Families Upon Thames Jul/Aug 2023 Digital

Upon Thames

Welcome

Choose from dozens of family activities and events happening in the boroughs of Richmond, Kingston, Elmbridge and Spelthorne during the summer – you’ll find them in our days out and What’s On features. 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 in issue too. Apply inside.

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!

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!

Meet the Head

Families chatted with Sarah Hair, Head of Holy Cross Prep School in Kingston

What do you most enjoy about being Head of Holy Cross Prep School?

Helping shape children’s lives. It gives me huge joy to be surrounded by a happy, confident, well-rounded group of young girls who I know will each set the world ablaze in their own way.

In three words, how would you describe your relationship with the students?

Friendly. Nurturing. Approachable.

What aspect of the school’s Early Year’s offering makes you most proud?

Our broad, dynamic curriculum is exciting, relevant and highly motivating, offering a bespoke learning experience tailored to the needs of the early year’s child. Curiosity, creativity, communication and confidence are the four cornerstones of early education. Our young learners are extremely articulate, emotionally aware and academically mature.

What benefits do you think girls’ prep schools offer young girls?

Empowerment and self-confidence. Our pupils develop a growth mindset, free from gender-based

assumptions and expectations.

They are empowered to become confident, independent, wellrounded young people fully prepared to face the challenges of any selective senior school and with a strong sense of purpose for the common good.

Tell us how you prioritise use of the vast outdoor space at the school?

Eight acres of beautiful, green space is a real luxury and allows for a wealth of facilities including three all-weather netball courts, a floodlit 7-aside 3G hockey pitch, an artificial grass sports field for cricket and games and a tailor-made crosscountry track.

Our pond and protected habitat areas provide opportunities for scientific study, while our forest skills site includes a fire pit. The large playground, woodland trail and play village inspire girls’ imaginations and develop social skills at breaktimes.

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!

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

8 bundles of NEW Orchard Toy games 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.

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.

Small and caring pre-school in Hampton

Ages 2 to 5

Teaches Early Years Foundation Stage. Curriculum and Montessori Method. For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838 991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com

Collaborative lessons in small groups Confidence-building, interactive and engaging Variety of teaching and learning strategies

Try a MuddyBoots summer camp

Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ MuddyBoots holiday camps run from 24 Jul to 25 Aug in Cobham and Guildford.

Ideal for children ages 3 to 8 who enjoy variety, camps feature art and craft, water play, gymnastics, baking, forest school, disco party games, talent show and more. No day is alike; each has a different theme.

With a great staff ratio of 1:8, regardless of the age of the children, MuddyBoots also keeps friends and siblings in the same group. Childcare vouchers accepted.

Info and booking HERE

Muddy Boots Summer Camps

24 Jul-25 Aug

Cobham

Art & craft

Gymnastics

Baking

Water play

Forest school

Disco party games

Talent show

9am to 4pm

(extended time available)

Childcare vouchers accepted

Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’

www.muddybootscamps.co.uk

Ages 3-8

Strawberry Hill

School & Suzanna Raymond School of Dance are joining forces for their annual summer school.

Running 24 to 28 July at The Exchange Theatre in Twickenham, children ages 5 to 18 can enjoy a week of ballet, jazz and musical theatre.

Daily from 9.30am to 3.30pm (ages 5 to 10) and 9.30am to 4.30pm (ages 11+) with a staged showcase of the week’s work on Friday afternoon.

Info and booking HERE, call 07941 122617 or EMAIL.

Ballet

Suzanna Raymond summer dance school

Step On Stage summer schools

NEW Orchard Toys games to giveaway!

From Monday 31 July to Saturday 5 August, Step on Stage will be running exciting musical theatre summer camps at St James Church in Hampton Hill.

Juniors ages 5-10 will sing, dance and act their way through Chitty Chitty Bang Bang whilst Seniors ages 11-16 will enjoy rehearsing and performing Legally Blonde. Workshops run 9.30am to 3.30pm daily with a fabulous production on the last day for friends and family.

Info and booking HERE, call 07973 100196 or EMAIL.

8

bundles of NEW Orchard Toy games

Bundles worth £30

APPLY HERE

*T&C’s apply

There’s no place like Perform this summer

Little Foxes summer camps

Perform are off to see the wizard 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 bringing this story to life.

For ages 4 to 10, these five-day courses run 10am to 3pm daily in Richmond (31 July to 4 August), Twickenham and Walton (14 to 18 August).

Info and booking HERE or call 020 7255 9120.

Choose from two

camp

options in Chiswick from The Little Foxes Club! Move and Create camps (ages 18 months to 11) encompass fun multi-sports activities and art and craft play, using all-weather 3G pitches and indoor art studio; Foxes FC Football camps (ages 4 to 14), offers coaching from FA/ UEFA licensed coaches and professional players. Level up your child’s football skills with mini-tournaments, shooting target practice and fun freestyle tricks. Hourly/half day/full day options.

Info and booking HERE or call 020 7376 0006.

Move & Create Camp

Stagecoach summer workshops

Stagecoach Weybridge

Summer Spectacular & Summer Sizzler

Running from 31 July to 4 August (Summer Spectacular) and 21 to 25 August (Summer Sizzler) at Heathside School in Weybridge (KT13 8UZ), these workshops are about having the best fun of the summer, acting, singing, dancing and making friends.

For ages 4 to 16 in age-appropriate groups, these renowned holiday workshops are popular, so early sign up is recommended.

Information and booking: Call 07939 208234, EMAIL or click HERE.

Stagecoach Richmond

Let's Rock!!

Running from 25 to 29 July at King’s House School in Richmond (TW10 6ES), this workshop offers a fantastic opportunity for children ages 5 to 12 to make new friends, unleash their creativity and have lots of fun - no experience is necessary.

Daily from 10am to 1pm (25 to 28 July) and 10am to 2pm (29 July).

Childcare vouchers/tax free childcare are available.

Information and booking: HERE.

Stagecoach summer workshops

Stagecoach Staines

Sister Act

Running 24 to 28 July and 25, 28, 29, 30 and 31 August at Thomas Knyvett College, Ashford (TW15 3DU), these are weeks when more than the sun will shine!

For children ages 4 to 16 (split into age-appropriate groups), days are fun packed, with West End professionals leading an exhilarating and fulfilling experience as they take students through their paces in singing, dance and drama, culminating in a show for family and friends. Days run 9.45am to 12.45pm (ages 4-6, although they can stay until 3.45pm if you choose) and 10am to 4pm (ages 6+).

Information and booking: 07802 800633, EMAIL or click HERE.

Stagecoach Hinchley Wood and Esher

Just Dance

Taking place from 24 to 28 July at Imber Court in East Molesey (KT8 0BT), this workshop offers a fun week of learning different dance styles, building confidence and making new friends. Workshop days run from 10am to 4.30pm with a performance at 5pm on the final day.

Early Stages

Taking place from 7 to 11 August at St Mary’s Junior School in Long Ditton (KT7 0AD), this workshop offers younger children a fun week of performing arts while building confidence and making new friends. Workshop days run from 9.30am to 2.30pm with a performance at 2pm on the final day.

Information and booking: Call 01372 238238, EMAIL or click HERE.

Stagecoach Twickenham & Teddington

Aladdin & A Whole New World

Running from 24 to 28 July at the stunning Normansfield Theatre in Teddington, these workshops offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance skills and make friends.

Led by experienced professionals, participants will enjoy a fun and immersive learning experience, culminating in a dazzling showcase performance. Aladdin is for ages 6 to 18 and runs from 10am to 4pm daily and A Whole New World is for ages 4 to 6 and runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm daily.

Don't miss out on this incredible summer adventure!

Information and booking HERE

Stagecoach Twickenham

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

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.

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 across July and August in Richmond, Twickenham and Walton from 10am to 3pm each day. Book online 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 highenergy 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 Brentford, Esher, Hampton, Kew, Kingston, Richmond, St Margarets, Surbiton, Twickenham, Walton and Weybridge.

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. Click HERE , EMAIL or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Brentford: St Paul Church of England Primary School

Esher: Church of the Holy Name

Hampton: Linden Hall Community Centre

Kew: Kew Community Centre

Kingston: Alexandra Infants School

Richmond: Vineyard Life Church, The Russell Primary School & Holy Trinity Church Centre

St Margarets: St Margaret’s Catholic Church Hall

Surbiton: Surbiton Hill Methodist Church

Twickenham: The Crossway Centre, Twickenham United Reform Church & The Winchester Room, Turks Head

Walton: St Andrews Urc

Weybridge: St James’ Parish Centre

Meet your local Stagecoach school

Stagecoach Chertsey

We asked Principal, Caroline McCrink, how Stagecoach develops children’s life skills.

‘Stagecoach’s amazing reputation has been built on its ability to nurture and develop children’s confidence and imagination through varied, stimulating and fun classes. Individuality and teamwork are encouraged and, in a non-competitive atmosphere, children relax and thrive as their self-esteem builds. At Stagecoach, children learn skills for life as well as performance.’

Classes: Ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 18 on Saturdays at Salesian Secondary School, Chertsey (KT16 9LU)

Contact: 07725 176102, EMAIL or click HERE.

We asked Principal, Jo Van Der Westhuysen, how Stagecoach’s experience and long history benefits its students.

‘Many Stagecoach schools have been running for decades – Stagecoach Richmond for over twenty-five years. Our experience allows us to achieve the highest possible standard of classes and constantly introduce new, exciting and imaginative ways of developing confidence and selfexpression in our students. Stagecoach upholds an excellent reputation as a pioneering performing arts school, delivering invaluable life skills and creative courage for life.’

Classes: Ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 18 at Kings House School, Richmond (TW10 6ES).

Contact: 020 8332 6741, EMAIL or click HERE.

Weybridge Esher

Chertsey

Staines

Richmond

Twickenham

&

Stagecoach Richmond

Stagecoach Twickenham & Teddington

We asked Principal, Sarah Chitty, how Stagecoach encourages children to embrace creative courage for life.

‘Stagecoach’s expertly crafted programmes spark the flame of imagination. Engaging classes provide a safe and supportive environment where children explore their artistic talents and build the confidence to unleash their full potential. Students are inspired to think outside the box, take risks and develop skills extending far beyond the stage, empowering them to fearlessly pursue their dreams and foster a lifelong love of creativity and the arts.’

Classes: Ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 18 on Saturdays at St Catherine’s School, Twickenham (TW1 4QJ). Ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 18 on Saturdays at St Marys & St Peters School, Teddington (TW11 8RX). Ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 18 on Thursdays and Fridays at Waldegrave School, Twickenham (TW2 5LH)

Contact: 020 8979 5276, EMAIL TWICKENHAM, EMAIL TEDDINGTON or click HERE for Stagecoach Twickenham or HERE for Stagecoach Teddington.

Stagecoach Staines

We asked Principal, Natasha Clarke, about Stagecoach and the wider performing arts industry.

‘Stagecoach offers connections to the wider performing arts industry, including links to theatrical agencies and performance opportunities. We’ve hosted some very memorable guests at Stagecoach Staines, including Amanda Holden, Keeley Hawes, Matt Lapinskas (Eastenders) and even Elphaba herself (Nicky Bentley), straight from Wicked in the West End. Over the years, our students have performed at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Disneyland Paris, Shaftesbury Theatre and Her Majesty's Theatre.’

Classes: Ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 18 on Fridays and Saturdays at Thomas Knyvett College, Ashford (TW15 3DU).

Contact: 07802 800633, EMAIL or click HERE.

Stagecoach Weybridge

We asked Principal, Mike McNulty, about how Stagecoach integrates singing, dancing and acting into its classes.

‘Stagecoach explores the wonderful world of performance, drawing from a wide selection of inspirational performance sources including contemporary and traditional musicals, plays and songs. In this way, students learn all three disciplines in an integrated way and enhance their performance skills. At Weybridge, we also have our own amazing team that are expert in devising shows and performances to suit our students' profiles.’

Classes: Ages 4 to 6 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at St James Parish Centre, Weybridge (KT13 8DN). Ages 4 to 18 on Fridays and Saturdays at Heathside School, Weybridge (KT13 8UZ)

Contact: 07939 208234, EMAIL or click HERE.

Stagecoach Hinchley Wood & Esher

We asked Principal, Melanie Edwards, how Stagecoach’s trial period works.

‘At Stagecoach, we offer a two-week trial for a small deposit which is deducted from fees if a child signs up for the term. This is the perfect way for children to try Stagecoach out before committing to the whole term as they get involved with all three disciplines (drama, dance & singing) and find out how much fun they are.’

Classes: Ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 15 on Fridays at Claygate Primary School, Claygate (KT10 0NB). Ages 6 to 15 on Saturdays at St Mary’s Junior School, Long Ditton (KT7 0AD).

Contact: 01372 238238, EMAIL or click HERE.

Free vouchers and bag worth £184.50 for your child

To celebrate its first birthday, inclusive family entertainment venue, Hounslow Golf Park, is giving away a free bag and vouchers worth £184.50 to every child aged 12 and under!

Play matters and Hounslow Golf Park (TW14 0HH) is a place where everyone, from youngsters to grandparents, can play together, discovering new challenges, opportunities and adventures in the great outdoors. Welcoming absolutely everyone from nongolfers to golfing gurus, there’s no stuffiness, crazy rules, dress codes or age limits.

Come and play Volcano Island Adventure Golf and help celebrate Hounslow Golf Park’s first birthday. Book your voucher before 23 July and receive a free gift for your child. Vouchers last until 31 August - that's one summer outing sorted...

With its two huge, themed 18-hole courses, Volcano Island Adventure Golf features an enormous erupting volcano and incredible life-size, moving dinosaurs!

Book Volcano Island Adventure Golf at Hounslow Golf Park HERE

Inspired by the brand-new Sir Barnes Wallis exhibition, head to Weybridge during the school holidays to uncover the marvellous inventions of Brooklands Museum and the amazing people behind them.

There will be a fun STEM family workshop about design and simulation, an inventions trail around the site, Concorde walkthroughs, the ever-popular vintage bus rides from the London Bus Museum and so much more. Don’t miss the costumed interpreters, dressed in authentic historical clothing, who will be transporting visitors to a different era, providing insight into the amazing inventions and discoveries of the time.

Look out for family friendly events, the Summer Classic Gathering and Autojumble on 23 July and French Day on 13 August. Enjoy amazing cars and motorbikes, live entertainment, various food outlets and interesting trade stalls. Easily accessible by car or train, free parking, café and plenty of picnic space available.

Book your incredible day out HERE

Be transported at Brooklands Museum

Children’s theatre festival Perform in the Park

Hunt for bugs at RHS Garden Wisley

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.

The line-up includes The Three Billy Goats Gruff, a smash hit musical adventure for 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’s 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

From 22 July to 28 August at RHS Garden Wisley, Aardman presents family fun with Lloyd of the Flies.

Just download Lloyd’s augmented reality Bug Hunt app and join him on the Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt trail.

Meet all sorts of bugs on an animal encounter with Zoolab, enjoy Aardman model making and animation workshops, make goodies in a Lloyd of the Flies themed cookery class and more! No booking required and normal garden admission applies.

Discover RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of gardeners. Explore the abundant produce in the World Food Garden, sit and reflect in the Wellbeing Garden or spot insects skimming the water’s edge in the Wildlife Garden. Race the kids up Battleston Hill, take a look at the colourful Exotic Garden and wonder at the tropical Glasshouse.

More information and booking HERE

Summer Holidays in Surrey

Join the fun throughout the summer holidays

Landscape Garden

Dapdune

Wharf

Hatchlands Park

Winkworth

Arboretum

Surrey Hills

Polesden Lacey

family outdoor theatre. Enjoy a raft of sporty activities, Prologue Youth Theatre and the Big Camp. Have nautical fun in a straw bale boat and enjoy the maze, games, family trail and family theatre. Explore the children’s play area, have picnics in the meadow and go cloud watching by the lake. Enjoy adventures in nature at Box Hill, sporty fun at Hindhead Commons, and free family theatre. Experience Polesden through the eyes of visiting royalty. Enjoy games, obstacle courses, and create your own masterpiece painting!

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/family-friendly

rhs.org.uk/wisley

The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt

Sat 22 Jul – Mon 28 Aug

There’s a brand new luxury bug hotel opening at RHS Garden Wisley. Can you help Lloyd and friends to find it? Follow a garden trail featuring an amazing new augmented reality app and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities all summer long!

Your visit supports our work as a charity.

Aardman presents

Summer of Play with the National Trust in Surrey

From 15 Jul to 31 Aug, enjoy royaltythemed fun at Polesden Lacey. Play tennis, create an artistic masterpiece and even crown yourself King or Queen! From 19 to 28 August, take part in royaltythemed mini-golf (£3pp, booking advisable).

Enjoy a contemporary interpretation of Romeo & Juliet (8 & 9 July, booking required) or pop-up Shakespeare (12 & 18 Aug, no additional charge). And from 20 to 23 Jul, pack your picnic for unforgettable evenings of Adventure Cinema (booking required). For shows, see What’s On.

From 15 Jul to 3 Sep, play badminton, croquet or skittles or hop, skip and jump your way through Claremont Landscape Garden, with its skipping ropes. Try archery and family yoga (selected days) or hire a rowing boat, (Thursday to Sunday). Book ahead for theatre in the garden on 17 Jul for Robin Hood (ages 5+) and on 12 Aug for Peter Pan or evening outdoor cinema from 28 to 30 Jul. For shows, see What’s On.

From 22 Jul to 3 Sep, try out volleyball, badminton, football or tennis or a sack or hopper race at Hatchlands Park. Nautical adventures are available in the games tent (10am to 4pm) with sand table, cannon ball throwing and

dressing up. On 25 Aug, book to see The Wizard of Oz.

On 22 Jul, book to camp under the starts at the Big Camp at Dapdune Wharf. Bonfire and barbeque available. From 1 to 31 Aug, participate in pond dipping, bug hunting and den building.

Explore the play area, picnic in the meadow and cloud watch by the lake at Winkworth Arboretum.

Join the Follow My Life Tree Trail through the woods at Box Hill and discover what was happening in the world when some notable trees were saplings.

At Hindhead Commons on 30 Jul and 13 Aug and Box Hill 20 and 27 Aug (11am and 3pm, no booking required), enjoy outdoor puppet theatre.

READ MORE

Ask the Expert

What is mediation and is it for me?

NE Family Law in Richmond offers this issue’s specialist parenting advice.

Mediation is a dispute resolution process intended to give you and your former partner/spouse the space to discuss the decisions that need to be made which impact upon you and your children. Mediation is focussed on achieving resolution and looking to the future.

What does a mediator do?

Mediation can help formalise your separation, child arrangements and financial issues by working with you to improve communication and achieve co-operative parenting. Mediators are impartial and will not take sides. They help facilitate discussions between you to explore solutions and reach decisions and, while they can give information, they cannot give you legal advice.

How does mediation work?

Mediation isn’t suitable for everyone and it is important to ensure that it will a positive experience for both parties. To start, you both need to attend an individual and confidential meeting in which the process is explained and the mediator explores your questions, worries and concerns. It is important for you both to be open and honest about the options without being ‘strategic.’

Each mediation session lasts approximately ninety minutes to two hours. On average three to six sessions will be required.

What are the benefits of mediation?

There are many benefits, especially when compared to a court process.

Here are just a few:

Flexibility

You set the agenda and meetings can be at a time and frequency convenient to you. Mediation can be paused to enable you to take advice and obtain further information.

Communication

You get to speak and be heard throughout the process. You’ll be supported to communicate and listen to each other and helped through difficult conversations or impasses.

READ MORE

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

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.

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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.

Gulliver’s Resort

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

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