Families South East London Jul/Aug 2023 Digital

South East

Welcome

Choose from dozens of family activities and events happening in your local area and further afield across London – you’ll find them in our What’s On feature. Also get inspired by our top selection of UK beaches, theme parks and outdoor adventure parks. And, if you’re heading on holiday or on a day trip, don’t forget to download our free activity printables for those ‘I’m bored’ moments.

Closer to home, try some Forest School activities and some great recipes which will develop your child’s cooking skills.

September will roll round before you know it, so read tips on how you can help your child with the transition to a new school year and check out the best uniform labelling and stationery ideas.

Look out for LOADS of fabulous giveaways. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with more content and goodies on offer.

Get in touch

Competition winners from our March/ April issue

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

Make Neapolitan dairy-free ice cream!

We asked Emily Leary, multi-awardwinning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too to share her delicious, creamy dairy-free ice cream recipe with us.

This perfect summer treat will cool you down on even the warmest of days and inspire the whole family to get in the kitchen just for a lick of the spoon!

Coding camps in Blackheath

Keyboard Workshops in Herne Hill & Streatham

Unlock your child’s potential and ignite their passion with Code Kids! Camps for ages 8+ immerse children in a world of STEM, exploring robotics, AI and game development. Unique approach makes learning thrilling. 17-21 July, 24-28 July, 31 July-4 August and 7-11 August. 10am-3pm.

Book HERE

Multi-activity camps in Sydenham

From 24 July-11 August, Funky Monkey Electronic Keyboard Classes’ workshops for beginners allow your child to try out the keyboard and make music in a fun way! Small groups. 1 day workshops ages 4-8. (10am-1.30pm). 5 day (MonFri) workshops ages 5-9. 10am12.30pm.

Book HERE

Performing arts summer school in Peckham Rye

Global Camps active, creative and educational holiday camps for children ages 4 to 12 run throughout the holidays. Camps offer fun language lessons, coach-led sports session, art and craft, outdoor activities learning skills like shelter building, archery, rocket building, nature art, team building games.

Book HERE

Your child can dive into movies like Pixar Magic, Toy Story, Coco and Monsters Inc at Cosmos

Performing Arts summer school. Full of song, dance, drama, crafting, fun and games, performances will be filmed and provided to you at the end. 24-27 July. 9.30am-3.30pm.

Book HERE

Multi-sports camps in Surrey Quays

Summer dance and musical theatre course

From 25 July for 5 weeks, Decathlon Sports full day multisports camps for ages 6-10 are for all playing levels. Golf, table tennis, tennis, basketball, volleyball, football, handball sessions are run by qualified coaches and cover basic techniques and games. 9am5pm. Daily booking available.

Book HERE

Learn dances and songs from Disney musicals and shows like We Will Rock You and The Wizard of Oz at South London Dance School’s course. Performance at end of week. Stretching, yoga, jazz dancing plus art/craft for junior group. 29 August-1 September. Ages: entering Reception and upwards.

Book HERE

Would you like to host and teach English to a foreign student in your home ?

We are currently recruiting hosts who can offer a spare bedroom, 3 meals per day and the required lessons and activities

You choose when to host and who to host !

Become

Payment from £500 to £800 per week

Get in touch to find out more:

Influentme.com

Summer holiday and term time fun with Perform

Perform are ensuring a fun-packed July and August with their Wizard of Oz drama, dance and singing holiday courses.

Children can sing and dance down the yellow brick road with the Wizard of Oz. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, children ages 4 to 10 will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. These five-day courses run from 10am to 3pm in:

East Dulwich and Greenwich: 24 to 28 July

Blackheath: 31 July to 4 August

Beckenham: 7 to 11 August

Dulwich: 21 to 25 August

Book HERE.

And Perform’s term time classes are back in September and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform’s weekly classes get the academic year off to a flying start with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence,

communication, co-ordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine.

Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a FREE class in Beckenham, Bermondsey, Blackheath, Brockley, Bromley, Camberwell, Chislehurst, Dulwich, Dulwich Park, Dulwich Village, East Dulwich, Eltham, Forest Hill, Greenwich, Herne Hill, Hither Green, Kiddibrooke, Lee, Orpington, Peckham Rye, Petts Wood, Surrey Quays, Waterloo and Woolwich.

Book a FREE class HERE.

More about Perform’s weekly classes

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. Classes are designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Call 020 7255 9120, EMAIL or book HERE.

Enjoy Perform in the Park this summer

NEW Orchard Toys games to giveaway!

8 bundles of NEW Orchard Toy games

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

The line-up includes The Three Billy Goats Gruff, a smash hit musical adventure for ages 2 to 6 and, based on Mo Willems’ wonderful book, Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! for children ages 3 to 8. Perform’s brand-new Caribbean adventure, Mermaids & Pirates, will be presented for ages 4 to 11 whilst, for ages 7 to 14, another original show from Perform, The Dream, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, rebooted for a new generation.

As well as these four fantastic musicals, there are evening events for teens, a charming all-day café and all the usual child-centred delights of Coram’s Fields.

More information and booking HERE

Numberblocks

toy bundles

to giveaway For endless play and learning adventures

What’s on

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Perform in the Park

Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN

22 July - 28 August

A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London. Four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14 plus evening events for teens. Set in a pop-up tent in Coram’s Fields, families can also enjoy the park with wide lawns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day cafe. Tickets start at £14.50.

Summer in the Park

Greenwich Park SE10 and Thamesmead SE28

Until 12 August

Greenwich Dance and Arts Trust Productions are back with a series of free performances, dance experiences and big weekend picnics in parks and outdoor spaces across Greenwich and Bexley throughout the summer. See the full line up online.

Raver Tots

Crystal Palace Bowl

SE19 2BA

30 July

Throw shapes, not toys at one of the biggest and best family friendly outdoor festivals.

Alongside live music there are mini rides, facepainting, dancing,

giant parachute games, food stalls and more.

BBC Earth Experience

Earls Court SW6 1TT

Until 31 July

An unforgettable journey through the natural world of our seven unique continents on the most epic scale, with breathtaking footage on multiple screens, narrated by David Attenborough.

Uptown Festival

Blackheath SE3

30 July

A big day out with three stages of legendary live acts and DJs, a funfair, Little Town family area, bars and excellent street food.

Greenwich & Docklands

International Festival

Greenwich, East London and City of London

25 August - 10 September

GDIF is an awardwinning festival of free outdoor theatre and arts. Events include theatre on a London bus, a swan ballet on water, circus, music and dance and an immersive dance show on a trampoline stage. The Acts of Hope theme will bring uplifting moments of reflection, creativity and celebration.

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Various venues

14 July in Woolwich

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

Mum2mum Market

Various venues

15 July in Bromley

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

HOLIDAY CAMPS

Perform Summer Workshops

East Dulwich, Greenwich, Blackheath, Dulwich, Beckenham

31 July - 4 August, 7-11

August and 21-25 August

Perform are off to see the wizard this July and August, as they sing and dance their way down the yellow brick road in their Wizard of Oz holiday courses. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. Ages 4-10.

What’s on

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

HOLIDAY CAMPS

Funky Monkey Keyboard Workshops

Various venues

24 Jul-11 August

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

Ages 4-9

Global Camps

Kelvin Grove School SE26

24 July - 18 August

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

THEATRE & SHOWS

The Old Vic

11-29 July

Mog the Forgetful Cat

The Wardrobe Ensemble adapt Judith Kerr’s beloved and iconic stories for the stage, in a lively and enchanting production with songs, live music and a menagerie of creatures little and large. Ages 3+

Greenwich Theatre

18 August - 3 September

Cinderella

A company of astonishing actor-musicians join

ultra-talented birds for a feathery, toe-tapping revival of one of the best loved fairytales.

Shakespeare’s Globe Family Workshops

Family workshops feature a range of activities and games based on Shakespeare’s best-loved plays:

Until 26 August

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Ages 5-8 and 9-12.

Southbank Centre

8 July - 3 September

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Part installation, part adventure playground, REPLAY is a space built entirely out of waste materials, repurposed for fun by The Herd Theatre. Ages 0-11.

26 & 27 August

The SpongeBob Musical

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? It’s SpongeBob SquarePants, in an allsinging, all-dancing, dynamic stage show.

1 & 3 September

Zoe’s Peculiar Journey

Hurtle into a timetravelling adventure for ages six and over, featuring magical puppetry

and exploring themes of friendship and the environment. Ages 6+.

Bromley Churchill Theatre

19-22 July

Around The World in 80 Days

This brand-new, fun and colourful comedy drama tells Jules Verne’s story as you’ve never seen it before. Ages 5+.

9 & 10 August

Jurassic Earth

See roaming, state-of-theart animatronic life-like dinosaurs in an interactive and exciting story-telling show for all audiences.

30 & 31 August

In The Night Garden Live Pip-pip, onk-onk! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all.

Lyric Theatre

20 July-3 September

The Smeds and the Smoos

Zoom into space with two warring aliens in this adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Tall Stories brings music, laughs and interplanetary adventures to the stage. Ages 3+.

What’s on

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

Actor’s Church

5-8 July

Romeo & Juliet

Take a magical visit to Verona, with newly composed music and even a dance or two. Suitable for family audiences.

13-15 July

Peter Pan

The timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. This show isn’t just for kids; brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw. Ages 3+.

18-24 August

Doctor Dolittle

A fun, family-friendly story using magnificent puppetry to fill the courtyard with every kind of creature imaginable. Ages 3+.

Apollo Theatre

27 July–2 September

I Believe in Unicorns

Award-winning storyteller

Danyah Miller brings

best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story to life. This intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. It is a tale of the power of books and the bravery of 8-yearold Tomas. Tomas hates reading and school but

his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library. This enchanting, interactive production sparks imagination in both young and old. ‘Danyah’s performance is a tour de force. The show is moving and memorable, a glorious example of the magic of storytelling. I didn’t like it, I loved it!’ Michael Morpurgo. Ages 6+

The London Palladium

Until 3 September

The Wizard of Oz

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

Theatre Royal Frozen the Musical

The stage version of the hugely successful animated Disney film features unforgettable songs from the movie, including ‘Let It Go’ and ‘Do You Wanna Build a Snowman,’ as well as catchy new numbers. Expect spectacular staging, amazing special effects and beautiful costumes Ages 6+.

Bach to Baby

Various dates and venues

Critically acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups.

Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

23 July and 13 August in London Bridge & Borough

24 July and 7 August in Bromley

2 July and 18 August in Greenwich

15 July and 28 August in Sydenham

1 August in East Dulwich

24 August in Blackheath

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Horniman Museum and Gardens

London Road SE23 3PQ

15 July

Beats and Blooms Family Rave

Throw some shapes in the garden this July. Big Fish Little Fish are back with the incomparable DJ Benga bringing the bass to soundtrack the bubbles. balloons, foam, crafts, food and fun.

Until 29 October Brick Dinos

Some of the largest beasts to ever walk the earth have been recreated with Lego bricks by artist Warren Elsmore and his team. Hands-on children’s activities include build your own dinosaur and digging for fossils.

What’s on

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

5 & 19 August

Bandstand Live

Celebrate south London’s vibrant cultural heritage through live music, dance and more in the Horniman Gardens.

National Maritime Museum

Greenwich, SE10 9NF

22 July-3 September

Summer of Play

The museum is getting playful with water. Explore oceans and seas and discover the magic of water during a series of workshops and family activities.

Until 24 September

The Tempest and The Thames

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

Queen’s House

Greenwich SE10 9NF

22 July-3 September

Character Actors

Discover different characters from history with their own fascinating stories to tell; and what life was like in the royal residence. Ages 5+

Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT

Weekends and school holidays

Cutty Sark Characters

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

Various dates

Rig Climb Experience

Climb the famous masts and enjoy views of the Thames and London like no other, taking in the sights from the rigging of a true London icon. Ages 12

Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD

Until 7 January 2024

Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur

Step into the world of one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. You’ll learn how Patagotitan mayorum stayed safe, found food and kept cool as you follow its journey from tiny egg to towering head and shoulders above other Cretaceous critters.

Young V&A, E2 9PA

From 1 July

The Former Museum of Childhood

Co-designed with children and young people as a joyful, buzzing and optimistic

‘doing museum.’ It houses sensory playscapes, the Imagination Playground construction zone, performance and storytelling stage, plus an open design studio for children and young people. Best of all entry is free.

British Library, NW1 2DB

Until 28 August

Animals: Art, Science and Sound

Documenting the animal world has resulted in some of humankind’s most aweinspiring art, science and sound recordings. Follow this centuries-long journey through sound recordings, manuscripts and artworks and learn some fun facts along the way.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Kent Life, Maidstone ME14 3AU

22 July-31 August

Summer Holiday Fun

Entertainment for all includes fun farm rides, play areas, hand-powered paddle boats, a Vintage Village and, of course, plenty of friendly farm animals!

What’s on

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

Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS

14-20 August

Family Theatre: Alice in Wonderland

Follow the White Rabbit into a curiously enchanting world of wonder. Wild Immersive Theatre perform a magical family adventure like no other in the garden.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre, NW1 4NU

17 June-22 July

Robin Hood. The Legend. Re-written

Prepare for a thrilling new take on the classic tale which promises humour, heart and a forest full of secrets. Expect the arrows to fly in a bold new direction as trickery and truth collide with fiery results. Ages 8+.

30 June-22 July

The Tempest

When the sorcerer Prospero conjures up a storm to shipwreck his enemies, he sets the scene for an enchanting tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. Shakespeare’s text is reimagined and brought thrillingly to life for younger audiences. Ages 6+

Hever Castle & Gardens

Kent TN8 7NG

July and August weekends

Jousting Tournaments

The Knights of Royal England will entertain with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Tudor-filled Royal box.

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, TW9 3AE

Spectacular plants and views, plus a children’s garden where your little ones can climb, run, jump and explore everything that a plant needs to grow.

22 July-28 August

Alice in Wonderland

A part-promenade theatrical performance: journey down the rabbit hole into a fantastical world inhabited by curiouser and curiouser characters.

BOOKING AHEAD

Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ

11 Nov-31 Dec

The Bolds

The Bolds live in an ordinary house on an ordinary street and they love to laugh. But they’re not ordinary people; they are hyenas! With live music and songs, come and revel in the

joy of being anything but ordinary. Ages 6+

17 Nov-31 Dec

The Wolf, The Duck and The Mouse

Sometimes friendship can be found in the darkest and most unusual of places and being eaten up by a wolf isn’t actually that bad. Ages 3-7

17 Jan-18 Feb 2024

Ready Steady Lift Off

Join a weird and wacky astronaut programme which combines an interactive live performance with storytelling and colouring!

Ages 3-8

20 Jan - 18 Feb 2024

The Three Billy Goats

Gruff

Come on a musical adventure as three hungry goats hatch a plan to cross the bridge to the lush green grass on the other side. Can they outwit that horrible tricksy troll?

Ages 3-7

The Odyssey

With an unforgettable 60s soul and pop-inspired score, this is a fun, musical re-telling of Homer’s classic, epic adventure through stormy seas and strange lands. Ages 8-13

Numberblocks toys to giveaway

8 bundles worth £80 each Collectables and playset for endless play and learning adventures

As seen on CBeebies

Bundles include:

Numberblocks Friends

One to Five

Numberblocks Friends

Six to Ten

Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters playset

Turning your child into a bookworm

By Emma Shingleton

Is your youngster a reluctant reader? Despite tempting them with every type of book, do they still only read when they ‘have’ to and not for pleasure?

The long summer holidays are an ideal time to encourage your child to ditch their screens and curl up with an engrossing story book instead.

So let’s get started:

Create a reading den

Every home should have a reading corner or den; a place that is inviting and excites children. Choose a quiet spot and add some pillows, bean bags or cushions to curl up on. Perhaps you could put up some posters to get them in the mood for imaginative thinking. What about: Under the Sea, Rainbows, Castles, Transport, In the Jungle?

Use television subtitles

Put your child’s favourite programmes on with subtitles and no sound. Can they read along and understand what is happening?

Try karaoke with lyrics

Host karaoke sessions so that children are challenged to read and sing lyrics on the screen.

Learn a poem together

Why not learn a topical poem alongside your child: find one about holidays, the weather or beaches to fit the season!

Film yourself reading a story

Think of it as CBBC bedtime stories. Use your phone to film yourself reading a story and send in the video to your child’s teacher. If other parents do the same, the whole class can enjoy a story read by someone other than their teacher!

Fun ‘back to school’ stationery

There’s nothing more guaranteed to get your child excited about the new school year than some new stationery for back to school. Here are our top summer shopping choices.

Mini Highlighters £2.00 each

Fruit Eraser Collection £3.50

Magnetic Metal Ball Pen £14.99

Fidget Pen £3.50

Super 3D Moving Cover Notebook £2.65

Giraffe Wooden Ruler £3.95

Duck Crayons £3.95

Mini Stationery Set £6.00

Wild Wonders Colouring Pencils £9.95

Visual processing: what parents need to know

By Usha Patel

Helping your child with school transition

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

‘My son’s Educational Psychologist Report revealed he has visual processing problems. But what does this mean?’

Opticians check your child’s eye health and how well their eyes take in visual data. But how well does your child’s brain interpret what they see?

READ MORE

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Moving to a new class or school can be challenging for kids. Most adapt to changes within the first few weeks but preparation and emotional resilience can greatly help with this adaptation. So how can you support your child through this unsettling time?

READ MORE

NEW Orchard Toys games to giveaway!

8 bundles of NEW Orchard Toy games

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4-11 to read six library books during the summer holiday and collect rewards, like stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge will continue through September.

READ MORE

Bundles worth £30

School uniform labelling options

Labelling school clothes is not a fun job so, to help, we’ve identified some of the most reliable labelling options out there.

SnappyTag

No ironing or sewing. Clip on plastic tags with special tool.

50 labels £23

easy2name Shoe Label Covers

Stick these over a stickon label to protect name from wearing off.

20 labels £3.95

MyNameTags Ministickers

Big enough for child’s name but small enough for stationery.

175 for £15.95

WovenLabelsUK

Sew On

For traditionalists, sew on labels offer durability and value for money. 36 labels £4.99

Petit Fernand

Convenient stick-on labels that can used on anything. 30 labels £9

Stamptastic

Stamping with longlasting ink makes labelling fast and easy. Basic bundle £24

WHSmith Laundry Marker

Short of time and money? Nothing beats a laundry pen. £4.99

Able Labels Iron On Labels

Avoids sewing and produces similar result. 30 labels £3.75

tinyme Nursery Labels

Nursery-themed colourful stickers. Starter pack 144 sticky labels inc 72 iron on labels £23

Avoiding summer learning loss

At home

Encourage creative play. Start with a box of dressing-up props. Teach them to cook. Check out skills it develops by age HERE. Make a scrap book. Encourages creativity, writing and reading. Get gardening. Explore plants in the garden, get kids planting their own.

Reading. Increases vocabulary, literacy and creativity. Try the Summer Reading Challenge

On holiday

Encourage organisation and research skills, involve kids in planning activities for your trip. Challenge kids to concisely describe their holidays in writing by sending postcards. Sandcastle building encourages learning about patterns and structure.

Learning lurks in seaside rockpools! Get the kids to draw and research their sightings.

How to go rockpooling

Out and about

Go on a mini-beast hunt at your local park. Visit a museum, zoo or aquarium. Frequently an interactive experience with educational school holiday activities on offer. Physical activity. Develops concentration, team work and logic. Visit a castle or stately home. A three-dimensional history lesson!

On the move

The AA’s 10 best car games can transform a boring car journey. Encourage appreciation of local food. Choose local and avoid fast food outlets or chain restaurants. Help kids observe climatic and geographic differences compared to where they live. Provide real life exposure to history and culture. Visit places of local significance.

Laying out a scrapbook

Watch

This guide gives you tips on what you need to take and shows what you may find.

Let’s go plastic-free in 2023!

Mark Plastic-Free July by reducing your family’s single-use plastic waste this summer. Try one of our ideas to help the planet and future generations.

Eco Warrior shampoo bar

Lasts longer and produces foamy lather with fewer chemicals.

Aluminium refill bottle

Zero waste. Just buy washing up liquid in bulk and refill.

Shaving soap

Free from plastics, including in the packaging.

Plant-based dental floss

Made with 100% renewable resources. Recycle in food waste.

Reusable cotton snack bag

Perfect alternative for sandwiches and snacks.

Bamboo dish brush

Made with natural bamboo, durable and effective.

Disney Stitch stainless steel straws

Reusable stainless-steel straws with adorable Stitch toppers.

Zero Waste Locator

Find your nearest plasticfree food outlets using this interactive map.

Toy

swap

subscription library

The more affordable and sustainable alternative to buying toys.

Grab Start Rite Schools shoes worth £50

Families has 5 pairs of Start-Rite Schools shoes to give away.

A leader in children’s fitted footwear for over 230 years, StartRite school shoes are designed to be tough and provide the correct support for the age and developmental stage of the child.

Containing biomechanical sole units, a proprietary air flow system and with double industry standard testing, StartRite delivers shoes that are comfortable and dependable: never outworn, only outgrown.

Winners will receive a £50 voucher to select from a broad School Shoe range. The range includes a selection at a more value-driven price point and a selection that donates profits to The Daily Mile, a charity working to help children get more exercise during the school day, thereby improving their physical, social, emotional and mental health.

APPLY HERE

T&C’s apply.

FREE Readly digital mag subscriptions worth

£120

Families has 3 annual subscriptions to Readly to give away, offering hours of digital magazine fun for young readers, including 80+ Disney magazines and comics.

Featuring much-loved character comics such as Disney’s Frozen, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, High School Musical, Star Wars™ and MARVEL, kids can immerse themselves in the world of Disney through brilliant stories, fantasy adventures, craft ideas and activities revolving around their favourite characters.

The Disney magazines are available to all the family as part of the unlimited reading subscription on Readly – where users can instantly read over seven thousand magazines and newspapers via their smartphone, tablet or laptop. Five user profiles per household. Parental controls apply.

APPLY HERE

T&C’s apply.

Let the kids in the kitchen!

We asked Heather Staller, writer of the new book Kid Kitchen, for some of her favourite recipes for developing kids’ cooking skills.

No-Bake Trail Mix Cups

Healthier granola bar alternative. Use crushed pretzels, cereal, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit.

Healthy Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Glaze

Wholegrain, lower in added sugar and made in one bowl!

Stuffed Pizza Bites

A fun twist on pizza night – stuff with whatever you like.

Baked Spaghetti Cups

Healthy and easy weeknight meal kids can virtually make all by themselves.

PB&J Breakfast Cookies

Full of fruit, protein & whole grains, kids will love this breakfast choice.

Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Cobbler Blueberry pancakes BUT also a dessert cobbler that’s healthy enough for breakfast!

Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowls

Veggie-packed, easy dinner. Kids can make with just a little help!

Strawberry Oatmeal Snack Cake

Made from wholesome ingredients. Easy to stir up before breakfast.

S’mores Brownie Bites

Easy, impressive dessert that kids can make with just a little help.

Free activity printables for all ages

Perfect for those ‘I’m bored!’ moments or for some quiet time.

Bluey and Bingo paper masks

Make a Bluey and Bingo paper mask by downloading this template.

Duggee and his friends

Download this sheet to colour in Duggee and the Squirrels.

Make your own Routemaster

Download the template to make this iconic double-decker bus.

Tracy Beaker word search

For Jaqueline Wilson fans! Find the hidden words connected to Tracy Beaker.

A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting activity book

Fun activities for 5-8s based on popular book.

Make a pirate hat

Download this pirate hat template to sail the seven seas in style.

Let’s play butterfly snap

Download these cards and play a fun snap game.

Everything Under the Sun activity pack

Test your knowledge and let your imagination run wild.

The Funny Life of Sharks activity pack

Activities for 8-11s based on the hilarious book.

Seven great Forest School activities

We asked Naomi Walmsley, author, with Dan Westall, of the Forest School Handbook for some ideas from the book on how to connect kids with nature. Here are her inspiring ideas.

Be a mud detective

Camouflage your hand

Mark out a sticky, muddy area (or area of loose dirt) with sticks about three by two feet. One person turns away whilst the other hops, skips and jumps through the pit. Now guess how they moved through by looking closely at their tracks.

Make a goblin or toy village

It’s all about blending in. Place your hand on a tree or at the base of it. Take away the shine using charcoal, add mud to change the colour. Sprinkle on some woodland mulch or stick on some tiny sticks and moss or bits of bark to add texture.

Make a simple Stone Age tool

Imagine a family of tiny goblins or make this village for your favourite toy. Find places that have interesting characteristics, a hole in a tree, creeping roots etc. Add leaves on sticks for miniature trees, pebbles for bridges, moss for roofs and make mini shelters big enough for your imaginary guests or toy.

Find a thin sheet of slate. Place it on a hard surface and break off bits you don’t want with a round, heavy stone. Make a triangular arrow shape. Rub back and forwards to smooth it, using sandstone, any rough rock or rough outdoor surface. Hey presto! Your own simple stone tool.

Seven great Forest School activities

We asked Naomi Walmsley, author, with Dan Westall, of the Forest School Handbook for some ideas from the book on how to connect kids with nature. Here are her inspiring ideas.

Nature is a rainbow

Make nettle smoothie

You’ll be amazed how many different colours you can see when you start to look. Pick up a free colour chart from a hardware or DIY shop. Head to the park or forest or even into a town to see which natural things match the colours on your chart.

Conkers are a great resource

Pick a large handful in spring using a gardening glove. Add them to a blender with a banana, some pineapple, a glug of coconut milk, a slab of cucumber, half an avocado and blend until completely smooth: this will remove the sting.

Numberblocks toy bundles to giveaway

Bundles include:

Numberblocks

At the end of summer, the seeds (conkers), leaves and bark of the horse chestnut tree all contain ‘saponin’ which has similar properties to soap. Grate the conkers, pour over warm water and leave to steep. Use after about half an hour to wash grubby hands or clean your clothes!

For endless play and learning adventures

Friends One to Five & Six to Ten

Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters playset As seen on CBeebies

Top family beaches in the UK

Pack the buckets, spades and picnic gear and head to one of these gorgeous 2022 Blue Flag Award beaches for an old-fashioned family day out. All have food outlets and toilets.

Llangranno, Wales

Sandy, sheltered ‘village beach.’ Various food outlets. Water sports, surfing, dolphin viewing. Parking.

Scarborough North Bay, Yorkshire

Esplanade, hills, cliffs, crazy golf, surfing. Parking.

Burntisland, Fife

Sandy/rocky beach. rockpools, Seaside Park with crazy golf, bouncy castle, fairground. Parking.

Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire

Long sandy beaches, donkey rides, funfair, paddle boating, crazy golf, bike hire, parking.

Cromer, Norfolk

Traditional Victorian seaside resort, with a wide sand and shingle beach and iconic pier. Parking.

Woolacombe, North Devon

3 mile sandy beach, surf school, kayaking/ kitesurfing, rockpools, theme park. Parking.

Southwold, Suffolk Pier, attractions, lighthouse, model boating pond, shingle beach, harbour. Parking.

Blackpool Sands, South Devon

Sand and shingle beach with clear, calm waters. Water activities. Parking.

St Ives, Cornwall

6 sandy beaches, surf & non-surf, Limited parking, take spectacular train ride from St Erth.

Top theme parks to visit this summer

If you’re thinking of visiting a theme park this summer and are not sure where to head to, take a look at our suggestions.

Alton Towers & CBeebies Land

Stoke on Trent

Offers thrills and spills for older children. Cbeebies Land for younger kids.

Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World

The New Forest Something for everyone, with Peppa Pig World tailored to pre-schoolers.

Chessington World of Adventures

Surrey

40 rides and attractions, zoo, Sea Life aquarium and Go Ape.

Drayton

Resort & Thomas Land

Rides for older kids plus Thomas the Tank area and big zoo.

Legoland Windsor Windsor, Berkshire

Iconic theme park, dedicated to children 3-12 years.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Scottish Highlands

From larger-than-life dinosaurs to water coasters

Sundown

Adventureland

Retford, Nottingham

Quaint and traditional attraction dedicated to children under 10.

Warrington, Cheshire

For ages 2-13, six themed areas, over 25 rides, host of attractions.

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

North Yorkshire

40 rides and attractions.

Manor

Gulliver’s Resort

Outdoor adventures for summer

If you’re heading out of your local area this summer, here’s a selection of fantastic places where you can give your kids an outdoor adventure.

Lilidorei Play Village

The Alnwick Garden

Northumberland

NEW! Largest play structure in the world. Fantastical play universe.

Belvoir Castle

Grantham, Leicestershire

NEW! Set over 4 acres. Giant timber fortress, tunnels, zip wire, toddler area.

WildPlay at Whinlatter

Keswick, Cumbria

FREE! Forest adventures in 9 play areas on a 600m trail. Summer water features.

Culzean Castle

Ayrshire, Scotland

Adventure Cove & Wild Woodland play areas include towers, treehouse, zip slides.

Heartlands

Redruth, Cornwall FREE! Shipwrecked boat, mini beach, huge wooden climbing frame and more.

Tyntesfield

Wraxall, Somerset

Den-building village, Home Farm courtyard, big tractor to climb, slides.

Stanwick Lakes

Northamptonshire

Extensive adventure playground, water play, large sand play, climbing tower and more.

Basingstoke, Hampshire

Network of covered tunnels, wooden fort, slide, deep sandpit, stream, water play.

Chatsworth House

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Woodland playground with rope park, zip wire, water/sand play, working farmyard.

The Vyne