Families South East London Jul/Aug 2023 Print

South East

Contact us

Editor Linda Stone

editor@familiesselondon.co.uk 020 8241 0423

Sales Patricia Holloway patricia.holloway@familiespublishing.co.uk 07980 556813

Design Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk 07789 882467

Next issue: September/October

Booking deadline: 2 August

In this issue

This product is made of material from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources.

Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth through school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s BabyLab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

020 3926 1207 babylab @ bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Congratulations to all competition winners in our March/April issue.

You can find a list at https://bit.ly/ MA23giveaways

Welcome

Summer holidays will soon be here! Take your pick from dozens of family activities and events happening in South East London – you’ll find them in our What’s On section.

Kids generally love school holidays but as parents, it’s good to be prepared for those ‘I’m bored’ moments! Remember it’s not too late to book your child into a summer day camp or workshop – you’ll find a selection in our feature. You may also want to check out our twenty summer holiday activity suggestions for cool kids!

And, to make sure everything learned this year doesn’t complete slip out of their heads, take a look at our article on avoiding summer brain drain and keeping your children’s minds sharp during the long break.

Don’t miss another Orchard Toy game giveaway too – we have bundles of new Orchard Toy games offer. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Editor, Families South East

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

Preventing summer brain drain

By Jemma Z Smith

Summer holidays are fabulous but all too often the return to school in September can come as a bit of a shock to the system. How do you spell that word again? What’s that fractions rule? The feeling of forgetting everything is really common (for adults too!).

Here are some fun activities you can do over the long summer break to keep everyone’s minds in tip top condition and just as sharp as in term time.

Times table bingo

This can be a really good way of practising your times tables. There are lots of free and downloadable resources out there but essentially all you need is paper, pencils and perhaps a times table square that you can refer to.

While you’re in the maths zone, try making up dice games. For example, start with three or more dice and set challenges: can you roll a number higher than… an even number, a prime number or a number in a certain times table. The possibilities are endless. Assign points to the winner and make it as competitive as you wish!

Kim’s game

This is a popular memory game that you can play anywhere. Find ten objects and place them on a tray or picnic blanket. Everyone has a good look, then all but one person closes their eyes and an item is silently removed. Can the kids remember what has been taken? For variation, cover the tray and everyone has to try to remember the whole list of ten objects.

Story stones

This is a lovely, artistic way of keeping the kids’ imaginations and creativity firing. Firstly, you need to go on a walk and find some smooth pebbles suitable for painting on. The idea is then that each stone is used to paint a different section of a story. Acrylic paint or permanent markers are the best to decorate stones. The kids can even act out the story later.

Lights, camera, action!

Feeling dramatic? Encourage the kids to become a news broadcaster for the day! They can take on the role of a character and choose something that they want to talk about. Will it be scary or funny? Who will be the interviewee, the director, camera person and lighting technician? Then, of course, they will need to prepare a timed script and practise speaking clearly in front of an attentive audience.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel, www.educationhotel.co.uk

Combining activities

Turn a long walk into a treasure hunt. There are lots of downloadable online activities or you could make your own. Ideas include finding items which begin with a certain letter, a particular shape or colour.

Rainy days call for some baking – and some maths too! Can your child work out the correct ingredient amounts for a delicious recipe? How much more is needed to halve or double the number of buns?

Going on holiday? There are always lots of anagrams, sudoku puzzles and crosswords which will make long car journeys go much more quickly. These can be especially helpful for 11+ practice as they help to build up a rich vocabulary, help with verbal reasoning type activities and keep maths skills strong. Don’t forget board games. Counting steps on a board, rolling doubles, working with money in Monopoly and keeping score all keep children’s maths brains sharp. Filling a Scrabble board exercises word skills. Just make sure you have some good snacks at the ready to keep everyone happy when the competition gets fierce!

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

The theme for this year is Ready, Set, Read! and the Challenge is being delivered in partnership with national children’s charity The Youth Sport Trust and public libraries.

This year, the Challenge aims to keep children’s minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.

The Challenge launched in libraries in England on 24 June and will continue through September.

More information at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Help your child with school transition

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

While moving to a new class or new school can be challenging for kids, most adapt to changes within the first few weeks as routines are established and new friendships formed. Preparation is a key component which can make a huge difference to the readiness of your child. At the same time, emotional resilience greatly helps children adapt to different environments, routines and social dynamics. So, how can parents support children through their journey of change and uncertainty?

Encourage open communication

Open communication is essential in helping children express their worries and concerns. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and validate their emotions. Set aside dedicated time and spaces for these conversations. This can be as simple as the walk or drive home from school or over a snack at the end of the day.

Develop problem solving skills

Encourage your child to identify potential challenges and discuss possible solutions together. This will help them feel more prepared while developing their own problem-solving skills. Encourage your child to be open to new experiences, emphasising the importance of adaptability in overcoming challenges.

Model resilience

By modelling resilience you provide a powerful example for your child to follow, helping them develop the emotional strength needed to adapt to new experiences. Give examples of your own coping strategies, taking care to maintain a positive spin. Show

your child that change is a natural part of life and discuss the exciting opportunities that the new academic year will bring.

Emphasise the importance of self-care

Establish healthy routines including regular sleep, exercise and healthy eating. Encourage participation in a range of out of school activities that they enjoy. This will help them better manage their own stress and maintain a positive outlook during times of change.

Celebrate success

Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones during transition. Praising their ability to overcome challenges boosts confidence. Keep the open communication going so it becomes a habit. Children need to know you will always be behind them through and beyond their teens. Remain patient and understanding as each child’s experience is unique and developing emotional resilience takes time and practice.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Starting primary school Transition to secondary

Starting primary school can be an exciting yet daunting new chapter for you and your child. The most useful thing you can do is prepare them ahead of their first day:

Practise getting dressed, using the toilet, opening a lunchbox, using cutlery.

Play games which involve turn taking and social skills.

Help your child recognise their name so they can keep track of clothes and find their peg.

Acknowledge your own feelings and anxieties. This is the start of your child’s journey away from you and that can be challenging. Recognise this is normal but try to keep those emotions away from your child.

Talk about your child’s day, emphasising the positive but be ready to help them with any worries they might express. Make time to talk and listen.

Expect teething troubles and always speak to the teacher if you have particular concerns.

Moving up to secondary school is an exciting milestone involving significant changes. It’s a lot to go from being the oldest to the youngest, with much larger buildings, new teachers, subjects and classmates. To manage this rite of passage:

Talk to your child about how they are feeling and the differences that they will experience.

Focus on exciting opportunities eg new friends and activities. Encourage age-appropriate independence to prepare them for more responsibility.

Familiarity is a comfort. Look at the school website together, practise the journey, reach out to make new friends.

Encourage preparation. If your child has all their equipment/ uniform/books ready every day this will help the school day run more smoothly.

Keep your own worries under wraps.

Discuss phone use and online safety. Set digital boundaries and stick to them regardless of peer pressure.

Summer camps and workshops

Coding camps in Blackheath

Unlock your child’s potential and ignite their passion with Code Kids! Code Kids immerses children in a world of STEM, exploring robotics, AI and game development.

Its unique approach makes learning a thrilling journey, sparking creativity and driving future success. Camps for children ages 8+ take place from 17 to 21 July, 24 to 28 July, 31 July to 4 August and 7 to 11 August at Blackheath High School. Each day runs 10am3pm.

Information and booking: www.codekids.org.uk

Keyboard music workshops in Herne Hill/Streatham

From 24 July to 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! In small groups, with expert teachers and Funky Monkey’s unique scheme, kids start to read and write music, learn the technique of the electronic keyboard and play some famous tunes. One day workshops (ages 4 to 8, 10am-1.30pm). Five day (Mon-Fri) workshops, (ages 5 to 9, 10am-12.30pm).

Information and booking: www.funkymonkey.info

Performing arts summer school in Peckham Rye

Kids ages 4+ can dive into their favourite movies including Pixar Magic, Toy Story, Coco and Monsters Inc, at Cosmos Performing Arts summer school at Newlands Academy, SE15. Running 24 to 27 July (9.30am-3.30pm), the days will be full of song, dance, drama, crafting, fun and games. The work will be filmed and you will receive a dazzling film of the week’s performances at the end.

Information and booking: www.cosmosperformingarts.co.uk

Summer dance and musical theatre course in Herne Hill

Join South London Dance School for this fabulous course, perfect for children about to enter Reception and older!

Running from 29 August to 1 September in Herne Hill, younger children will enjoy learning dances and songs from Disney musicals and older children will learn pieces from We Will Rock You and The Wizard of Oz. There will be a performance at the end of the week. Activities will include stretching and yoga, jazz dancing plus art & craft for junior group.

Information and booking: www.southlondondanceschool.co.uk

Multi-sports camps in Surrey Quays

Starting 25 July, Decathlon Sports are running full day multisports camps for children ages 6 to 10 of all playing levels for five weeks of the summer holidays. Each sport session is run by qualified coaches and covers basic techniques and games. Sports include golf, table tennis, tennis, basketball, volleyball, football and handball.

A great way for kids to build confidence, learn and develop the skills for different sports, camps run 9am-5pm. Daily booking available.

Information and booking: info.decathlonsports@gmail.com

Multi-activity camps in Sydenham

Global Camps offers a unique holiday camp experience for children ages 4 to 12 throughout the school holidays.

Each morning, children practice their language skills in a fun language lesson, get active in a coach-led sports session and engage their creativity with art and craft. Afternoons are filled with a wide and wonderful range of outdoor activities aimed at learning new skills. These include shelter building, archery, insect hunting, nature art, leaf printing, rocket building and team building games.

Information and booking: www.globalcamps.co.uk

Summer

Learn musical theatre numbers and improve your dance skills

Get

For more info email: sldssummerprogramme@gmail.com

In Herne Hill

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 plus their first ever festival of children’s theatre, Perform in the Park. See page 13.

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 online at www.perform.org.uk/wizard

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 at www.perform.org.uk/try

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. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Beckenham: St George’s Church Hall

Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall

Bermondsey: Bermondsey Village Hall

Blackheath: St Michael and All Angels Church Hall

Brockley: St Andrew’s Centre

Bromley: St John The Evangelist Church

Camberwell: Longfield Hall

Chislehurst: Chislehurst Methodist Church

East Dulwich & Dulwich: St Stephen’s Millenium Hall, St Barnabas’ Church Hall, Francis Peek Community Room, Goose Green Centre, St Barnabas’ Parish Hall

Eltham: Christ Church Community Centre

Forest Hill: St William of York Catholic Church Hall

Greenwich: The Forum

Herne Hill: The Prince Regent, Carnegie Community Hub

Hither Green: Lochaber Hall

Kidibrooke: St James Rectory

Lee: Church of the Good Shepherd

Orpington: Orpington Methodist Church

Peckham Rye: Amott Road Baptist Church - NEW

Petts Wood: Lakes Wood Hall

Surrey Quays: Time and Talents, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre

Waterloo: Waterloo Action Centre - NEW

Woolwich: Under 1 Roof

ASK THE EXPERT

Time to think about orthodontics for your child?

Toddlers with autism sleep less well as babies

Premier Orthodontics in Bromley offers this issue’s specialist parenting advice.

The Invisalign system is a clear alternative to braces and has features specifically designed for younger patients. Children can start Invisalign First treatment from age 7, with a mix of baby and permanent teeth.

Orthodontic treatment for growing patients can:

✓ Improve bite, help with chewing, swallowing and speech;

✓ Promote good oral hygiene and make cleaning easier;

✓ Create space to allow for growing second teeth;

✓ Improve your child’s profile and facial development.

Invisalign is an alternative to fixed braces and has a number of benefits. Invisalign aligners can be removed to ensure there’s no restriction on food intake and diet and to allow brushing and flossing as usual. Invisalign offers a less painful, happier orthodontic experience, with fewer orthodontist visits and minimal disruption to daily life eg playing sport/wind instruments. It’s also teamed with a remote monitoring system called Dental Monitoring for the most efficient treatment.

Invisalign First treatment is designed to treat a broad range of simple to complex dental issues in growing children, like crowding, spacing and narrow dental arches. It also addresses the unique needs of growing patients, aligning their teeth while expanding their dental arches.

Pre-teens and teens with most/all permanent teeth can be treated with Invisalign aligners with or without Mandibular Advancement. Mandibular Advancement involves integrating precision wings into the clear aligners and achieves both bite correction and teeth alignment simultaneously with a comfortable, clear appliance. As the child bites down, the precision wings work to gradually correct the bite by positioning the lower jaw forward.

Invisalign treatment is effective for:

✓ Incorrect bites ✓ Crowding

✓ Gaps ✓ Protruding teeth

Elettra qualified as a Specialist Orthodontist from the prestigious University of Milan in 2013. She has a keen interest in early interceptive orthodontics for children, in addition to teen and adult orthodontics using Damon selfligating braces and Invisalign aligners.

For more information on the types of treatment offered by Premier Orthodontics, to a book a comprehensive consultation or to complete a free smile assessment for your child visit www.premierorthodontics.co.uk or call 0208 460 6464.

Many children with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism struggle to fall and stay asleep. However, we don’t know how early in infancy these difficulties start and whether sleep problems emerge before other behavioural challenges.

To find out, researchers at the Birkbeck BabyLab & ToddlerLab asked parents of infants with a family history of autism about their babies’ sleeping behaviours. The study found that reduced sleep durations, more frequent wake ups and longer settling times at fourteen months were associated with slower development, more social difficulties and greater ASD traits at age 3.

Children with a later diagnosis of ASD showed particularly strong sleep difficulties from infancy, sleeping on average one hundred minutes less a night than typically developing infants. Understanding the impact of sleep differences on children and designing new interventions are important next steps.

To learn more about this and other research, visit www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/babylab

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The six rules for sleepovers

By Ellie Malt

A friend of mine recently vowed never again to host another sleepover after her husband scared a gaggle of eight-year-olds while sleepwalking to the fridge in his dressing gown. Personally, we’ve enjoyed hosting sleepovers in our family and most have gone fairly smoothly (with one notable exception when the dog punctured an inflatable mattress). Assuming any pets are safely under control and having learned from experience, here are our key rules:

Choose your night carefully

Inevitably, the kids will end up getting to sleep (quite considerably) later than usual and feeling very tired the next day. In addition, sleeping at someone else’s house is a big deal for any child and the experience may become overwhelming at some point. The school holidays are the perfect time to take the plunge and the summer holidays are even better as children can play outside and everything feels a bit less formal.

Plan ahead with beds and bedding

You can minimise tiresome negotiations by agreeing the sleeping arrangements well before bedtime. Aside from the obvious point of checking the kids all have the relevant sheets, sleeping bags and pillows, it’s also worth policing the exact layout. Without supervision, groups of girls are fond of laying out mattresses in a pecking order with the coolest nabbing the best spots! Equally, some more sensitive children will prefer a nice, quiet corner.

Explain any house rules at the beginning

It’s easier to outline your main expectations to the kids at the start. Things like bedtimes, devices and what they can watch, how early they can get up etc. It’s meant to be fun, so make some allowance for chatting after lights out but with a time limit. It’s also helpful to show junior guests where the bathroom is and where to find your bedroom in case they need help urgently in the night.

Prepare some activities

A sleepover can feel like a very long playdate and while it’s great for helping raise your child’s friendships to the next level, having at least three planned activities can smooth out any initial awkwardness. Have suggestions up your sleeve for one physical activity and at least one more sedentary activity for calming everyone down. If you talk to your child about what they might like to do, you can make sure you have any relevant materials.

Arrange an early collection

Be clear with parents on the time your young guest(s) should be picked up in the morning. If it’s their child’s first time staying with you, it’s far better if it’s sooner rather than later to avoid having a tired and grumpy child hanging about with your tired and grumpy child on the day after the sleepover.

Ask the parents about food

While the children will have planned their midnight feast down to every last Haribo, you can probably assume they haven’t given much thought to actual meals. Most kids will find it reassuring to know there will be something familiar at breakfast time so checking ahead with the other parents on allergies and breakfast habits can be a considerate touch.

What the new childcare proposals mean for you

By Anna Letouze

There was good news for parents in this year’s Spring Budget when it was announced that the government will be extending funded childcare. This funding extension will mean that by September 2025 working parents of children over nine months and up to five years will be entitled to thirty hours free childcare per week.

As any working parent knows, paying for childcare before the existing funding for three-year-olds kicks in can be financially crippling. That the government acknowledges this struggle is a big step forward for families.

This policy has the power to help more parents back to work and improve the quality of family life with increased income. However, it’s important to acknowledge that when you look more closely at the policy, there is a risk that it could potentially exacerbate existing issues in the childcare system.

Unfortunately, the childcare system has not received full government funding to support the ‘free’ childcare places for children ages 2 to 4 that it introduced some years ago. In response, nurseries have had no option but to increase fees to meet the shortfall, resulting in the cost of childcare increasing for many parents.

Simultaneously, the running costs for childcare providers have skyrocketed and they have been closing en masse; over five thousand in the past year alone.

Again, funding for the government’s ambitious new plans for children ages 1 and 2 is estimated by the CBI to be half of what it will cost to implement, which will likely result in more closures, more competition and higher fees. Currently, the maths just doesn’t add up.

From April 2024, all 2-year-olds will be eligible for fifteen hours of free childcare. From 2025, children aged nine months and above will be eligible for thirty free hours.

The reason for the delay is that the dwindling number of providers couldn’t cope with a sudden increase in demand. Even with the longer lead time, many providers still won’t be

able to afford to offer the required places. This may leave some parents in the same situation of not being able to access their entitlement.

If your child is going to be eligible for free hours under the proposed changes, get ahead now and check with your local providers to ask whether they are going to be offering free hours for 2-year-olds. If they are, you may need to put your child on a waiting list because, as things stand, there may be a lot of competition for places.

In the meantime, there are other things you can do to lighten the load. First, make sure you’re claiming all the benefits you’re eligible for. If you are a working parent and not currently claiming financial support, start with the government’s online benefits calculator at www.gov.uk.

It’s also worth researching any other sources of support you may be able to access. The Cost of Living Support on the Working Families website (www.workingfamilies.org.uk) is a good start point.

You could also consider requesting flexible working. Everyone has the right to make a request once in a role for twenty-six weeks.

Currently employers are not obliged to consider it, so prepare the groundwork to put forward a strong case. Head to the Working Families website for advice and free resources on the best way to make a request.

Anna Letouze writes on behalf of Working Families (www.workingfamilies.org.uk), the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers.

Flexible Working Bill

Flex is becoming an everyday part of our working lives and the upcoming Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill will facilitate flex for many more parents and carers who need it.

If it is passed later this year, the bill will make requesting flexible working a right from day one, permit two requests a year, reduce the processing time, remove the requirement to explain how a proposed arrangement will work and require a consultation between employee and employer should the request be rejected.

Find your flex

Flex comes in all shapes and sizes. Hybrid or remote working, reduced or compressed hours, changing start and finish times, flexitime, job share; the list goes on.

If we start thinking of roles as comprising different tasks there is often an element of flexibility in when and how we can complete those tasks.

There’s no one way to work flexibly; instead, it is best achieved with a solution that is tailored both to your needs and the needs of your employer.

Twenty things for cool kids to do this summer

By Claire Winter

The long school holidays are here, the weather has perked up (hopefully) and there’s plenty of fun to be had! Dip into Families’ twenty ideas to keep your kids busy all summer –and the good news is a lot of them are absolutely free!

Cool kids can…..

Explore a local forest or woodland with family or friends. Pack a delicious picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty and organise a scavenger hunt to make the experience even more exciting.

Visit a different playground or splash park to keep cool on hotter days. It’s fun to venture further afield to add excitement and adventure to your child’s summer experience.

Put on a show or concert. Think Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice combined; it’s a fantastic way to showcase singing or dancing and create lasting memories, particularly if you video their acts.

Become an extra pocket money generator. Get the kids to put their skills to use by offering to do chores for neighbours, friends and family. Host a mini-Olympics. Come up with some quirky games and competitions that will get everyone’s blood pumping and having a blast while doing it.

Create a newspaper or magazine. Encourage your child’s writing skills – get them to come up with exciting articles, interesting stories and plenty of pictures. Your child can also practise their digital skills by using a computer or tablet.

Get fit. Be a #fitfam and promote a healthy lifestyle to your kids by going on a run or

British Museum launches free Young Friends scheme

Young Friends Membership from the British Museum is now available for all families across the UK to join for free.

The scheme invites young people with curious minds to become enthralled and inspired by history and archaeology. It provides the opportunity for the family to learn and get involved, both at the Museum and remotely.

Offering fun ways for the family to get involved with the Museum, both onsite and from the comfort of your own home, elements include:

Bi-weekly emails packed full of activities such as trails, quizzes and craft activities; Details of family events across the Museum; Pre-booking for the Museum’s famous sleepovers; Digital copies of Remus magazine three times a year and access to the full archive.

To sign up to the Young Friends scheme visit www.britishmuseum.org/membership/young-friends

a jog together. You’ll be staying active and you’ll be setting a great example for your children.

Sign up to a summer camp or workshop. Encourage your child to explore their passions and develop new skills. Not only will they have fun and make new friends, they’ll also gain valuable experience and knowledge that will benefit them in the future.

Learn to type. No more pecking like a T-Rex; get the kids to level up their keyboard game. With online typing lessons or software, they can improve their typing skills and impress everyone with their lightningfast fingers.

Explore the great outdoors and complete the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. From building a den to climbing a tree, this list is packed with exciting activities that will challenge and inspire the whole family. Time to start ticking!

Be in charge for the day. Invite the children to plan an epic day out for your family. Get them to put on their planning hats and see what they come up withthe wackier the better.

Get creative in the kitchen and get the kids to make a delicious meal or snack. Be inspired by cuisines from other countries or take inspiration from a favourite TikTok chef or food influencer.

Be kind. Teach your kids the value of kindness by getting them to volunteer to hang out with some of the older generation or people in need in your community. They can chat, play games or even help with some household chores.

Be screen-free. Are you tired of the constant screen time battles with your kids? Challenge the whole family to disconnect and enjoy a device-free day! Spend time outdoors and try new activities. It’s a great way to recharge and create lasting memories together.

Have a water fight. Nothing beats an old-fashioned water fight with friends or family. Whether you use water balloons, water pistols or old washing up bottles, it’s a great way to beat the heat and have lots of fun at the same time.

Visit a pick-your-own fruit farm. Yes kids, fruit grows on bushes and trees! Picking your own can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Many berries freeze well so you can stock up for puddings and breakfast toppers if your children’s enthusiasm means you have too much for today’s teatime.

Try wild swimming. Make a splash in a river, lake or the sea. Prioritise safety by choosing a safe and appropriate location, checking water conditions and always swim with a buddy or under adult supervision.

Visit a working farm. Farm life can be a fabulous adventure for younger children. Meet cute animals, learn how to milk a cow and help with chores like collecting eggs or feeding the pigs.

Get arty. Be inspired by Banksy and do some graffiti art with your kids or try other art projects like collages or mosaics. It is a great way to bond and unleash your inner artist!

What’s on

Compiled by Robina Cowan

All details are as provided when going to press, however in case of changed plans, do double-check before setting out.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Perform in the Park Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN

www.performinthepark.uk

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

www.greenwichdance.org.uk

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 www.ravertots.co.uk

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

www.bbcearthexperience.com

Until 31 July

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

Uptown Festival

Blackheath SE3 www.uptownfestival.co.uk

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 www.festival.org/gdif-2023

25 August - 10 September

GDIF is an award-winning festival of free outdoor theatre and arts. Events include theatre on a London bus, a swan ballet on water, circus,

Children’s theatre festival Perform in the Park

Children’s drama school Perform is embarking on its 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 shows running daily from 22 July to 28 August.

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

www.byobcomedy.com

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

www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

15 July in Bromley

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

WHAT’S ON

and try some famous tunes using electronic keyboards. All equipment and take home workbook provided.

Ages 4-9

Global Camps

Kelvin Grove School SE26

www.globalcamps.co.uk

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

Visit www.performinthepark.uk for more info and booking.

Perform Summer Workshops

East Dulwich, Greenwich, Blackheath, Dulwich, Beckenham www.perform.org.uk/wizard

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

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes

Various venues

www.funkymonkey.info

24 Jul-11 August

Make music the fun way in with fun beginner workshops. Children learn how to write and play notes C-G

The Old Vic

The Cut SE1 8NB

www.oldvictheatre.com

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

Crooms Hill SE10 8ES

www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

18 August - 3 September

Cinderella

A company of astonishing actormusicians join ultra-talented birds for a feathery, toe-tapping revival of one of the best loved fairytales.

Shakespeare’s Globe New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

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

show based Thu 20 Jul – Sun 3 Sep

ONE4REVIEW HHHHH EDINBURGHFESTIVALSFORKIDS.COM HHHHH

THEATRE & SHOWS Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, West End BOOK NOW • 0330 333 4812 smedsandsmooslive.com

book by JULIA DONALDSON and AXEL SCHEFFLER LIVE ON STAGE Tickets from £10 BOOK HERE

WHAT’S ON

Southbank Centre Southbank SE1 8XX

www.southbankcentre.co.uk

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 all-singing, alldancing, dynamic stage show.

1 & 3 September

Zoe’s Peculiar Journey

Hurtle into a time-travelling adventure for ages six and over, featuring magical puppetry and exploring themes of friendship and the environment. Ages 6+.

Bromley Churchill Theatre High Street Bromley BR1 1HA www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

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-the-art 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

Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7ES

www.nimaxtheatres.com/theatres

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+.

Actor’s Church

St Paul’s Church WC2E 9ED www.actorschurch.org

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

Shaftsbury Avenue

www.nimaxtheatres.com

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-year-old 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 Argyll Street W1F 7TF

www.wizardofozmusical.com

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 Catherine Street EC2B 5JF www.frozenthemusical.co.uk

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 in a magical world. Ages 6+.

Bach to Baby

Various dates and venues

www.bachtobaby.com

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 www.horniman.ac.uk

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.

5 & 19 August

Bandstand Live

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

Brunel Museum

Railway Avenue SE16 4LF

www.thebrunelmuseum.com

Housed in the Grade II listed Thames Tunnel Engine House, the museum celebrates the extraordinary tunnel, viaduct and bridge building engineering of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

National Maritime Museum

Greenwich, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/nationalmaritime-museum

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 www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house

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

www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark

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 www.nhm.ac.uk

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 www.vam.ac.uk/young

From 1 July

TheFormer Museum of Childhood has been 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 story-telling stage, plus an open design studio for children and young people. Best of all entry is free.

British Library, NW1 2DB www.bl.uk

Until 28 August

Animals: Art, Science and Sound

Documenting the animal world has resulted in some of humankind’s most awe-inspiring 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 www.kentlife.org.uk

22 July-31 August

Summer Holiday Fun

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

Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

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. Rewritten

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 re-imagined and brought thrillingly to life for younger audiences. Age 6+

Hever Castle & Gardens Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

July and August weekends

Jousting Tournaments

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

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

Kew TW9 3AE www.kew.org

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.

Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com

11 November-31 December

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 by Julian Clary and Simon Wallace, come and revel in the joy of being anything but ordinary. Ages 6+

17 November-31 December

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 January-18 February 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 January - 18 February 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

Explore top family beaches in UK

By Andrew Campbell

Pack the buckets, spades and picnic gear and head to one of these gorgeous beaches for an old-fashioned family day out. Each of the beaches in our list received a 2022 Blue Flag Award, international recognition of excellent water quality and safety and have seasonal lifeguard services alongside parking, toilets and food outlets.

Woolacombe, North Devon

The three mile sandy beach is popular with families looking for a traditional seaside experience. There’s a surf school, kayaking, kitesurfing and walking trails. Rockpools, burrows, a fun theme park, ice-cream kiosks, eateries and public toilets are nearby. Three large car parks offer space for three thousand cars.

A Victorian seaside resort with an iconic pier and a mix of sand and shingle, the town maintains much of its original charm. Popular activities include building sandcastles, swimming, water sports and rock pooling at low tide. Beach facilities include toilets, shops, food stands and a cliff top car park with beach access.

Cromer, Norfolk Scarborough North Bay, Yorkshire

Despite its popularity, this quintessential British seaside resort has retained much of its charm. The North Bay beach is quieter than neighbouring South Bay. The long, sandy beach is backed by sea defences, an esplanade, hills and cliffs. Brightly coloured beach huts are available to hire with crazy golf, surfing and toilets on offer. Parking is a short walk from the beach.

Burntisland Beach, Fife

Southwold, Suffolk

With its colourful beach huts, pier, lighthouse, model boating pond, shingle beach and beach groynes, Southwold offers plenty of old-fashioned seaside charm. The recently refurbished pier has loads of attractions and amenities including toilets. The beach is a quick walk to the town centre and a short promenade to the harbour area. A large car park is nearby.

Llangrannog Beach, Wales

A family-friendly ‘village beach,’ this sheltered sandy bay offers a great selection of traditional pub food, cafes or homemade ice cream at the beach cafe. As well as being ideal for all the usual seaside activities, the beach is popular for water sports, including surfing and for viewing dolphins out at sea. Parking and ‘park and ride’ available and toilets in the village.

St Ives, Cornwall

St Ives boasts six sandy beaches close to its bustling centre but Porthmeor is arguably the premier for older children who can enjoy the waves, alongside a beachside cafe and toilets. For younger children, Porthgwidden offers a sheltered sun trap with calmer waters, cafe and toilets but has no lifeguard service. Limited parking is available for both. Consider parking in St Erth and taking the short and spectacular train ride to St Ives.

Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire

A traditional seaside holiday resort with long, firm, flat golden sand beaches and donkey rides, funfair, paddle boating, crazy golf, bicycle hire and more. Events are held regularly on the beach, including sandcastle contests, fireworks, bike racing and illuminations switch-on. The promenade has cafés, toilets and beach supplies. Car park runs parallel to the beach.

The stretch of sand and rock beach overlooking the Firth of Forth has loads to appeal to families. When you tire of sandcastle building, there are rockpools to explore; and a short stroll away, the Seaside Park has crazy golf, bouncy castle and an annual summer fairground. Amenities include toilets and picnic tables, with parking for five hundred cars.