked it last year, why not come back again and see if you can beat your time and find all the hidden checkpoints?

Open 11am-6pm, last entry 5pm.

Until 2 September

JOUSTING EVENTS Hever Castle & Gardens, Hever, Hever, Nr Edenbridge, TN8 7NG. 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

The Knights of Royal England will be entertaining the crowds 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

www.familiesonline.co.uk JULY - AUGUST 2018

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Out & About

THE BEACH AT BLUEWATER From 14th July - 2nd September

The Beach at Bluewater is back this summer, and it's bigger and better, featuring exciting new rides for thrill seekers and more sand for castle building in the sun!

KENT LIFE AT THE SEASIDE!

There’s a whole host of new attractions and rides including the Tornado, Star Flyer, Deep Impact and the ultimate water game, Water Wars Balloon Battle. Guests will also be able to relax and soak up the sun on the deckchairs or cool off in the giant paddling pool. Head outside The Village (near Zizzi and Pizza Express) for a great day out!

BLUEWATER’S NATURE TRAIL WITH NEW PIXIE VALLEY Bluewater’s award-winning Nature Trail is in full bloom this summer, follow the trail and discover the beautiful Swan Lake, play area and an array of wildlife. There’s a whole host of exciting new attractions too, including a bug hotel, stepping logs and hopscotch to be enjoyed by all.

Plus, step into Bluewater's Pixie Valley, a magical addition to the Nature Trail. Families are invited to search for ten tiny doors and windows to discover pixies Flora HoneyBlossom, Rosa Clover-Leaf, Oren Elm-Dew and friends!

Little ones can enjoy the enchanted parkland, pose on the fairy-tale thrones and make a wish at the wishing wall. www.bluewater.co.uk

season’s ultimate champion.

Take a blanket or watch the joust in style from the medieval spectator stands, available for a small cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Then choose which knights you support and cheer them to glory. Available over various dates, check website for full details.

Until 15 July

1 5 J U LY

JULY FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY - ROMAN VILLA FAMILY FUN! Crofton Roman Villa, Crofton Road, Orpington, BR6 8AF 01689 860939 www.cka.moon-demon.co.uk

Discover the secrets of the Villa house with a guided talk and Roman artefacts.

Complete a family villa quiz with a badge & certificate for children & a free Kent Excavations book for the adults! Special tours at 10.30 and 2.30pm. Open 10am to 4.30pm. Last entry 4pm.

Normal admission charges apply. No booking needed.

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according to plan…Don’t miss the chance to see your little one’s face as their favourite characters are brought to life in this brand-new show.

1 6 J U LY

BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA 020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy is the UK’s premier baby friendly comedy club! Their shows feature the funniest comedy stars from the circuit and TV. Soft flooring, toys, buggy parking and baby changing are provided so that your baby is happy and you can relax, have a drink and be entertained!

2 5 J U LY

BING LIVE: BING GOES TO THE THEATRE The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Calling all Bingsters! Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Flop and Amma are there to help, but in this magical world of makebelieve things don’t always go

JULY - AUGUST 2018 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU. 01622 763936 www.kentlife. org.uk

Look out for mermaids and sharks and take part in the summer spectacular “Kent Life at the seaside” themed weeks. Take part in under the sea themed activities with games and races and crafts for all. You can even create your own mermaid to take home. Don’t forget your Explorers card over the holidays!

Until 2 September

2 5 J U LY

SUMMER FUN AT THE FARM! The Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY 01622 872068 www.thehopfarm.co.uk

Go and join Hopper the Rabbit for Summer holiday fun, activities and more for all the family. The Hop Farm Family Park, is open every day from 10am and there are some special treats in store during August. Enjoy the fantastic indoor entertainment shows in the Big Red Barn, face-painting and bouncing on our popular Giant Jumping Pillows.

make a new dinosaur friend.

Until 1 August

ANIMAL MAGIC Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ. 01322 621238 www.hallplace.org.uk

Go and meet the animals: the cute and cuddly, the feathered, the prickly, and the crawly.

Get close up and personal as they aim to give you an animal encounter with a difference. A great experience for children and adults alike. £6 children and £4 adults. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Until 3 August

MOUNT MASCAL PONY FUN MINI MORNINGS Vicarage Road, Bexley, DA5 2AW 020 8300 3947 www.mountmascalstables.co.uk

A super fun and unique pony experience especially created and designed with little ones in mind. Meet our lovely patient ponies - plenty of fun to be had riding, patting, playing and grooming. Learn about how we take care of them too. A little refreshment included, along with a take home craft activity and in a choice of colours as a memory of the day. Private groups also welcome. Ages 3-7 9.30am - 12noon Mon-Fri during the summer holidays. £25 per child

1 AUGUST

Until 2 September

FACE PAINTING & NAIL ART

3 0 J U LY

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre. co.uk

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new show for all the family. Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably lifelike) dinosaurs. A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to

The artistic team are back again to create life-like characters and animals on your fingers and faces. Who will you choose to be?

11am-4pm.

Until 3 August

Out & About

2 AUGUST

someone you love!

IMMERSION THEATRE PRESENTS PETER PAN

11am – 4pm.

Until 19 August

The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG 01732 866114 www.heverfestival.co.uk

17 AUGUST

Following the success of last year’s Wind in the Willows, Immersion Theatre are thrilled to return to the Festival Theatre once again. Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, a laugh-a-minute script, and the opportunity to meet the characters after the show, this hilarious and exciting musical of the boy who never grew up promises to have every member of the family entertained throughout....

You’ll be HOOKED! Reserved covered seating: £15.50.

5 AUGUST

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN DAY Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AD. 01892 870347. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

A celebration of Ancient Egypt for all the family set throughout the Castle. Go and visit the Field of Eternity to become a Junior Archaeologist, take part in gallery tours, handle 3,000 year old objects and a variety of activities, and hear from international experts on Egyptology.

Adults £10, Children £5.

8 AUGUST CLAY CREATURES WORKSHOP

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Go and help mould and sculpt clay creatures of your choice, the more imaginative the better! ...and don’t forget, take your master piece home to show your family and friends.

11am - 4pm.

Until 12 August

15 AUGUST MAKE YOUR OWN LAVENDER BAG

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Design and sew your very own handmade bag, and fill it with wonderful smelling lavender flowers, a great gift for give

to create their very own masterpieces, inspired by nature. They’re shaping things up this year and using fruit and vegetable accessories, and can’t wait to see your impressive prints of art!

OPEN AIR THEATRE: PETER PAN

11am – 4pm.

Until 27 August

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com

26 AUGUST

Immersion Theatre invites you to soar away to Neverland with catchy music, audience interaction, a laugh-a-minute script and the opportunity to meet the characters after the show. This hilarious and exciting musical is the perfect family summer’s evening out.

Gates open 5pm. Performance starts 6pm finishes at 8pm.

Until 18 August

19 AUGUST MILKSHAKE LIVE!

Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA 020 3285 6000 www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Penshurst Place Estate, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG. 01892 870307 www.penshurstplace.com

Get the family together this August Bank Holiday and get to grips with nature with a bushcraft skills workshops on the Woodland Trail, falconry demonstrations, pantomimestyle storytelling and a handful of amazing crafts to make and take home! Perfect for children and adults of all ages.

Until 27 August

Kent, ME14 3AU. 01622 763936 www.kentlife.org.uk

Kent Life welcomes back the Ice Cream Festival!

Sample tasters from the ice cream vendors, or visit the chocolatiers and sweet stalls with treats from candy floss to popcorn and snow cones.

There will be over 20 fabulous flavours of ice cream!

29 AUGUST DREAM CATCHERS

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Originally from Native American cultures, dream catchers were handmade and believed to give their owners good dreams. Go along to Riverhill and enjoy the chance to make your very own dream catcher, using all sorts of charming, fun and wonderful trinkets.

Until 2 September

27 AUGUST

Starring Milkshake! favourites and two Milkshake! presenters, this all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales. Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight! The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love.

ICE CREAM FESTIVAL Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone,

TELETUBBIES LIVE The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED. 01322 220000 www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, LaaLaa and Po in a show full of love and laughter as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland. Look out for the Tubby Phone, Noo-noo and the Sun Baby in a fun, bright and safe world which captures young children’s imaginations and encourages them to explore the world around them

Wild Summer 2018 Starts Here Held in safari-style woodland camps, our back-to-nature adventures are packed full of exciting bushcraft activities all through the summer holidays.

3-day camps available at Penshurst Place, Kent for children aged 6-15.

Penshurst Place Kent

Book online at

www.campwilderness.co.uk 03332 004469 Hello@campwilderness.co.uk

Until 27 August

22 AUGUST MESSY ART: FRUIT & VEG PRINTING

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. 01732 459777 www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

Brought to you by The Bushcraft Company – the experts in real outdoor adventures.

Calling all budding artists

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IT’S BACK! JUL – SUN 2ND SEPT

ANIMAL TRAIL THURS 12TH JUL – SUN 9TH SEPT

For full details of our Summer fun, see bluewater.co.uk

OPEN ALL YEAR!