Families London SW December 2016 issue 262 lo-res

®

South West December 2016

Where is Santa?

Holiday activities The top five Pantos Reversed Advent calendar 26 YEARS

REALLY USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF 0-12+ YEAR OLDS IN SW LONDON

CHECK OUT OUR NEW, HYPER LOCAL WEBSITE ! WWW.FAMILIESONLINE.CO.UK

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© Helen Murray

Contents

New family musical Mr Popper’s Penguins, opens at the Criterion Theatre from the 15th to 31st December

Families®SW|Issue 262 WEBSITE: www.familiesonline.co.uk TEL: 020 8696 9680 EDITORIAL: editor@familiesSW.co.uk NEWS: news@familiesSW.co.uk ADVERTS/ARTWORK: adverts@familiesSW.co.uk EVENTS, DIARY DATES, WHAT’S ON: whatson@familiesSW.co.uk NEXT ISSUE: Jan/Feb 2017 DEADLINE: Early December 2016 ISSN 1354-9553 | All content ©Families SW 2016 • ‘Families SW’ London, established in 1990, is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. • Printed by Ridgeway Press Ltd, Wiltshire • Designed by Shirley Trimmer • We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources.

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Local news

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Our Top Five Pantos!

10-11 Reversed Advent Calendar Encourage children to give not just receive 15

Christmas crafts Make your own Christmas decorations

16-17 Where is Father Christmas?

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Why it is important for children to be bored

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Help with Christmas childcare Why button batteries are dangerous

23-25 Christmas Holiday Activities Arts, craft, dance, music, science, sport and more...

26-31 What’s On Diary dates & events Babies and toddlers Christmas fairs Christmas carols Theatre Museums & Exhibitions Special Needs

ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Contact us on 020 8696 9680 Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | December 2016

Find us on Facebook and Twitter FamiliesSW

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NEWS ARE YOUR CHILDREN WONDERFULLY CREATIVE? Do you have little ones who like to paint, to draw, to dream? Place of Little Dreams is a lifestyle website for anyone with young children, a treasure trove of brilliant original creative activities, including a directory of unique children’s boutiques, products and educational resources. Set up in 2016 by Montessori teacher Lexi Heriot Maitland, Place of Little Dreams also hosts pop-up shops and events for families in and around London, while her blog travels through themed art activities, techniques and freestyle creations, awakening children’s senses.

A lovely idea.

NEW NURSERY IN RIVERSIDE The London Preschool has opened a brand new branch in Wandsworth’s Riverside Quarter.

The London Preschool is run with a passion for excellence and innovation and a fundamental belief about the importance of education and its ability to nurture through music, the arts, science, technology, literacy, numeracy and physical exploration. In fact, their children have composed and performed their own operas and held exhibitions of their own art! Open 7am7pm, 2 Knightley Walk SW18 1GZ. 020 3538 7602, www.londonpreschool.co.uk

www.placeoflittledreams.com

RSPCA AWARD FOR PET FRIENDLY WANDSWORTH Animal lovers and their furry friends will be pleased to hear that Wandsworth has been recognised twice in the RSPCA’s 2016 Community Animal Welfare Footprint awards. This year Wandsworth picked up the highest award in both the Stray Dogs and the Housing categories, recognising the authority’s animal-friendly policies.

Wandsworth’s Animal Welfare Team not only helps track down lost pets but also runs a schools visit programme and courses in safety around dogs. www.wandsworth.gov.uk

NEW AIR QUALITY CAMPAIGN Drivers across 13 London boroughs are being urged to switch off idle engines in a campaign to tackle air pollution and help protect health. The Vehicle Idling Action Campaign, supported by the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund, encourages more drivers to switch off their engines when not on the move, which can have a significant impact on harmful emission levels. The campaign also includes volunteers chatting to drivers and spreading the word about the effects of idling cars. Drivers who agree to switch off and pledge not to idle again will receive a mini version of the campaign board game to help teach others.

Find out more at www.wandsworth.gov.uk

DRAMA FOR ALL Wonderful and hugely successful local company Little Voices is expanding this month and opening new venues across SW London. Build your child’s confidence and nurture their love for performing, acting, singing and dancing at classes in Putney, Fulham, Richmond, Teddington and Wandsworth. Ages 4-12.

JOIN THE BABY CLUB Founded by two London mums, SW Baby Club is perfect for those with babies under 1 to find interesting events and meet like-minded mums. At this exclusive membership club find weekly activities including beauty events, coffee mornings with baby safety experts from Baby Safe Homes, post-natal training sessions in Battersea Park, concerts for babies and much, much more. 3, 6 and 12-month memberships available, or just drop in for a class. caroline_swlondonbabyclub@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/SWBabyClub.

FREE INTERACTIVE ONLINE READING

You can also buy personalised adventure books from Paw Patrol, Disney Frozen and Spiderman. A name of your choice will be printed throughout the book and becomes part of an exciting adventure story.

Wimbledon has become the first London borough to offer a free interactive online reading service, helping children aged 4-12 develop a genuine love of reading and libraries. Ziptales offers over 500 fun activities, games and interactive stories, from adventure stories to yucky stories about slime soup, for all interest levels. With literacy issues at an all-time high, we think this is a great idea. ‘Merton were the first in the UK to take Ziptales on board as a council, after we came across from Australia,’ said Steve Auchettl, Ziptales Manager in Wimbledon. ‘We worked with Merton council to tailor make and develop our service to be ideal for libraries and have maximum value for both parents and children.’

To order yours, visit www.labels4kids.com/fam or call 01786 473 508 asap. All gifts are made to order so please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

www.ziptales.co.uk/library or visit your local library in Wimbledon.

www.littlevoices.org.uk

PERSONALISED GIFTS FROM LABELS4KIDS Labels4kids have a wide range of gifts with everything from personalised boot bags to personalised LEGO® keyrings. These gifts are always a success and are just as fun to give away as they are to receive.

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December 2016 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

NEWS WEAR A HAT DAY Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is the only national UK charity that funds sustainable research into finding a cure.

ARTS FOR LITTLIES Family Explorers is back at the OSO Barnes! These arts session for under 5s are run by Orleans House Gallery on Thursday mornings 10am-12pm with different arts and crafts themes along with songs, stories, parachute games, and imaginative play, plus free entry to the OSO’s soft play room. Includes Space Adventures, Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Festive Fun. No booking necessary, £6 for first child, £3 siblings, or sign up for 7 weeks and only pay for 5. OSO Arts Centre, 49 Station Road, Barnes SW13 0LF

Pencil Friday 31 March 2017 in your diary. Wear a Hat Day is back for the eighth time and it promises to be even hattier than last year.

Wear a Hat Day is a great way to show your support and raise money for brain tumour research during a day of hat-filled fun and games. Register now and start planning your event with the charity’s pack of fundraising goodies – including leaflets, posters, balloons and event ideas, available from www.wearahatday.org Could you sell Christmas cards on their behalf? Cards are £4 per pack and over 50% of the proceeds fund brain tumour research.

Better safe than sorry. Don’t stay too close for too long near electromagnetic radiation. Keep everyone, but especially babies away from baby monitor/routers/mobiles etc. (Ed.) www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z9qy6fr

www.richmond.gov.uk/arts

Greedy Germ

Mayor Saleha Jaffar opens the new Nine Elms Explore Centre

NEW EXPLORE LEARNING IN BATTERSEA Explore Learning, the popular provider of English and maths tuition for children aged five to 14, has just opened a new centre in Nine Elms.

Located inside the new Sainsbury’s flagship store is the company’s 122rd centre to open in the UK. It will provide tailored tuition in English and maths for five to 14 year olds as well as courses for eleven plus preparation, creative writing skills and creative maths for numeracy enthusiasts. A succeed in secondary school course is also available for transitioning pupils.

Children receive tuition at a ratio of one tutor to six children, meaning they get plenty of attention. Locally Explore Learning has centres in Wandsworth, Fulham and Brixton.

Standard membership is £124 per month but financial support is available for many families to help with their membership costs. All parents are eligible for a FREE trial session where parents and children can come in, meet the tutors and receive an assessment on how Explore can help. www.explorelearning.co.uk/Nine-elms

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | December 2016

GET CARTOONING … …at the London International Animation Festival, returning to the Barbican with a whopping 10 day celebratory feast of screen talks and animated features from around the world. Meet the film-makers, watch the movies and experiment at the workshops. Includes classic Disney Shorts from the 30s and 40s with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. The festival will also present two programmes specifically for children; Marvellous Animations for 8-15 year-olds and Amazing Animations for 0-7 year-olds, where talking animals and fun adventures will spark young imaginations. 2-10 December.

0845 120 7527, www.barbican.org.uk/film

STOP PRESS South West Swim School is running an Open Swimming Clinic for adults on Wednesday evenings 19:15-20:00. Adults can come and swim for £5 per session, a swimming coach is available for tips and advice (not to coach during this session.)

Don’t miss their offer of a 2nd session half price for all club and proclub swimmers starting in January 2017. www.swswimschool.co.uk

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THE STUDIO DAY NURSERY (Established 1987)

Montessori Teaching Method 8.00am to 7.00pm Full & Part-time Cooked Lunch & High Tea provided Boys & Girls Aged 2yrs-5yrs

93 Moore Park Road Fulham SW6 All enquires: 020 7736 9256 Principal: J.M.R. Williams, NNEB, RSH (Norlander).

Don't miss the Jan/Feb issue

SPECIAL NURSERY FEATURE Local nursery schools, how to choose a nursery, Montessori: an antidote to digital age?

How much do people pay?

Is free childcare really free?

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FAMILIES TOP FIVE

FSW’s TOP FIVE PANTOMIMES

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Shaw Theatre 100-110 Euston Road NW1 2AJ www.shaw-theatre.com 10-30 December Mirror, Mirror on the wall… What’s the greatest panto of them all?

Starring Darragh Mortell from CBBC's Tracy Beaker as the Prince, Britain's Got Talent impressionist Andrew Fleming as Muddles the Jester and, of course, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs themselves! From £18

SLEEPING BEAUTY Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/shows/sleeping-beauty-2016/richmond-theatre 2 December – 8 January Princess Beauty has a spell cast over her by a Wicked Fairy sending her into a deep sleep, but can the spell be broken by a handsome Prince and will there be a happy ever after? Richmond Theatre is an enchanting place, a bit of a fairy tale theatre. Maureen Lipman makes a return to Richmond as the Wicked Fairy. From £17

ALADDIN

©Jay Brooks

Lyric Hammersmith, One Lyric Square W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk To 7 January The Lyric’s annual pantomime returns when Aladdin flies into Hammersmith on his magic carpet for some festive fun in true Lyric style.

Fresh for 2016, the show will be full of colourful characters, live music, lots of laughs and of course the magical Genie.

Karl Queensborough as Aladdin and Vicky Stone as Abanazar

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | December 2016

CINDERELLA Colour House Theatre Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Saturdays and Sundays to 22 January A firm favourite with our family, this is the sweetest little theatre you can find.

Poor Cinderella has to clean the house for her nasty stepmother and ugly step-sisters.

But when the Royal Palace announces there will be a Ball to find a wife for the handsome Prince and every girl in the kingdom is invited, will Cinderella finally get the fairytale ending she deserves?

2pm and 4pm, £12/£10

DICK WHITTINGTON New Wimbledon Theatre The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre 9 December – 15 January Join Dick and his feline friend Tommy on his fun-filled quest for fame and fortune. Will the streets really be paved with gold? Will he win the hand of the lovely Alice and will he defeat the dastardly King Rat? Join the best dame in the business, Matthew Kelly, in some festive fun at this year’s fantastic family pantomime. From £12.

Matthew Kelly in Dick Whittington

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SPREADING THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS Please share your experience and your pictures via our Facebook page: FamiliesSW

Insert your good deed in the slot instead of grabbing a chocolate

This year make a REVERSE Advent Calendar, where children GIVE rather than receive Enough chocolates, what about spreading the love this year? Instead of receiving chocolates, the children are encouraged to do a little act of kindness each day leading to Christmas to ADD to the calendar. It can be giving a smile, a hand, a drawing. We’ve searched for some original ideas that are easy, manageable and fun for little ones. Pick the ones you like, add your own ideas, and remember to discuss with your child why, this year, Santa is asking him or her to spread the love.

HOW DOES IT WORK? j The idea is that your child —and each member of the family who wants to do it, does ONE a little act of kindness a day, which is then added to their Advent calendar. (It is up to you if they ‘earn’ their chocolate in return or not!) j Prepare your Advent Calendar. It can simply be a simply decorated sheet of paper with 24 boxes to write on, or start with an empty ready made calendar and fill the holes with a note with the deeds on it, or hang your good deeds on a bunting across the kitchen. It’s good to get the children to participate in the making of the calendar. j Everyday each person records their good deed on small sheet of paper or card and places it in the slot for that day. There are always deeds that can be done at home, like emptying the dishwasher or cleaning the dishes if anyone runs out of ideas! j When I mentioned this reverse calendar idea to my children, they all cried in horror. “No way! That is no fun!” But once we got going, there was a tremendous sense of joy and achievement—it almost got to be a competition as to who would do the most good! We are doing it this year again.

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December 2016 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

SPREADING THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS HERE ARE GOOD DEEDS IDEAS FOR CHILDREN (AND THEIR PARENTS) Collect toys and games for donations Give gently used toys that you do not use anymore or new toys to a place that could use them. Get your friends to do the same. The Salvation Army or Great Ormond Street Hospital accept donations, but best to double check what kind of toys they accept. (You can also Google toy donations for local charities or Shelters) Make your brother/sister’s bed.

Cook for someone Prepare a meal so mum has a night off, bake a cake for a friend or bake cookies for a family member.

Sharpen a friend’s pencil.

Give a home made present Make a present for a family member or someone you know would appreciate it. What about a jar full of cookies, some edible Christmas decorations, or make little felt hearts etc. Nothing warms the heart more than a home made gift (done by a child). Search PinIt, or Instagram for simple ideas.

Smile! Smile to the cashier at the supermarket, the bank, your teacher, your neighbours.

Give foodstuff to a food bank Take your child to the supermarket, ask her to choose the foodstuffs to donate and deposit them in the food banks. Foodbanks usually only accept dry foodstuff.

Donate money Get children to give some of their pocket money or do jobs to collect money to give to homeless charities such as Crisis. £22.32 could reserve a place at Christmas for someone who is homeless, giving someone a hot meal, comfort and support.

Hold a door open for someone. Learning good manners at the same time is a bonus!

Give a present to the homeless Spires is a South London based charity that helps hundreds of homeless and disadvantaged people, unemployed or suffering from the effects of poverty, mental ill health and loneliness. They welcome ready wrapped presents for the users. Suggested presents are clothes, food, bedding or toiletries. Place a sticky note on the outside to indicate its contents, size of the gift, whether it’s suitable for a male or female, so it is given to the right person. Bring donations to 8 Tooting Bec Gardens, London SW16 1RB. It is open 8.304pm. www.spires.org.uk Help your teacher with something.

Sit by someone different at lunch at school.

Pray, send positive thoughts or light a candle for people who are in distress, in war scenes, for someone who is bereaved or simply for peace on earth.

Encourage children to be helpful

Help homeless children This Christmas, 120,000 children in Britain will be homeless.

Children that are homeless are more likely to be in poor health, and more likely to suffer mental health problems. Just £19 could buy DIY supplies that help a family make their house a home. www.shelter.org.uk Do something to help Dad Warm up his slippers, pour him a glass of beer, take him for a walk.

Donate your unwanted clothes Get your child to scour his cupboard and donate your unwanted items to either Clapham or Brixton TRAID shop. This charity works to stop clothes from being thrown away, turning clothes waste into funds and resources to reduce the environmental and social impacts of our clothes. www.traid.org.uk Make “care kits” to hand out to homeless people in the streets Simply fill resealable plastic bags with clean socks, a granola bar or other snacks, lip balm, hygiene items and thick gloves.

Set the table.

Offer to babysit a friend’s baby for an afternoon Your child can help look after the baby, change nappies or just play with him.

Do something to help your sibling(s).

Tidy their room, do their homework, refrain from arguing back...

Remember those who grieve Do you have friends who are bereaved or who are ill?

Send them a card or a drawing with your love or/and a few home made cookies.

Give someone a compliment. Appreciate and eat up your dinner, tell grandma how much you love it when she reads books to you, tell mum she is beautiful.

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | December 2016

Heal the earth Connecting with nature reduces stress, restores energy, and in the words of John Muir, it can “wash your spirit clean.” Clean up litter in your local park and enjoy a restful play afterwards.

Host a card making party Cards can be given to homeless people in the streets, at Spires centre, to your neighbour, your teacher, your friends. They mean much more than bought ones, while keeping you creatively engaged and away from screens.

Practice being grateful for what you have Say thank you in your heart for your parents, siblings, food on your table. Send a prayer of thank you, or simply enjoy the lovely warm feeling being grateful provides.

Sign a Petition Take time to learn about and support a cause you and your children care about through online petitions, protecting endangered wildlife for example. Signing a petition takes seconds and they do provide results. Parental help required. www.Change.org www.Greenpeace.org.uk, www.foe.co.uk (Friends of the earth) Pick up litter someone else dropped.

Be happy! Last but definitely not least: one of the very best things you can do this Christmas is simply to be in a good mood and happy. When you are happy, everyone is happy with you.

When thousands and thousands of people around the globe are happy and celebrating, your joy, your laughter, your kindness, your lovely happy vibes make the world a better place.

The Families South West team wishes our lovely readers a very HAPPY Christmas!

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PARTIES! Wonderfully fun musical parties for your under-5’s! Guitar-accompanied songs with actions, joining in, jumping and dancing, instruments, puppet and parachute!

The perfect party for little ones.

Call 020 8677 6871 info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk www.blueberryplaysongs.co.uk

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EASY CHRISTMAS CRAFT

Handmade Christmas tree decorations FREE Stocking pattern can be downloaded from www.sewpretty.me. uk/mystocking

This is a great hand sewing project, for children and parents

By Katya Essery, Sew Pretty

MATERIAL NEEDED Christmas ribbon 15-20cm long, 10cm x 20cm felt, buttons, sequence, needle, embroidery thread, scissors, pins, additional decoration HOW TO MAKE IT 1. Cut two pieces of the required shape.

TIPS: Make sure your thread is knotted and start hand sewing between both layers so your knot will remain hidden.

2. Decorate only the top layer of fabric by hand sewing the shapes and buttons.

3. Pin both layers together and stitch all around using blanket or running stitch. Before closing your Christmas tree shape, leave a small gap and insert stuffing.

Option: You may wish to add some lavender and make keyrings instead of Christmas tree decorations.

You can decorate the items further by adding Christmas bells or personalize it by adding a name to it using a back stitch.

4. Hand sew the ribbon on top of your item ready for hanging on your Christmas tree.

Recommended time 15-20min for each item.

RECOMMENDED STITCHES Blanket stitch is used for working the edges of table-covers, mantel ... This stitch is also quite easy and would be a good project to do with kids!

Running stitch is a simple needlework stitch consisting of a line of small even stitches which run back and forth through the cloth without overlapping.

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | December 2016

Back stitch is a smaller, stronger, and easier to keep straight than a running stitch. It is the closest to machine sewing that you can get by hand. So thread your needle and knot the end of the threads. Bring the needle up through the back or wrong side of the fabric until you hit the knot.

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Where is Santa?

Compiled by Joanna Parry

What a brilliant way to spend a wintery day! Whether you go and see Father Christmas close to home or go further afield, it's an ideal opportunity for a day out to remember.

CLOSE TO

HOME Deen City Farm

39 Windsor Avenue, Merton SW19 2RR 020 8543 5300 www.deencityfarm.co.uk 10, 11, 17 and 18 December We love this city farm, visit to the farm and see Santa. He’ll be visiting the farm 11am-1pm and 24pm. £3 including a present.

Battersea Park Zoo Chelsea Embankment SW11 4NJ 020 7924 5826 www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk 3-4, 10-11 and 16-24 December Come and tell Santa what you’d like for Christmas. £6 to see Santa, plus entrance fee. Includes a small gift and a sticker, plus a drink and Christmas treat. Bookable in advance by ringing the zoo or just turn up. Plus, join in the fun Christmas Stocking search throughout the zoo from 3 to 24 December.

Duke of York Square Grotto Duke of York Square, King's Road SW3 4LY Book at www.dukeofyorksquare.com 1- 23 December Santa’s coming! Take a trip to Chelsea and visit Santa in his cosy abode where he will receive your wish lists, while his little helpers take photos as keepsakes.

Museum of London Docklands Warehouse 1, West India Quay E14 4AL 020 7001 9809 www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museu m-london-docklands 3-23 December Santa comes to the Docklands!

From £7, book in advance.

Omnibus Clapham 1 Clapham Common Northside SW4 0QW www.omnibus-clapham.org 11 December Little elves are warmly invited to help with getting ready for

Battersea Zoo Santa feeding meerkat Christmas! Festive art and crafts activities, cards, decorations, crackers, creative wrapping paper.

Then of course a well deserved snack, Christmas stories and a party. Booking essential, 2-5pm, book on 07852 336405 or at www.thecreativityroom.co.uk

Eddie Catz Wimbledon 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 020 8540 9956 Tickets available from www.santasgrotto.london 16 to 23 December Visits include the Santa’s Grotto experience, a professional photo, a gift from Santa and a 2 hour play at Eddie Catz. A great afternoon out! £19.99 per ticket.

Santa To Your Door info@adamantsparties.co.uk Arrange a magical visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or any other time. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children about their favourite things. He may even sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two. Call the Santa hotline on 020 8959 1045/ mob 07969 121094 or email info@adamantsparties.co.uk

See Santa while browsing the fine food market in the Duke of York Square on the King's Road

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Father Christmas’s grotto, where a wonderful visit awaits. Children of all ages will be delighted by this interactive festive experience. £26.50, accompanying adults free, experience lasts up to 1 hour.

Hamleys 188-196 Regent Street W1B 5BT 0371 704 1977 www.hamleys.com 26 November – 24 December Join Father Christmas and his lovable elves at The Finest Toy Shop in the World for fun, magic and theatre at this very special time of year. Meeting Father Christmas at Hamleys is an extra special experience where children will take part in seasonal activities, enjoy delicious snacks, spend time with Father Christmas and receive an extra special gift bag to take home. £37.50.

Harrods

The Royal Albert Hall

87-135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL 0333 300 2300 www.harrods.com/grotto 4 November – 24 December Whether marking a child's first Christmas or honouring a family tradition, a visit to The Harrods Christmas Grotto is the perfect way to start the festive season. From £10.

Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 6-24 December Join a magical adventure through the Royal Albert Hall, led by a captivating Victorian doorkeeper who knows all of the Hall’s secrets.

Together you will solve puzzles and follow clues to find the key to

Watermill Way, SW19 2RD www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk 10-11 and 17-18 December Santa and his elves return to Merton Abbey Mills this December so come and visit them in their Grotto. 12-4pm, £3 (includes a gift).

Merton Abbey Mills

December 2016 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

FATHER CHRISTMAS WHEREABOUTS REVEALED

DAY OUT TO SEE SANTA Ham House and Garden Ham Street, Richmond upon Thames TW10 7RS www.nationaltrust.org.uk 10-11 December Follow a trail to visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a traditional Christmas gift. 10am to 3pm, £3.50 includes gift.

Normal admission applies.

Osterley Park and House Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk 3-4, 10-11 December Book your visit to Father Christmas' grotto and bring the whole family to meet him in his workshop. If you've been good all year you may even get an early festive gift. A Christmas pudding stirring activity will be available in the grotto waiting room so come along 5 minutes early to enjoy.

10am to 4pm, £10 per child, £5 for each additional child.

No admission fee.

Orleans House Gallery Riverside, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 3DJ www2.richmond.gov.uk 11 December Santa returns for his annual visit to Orleans House Gallery. Join the festive fun, create Christmas activities, and get your gift from Santa in person. Ages 4 and above, 11am-12.30pm or 2-3.30pm, £9 per child, includes gift.

Syon Park Garden Centre TW8 8JG www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk/br eakfast-and-tea-with-fatherchristmas 12-24 Dec Have breakfast or tea with Father Christmas. Enjoy a delicious, freshly-prepared breakfast or tea and watch the excitement build until everyone joins in to help the elves welcome Father Christmas. £9.99 per child.

RHS Garden Wisley Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB www.rhs.org.uk/wisley 1-23 December Visit the magical grotto to meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Come along for Stories and Songs with Santa and receive a small gift or, for an extra special treat, book into an exciting gingerbread-decorating workshop at the Clore Classroom.

Book in advance.

Hobbledown Horton Lane, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8PT www.hobbledown.com To 24 December Christmas at Hobbledown is an enchanting time. Back by popular demand is their Christmas Toddler Lunches, and they are also introducing Tea with Santa for slightly older children too. Grotto price £9.95, includes gift and personalised souvenir photo keyring and candy cane.

Accompanying adults are free, grotto prices are on top of general admission rates. To solely visit the Grotto and not include Hobbledown admission is £12.45

NEW AND SECOND HAND SKI CLOTHES from Ski de Rouge FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN

Pay Santa a visit while you visit the Museum of London

Godstone Farm Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk 3-23 December Meet Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and his cheeky elves at Godstone's Grotto. Last year's event sold out, so book early! Kids £15.50, adults £7.40, includes farm entry.

Bocketts Farm Park Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9BS www.bockettsfarm.co.uk To 24 December Hop on board the Santa Express to his magical hay barn workshop.

Once inside, each child will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. Also this December there will be 25 gorgeous new born lambs, a children’s craft area, Christmas trail and plenty of indoor play.

Book online.

JACKETS SALOPETTES CHILDREN’S SNOW SUITS GLOVES THERMALS SNOWBOOTS, GOGGLES, HELMETS

Chessington Garden Centre Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NG www.events.chessingtongardencentre .co.uk To 24 December Embark on a fantastical journey to meet Father Christmas in his enchanting ice grotto. Your adventure will start with a trip to the 'Christmas Creations Room' after which you will embark on a fantastical journey to meet Father Christmas. £12, adults £3.50, babies under 12 months free, includes gift.

If you’ve missed Part One, go to www.familiessouthwest.co.uk and look for the November issue. We included the more local places like Wetland Centre, Fulham Palace etc.

BIG REDUCTIONS ON LAST YEAR’S STOCK PLUS THIS YEAR’S NEW COLLECTION

At 22 Northbourne Road, Clapham, SW4 7DJ All enquiries: Libby de Rougemont: 0207 7204871 / 07939051220 libbyderouge@hotmail.co.uk www.skiderouge.com

Familiesonline.co.uk | 020 8696 9680 | December 2016

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Calling all baby Scientists!

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

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Help us discover how babies learn!

Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck, or we refund any travel expenses.

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

With thanks to DoingGo odTogether.org

IMAGINE CHRISTMAS

Why it is important for children to be bored

By Merinda D’Aprano

We all know the adage that ‘necessity is the mother of invention.’ And invention, like all human endeavour, is only possible if it can be imagined. Imagination is something that we can feed with ideas and technical understanding, but it is only truly possible in a space where we can be openly reflective.

Imagination is the mother of invention and a critical faculty for learning and success in life. Unfortunately though, we have become accustomed to listening to the noise of the external world as if it holds all the keys to life, and to rejecting our inner world of creative thinking and imagining. How often do we put on music or television or check our phones or email in quiet moments to avoid engaging with our inner selves? We have become so afraid of boredom that we frantically fill our time, feeling guilty if we don’t. It is no wonder then, that screen time (of every sort) has become a filler for those empty seconds of the day and evening.

SAVING OUR CHILDREN FROM BOREDOM? Unfortunately, filling their lives with external activities, deprives them of their inner lives and their vital connections to themselves. This creates in them a fear of being alone and unoccupied with their thoughts and themselves. It makes them dependent and possibly contributes to them becoming lonely, unfulfilled and unhappy in later life.

Many experts refer to the need for unstructured time because children participate in so many extra-curricular activities, after a full, structured day at school and homework. Structured time can close off the imagination and the ability to be self-determining, prevent children from being independent and undermine their confidence in their own abilities.

Keeping children fully immersed in set activities teaches them that they can only enjoy success or have fun in structured ways. In these situations, they have little control and not much need for self-motivation, other than to compete (hopefully successfully) against other children doing the same.

While this can, of course, promote skills and team spirit, children also need time to be imaginative and develop strategic play or transfer their skills to other situations. Constant structured activity and games can stifle individuality and reinforce the need to comply rather than to innovate.

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SHORTER ATTENTION SPANS As a teacher with 28 years’ experience I would say that children in general have shorter attention spans and a greater requirement to be helped, supported and constantly stimulated than ever before. Imagination is undervalued, and children expect constant attention and reinforcement even to get on with what they can easily achieve alone. When faced with anything they don’t understand or feels like hard work they say they are bored. This is one of the results of constant stimulation. It becomes an addiction, alongside an underlying nagging tiredness that creeps into children’s lives when they don’t have time for adequate reflection, rest and recreation.

FREE PLAY ALLOWS FOR A RECEPTIVE MIND Maria Montessori wrote about free play (which modern children often claim is boring) enabling children to become active and creating an alert and receptive frame of mind. She demonstrated that children perform better in all areas when allowed the full scope of their imagination and when allowed to manage their own time. She also showed that children are calmer, more thoughtful and more articulate because they have time to rehearse ideas and think things through. They are able to make their own positive decisions and are far less reliant on adult approval before moving on. Montessori went as far as to say that ‘play is a child’s work.’

Finally, there are many reasons your child may say she is bored. An important one might be that she would actually like a little of your attention. When is the last time you danced with your child, for no other reason than for the joy of being together?

Extract taken from ‘Head Teacher in Your Pocket – The Essential Guide to Your Prep School Journey’ by Merinda D’Aprano.

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We are a bespoke studio in Merton Abbey Mills, a little oasis known for its café culture and shops. We offer group Yoga classes as well as group Pilates matclasses, specialised classes for pre and post-natal Pilates, and rehab-based Pilates.

Our fully-equipped Pilates studio offers reformer, cadillac, wundachair and arc barrel workouts; our instructors come from dance, physiotherapy, circus and athletics backgrounds.

We are offering 10 matclasses for £100 (normally £150) as part of our January 2017 Wellbeing offer! We also offer various complementary massage therapies. Group studio sessions also available.

Yitra Pilates Studio, Unit 1, Merton Abbey Mills, Colliers Wood, London SW19 2RD.

www.yitrapilates.co.uk Bookings: info@yitrapilates.co.uk or 07729165981

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CHRISTMAS TIPS

Some useful tips for Christmas WHO WILL LOOK AFTER THE CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS? Christmas can often bring equal measures of joy for the family as it does the potential for stress. Whether that be the extended family proving the rule that house guests are a bit like fish (they go off after three days) or the ecstatic build up to the big day with children losing sleep in anticipation of Christmas presents, it all builds to that unique atmosphere which parents need to manage carefully. Parents should also remember that it is a time for them to celebrate too. Whether that be the office Christmas party, or bringing in the new year in style, or simply just spending time reflecting on another year of family life.

These are important things, which can easily be taken over by the focus on children.

We asked Like Minders for their advice for planning Christmas and getting that balance right. They reckon, and we’d agree, that it's all in the preparation. Georgie Jones says: “Make sure you set aside those times when you can let your hair down without the children and keep that time sacrosanct. Indeed, our most eager clients at Like Minders have already started booking in their Christmas childcare with us and planning those nights out.” Maybe you should start planning that 'me' time too? More information about their services can be found at www.likeminders.co.uk.

Like Minders Childcare and Elderly Care & Companionship 0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

WHY BUTTON BATTERIES ARE DANGEROUS Button batteries and lithium coin batteries are small, round, batteries you find in toys, cards, watches, key fobs and numerous other everyday objects. At Christmas there are even more of them around and they can be extremely dangerous.

Lithium coin batteries are particularly concerning and can burn through tissues and blood vessels within hours. Often parents are oblivious to the fact that their child has swallowed the battery and the first symptoms they are aware of, is their child vomiting blood. Sadly, this is often too late to save the child as irreparable damage has already occurred.

Sometimes button batteries do pass through the body without a problem.

However, if a battery, gets stuck, energy from the battery creates corrosive caustic soda and it is this that burns through tissues.

If children pop a battery up their nose or in their ear, this too can result in lasting damage.

Prevention and vigilance is key: • Always check battery compartments are securely fastened.

• If a battery is missing and you think your child may have swallowed it, take them to A&E for an x-ray.

• Store and dispose of batteries carefully; out of children’s reach and sight.

If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery – Act fast!

Take them to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department immediately.

• Do not wait for signs or symptoms • Do not try to make them sick • Do not give them anything to eat or drink You child will be X-rayed and if necessary, they will be taken for an operation to urgently remove the battery.

First Aid for Life and onlinefirstaid.com provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

• Emma Hammett from First Aid for life www.firstaidforlife.org.uk www.onlinefirstaid.com 020 8675 4036

Vigilance is key. Lithium coin batteries can create lasting damage

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We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times changed.

Please double check event with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Compiled by Joanna Parry

ARTS AND CRAFTS THE CRAFT HOUSE 329 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen SW14 8QR 020 8487 2863 www.thecrafthouseuk.com

12-15 and 19-23 December Holiday Art Workshops Exciting art and sewing workshops based on seasonal art. 12-15 December, 46.30pm, sewing and craft workshops, all ages. 19-23 December, 10am-3pm, art and craft workshops. 19-22 December, 102pm, sewing workshops. Ages vary.

9 and 16 December Make a Family of Mice Parent and child workshops, 4.15-6pm.

Make a family of mice in bed complete with mini stockings. Hot chocolate and cookies on hand for busy elves! £20 per adult and child, £5 per extra child.

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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LISTINGS

CUCKOO HIBOU 181 New Kings Road SW6 4SW 020 7731 5552 www.cuckoohibou.com 19-23 December Christmas Cuckoo Club A multi-activity club with ballet, cookery class, music and art and craft. Age 2.5 to 6, 9.30am-12pm, £35 per morning / £160 for the week. Email to book info@cuckoohibou.com

THE CREATIVITY ROOM Omnibus Clapham Bookings: www.thecreativityroom.co.uk 11th December, 2-5pm £10 per child A lovely event for children to create a variety of Christmas arts and crafts, decorations, cards, wrapping paper and much more. They will also enjoy a few Christmas stories and a small snack. If you are artsy and you love to make things this is the event for you!

SEW PRETTY Wimbledon Park Road SW19 6PE 07714 252660, me@sewpretty.me.uk www.sewpretty.me.uk 19 December, 2, 3 and 4 January Kids’ Winter Sewing Workshop Feeling creative? Want to become a fashion designer? Try something different at these creative sewing workshops. 10am-1pm or 1.454.45pm, £28 including materials.

Full day sessions 10am-4.45pm, £56, age 7-12.

Chelsea Quavers

LANGUAGES CLUB PETIT PIERROT Librairie La Page, 7 Harrington Road SW7 3ES 020 7385 5565, admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk 17 December Christmas Storytelling Adventure Workshops Storytelling adventure in French with Club Petit Pierrot at the wonderful French bookshop.

Suitable for all levels of French.

NAOMI MARTIN TOUCH TYPING Sinclair House School, 59 Fulham High Street SW6 3JJ 07949 204553, www.nmtouchtyping.co.uk 12-16 and 19-23 December Touch Typing Courses Touch typing courses for children aged 7+, classes are 90 minutes long, £250 for the week. Classes are mixed age and ability. Sibling discounts available.

YELLOWBIRD EDUCATION

Sewing their own stocking at Sew Pretty

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Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Road, Fulham SW6 4LJ 020 7731 0695 / 07790 912318, hello@yellowbirdeducation.com www.yellowbirdeducation.com 3 December and 2 January Mock Exams Sit a mock exam to help reduce exam-day nerves. In English and Maths and Verbal Reasoning for 7 plus, 8 plus and 11 plus. £125 per exam day.

19-21 December 11+ English Crash Course A workshop aimed at improving children’s Comprehension, Descriptive Writing, Grammar and

Vocabulary skills for independent school exams. For current Year 6 children, sitting exams in January.

10am-2pm, £320 per child.

19-21 December 11+ Discursive/Persuasive/ Descriptive Writing Workshop A workshop aimed at improving children’s writing skills under timed conditions in preparation for independent school exams. For current Year 6 children. 10am2pm, £320 per child.

MUSIC AND DRAMA

ALLSORTS www.allsortsdrama.com 020 8969 3249 19th, 20th and 21st December Allsorts will be holding their popular Christmas Drama Workshops at Notting Hill Prep School, London W11 1QQ. Suitable for ages 4–6yrs and 7– 11yrs. Times 9.30am – 3.30pm.

Price £130 with 20% sibling discount. The children will perform a show on the 21st December.

Fun and varied sessions that encompass all aspects of stage performance and drama. Full details of each age groups activities on website.

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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LISTINGS AMANDA’S ACTION CLUB Skylark Café, Wandsworth Common SW18 3RT 01895 623999, info@amandasactionclub.co.uk www.amandasactionclub.co.uk Throughout Christmas Holidays Active Music Baby and Toddler Classes Fun and energetic, for little ones and older children too. £10 pay as you go, check website for times.

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0845 400 4000 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk 19-21 December Hansel and Gretel Holiday Courses Kickstart the Christmas holidays with an unforgettable festive treat for 4-7 year olds.

Journeying into the enchanted forest with Hansel and Gretel, the children will make friends with the woodland creatures and discover the delicious Gingerbread House.

But will they outwit the evil Wicked Witch and escape her clutches? 10am-3pm, £225 for 3 days, 25% sibling discount, book on 020 7255 9120.

STAGECOACH

SPARKS (formerly Studio Film School) Balham and Chelsea 020 7101 9329, hello@sparksignite.com www.sparks-ignite.com 19-21 December Christmas Holiday Workshop Become a star of the screen this Christmas at Sparks! Join them over three days as you showcase your acting skills and take direction from their Company Directors as part of their Christmas film production cast. 9am–4pm at Broomwood Hall School. £145, includes DVD, age 7-12.

EDDIE CATZ

UPBEAT MUSIC

Putney, Wimbledon and Earlsfied First Floor, 68-70 Putney High Street SW15 1SF 42 Station Road SW19 2LP 279 Magdalen Road SW18 3NZ 0203 4755268 eddiecatz.com 16 December Holiday Workshops plus Frozen Themed Christmas Party Get into the Christmas spirit at this magical party with a Frozen theme.

Age 1-8, times vary depending on venue. Includes bouncy castle, Elsa sing-along, face painting, fancy dress competition and a dance with Eddie ‘Claus’. Plus Santa in his Grotto. £14 per child (£12 in Putney venue), £1 per adult.

Thomas’ Academy, Parsons Green SW6 07816 901396, upbeatmusic@btinternet.com www.upbeatmusiccourses.co.uk 22-23 December Write a Song For Christmas Write a song, record it and then perform it! Singing, dance, guitars, drums and mini gig also included.

Receive a USB wristband with your MP3 on it – a perfect Christmas message to send to friends and family. 10am-4pm, 4-14 years.

FUNKY MONKEY Keyboard Classes Streatham, Battersea, Herne Hill, Beckenham 0800 107 7949, mail@funkymonkey.info www.funkymonkey.info 23 December Jingle Bells Music Workshop A perfect Christmas themed taster day for 4-8 year old beginner musicians. With art activities and games all based around music.

10am-2pm, £40/£35 sibling discount, booking essential!

PERFORM DRAMA Putney - St Stephen's Church Hall, SW15 2RS Kensington – Baden Powell House SW7 5JS

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Hansel and Gretel Holiday at Perform drama

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com 21 December Festive Shadows Discover the art of shadow puppetry. Create beautiful puppets inspired by Christmas and bring them to life in a festive story. Age 6-9, 10.30am3.30pm, £30 per child.

22 December The Sheep-Pig Showdown A drama and craft workshop celebrating Polka’s winter show Babe, The Sheep-Pig. Create your very own sheep and sheep-pigs and test their sheep herding abilities in a fun-filled creative day.

Age 5-7, 10.30am-3.30pm, £30.

23 December Christmas Characters: Play in a Day It’s time to raid the Polka wardrobe. Using costumes from past Polka shows as inspiration, create and invent your own characters and bring them to life in a play to share with friends and family at the end of the day. Age 711, 10.30am-3.30pm, £30.

Battersea Northcote Lodge, 26 Bolingbroke Grove SW11 6EL 07956 288928, battersea@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/battersea 19-20 December Christmas Holiday Performing Arts Camp Put on a show in 2 days with professional actors from the world of musical theatre. A brilliant holiday activity for ages 416. 9.30am-12.30pm (4-6 years) and 10am-4pm (7-16 years).

Performance for friends and family at 12.30pm and 4.30pm on 20 December. £50 for 4-6 year olds, £90 for 7-16 years.

Stagecoach Battersea

Christmas themed music workshop on 23rd December with Funky Monkey

December 2016 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LISTINGS

YOUNGSTARS Multi-Sports and Activity Camp Balham, Clapham, Parsons Green, Putney and Wimbledon 07920 426499 / 07749 343116, info@young-stars.co.uk www.young-stars.co.uk 19-23 December Christmas Holiday Camps Plenty of fun, games and excitement whilst kids are introduced to all aspects of sports in an all inclusive and noncompetitive environment. 3-7 years, times and prices vary.

Little Gym - under the parachute

SPORTS CHELSEA FC Soccer School Venues across SW London 020 7957 8220 londondevelopment@chelseafc.com / soccerschools@chelseafc.com www.chelseafc.com/foundation / www.chelseasoccerschools.co.uk Throughout Christmas Holidays London Soccer School For boys and girls aged 4-13. Times vary according to course, from £30.

LITTLE GYM Smugglers Way SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567, wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.eu www.wandsworthfulham.thelittlegym.eu Throughout Christmas Holidays Christmas Fun Don’t miss out on these ever popular camps at their Wandsworth gym. These 3-hour camps (OFSTED approved) for over 3s build new skills and develop confidence while the kids have loads of FUN. Call the team for specific timings.

FULHAM FC FOUNDATION Venues in Fulham 0870 442 5432, holidaycourses@fulhamfc.com www.fulhamfc.com Throughout Christmas Holidays Holiday courses for all abilities in a fun and challenging environment.

3-5yrs, 9-11am, 6-14 yrs, 9am3pm, from £15 per day.

THE LITTLE HOUSE OF SCIENCE In several locations including SW3, SW7, SW10, W8 and NW3 www.littlehouseofscience.com 0800 092 1062 Experiment, explore and play in a number of highly fascinating workshops for young minds.

Themes include Help Santa to Navigate and Arctic Science Adventure. Excellent to foster curiosity, sessions re-enforce STEM related subjects in a fun and practical way.

Two hour workshops, at various dates and times, check website. For all ages, 4-9 years with drop off.

DAY CAMPS

KIDDIKICKS

Babe at the Polka Theatre

Across South West London 020 7937 7965, sarah@kiddikicks.co.uk www.kiddikicks.couk Throughout Christmas Holidays Holiday Sessions Kiddikicks (football 18m to 5 years) Kiddisports (multi-sport 18m to 5 years) and Ligasoccer (football Under 8’s) sessions run throughout the holidays. Or arrange a bespoke session (1 to 3 hours) for your player and their friends: pick your sport and they’ll provide the coach, equipment and place.

SWIMWAY East Sheen, Putney, Kensington and Wimbledon 020 8871 3972, info@swimway.co.uk www.swimway.co.uk Throughout Christmas Holidays Swimming Courses Intensive courses to improve your child’s swimming technique, on a private or semi-private basis.

Courses run for half an hour each day, book early to avoid disappointment. Age 3-9, dates and times dependent on venue.

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THE BUTTERFLY PRESCHOOL 32b Webbs Road SW11 6SF 020 7738 0019, info@thebutterflypreschool.co.uk www.thebutterflypreschool.co.uk 19-21 December Christmas Camp A camp packed full of arts and craft games as well as forest school. Age 2-6, half day 9am-1pm, £30, full day 9am-5pm, £70. Email or call for more details.

FIRST HAND EXPERIENCES All Saints Church Hall, 70a Fulham High Street SW6 3LG 01843 652833 contact@firsthandexperiences.co.uk

www.firsthandexperiences.co.uk 15-23 December A Handmade Christmas These children's camps explore seasonal, nature based themes that celebrate the natural world. Bake Christmas goodies, make Christmas crafts and join in a Christmassy theatre game. £280 per week or £65 per day, including lunch and trips, sibling discounts available, age 4-11.

SUPERCAMP Putney High School, 35 Putney Hill SW15 6BH 01235 467300, www.supercamps.co.uk 15-23 December Holiday Activity Camps The ultimate in fun and games to get in the festive spirit. Whilst you plan your perfect Christmas, jingle all the way to Super Camps and let them look after the children. The fun will be non-stop with some great seasonal activities on their Multi-Activity course to create that Christmas buzz.

FREE ACTIVITIES BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH 020 7601 4878 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 22, 23, 28-30 December Crafty Christmas and Creative New Year Get creative this Christmas with a selection of Museum of inspired crafts to design and decorate. Gold bar moneyboxes, door hangers and masks, the choice is yours.

There is a chocolate for every child too. 10am-4.30pm.

FREE

GEFFRYE MUSEUM 136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton E2 8EA 020 7739 9893, www.geffryemuseum.co.uk 22 November – 8 January Christmas Past Authentic festive decorations, lighting, music and greenery transform the Geffrye Museum’s period living rooms, giving visitors an evocative insight into how Christmas has been celebrated from 1600 to the present day.

Workshops and activities for all of the family.

FREE

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PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE & QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695

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the Moomins through the life of its author Tove Jansson. Visitors to the exhibition will travel through seven different interactive worlds that explore the inspirations behind her much-loved stories. From £12

Geffrye Museum

Tower of London

We take much care in preparing these What’s On pages, but please do double check with organiser before setting out as things change.

DIARY DATES Alleyn’s Holly Fair Townley Road, Dulwich 3rd December Famous for its huge range of Christmas shopping. 11am-4pm.

Champions Tennis Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.championstennis.co.uk To 4 December If your child has a passion for playing tennis and has their eyes on being the next Andy Murray or Serena Williams they can get coaching tips from tennis legends on mini-tennis courts and experience the magical world of ‘George and the Ice Cream Castle’, all under the watchful eye of Judy Murray. From £18.50

First Aid Courses Battersea 020 8133 8552 info@firstaidtraininglondon.co.uk 10 Dec, 19 Jan, 18 Feb Paediatric First Aid for Nannies and Au Pairs (1 day) £80+vat.

Discount code: Families

Southbank Centre Christmas Market Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Throughout December You’ll find plenty more than baubles and gingerbread to tempt you in the 50 wooden chalets that make up the Southbank Centre Christmas Market.

From 16 December Adventures in Moominland The first major exhibition devoted to The Moomins: Adventures in Moominland. This brand new immersive experience explores the internationally-recognised stories of

EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london / www.hrp.org.uk/drawn To 23 December Life in the Medieval Palace.

Join the knights and ladies of King Edward’s court as they celebrate, work, plot and pass the time in true Medieval style. Included in palace admission.

Hampton Court Palace East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace To 8 January Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink A festive experience like no other.

Skate against a backdrop of one of the greatest palaces on earth Henry VIII’s historic home. It’s the most regal rink in the UK! From £9.50, book now at www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.c o.uk. Please note entrance to Hampton Court Palace is not included in the ice skate ticket price.

from the Osterley estate. £23.50, 10am-12pm, age 14+

Orleans House Gallery 0208 831 6460, india.crawford@richmond.gov.uk 3 December Free Drop-In Art Workshop A family art workshop at East Sheen Library, ages 3-12. Build a giant pop-up book, create huge constructions and invent your own super heroes. 10am-12.30pm FREE

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WHAT’S ON

pop-up theatre company. Featuring twists on the classic fairy tale from ballerina fairies to an acrobatic lizard. With face painting and balloon art, from £30

White Christmas Fair Tooting Market www.whitechristmasfair.co.uk Saturday 17 December Independent designers, quality makers and talented producers.

Fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital. 5pm-10:30pm.

Geffrye Museum 136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton E2 8EA geffrye-museum.org.uk 9 and 10 December Workshop: Christmas Greenery Join the Geffrye gardeners to create a festive decoration with fresh greenery.

1.30–4.30pm, £45-£50, includes workshop and materials.

Cinderella with a Twist Chiswick House and Gardens www.humdalilaproductions.com 16-31 December Cinderella An alternative to the Christmas panto this year with this immersive family spectacle from a

Merton Abbey Mills Watermill Way SW19 2RD www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk 18 December Christmas Thrills at the Mills A day of fun, exciting and innovative things for kids to participate in, with hands-on workshops in art, crafts, pottery, cake making, music, drama and dancing. There's also soft play, bouncy castle, face painting and a chance to meet the characters from The Colour House Children's Theatre. Raising funds for the Colour House Children’s Theatre, 11am-5pm. FREE

Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 3, 4 and 11 December Father Christmas Bring the whole family to visit Santa Claus in their beautifully decorated Tudor Great Hall, and make sure you are on the Nice list to receive your special present.

9am-5pm, £11 per child, booking essential.

11 December Christmas Pantomime Aladdin Follow the resourceful Aladdin and his best friend, the mischievous monkey Abu, in this classic tale of rags to riches – with an evil sorcerer, a magical lamp and a genie that holds the power to grant his master three wishes.

11am and 1pm, £10

Osterley Park and House Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterleypark-and-house 6 December Christmas Wreath Workshop Make a traditional Christmas Wreath using greenery cut fresh

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WHAT’S ON

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BABIES AND TODDLERS

1970s-influenced score. Perfect for babies, young children and families.

Age 3 months–4 years

The Palace Explorers

Bach to Baby Christmas Concert

Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 5, 6, 12 and 13 December Join the Palace Explorers, weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £4 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack, booking essential. 9.30am10.30am and 11am-12pm

Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 8 December These classical concerts for babies and their families are performed by mother and pianist Miaomiao Yu, along with other internationallyrenowned musicians. 10.30–11.30, adults £12, children free.

Barbican Theatre Barbican, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk 13-21 December Sponge Roll, squeeze and pop yourself through a new malleable kind of show, set to an original

CAROL SERVICES Suitable for children

Westminster Cathedral Barnardo’s 150th Christmas Carol Concert www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carol-concertin-aid-of-barnardos-tickets28390626127 Thursday 1st December Children and families are welcomed to reflect on the vital work of the charity and to support even more disadvantaged children in the future.

7.15pm, £5.90 to £21.83.

Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 11 December Pooh Bear and Friends

Do-re-mi Babies Concerts Barnes, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth www.doremibabies.co.uk Dates throughout December Inspirational and fun classical

Christmas Concert Join in with songs and nonsense poems taken from Winnie the Pooh, the Wind in the Willows and works by Edward Lear. This familyfriendly concert promises to be a pre-Christmas celebration to remember, and is followed by a free lantern-making workshop.

1pm, £5, free for age 10 and under.

Fulham Palace SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 11 December Family Christmas Carol Concert Sing along to favourite Christmas carols at this child-friendly concert for the whole family. Held in the Victorian Chapel, it features the Fulham Children’s Choir with festive classics that both young and old will enjoy. 3.30pm- 4.30pm 11 December

concerts. With different musicians, instruments and programmes there is plenty to inspire your little ones.

Babies and toddlers are welcome to crawl, dance, sing, cry, nappy change and more, so you can relax and enjoy some wonderful music. £10 per adult, children free, tickets online or on the door. Dates vary depending on venue.

NCT Kensington And Chelsea Meet Up Gambado Chelsea, 7 Townmead Road SW6 2PY www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensington -chelsea Every Wednesday in December A great opportunity to meet other mums with babies under 1. 9.3011am, £1, show your NCT card to get in.

Christmas Carol Concert Come along for an evening of Christmas celebration in the atmospheric Victorian Chapel.

6.30pm-8pm

Christmas Tree Festival St Mary Magdalene Church, Trinity Road SW17 7HP www.smmwandsworth.org.uk 10 December A magical afternoon for adults and children alike, with music from the Children’s Choir from Fenton House School, plus a host of funfilled family activities, craft stalls and Father Christmas. 4-6.30pm

Magic Carpet Storytelling The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in December Fly away on a magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each week, and join Paul Rubinstein for a musical magic carpet storytelling once a month. Age 2+, 10.30–11am and 11.30am-12pm.

Little Explorers Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD www.nationaltrust.org.uk Every Monday in December Bring your little ones to enjoy crafts, outdoor activities, songs and stories. Little Explorers is a fun activity session for children aged 2+, 10am, £2 per child, £1 siblings.

plenty of audience interaction. Age 3-7, from £10

Bloomsbury Theatre 15 Gordon Street WC1H 0AH www.thebloomsbury.com 13-31 December Mimi and the Mountain Dragon Round a campfire sit two storytellers with a thrilling tale to tell, that of Mimi and her Dragon…Join Skewbald Theatre for a festive story packed full of adventure, snow and dragons. With lively songs, magical puppets and audience interaction. £10/£12

The Cambridge Theatre

DRAMA Ambassadors Theatre West Street WC2H 9ND www.hungrycaterpillarshow.com/london 2 December – 7th January The Very Hungry Caterpillar Featuring a menagerie of 75 loveable puppets! From £12.50

Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill SW11 5TN www.bac.org.uk 3 December – 8 January The Night That Autumn Turned To Winter Winter is on its way, and deep in the wild wood animals of all shapes and sizes are busy getting ready for the cold. Join award-winning Little Bulb Theatre on an unforgettable woodland adventure with songs, silliness and

Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street WC2H 9HU uk.matildathemusical.com Throughout December Matilda The Musical Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

Chelsea Theatre 7 World's End Place, King's Road SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk To 24 December Little Red Riding Hood Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house and what a big wardrobe Grandma’s got. Come along in your pyjamas, slippers, onesies or dressing-gowns for a tale packed with special pies, smelly fur coats and donuts! £9, age 4+

Foundling Museum - Lantern workshop 28

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Criterion Theatre Piccadilly Circus W1V 9LB www.criterion-theatre.co.uk, www.mrpopperspenguinslive.com 15-31 December Mr Popper’s Penguins Painter and decorator by day, Mr Popper spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when one day a packing crate arrives on his doorstep, out of which waddles a penguin! With songs, puppets and a family of performing penguins, this delightful

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musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book is brought to you by the producers of The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Age 3+

The Lilian Bayliss Studio Roseberry Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com 10-30 December The Little Match Girl Our unlikely heroine is an impoverished young street girl, who wanders the ever-darkening streets with just one final match to keep her warm on a cold Christmas Eve. Beautifully recreated through dance, song and live atmospheric music, The Little Match Girl is a timeless fable about kindness and helping others, which will enthral young children and the whole family alike. From £12, age 5+

©Carolyne Locher

Chicken Shed Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE www.chickenshed.org.uk To 7 January Adventure to Oz In this dazzling production, meet familiar faces like Dorothy, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man plus new and memorable characters such as the incredible Patchwork Girl and Ojo the Unlucky Munchkin. Travel along the famous Yellow Brick Road with a brave band of friends on a quest to release Ojo’s Uncle from an enchantment that has turned him to stone. £5-£22.50, age 5+

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Puppet Barge - A Christmas Carol

Lyric Hammersmith

of the year. Watch as he prepares his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night. Full of merry touches with plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry. A perfect festive treat for under 6s and their families.

One Lyric Square W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk To 24 December Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas Join Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day

Lyric Theatre

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories' magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the muchloved show that's toured Britain and the world.

W1D 7ES nimaxtheatres.com/lyric-theatre, gruffalolive.com To 8 January The Gruffalo

Upper Ground SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

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National Theatre

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To 29 December Peter Pan All children, except one, grow up...

When Peter Pan, the leader of the Lost Boys, loses his shadow during a visit to London, headstrong Wendy helps him re-attach it. In return, she is invited to Neverland - where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook await. Age 7, from £21

Omnibus Clapham 1 Clapham Common Northside SW4 0QW www.omnibus-clapham.org 1-18 December Otto and the Robin You are invited to the Piddle under Puddle annual Christmas party!

Everyone will be there. Well nearly everyone. Otto would like to go, but he’s just too shy. Then one day a robin flies in through Otto’s window and changes his life forever. Age 3-7, £10/£8

Peacock Theatre WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com/peacocktheatre To 1 January The Snowman A perennial family favourite, The Snowman has transported a generation of children into the wintery world of a boy and his magical snowman. As a friendship is kindled, the two embark on a starry-skied adventure to the North Pole, where they meet dancing penguins, reindeer, Father Christmas and escape the clutches of Jack Frost. From £15

Phoenix Theatre Charing Cross Road WC2H 0JP www.peppapiglive.com 15 December – 7 January Peppa Pig Christmas Show Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for Peppa and her younger brother George but no matter how hard they try, they cannot guess what it is. With interactive fun, games and, of course, surprises. Age 3+, £13-£25

The Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com To 5 February Babe the Sheep Pig Meet the little pig with big dreams, in a heart-warming tale of friendship, adventure and bravery.

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When Babe arrives at Hogget’s Farm he is taken in by the trusty sheep-dog Fly and discovers a talent for herding. But can a small pig make it in a dog’s world, and when his farmyard friends are in trouble can Babe save the day? Age 5-11, from £12 To 26 February How To Hide a Lion When a lion is chased out of town, a young girl helps him find somewhere to hide. It’s not easy lions are too big, too fluffy and too heavy! Age 3-6, £12.50/£9

Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice, Blomfield Road W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 3 December – 8 January A Christmas Carol Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, tightfisted old man. He hates everyone and everything, except of course his money. But one Christmas the past comes back to haunt him and he is never the same again. With a cast of marionettes and shadow puppets, this makes for a beautifully atmospheric retelling of the Dickens classic. 3pm, £8.50£12

Putney Arts Theatre Ravenna Road SW15 6AW www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk 14-22 December Cinderella - A Tale of Cinderellaland Cinderellaland is in crisis. A financial crisis that has lead to the dreaded ‘Austerity’. The King and Queen pin their hopes on their slightly immature son, Charming and his less than reliable friend Dandini to rescue the kingdom.

Their solution? A great big party.

Anyone who’s anyone is invited.

The world’s favourite panto, given a magical new lease of life.

The Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 18-19 December Jingle Bell Christmas It’s high-kicks for Christmas as the Jingle Belle Dancers join the London Concert Orchestra, Capital Voices and West End stars for all your favourite Christmas hits.

28 December E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming masterpiece performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert

Wonderful ChristmasTree Festival at St Mary Magdalene Church, SW17 7HP Orchestra. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of a lost alien who befriends a little boy named Elliott.

2pm and 7pm

Sadler's Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R www.sadlerswells.com 6 December – 29 January The Red Shoes A beloved fairy tale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its tale of obsession, possession and one girl's dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a battleground between the two men who inspire her passion.

From £12

The Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com To 1 January Baddies The stage show where all the fairy tale baddies meet when they are imprisoned for being far too good at being bad. From £12 To 1 January Boing!

Who can sleep on Christmas Eve? This piece of dance-theatre captures the delirious excitement of two boys waiting for Father Christmas to arrive on the most magical night of the year. From £12, age 2-6

The 02 Arena Peninsula Square SE10 0DX www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/disne y-on-ice-presents-frozen

21-30 December Disney On Ice presents Frozen The heartwarming Academy Award®-winning tale is now live on ice. Be magically whisked away to wintry Arendelle by dazzling special effects and astonishing skating as you sing and dance along to inspiring songs. This unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Bank of England Museum Bartholomew Lane, Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk 22-30 December Crafty Christmas and Creative New Year Get creative this Christmas with a selection of Museum inspired crafts to design and decorate.

Make a gold bar moneybox, door hanger or mask to take home, along with a free chocolate coin.

Every day except 24-26 December. 10am-4.30pm

Face Painting & Balloon Modelling Contact Susie 07814 925462 www.magicaldesigns.co.uk

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Geffrye Museum 136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton E2 8EA geffrye-museum.org.uk To 8 January Christmas Past: 400 Years of Seasonal Traditions in English Homes Festive decorations, lighting, music and greenery transform the Geffrye Museum’s eleven period living rooms, giving visitors an insight into how Christmas has been celebrated in middle-class homes in England over the past 400 years. FREE 14 December Concert by Candlelight A moving recital of a cappella Christmas music by acclaimed group Bocca Aperta. 8pm, from £17, all ages.

12 December O Christmas Tree Create Crazy Christmas tree decorations to hang in your home. Age 2-16, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, free

Horniman Museum and Gardens 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk 3-4 December Horniman Christmas Fair Festive foods, an arts and craft market, gifts and carols.

Museum of London EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk 27 December – 1 January Friends and Family at Christmas Discover how Londoners past and present celebrate together. Grab your friends and family and watch a performance of A Christmas Carol, get crafty and design your own party-wear or step back in time to explore feasting and Victorian Christmas card making.

Suitable for all ages. FREE

Museum of London Docklands Warehouse 1, West India Quay E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museu m-london-docklands 3-4 December Frost fair on the Thames Roll up, roll up. For two days only the museum will be transformed into a wintry wonderland of fun and excitement as they hold a frost fair for all the family. Enjoy enchanting performances,

interactive games and crafts for all ages at this special festival weekend. Age 5+, 12-4pm FREE

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sunday in December Family Sundays Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 2pm, age 5-11 FREE

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Throughout December Colour and Vision Discover the earliest life on Earth and trace the evolutionary history of colour and vision. Find out how early interactions gave rise to the wide variety of colours that we now see in the natural world. £12/£6 12-13 December Jurassic Park at the Museum Watch Jurassic Park in the iconic Hintze Hall with Dippy the Diplodocus. A must for any dinosaur fan, as Dippy goes on tour in 2017. From £32, includes free popcorn, 7pm and 10pm 23 December Christmas Dino Snores The first-ever kids' Christmas sleepover where you can explore the Museum after dark and enjoy a visit from a very special guest. This night at the Museum with a festive twist also makes the perfect holiday gift, so book now before it's too late. 6.45pm (ends 9.30 the following day), £60 (£54 Members).

Science Museum Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD Sciencemuseum.org.uk Throughout December Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery A new interactive gallery with live demonstrations and an Explainerled experience revealing the beauty and wonder in the science and mathematics that shape our lives. £8/£6

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk 10 December Checkmate: Interactive Tour for Families

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The White Queen has gone missing from a chess set in the exhibition, Game Plan... You are one of the game pieces on a mission (yes, you will actually dress up) to find her hiding somewhere in the Museum. Take the challenge, solve the mystery, and visit some of the Museum's fascinating objects for clues. £7 for one adult and one child, additional people £2 each, age 5+

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The London Wetlands Centre Queen Elizabeth, Barnes SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 17 December – 28 January Giant LEGO® Brick-Animal Trail The 11 awesome LEGO models, including a kingfisher, an otter and a swan will form a trail for kids to inspire them to build a better future for nature.

The British Library

DAYS OUT Battersea Park Zoo Chelsea Embankment SW11 4NJ www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk 3-4, 10-11 and 16-24 Dec Christmas at the zoo Come and tell Santa what you’d like for Christmas. £6 to see Santa, plus entrance fee. Includes a small gift and a sticker, plus a drink and Christmas treat. Bookable in advance by ringing the zoo or just turn up. Plus, join in the fun Christmas Stocking search throughout the zoo from 3 to 24 December.

96 Euston Road NW1 2DB www.bl.uk 11 December That’s Entertainment: Make your own stage Create a 3D pop-up theatre displaying your own fantastical stage show. Using colour, collage and drawing, you could show a magician performing a mind-boggling illusion, an acrobat doing a jaw-dropping stunt or a juggling giraffe. 2-3.30pm, age 5-11, drop in. FREE

SPECIAL NEEDS

Ham House

The British Museum

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-houseand-garden Ham Street, Richmond-upon-Thames TW10 7RS Mondays throughout December Winter Tours of Ham House Choose from a selection of tours and demonstrations focusing on different elements of Ham House’s history. It is such a delightful place!

12-3pm 7, 14 and 21 December Christmas ghost tours Atmospheric after-hours ghost tour including festive traditional refreshments. £22, 7.30-9pm 1-31 December Secret Christmas Leave your jingle bells at the door and discover what it was like in the 1650s when Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas. 12-3pm

Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Throughout December Touch Tours of the permanent galleries for visually impaired visitors. See website for details.

Kew Gardens TW9 3AB www.kew.org To 2 January Christmas at Kew As twilight falls, the magic begins…This Christmas, Kew will once again transform into a magical after dark explosion of festive colour, as you embark on a mile long illuminated trail inspired by the Gardens themselves.

Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk Throughout December Audio Described Tours. Tours include Expanding City, Pleasure Gardens and Victorian Walk.

17 December Morning Explorers (ASC friendly) Morning Explorers offers families with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition the opportunity to explore the museum while it is quiet. Discover fascinating objects and take part in relaxed family activities such as sensory rooms, self-directed trails and an arts and crafts session.

Suggested age under 13, 8.3011am, free, book in advance.

South West Swimming School www.swswimschool.co.uk 40% discount for Special Needs children. Offer is always on but depending on availability.

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