Families NW London Magazine Digital 148 May June 2022

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IN THIS ISSUE

Education Summer Camps What’s On Clubs & classes

May/June 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

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Inspiring school holiday adventures your child won’t want to miss BOOK NOW

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CONTENTS

In this issue

CONTACT US: EDITOR:

Heather Waddington T: 01923 237 004 E: Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk P.O. Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RF

4

Education

8

Summer camps

12 Clubs & classes directory 16 What’s On

LISTINGS AND FEATURES EDITOR:

Anna Blackshaw

18 Adventures at home

E: Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk WWW.FAMILIESNWLONDON.CO.UK

20 Summer food

Where is Families North West London?

21 Win a holiday 22 Father’s Day gifts 23 Travel 24 Garden toys 25 Adventures outdoors 26 Kids’ parties

Families North West London Magazine is distributed bi-monthly throughout north west London. An area bordered by the A40 to the south, by the A5/M1 to the east and out towards the M25 in the north and west. You can collect a copy FREE from scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs and classes, sports centres, children’s libraries, family doctors and baby clinics, theatres, your local council offices and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies to give to parents, please let us know.

Competition winners from our January/February issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.

LEARN MASSAGE SKILLS! 2 Day Introduction Course

Seated head, neck & shoulder massage 1 Day Workshop

(normally £225)

(normally £125)

Selected dates in May, June & July

only £125! only £59! Book now!

For further information or to book your place visit:

www.mdmassagetherapies.co.uk Info@mdmassagetherapies.co.uk

Holiday clubs, Breakfast & After school club for children ages 3-11 years

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 3

EDUCATION

School readiness checklist

Download our checklist and help your child get ready to go to school.

Talk the skills through with your child and explain why they are important at school. Show them that once they can master a skill, they can colour in the smiley face!

Then help them practise.

Colour in the

I am ready fo

happy face wh

I can....

Colour in th when you ca e face n do this

( (

Recognise m y name

r school!

en you can do ready to go! these things and you’ll be

( (

(

Get dressed

( (

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Do up my co at/ cardigan

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Put on my sh

( (

oes

( (

(

Go to the to ilet by myself

( (

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Take my clo thes off

(

Open my sn

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Share with ot her children

( (

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Wash my ha I’ve been to nds after and before I the toilet eat

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Eat with a kn ife and fork

(

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ack box

4 May/June

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR CHILD HERE

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

We’re recruiting!

Level 2/3 Early Years £500 Practitioners

Do you have a spare room?

Chalfont St Peter & High Wycombe

Host an international student and make extra money!

Britannia Student Services offers you:

joining bonus T& C s apply

Join our award-winning team for:

• Great rates of pay • Bookings to suit your schedule • Support from our dedicated team

Annual awards day Bupa Healthcare

Contact us now to discuss becoming a Britannia Host

T: (020) 7436 7738

Your birthday off, fully paid!

Competitive salary package!

Free taxi to/from main train stations

Five paid training days per year

Free parking

50% off childcare

Contact us 01895 678682

E: info@britanniastudents.com W: www.britanniastudents.com

hungrycaterpillars.co.uk/careers

A78137_Reddiford_General Advert_v01.pdf 2 07/01/2022 11:23 Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries Ltd. Reg’d in England No 04011237

REDDIFORD SCHOOL Long Established Reputation for Academic Excellence Limited places available in our Early Years & Certain Year Groups

Calling all young Scientists!

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Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to 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 Familiesonline.co.uk

5th IN THE TOP 100 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

MY

(Sunday Times)

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Academically selective 100% excellence in all areas - Independent Schools Inspectorate Children prepared for Independent / Grammar Schools’ entrance exams Academic excellence in a warm and caring environment Outstanding staff / pupil ratio across all year groups

To visit the school, please contact:

The Admissions Secretary, Reddiford School, 38 Cecil Park, Pinner, Middx, HA5 5HH. Tel: 020 8866 0660 • Email: admissions@reddiford.org.uk

Established. 1913

www.reddiford.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 312641 May/June 5

EDUCATION

Starting school resources

If you have a little one starting school in September, now is a good time to start gently preparing them for the big day.

Get Ready for School Activity Pack

Fun, wipe clean books in smart carry case. £9.70

Going to School

A great Usborne picture book introducing the school experience. £4.99

Phonics Play

Website with phonics information, games and activities. FREE

My First Day at School Game

BBC Bitesize interactive game explaining what school may be like. FREE

Starting Primary School

Everything you need to get prepared, from home to classroom. FREE

Teachers

Pupils explain what a teacher does and how to behave in class. FREE

www.northlondongrammar.com

Outstanding quality of teaching, with access to state of the art technology, focusing on a broad and balanced curriculum.

6 May/June

Book a Private Tour Visit our website For more information, contact us at: info@northlondongrammar.com or call us at: 0208 205 0052

An Inclusive environment, where all of our students are valued, safe and happy.

Wide variety of school trips, extra curricular activities and opportunities to ensure maximum personal and professional development.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Lessons to learn before you’re 10

By Gail Hugman

Teaching young children to make good use of their working memory, exercise self-control and get organised will really help them develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

Try these fun starter activities to set your child off on the right path.

READ MORE

Starting school in September?

Wondering how your child will manage school lunches?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 7

EDUCATION

Times tables learning resources It really is true that multiplication tables are the bedrock of maths learning. Get your child up to speed with the following resources.

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Numberjacks Times Table App

Times Tables Flashcards

Learn times tables by singing about them!

FREE

Times table activities based on the CBeebies show. FREE

Rapid recall practice in the 1-12 times tables.

Ages 8-11. £6.99

Colour-coded Multiplication Square

The Times Table Adventure

Times Tables Heroes Board Game

Visual aid which helps spot patterns and learn tables. FREE

Times Tables Wall Chart Download and stick up where they’ll be seen often. FREE

8 May/June

Ideal for children who like video games like Minecraft. FREE

10 Minutes A Day Times Tables

Book featuring 10 minute games and tests.

Maximum fun, maximum effect. £14.99

Fun multiplication board game to prepare for Year 4 tables check. £11.75

Number Rumbler Card Game A family card game which practises times tables. £7.99

Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps checklist

To help you book a summer camp or workshop and get your child ready.

What to wear

For cool weather, warm comfortable clothes including a jacket/coat and jumper/hoodie.

For sunny weather, suitable clothes and sun hat. Apply sun cream once before your child leaves the house.

Comfortable footwear.

General questions

What to take

Swimming costume and towel.

An apron or shirt for creative activities.

Refillable water bottle Packed lunch and snacks, if needed.

Rucksack (to carry everything).

Sun cream, if required.

Childcare questions

How many children are there on a camp?

What age group will my child be in?

Can my child be in the same group as their friend/sibling?

Do I need to provide lunch and snacks?

Do you provide sun cream?

Are you registered with Ofsted?

Questions about booking and costs

Get the best out of family life!

Is wraparound care available?

FRE

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Do you accept childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare?

Pr

Can I make changes to my booking? What is the last date for changes?

Can I pay in instalments?

If there’s wraparound care, how much is it?

Will I pay extra if I’m delayed in collecting my child?

Are all activities included in the cost?

Will my child have a key worker?

IN THIS ISSUE

Activities Tips/Advice Days Out familiesonline.c o.uk

May/June 9

SUMMER CAMPS

Perform’s Peter Pan summer courses

DiscoG Coding Academy DiscoG Coding Academy run weekly term-time classes and holiday courses and workshops for students aged 6-18. Learn Computer Science, Coding, Robotics, AI and Machine Learning. Summer courses from 4 July–2 September.

Inspire your child’s imagination this summer with a unique drama, dance and singing holiday course. In August, your 4-10 year old can fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends on an unforgettable confidencebuilding adventure.

With a sprinkle of Perform fairy dust, a team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will ensure your child enjoys every minute as they work towards a show-stopping performance to delight family and friends.

Freyja got so much out of those three days; it’s given her a lot of confidence in her ability to join in, make new friends and perform songs and dances. We were so proud of her. Emma Robinson (parent) Venues and dates: Eastcote Methodist Church from 8 to 12 August and St Mark’s Church, Kensal Rise from 15 to 19 August.

More info HERE 10 May/June

Contact Gerard & Kat on 07767300940 or email.

Tiska Karate Tiska Karate hold a Karate Camp during the School Holidays. These days consist of games and challenges, which helps develop team work and Communication skills, plus a focus on a specific element of Karate. Medals for the winning team, plus much more.

Find out more HERE

Free Readers Summer Learning Camp

Free Readers offer a range of subjects to suit the needs of your child. Small group classes with individual attention, for children aged 3 to 11. Learning to read and write, 11+ and 7+ exam prep and more. 25 Jul to 12 Aug in Edgware, 1 to 19 Aug in Northwood. Early bird rates available if booked before 31 May. More info HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

Camp Beaumont Day Camps

discog coding academy

LEARN THE LANGUAGE THAT

writes THE FUTURE Artificial intelligence

coding

machine learning

robotics

Call Gerard & Kat on 07767300940 www.discogcodingacademy.com info@discogcodingacademy.com

With the school holidays just around the corner, Camp Beaumont, the UK’s most experienced day camp provider, is on hand to provide your child with a fun-filled adventure.

With over 50 activities each week, activities range from Aqua Olympics to Movie Maker to Superhero Academy, and each activity programme is tailored by age group.

Camp Beaumont’s awardwinning multi-activity adventure camps take place every school holiday, including May half-term and summer. Childcare vouchers are accepted, and all bookings are flexible with their COVID flexible booking promise.

Over 40 camp venues across London and the Home Counties, including Harrow, Watford, Mill Hill and Northwood.

To book, click HERE or call 01604 851 0000.

504 Kenton Lane, Harrow, HA3 8RD

Early Bird Rates U N T I L 3 1 ST

MAY 2022

ENROL IN OUR

SUMMER

LEARNING CAMP

Edgware HA8 July 25 to August 12 Northwood HA6 August 1 to 19

Small group classes with individual attention, for children aged 3 to 11 AT FREE READERS

WE HELP YOUR CHILD WITH

3 Learning to read 3 11+ Exam Preparation 3 Learning to write

(GL, CEM, Independent Schools)

3 Maths

3 7+ Exam Preparation

3 English

3 Targeted Intervention

3 VR & NVR

3 Post-pandemic catch up

CHIL D VOUC CARE HERS

G TEACHIN SMART ILLED

BY SK RS E TEACH

BOOK NOW! LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

3

CHIL VOU DCARE HMR CHERS & CT CHIL AX-FREE D ACC CARE EPTE D

ED LOCAT HA6 ood Northw re HA8 a & Edgw

OUR ETHOS is to recognise the potential in every child and provide the highest quality of teaching to help them succeed. Our culture supports, encourages and inspires our children to strive for excellence.

020 7117 6147

office@freereaders.co.uk

www.freereaders.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 11

CLUBS & CLASSES

Local Clubs & Classes Directory ACTIVITY CENTRES Ninja Warrior Watford (WD25) The Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park is a supervised activity and fitness venue inspired by ITV’s hit programme Ninja Warrior UK!

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Harrow Woodcraft Folk Join our Elfin group (6 to 9 years). Meeting in Central Harrow. Tuesday evenings (term time): 6:30-8pm. Email harrowwoodcraftfolk@yahoo. co.uk for more details.

Holidaytime After school club is part of Activetime Children’s Activities Ltd (HA1) Pick up from four local schools at the end of the school day, then take the children back to the club for a snack and the daily activity.

Open Mon-Fri 3-6pm at The Cadet Centre, Harrow, HA1 2QA. Call 07575801623, email holidays@activetime.co.uk

Willesden and Brent Chess Club (NW2) Provides social chess for players of levels, set up Club competitions and tutor juniors. For the more competitive player they enter teams into local leagues and refer members to our county team. At Cricklewood Library, 152 Olive Road, NW2 6UY. Call Anthony on 07974 238357, email fulton790@aol. com

CODING Code Ninjas Kids learn to code in a fun, safe, and inspiring learning environment, with a gamebased curriculum that they love.

Develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.

ARTS AND CRAFTS Blank Canvas Art Club Fine Art classes for ages 6+ teaching skills and techniques.

Weekday afterschool kids classes and adult classes.

Stitch Club (HA5) Dressmaking, Stitch Clubs, Parties and Workshops for children, young people and adults in Central Pinner. Email sam@stitch.club

EDUCATION SUPPORT

Brain Train Tuition Centre (HA2) English and Maths Tuition For Ages 5 to 16 years. Brain Train DiscoG Coding Academy Tuition will help to improve (HA3) your child’s academic and Weekly Coding Programme social skills, as well as teaches children the basics building their confidence of coding. Tailored courses and a belief in their ability written to support the National Curriculum for GCSE to succeed. Call 0208 426 84250. and A Levels.

Little Coders Coding class for children aged 4 to 6 years.

Coding class for children aged 4 to 6 years old Develop Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication

Email: hello@bakedbyTerri.com FB & IG: @bakedbyTerri www.bakedbyTerri.com

12 May/June

BOOK NOW AT

WWW.LITTLECODERSCLUB.CO.UK

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Local Clubs & Classes Directory Free Readers (various) We offer enrichment or extra help in reading, Maths and English, homework and test preparation from ages 3 to 11.

setting and/or in 5+, 7+ and 11+ examinations. Childcare vouchers accepted. Free trial lessons. Call 020 3637 6266 for more details.

Integratedbrain - Improve Co-ordination for learning!

(UB5) Activities to help those with poor co-ordination, dyspraxia, dyslexia or fine motor difficulties. Call Usha Patel 07766 837 616

The Learning Wheel (Eastcote) Maths and English tuition classes which target identified needs to improve achievement levels. From Reception to Year 11.

Knowledge Above Standard (HA7) Maths, English, Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, 7+, 11+ 13+ exam preparation. Call 07985 588 085.

Little Big Leaders (HA8 & WD23) Maths/English or Phonics & Writing for 3.5 to 11 yearolds at our Saturday School, Summer School and Winter School. Tutors support and challenge pupils to improve their learning and have a track record in enabling pupils to demonstrate progress in their mainstream

Raviv Practice London (UB5) Improve reading age by 1 year in 3 months of home-based work. Usha Patel, registered therapist, call 07766 837 616.

DANCE Street Dance Academy (various) Teach children aged 5-18 yrs every weekend during school term time, with clubs in and around London and Hertfordshire.

Plus adult Street Dance Classes and Zumba Classes in Twickenham every Wednesday. 0800 0236 236.

ERS BEGINN FFER O L IA SPEC

S 4 W EEK FREE Classes held Every Thursday at 5.00pm

Preston Park Primary School, College Road, Wembley, HA9 8RJ

Every Saturday at 9.00am Harrow High School, Gayton Road, Harrow, HA1 2JG

Every Saturday at 2.00pm

For more information please contact us on

07739572487

patel.karate@icloud.com

St Helens School Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 1AF

www.tiskakarate-harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate-nortwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate-wembley.co.uk

Elina Patrou Academy of Dance (formerly The Van Niekerk Academy) (HA7) Ballet classes to develop poise, technique and expression through dance, for boys and girls aged 3-16 years with Royal Academy of Dance examinations. Call 07555861561.

FIRST AID MCS Training (HA1, HA5) Paediatric First Aid Course.

Accepted for full and voluntary Ofsted Registration.

Certificate valid for 3 yrs. Call Margaret 07814 191 395.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

World of Children’s Yoga Harrow, Watford, Northwood and surrounding areas.

Classes & Workshops: Yoga in Education Nurseries, Primary and Secondary Schools Weekend - Children’s, Family, Mum and Daughter Yoga.

WOCY Weekend Power Mornings: 30 minute bitesize classes to share short yoga sequences you can practise for better sleep, strengthening, flexibility, and more. Email or call 07784 370034.

ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 13

CLUBS & CLASSES

Local Clubs & Classes Directory Etiquette and Emotions ‘Modern Youth Etiquette’ workshops to elevate your 6-12 year olds confidence and social persona. Also ‘Emotional Intelligence’ courses to develop children’s self-awareness and social skills. Call 07736 297029.

LANGUAGES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Monkey Music (Various) Award-winning Monkey Music, introduces babies and young children aged 3 months to 4 years to music with a unique four-stage curriculum specifically tailored to each age group.

Classes run in Uxbridge, Eastcote, Northwood, Ickenham, Harrow, Stanmore and Watford. 020 8427 6595.

Baby Lab (WC1E) Have fun for free with your baby making discoveries about brain development at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development.

Birkbeck College, Malet St, London. Travel expenses refunded. Call 020 7631 6258.

SIGN LANGUAGE

Phonics with Robot Reg (various) Provide fun, high energy classes which teach early phonics skills to children aged 1-4 years.

TISKA Karate Learn the fascinating art of Karate. Classes held weekly in Harrow, Northwood and Wembley. Minimum age 4 yrs. 4 week free trial. Call 07739 572487.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT Colourstrings (various) Music Kindergartens for babies, toddler, and children up to 6 yrs with small, agerelated classes. Call 020 8444 9435.

Gymboree Play & Music Watford Sensory classes for babies, art and music classes, as well as Play and Learn classes for little ones who are on the move.

14 May/June

Sing and Sign (Various) Fun classes combining the benefits of baby signing with music to develop language, memory and attention skills.

Babies 6-30 months.

SPORTS AND EXERCISE

SWIMMIMG Aqua Vie After school weekly (Tues, Wed and Sun) classes in Bushey during term times.

Call 01923 245 773.

THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS PQA (Pauline Quirk Academy) (various) PQA provides outstanding performing arts tuition for students 4–18 years. Book a free taster session.

Perform Try some free weekly fun this summer term Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s run throughout the summer term and, with over 300 classes running each week, there’s sure to be a class near you.

Watford Cycle Hub Offering cycle repair services, maintenance courses and cycle training. They also offer advice and information about cycling and bikes, including local cycle routes and maps, news about locally led rides and cycling opportunities.

Classes in Watford, Bushey, Harrow, Eastcote, Pinner, Northwood, Stanmore, Kensal Rise and Ickenham, PLUS new classes starting in Ruislip, Cricklewood and Acton!

Don’t forget to say you saw these in

P.S Theatre (WD18/HP5) An independent, local drama school with three stages to choose from. Ages 4-18.

Click HERE to book a free trial session.

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Local Clubs & Classes Directory

Stagecoach (Various) Training in drama, dance and singing. Great for building confidence and making new friends. (Harrow 020 3504 0100 Harrow on the Hill and Sudbury Hill 01923 248 294 Stanmore and Harrow Weald 020 3504 2154 Watford 01727 768 738 Queen’s Park 020 7723 5861 Northwood 01442 263 599.

YOGA & MASSAGE

CLASSES FOR GROWNUPS

Kids Yoga with Yana (Watford) Yana is a qualified Kids Yoga teacher with a passion for empowering children to be the best version of themselves through fun yoga and mindfulness practice.

Woodcarving (Iver) A small group. Meet Monday mornings 9.30am-12.30pm at Evreham Centre, Swallow Street.

MD Massage Therapies Massage has many health benefits - it helps to reduce pain, anxiety and fatigue, helps with repetitive injuries, increases range of motion, relieves stress and much more! Gift vouchers available.

Introductory 20% off first treatment. Email or call 07950 846748 or book online.

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear*

Superheroes, Orphans & Origins: 125 years in comics Until 28 August 2022

Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Discover our free family workshops Free for under 21s Book online with code ENTRYFAM to receive 10% off admission foundlingmuseum.org.uk

New York World’s Fair Comics, Vol. 1 #2, Jack Burnley & ™ DC. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

Zenobia, 2016 Morten Dürr and Lars Horneman

Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts (HA5, HA6) Performance based theatre school for children aged 3-18 in Hatch End and Northwood.

Weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, Modern, LAMDA and Acrobatics.

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

May/June 15

WHAT’S ON NEAR YOU MAY & JUNE 22

50+

family activities an d events Roman Gladiators at Chiltern Open Air Museum on Sat 28 to Sun 29 May

Download your free guide here 16 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Where buildings come alive through history

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STEP BACK IN TIME!

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CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Theatre, Workshops and More!

ROMAN GLADIATORS 28 - 29 MAY

Bu

WWW.COAM.ORG.UK Open Friday to Monday 10am - 5pm & daily in Bucks school holidays

ild

A T er r a r i u

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Mo

saic Making

www.harrowarts.com

Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire Just off junction 17 of the M25

Platinum Jubilee

Celebration Day

Family Fun Day

Saturday 4th June 11am-4pm

FREE ENTRY Book online in advance to receive a special jubilee gift

No Parking - please use Public Transport Book now at www.harrowarts.com Harrow Arts Centre, 171 Uxbridge Road, HA5 4EA Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 17

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Mini Olympics

Wildlife hunting

Our garden Olympics is an annual favourite. Open the games with a (tissue paper) Olympic flame and homemade hanging flags, followed by competitive rounds of egg and spoon, sack races, hula hooping, bean bag throwing and swing ball. Keep score on a chalkboard and finish with salt dough medals award ceremony.

Find out who you share your garden with, using a nature guide to help with identification.

Encourage some new residents with a log pile house for insects, feeders for birds, a compost heap for worms, upturned pots for frogs and a colourful flowerbed for bees and butterflies. Keep an illustrated journal of what you see.

Family heritage

Reading nook

Ask relatives about their own adventures, jotting them down as you go. If the weather is rubbish, this is the perfect excuse to scour old family albums full of photos of when they were young.

A reading nook is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Set up a den or a tepee, make it cosy inside and fill a basket with books.

And if the weather is kind, ask them to take you around their old haunts.

18 May/June

Make the most of little ones curled up in your lap for story time. Or even write your own story together.

Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Garden music festival

Go without electricity

Dig out your tent, drag out your blankets and cushions, power up the radio and set up camp. Spend the day listening to music in the comfort of your own garden. Homemade ribbon wristbands and VIP lanyards allow unlimited access to the snack cupboard, fruity mocktails and ultimately, the lavatory without needing to queue!

Challenging the family to go without electricity is great fun. It encourages you to get creative with your time and introduces the broader topic of eco-living: which small changes can be made at home? Activities for the day might include painting, poetry, games, bird watching, cooking over an open flame and sleeping outside.

Stargazing

Garden fete

Our favourite way to stargaze is in an old inflatable pool, patched with duct tape and filled with duvets! It keeps the chill out whilst we snuggle down and watch for the first star to appear amidst the myths and legends.

Village fetes are often a washout but you can schedule yours in when there’s glorious sunshine!

String up your bunting, bake some scones, set up a raffle and a lucky dip (from old goody bag items), provide an (unplugged) microphone for announcements, hold a pet show, even set up a Pimms’ tent (no judgement here).

Look out for the Big Bear, the Pegasus and Draco the dragon.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 19

SUMMER FOOD

Cooling summer treats Get the kids involved in making these perfect treats for hot summer days.

Club tropicana ice cream cake

Watermelon & strawberry slushies

Vegan orange lollies

Easy strawberry ice cream

Quick banana ice cream

Fruity ice-lolly pens

Nutty caramel & choc sundaes

Frozen banana lollies

Raspberry lemonade slushies

20 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

GIVEAWAYS

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a three or four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.

Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Experience one of its fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast. Fall in love with a new type of holiday - where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime.

Explore the New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes or Boston West in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, Barmouth Bay in Wales, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island or Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight.

APPLY HERE by 18 June 2022. T&Cs apply.

Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway!

Turn your child’s imagination around!

Worth £34.99 each

For an amazing, adventure-filled summer...

Apply for a Map of Wonders!

10 available

5 available

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

Magazine

APPLY HERE

T&Cs apply

May/June 21

FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day gift suggestions

Is it sometimes difficult to know what to buy for dad? Here are our top picks.

Dad’s Shed Slate Sign

Handcrafted natural slate sign to mark out dad’s territory. £12.99

Docking Station Help dad keep all his things together – stylishly! £27.90

Supercar Driving Day

Get day in a race car!

Circuits UK-wide. From £39

Peppa Pig: My Burgon & Ball Billionaire Gardening Gloves Shortbread Truffles Daddy Board Book

These quality gloves are For dads with a sweet great for dads with green tooth - a little decadence. fingers. £17.99 £16

Bread Baking Club Gift Subscription

Your dad could be star baker with this 3-month gift subscription. £36 22 May/June

100 Things to Do with Dad Scratch Off Bucket List Poster 100 activities! £10.99

Something for dad to read with your little one. £4.49

Personalised Socks with your Child’s Drawing

Celebrate Father’s Day and your child’s artwork. £20 Familiesonline.co.uk

TRAVEL

Vacation staycations It’s not always easy to know whether the holiday destination you’ve found online is truly family-friendly. Families asked the experts at Tested

by Tots for their tested and rated recommendations for your next break.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest

Excellent facilities, and service. Activities for all.

Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Charming and family-run On-site facilities.

Cherry Tree Farm Camping, North Devon

Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire

Drayton Cottage, Isle of Wight Home from home, walk to beach, relaxing, secure garden, BBQ.

Forest Holidays, North Yorkshire

Beautiful cabins, peaceful, beach nearby.

Forest activities.

Ham Bottom, Somerset

Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick

Park Plaza London Riverbank

Beautiful yet cosy.

Excellent facilities.

Self-catering lodges, with trampoline, slide, and climbing frame.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Great value & location to explore local attractions.

300m from beach, surf gear hire, food truck & more.

Features the capital’s first hotel room designed by families for families.

May/June 23

TOYS

It’s time to play outside!

If you’re looking for some entertaining garden activities for the summer, here are our recommendations.

Target Ball Game

Soft Archery Set

Wheelbarrow Set

Family garden game with giant inflatable Velcro target. All ages. £19.99

Soft, safe and durable, this set is great way for kids to discover a new hobby. Ages 8+. £39.99

Let budding gardeners develop their own green world. Ages 3+. £12

My First Giant Bubble Kit

Family Paddling Pool

Garden Tumble Tower

Youngsters will love these eco-friendly giant wooden wands.

Ages 3+. £21

Big enough for families to chill out together.

Ages 6+. £75

Great backyard game builds a tower over 3ft.

Ages 5+. £35.99

Ladybird Wheely Bug Ride-On

Wavy Kids Slide

Sandpit Picnic Table with Lid

Suitable for decking and driveways. Easy to ride!

Ages 1-3. £67.50 24 May/June

Outdoor classic offers a fast slide and 5.8ft of fun.

Ages 3+. £54.99

Keeps up to four children entertained for hours.

Ages 3+. £79.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES OUTDOORS

Family adventures outdoors We asked our friends the Meek family for some top picks from their book 100 Family Adventures. Here’s what they have come up with.

Sleep on a beach

Eat nettle soup

Build a bridge

Be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves.

Surprisingly fresh and light!

Kids love the excitement of building a natural structure.

Go on a scooter safari

Venture behind a waterfall Connect to the power and awe of a waterfall.

Make a rope swing

Put some ‘natural’ back into the outdoor play experience.

Go on a forest night walk

Go coasteering

Don’t go with the flow

Borrow some extra scooters explore the local area.

Children will love the excitement of the forest at night.

Familiesonline.co.uk

A nature trail along a rocky coast. Scrambling, swimming and rock hopping.

Head ‘off piste’ - follow a stream in reverse!

May/June 25

KIDS’ PARTIES

Party bag fillers

Want to avoid plastic tat but stuck for alternatives? Try these out for size.

Decopatch Mini Animal Kits

Make a cute animal mache shape with these gorgeous kits. £7.30

Colour-in Splat T-shirts

Doubles as a party activity! Wash and colour-in again. From £9.95

Sweetie Jewellery Activity Kit

Smiggle Party Colour Art Jar

Hello Bee Craft Kits

Pre-filled Thank You Party Cone

Make yummy jewellery & a craft jewellery box. £12.99

Art kit with rainbow markers, colouring sheets & graphite pencil. £9.20

Designed for children 3+, perfect for keeping little hands busy.

From £8

Colourful paper cones full of treats and including thank you note. £3.75

The Curious Caterpillar PreFilled Bags

Mini Sunflowers Growing Kit

Craft & Crumb Bake Kit Party Bags

Large variety of pre-filled bags for girls and boys.

From £1.90 26 May/June

Easy to grow mini sunflowers. Includes seeds, compost and activity sleeve. £6

Make, bake and decorate cookies and biscuits with these kits. From £4.50 Familiesonline.co.uk

Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Perfect company for your child’s adventures APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

*while stocks last T&Cs apply May/June 27