Families North London Magazine Issue 119 July/Aug 2016

Page 1 Families Magazine – North West London Issue 104 Nov/Dec 2015

Issue 119 July/August 2016

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk

North London’s premier free family magazine

Check out our new website! www.FamiliesOnline.co.ukeven more great articles and listings for North London Families!

Covering the boroughs ofBarnet, Camden, Enfield,Hackney, Haringey and Islington

North London

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WE’VE GOT SUMMER ACTIVITIES, CHILDCAREAND STARTING SCHOOL COVERED!

2 NORTH LONDON July/August 2016

Families North London MagazinePublisher: Heather Waddington Manging Editor: Lisa RalphP.O Box 2378, Watford WD18 1RFT: 01923 237 004M: 07402613042E: [email protected]

CONTACT US: IN THIS ISSUE:www.facebook.com/FamiliesNorth

@Families_North

If you go down to the woods…

Aldenham Prep SchoolNursery and Receptionchildren were joined bytheir dads for a specialplay session in the woods. Activities included making stickmen, clay models and den building.All the children decoratedphotograph frames with woodlandresources and presented them totheir dads at the end of the sessioncomplete with a photograph ofthem together."The Aldenham woodland sessionwith all the Dads, children and staffof Reception / Nursery was a reallylovely experience. It was great tomeet everyone and to spend somequality time together. Stick man

making, bubble blowing, treasurehunts, eating cake and drinkinggallons of coffee made for an idealway to spend a Saturday morning."Said Mr Dougan, one of the morethan thirty dads who went along.The children in the Foundation Stageat Aldenham Prep school enjoy asession in the woods every week andit is a popular day with all thechildren and staff. Wearing their allin one suit the children always returnexhilarated by the experience.Mrs Gocher, Head of Aldenham PrepSchool, said “it was wonderful that somany dads came along in theirwellies, ready to get stuck in to theactivities. All the children weredelighted to share their weeklywoodland adventures.”

Membership of the Club gives childrenaccess to fun dinosaur games and factoids,each designed to help children and parentsexpand their dinosaur knowledge. Withcolouring sheets to download, dinosaur brainteasers and quizzes – there’s loads of fun tobe had.The What’s so Special Club has beencreated by dinosaur expert Nicky Deeand supports the ‘What’s so SpecialAbout?’ series of dinosaur books for children.The site is designed to complement theinformation in the books, but can also be used as a stand-aloneresource to help children (and adults) learn while having fun.

Membership of the Club is free. To join, simply go on towww.specialdinosaurs.com and click on the link.

FREE online clubfor young dinosaur enthusiasts!

Front cover image credit www.depositphotos.com

UPCOMINGISSUES: Sept/Oct 2016:Clubs/Classes andActivities – andBack to School!Deadline 10th August 2016Send in your news,stories and advertising bookingsto the details left.

3 Families News

5 Childcare

6 Starting School

8 Summer Camps

10 Days Out

12 What’s On/Diary dates

Welcome to the July/August issue!

Families North London Magazine is designed by Lauren Brown Designs and printed by Warners. Copyright Families North London Magazine 2016. Families North London is part of Families Magazines Ltd afranchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, RegattaPlace, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any formwithout prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contentsnor for any consequence. All rights reserved.

NEWS

NORTH LONDON July/August 2016 3

100% DBS

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CHILDCARERS

• Babysitting

• Flexible Daytime Childcare

• Temporary Nannies

• Part Time Nannies

• Permanent Nannies

0844 879 7189 www.likeminders.co.uk

Holiday Nannies

NEWS

Look out for the launch of the fantasticnew Families website in early July.

The areas covered by this magazine will now be covered by (x number) ofwebsites covering the local areas of (list areas covered by new turf sites).

This new hyper-local approach will allow Families Online to bring youinformation about a wide range of things to do both close to where you

live – and across your region.

You can look forward to seeing the best of the current site, includingplaces to go and what’s on events and activities, education, childcare,

classes and clubs and parties, as well as some great new features,including eating out and local services.

The site will be more comprehensive than ever and easier to use, offeringinspirational ideas for things to do with the kids locally and helpful

parenting tips and advice to support you and your family.

It’s in the same place – visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk!

NEW WEBSITE FOR Back to School withReading Eggs next issue!Keep an eye out in our Back toSchool issue for a very specialpromotion for the award-winningReading Eggs Programme. For allyou mums and dads who haven’tyet seen how Reading Eggs canhelp your children learn to read,make sure you pick up theSeptember/October issue!

Reader Offerand NewVenues forPerformandPerformXThis Summer Perform Xdance classes are coming toSt Johns Wood and CrouchEnd! Brought to you byPerform, the children’s dramaschool, these unique streetand hip hop classes for 6-12year olds are designed toboost coordination, improveconcentration and give children a fun, energetic way to develop physicalskills and get fit.

And from September, Perform are delighted to announce new drama,singing and dance classes launching in Muswell Hill! The new classes willbe on Wednesdays at The Birchwood Centre, 171, Fortis Green, MuswellHill, N10 3BG and there will be classes for 4-7 year olds (4.15-5.15pm) and classes for 7-12 year olds (5.15-6.15pm).

Perform is offering Families readers an exclusive £40 off their first tensessions. To secure your spot at Perform Muswell Hill, Perform X StJohns Wood and Perform X Crouch End this Summer simply call 0207255 9120 or email [email protected] quoting codeFAML011016. Hurry, spaces are limited so booking is recommended.

Advertise with

Families North

Contact us for more details.

01923 237 004


Families Online are preparing to celebrate the launchof a fantastic new website this summer. Destined tobecome the NUMBER 1 resource for local families,www.familiesonline.co.uk will soon have over 300 localsites across the UK. Like our magazines, the local sitesin North London are guaranteed to give users the verybest ideas for spending time with their family locally.They have a number of highly flexible, home-based work opportunitiesavailable for independent Area Managers to run local sites. As an AreaManager you will enjoy a fun and flexible self-employed role which fits aroundyou and your family life, whilst affording you a great challenge – and theopportunity to make money! There are no set up costs involved, you will betrained by industry experts and you will develop valuable new skills in thedigital, print and social media marketing industry.

You Should Be:� Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about what's on locally

for families� Interested in working flexibly from home at times that suit you� Online savvy and a regular user of Facebook, Twitter and other social

media platforms

� Able to write greatarticles which capturethe imagination of localfamilies

� Have good networkingand communicationskills, and confidencewhen speaking tocustomers/the public

� A motivated self-starterwho takes ownershipand pride in your work

ResponsibilitiesPosting daily online and on social media with great ideas for your readersPopulating and updating your site with useful and timely local content forfamiliesMarketing and selling your site to local businesses and familiesBuilding relationships with your clients and users and helping them get themost from your site

To register your interest, please [email protected]!

Your Local Area is Recruiting!

NEWS

Expand your Vocabulary with Families and Farquhar's Vocabulary Flash Cards:

– using more words than are necessary. Synonyms: talkative; circumlocutory, garrulous, long-winded, loquacious, prolix, rambling, voluble.

using very few words. Synonyms: terse; brief, brusque, concise, curt, monosyllabic, pithy, short, succinct.

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Verbose adj

Laconic adj

Opportunity with Families Online in North London!


The summer school holidays are an excitingtime for children - several weeks off schoolto enjoy summer sunshine, holidays andmore time with the rest of the family. Forparents, however, this can be a dauntingtime. Regular routines are broken up for asignificant number of weeks and it can be adifficult juggling act, especially for workingparents. Experienced parents know thatplanning is the key to managing this period,to maximise the fun for kids, but also ensurethat mum and dad can have a break too,whilst managing work commitments.I co-founded Like Minders because this was one of the many areas wewanted to help parents with. As a parent, I was acutely aware of thepotential problems in relation to the summer holiday break – eventhose families who already have full time nannies since they often willtake long breaks themselves over the summer, leaving parents to makeother arrangements in the short-term.

I wanted to offer parents a flexible solution to help over the holidays -the simplest form being school holiday nannies. School holiday nanniescan look after children at home, or on holiday, or both!

Travelling with a nanny can ensure that every member of the family canenjoy a proper break on holiday and that starts right from the momentyou leave for the airport to when you arrive back home.

Other parents use a temporary/short-term nanny service as a necessityover the holidays. Working parents often cannot rely on their familiesfor support for such a long period of time - a temporary nanny cancover the whole summer break period, whether that be just a couple ofdays a week or on a full time basis. The key to a good childcare serviceprovider is to offer flexibility. That is where we saw the biggest need inchildcare – a service driven by the real needs of families trying to juggleall elements of their lives.

Some advice for Ad Hoc and holiday childcare

arrangements this summer!

Georgie Jones is Co-founder of LikeMinders.co.ukTheir school holiday nanny is available for all

school holidays, including half terms. Contact us for more info www.likeminders.co.uk

Childcare


Education

Starting primary school the easy wayBy Liat Hughes Joshi

Starting primary school is a majormilestone in your little one’schildhood – and indeed in your lifetoo. So how can you ease theminto this big change and limit thepotential for tears on the first day?Here are a few tips to help youprepare your little one for theirvery first day at “big school”…

Help your child get used to the idea of schoolIn the months approaching the big day, read books about going toschool together – Janet Ahlberg’s Starting School or Lauren Child’s Iam Absolutely Too Small for School are ideal. This will introduce themto what goes on and let you discuss school together, answering anyquestions your child might have. Talk too about your own happy school memories or encourage anolder sibling or friend to discuss the things they enjoy at their primaryschool.

Build familiarity with their new school Attending settling-in sessions is invaluable to build familiarity anddemystify what school is all about. They’ll let your little one meet theirteachers, see the classroom, dinner hall and loos, and at least a fewprospective classmates. Meanwhile, if you’re driving or walking past the school, point outpositive features, such as the playground equipment.

Don’t worry too much about advance knowledge ofreading, writing and mathsMany parents are concerned that their child can’t recognise letters orcount before they begin school but remember this is what they’ll begoing there to learn – whilst exposure is always good, teachers don’texpect children to have specific academic skills when enteringReception. Focus instead on non-academic ‘school ready’ skills: thingslike going to the loo independently and cleaning themselvesafterwards, putting their own coat on and eating using cutlery. Beingable to listen, sit still, share and follow instructions will make schoollife easier too.

The day or two before the big day…Highlight the things they’re excited about, such as a toy that caughttheir eye in the reception classroom, or seeing the lovely teacher ortheir friend from nursery again. Pre-empt their anxieties too – thesecan be little things, for example, how to let the teacher know if theyneed the loo, or what happens if they don’t like any of the lunchoptions.


Double check where you are meant to be and when on the first dayand what your child needs to bring with them. If you’ll be driving,remember to work out where you’ll park – mum or dad spending 30minutes getting flustered because you’re late and can’t find a spacewill not create a relaxed mood for day one.

The night before…Ease the morning rush by getting everything ready now – uniformlaid out, packed lunch made (if they aren’t having school lunches)and school bag packed.

Help the first morning run smoothlyGetting kids from bedroom to classroom on time can be challengingeven for the most organised parents. Minimise stress (and how manytimes you have to say ‘hurry up’) by putting away any toys or turningoff screens that are too distracting. Be clear with your child aboutwhat needs doing when and keep any messy eaters in PJs untilbreakfast is over, to avoid ruining that pristine first-day uniform.

It’s time to go in…We all want that perfect first day photo but don't make them late –and irritable – with endless attempts to get it. Stringing out yourgoodbyes for ages can end in tears that otherwise wouldn't happen– simply remind them to have fun and that you'll be there to collectthem later and give them a hug. If they’re nervous or unsure, start asmall ritual, perhaps putting a ‘kiss’ in their pocket for them to grablater if they’re missing you.

Don’t forget the tissuesThere’s a time and a place for concealing your own feelings fromyour children and if you’re upset or anxious, this is one of them! Tryyour best to wait until you’re out of sight before sobbing, otherwiseyou could confuse or upset your child unnecessarily. Once they’vegone in, if the waterworks do roll, rest assured you probably won’tbe the only one! Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four booksincluding 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child'(both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The PrimaryYears (Pearson).

Education

Labels4Kids...because kids lose stuff!Get ready early for back to school this year withs�ck on name labels for clothing, �es and uniforms.S�ck on labels is an easy way to label clothing noironing or sewing necessary! Just s�ck the adhesivename label, developed especially for clothes andwith strong adhesion to last many washes, onto the care label of what youwant to label and you’re finished.Labels4Kids is an award winning family business that has been selling namelabels online since 2004. Since 2014, Labels4Kids also supplies John Lewiswith school name labels.Order early, beat the rush and get some peace of mind this summer.www.labels4kids.com/fam


Soccer SchoolDanny GrantDanny GrantDanny Grant

Action-packed Holiday FootballCourses for energetic & enthusiasticplayers aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6 & 7 to 11.Non-stop football fun! Develop fitness &football skills! Exciting matches each day!

Specialised term-time weekly football classes for3 & 4yrs and 5 & 6yrs. Plus weekly football training andleague matches for 7 to 12yrs.Also bookable football and general sports birthday parties.

Call for more details! 020 8446 [email protected] www.dgsoccer.co.uk

Aweswim Swimming classes throughout the holidays. www.aweswim.co.uk

Celtic Harmony Provide a program of events and archery courses for the local community, toencourage participation in healthy recreation and a greater understanding ofancient crafts from archery to storytelling. Visitors experience first-hand how thepeople of the Celtic Iron Age, who lived over 2000 years ago, made food, clothesand shelter from the natural environment, whilst protecting natural habitats byharvesting in the traditional way. www.celticharmony.org

Chickenshed – Summer Shed 2016Each week of Summer Shed will have a fresh theme with workshops that involvedrama, dance, singing and story-making. Parents and friends will be invited in onthe final afternoon to see a performance that has been devised throughout theweek. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. For ages 5-11 years, from25th July – 5th August. 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk/summer-shed-2016

Club Petit Pierrot's Summer Holiday Clubs Do you want your children to have fun and flourish while doing lots of arts & crafts,cooking, drama, outdoor sporty games, singing and learn French effortlessly at thesame time? Fun French Summer Holiday clubs across London for 3-5 yrs old & 6-8yrs old. 18th to 29th July - from 9am-1pm or 9am-3pm in Chelsea and St John’sWood/Maida Vale. The theme will be "Les artistes en herbe". Small groups,dynamic and enthusiastic native French teachers (all DBS checked)[email protected] 020 7385 5565 www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Creative Wiz KidsHoliday Clubs run from the 11th July till the 27th August. Art, dance, drama, cakedecorating, face painting free play, friendships, old and new are just part of theclubs! The weeks are themed from jungle to treasure Island, costume and design,monsters and more. Go and be part of the CWK experience! CWK celebratingcreativity since 1990!www.creativewizkids.com

Danny Grant Soccer School are running exciting action-packed Summer Holiday Football Courses for boys andgirls aged 3 to 12 at UCL Academy, Swiss Cottage. Non-stop football fun, skillstraining and daily matches. Professional FA Coaches lead all action sessions. Toreserve a place call 020-8446-0891. www.dgsoccer.co.uk

DramaramaAttention talented and creative boys and girls aged 3 to 15. Dramarama is runningexciting Summer Holiday Performing Arts Courses in NW3. Go along and act,dance & sing and join the casts of their plays, musicals, streetdance/hip hop shows.For a summer holiday to remember call 0208-446-0891. www.dramarama.co.uk

Enjoy-a-Ball Holiday Camp for 3 – 9 year olds – Multi-sports and high-action games plus artsand crafts in a warm, caring and positive environment. North Finchley w/c 25 July,1 Aug, 22/23 Aug and 30 Aug, 9am-1pm or 9am – 3pm. Call 0333 433 0845 or [email protected] www.enjoy-a-ball.com

Explore Learning Offer Maths and English tuition sessions for 5-14 year olds throughout the schoolholidays. 01895 636378 www.explorelearning.org.uk

Fire Tech Camp is the UK's leading provider of tech and making courses for kids aged 9-17. Thiscourse will run between 11th July - 26th August, our summer locations are SouthHampstead High School (NW3), Imperial College (SW7) and Fab Lab (near Bankstation). They are shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs, designers,developers and inventors in a fun, collaborative and inspiring environment. MakeYour Future with Fire Tech Camp. For more information and to book please visittheir website. www.firetechcamp.com 0207 193 4002

SUMMER CAMPS

What to do with the kids this summer?

Summer Camps

Dramarama

Stage SchoolExciting Summer Holiday Performing Arts Courses

Star in exciting Plays,Street Dance Shows and Musicals!Plus Autumn term Drama, Drama Exam & Street Dance classes

on Saturdays in Hampstead.Attention boys & girls aged 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7-10 & 11-14.Join our fun-packed term-time and holiday courses.

Drama or Street Dance Parties also bookable!

Contact us for more details 020 8446 0891www.dramarama.co.uk

Drama Street Dance Musical Theatre

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these lists are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.


Covering London and Home Counties.

Call 020 8349 2148 or visit www.toptutors.co.uk and book today!

Excellent specialist tutors with FULL background checks

Primary, 11+, GCSE, A Level, Degree, Special Needs including Dyslexia

We help with revision and exams techniques to help calm nerves and build confidence, preventing last minute panic.

Our tutors build self-esteem with students in the classroom and in exam environments

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Kiddikicks Sports Summer Holiday Class Pass 18m - 7 yearsDon’t let your child’s fitness hit the decks with their sloppy ice-cream! Get aKiddikicks Summer Holiday Class Pass and you’ll never miss a class you’ve paid for!Book your preferred venue and receive a bonus venue for free, July 16th to August26th. Football, hockey, fitness, fun and sports day challenges in the sun. Venues inSouth West London, East London, North London, West London. 020 7937 [email protected] www.kiddikicks.co.uk/timetable

Kiddikicks Summer Holiday Football Coaching 5 - 8 years Keep up your tekkers over the summer holidays! Outdoor, weekly, 3 hour, footballcoaching sessions. July 16th to August 26th. South West London, East London,North London, West London. 020 7937 7965 [email protected]/timetable

King's Camps the UK's leading provider of sport and activity camps for 4-17 year olds during theholidays. Offering week long packages and FlexiCare; there’s something availablefor everyone. 0114 263 2160www.kingscamps.org

Little Kickers Courses running throughout the summer. Football training for kids from 18months to under 7 years. Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Golders Green,Muswell Hill, Friern Barnet [email protected] 0208 201 1084. Or for Enfield, Southgate, New Barnet & North Finchley [email protected] or call 0207 684 7969/ 0208 809 6433www.littlekickers.co.uk

LEADERS ARE READERSTheir award-winning readingprogramme, exemplary English, maths, 4+, 5+, 7+ and 11+ curricula have helped

more than 3000 children from 3.5 to 13 years old, for over 15 years, with a 90% passrate of children taking entrance exams to top grammar & independent schools. Calltoday to register your child for Summer Term at Winchmore Hill centre, in Enfield,N21 1PP, or book your place at their Open Day presentations. Free assessmentsdetermine the best course for each child.By popular demand, Leaders are Readers Winchmore Hill centre is running 3 weeksof Summer School for the 9th year! From July 25th to August 12th, book for 1week or all 3 weeks and prepare your child to excel when they return to school inSeptember!01992 651 300 book free assessment and no obligation trial lesson. www.leadersarereaders.co.uk

Perform For 4-7 year olds: ‘The Jungle Book’. This summer your young cub will have thewildest week ever putting on a show about Mowgli and his friends. Based onRudyard Kipling’s classic, Perform’s courses are led by actors, musicians and dancersand end with a mini-musical on the last day. For 7-12 year olds: ‘The Secret Garden’.This summer, children will be whisked away to the mysterious and magical world ofMisselthwaite Manor on this 5-day holiday course. Based on Francis HodgsonBurnett’s classic tale, The Secret Garden the course ends with a show and is led byexperienced theatre professionals who will nuture and inspire every step of theway. 0207 255 9120 [email protected] www.perform.org.uk/holidays

Poolside Manor Multi-Activity Day Camps Top quality multi-activity holiday camps for 3 to 11 year olds. Each week isthemed differently, to capture imaginations and shape the programme ofactivities on offer. Children are served up such a range of sports, craft andart activities, dance, drama, games and trips and visiting performers thatthey are likely to find new activities every week and every day!www.poolsidemanor.com/camps

ROLE MODELSWe all want children to become independent individualswho find genuine fulfilment in whatever they do in theirlives. As a result, characteristics like ‘confidence’ and‘resilience’ are desirable and they have becomeeducational buzzwords. But how can we really developthese characteristics in young people? Theseprogrammes help children to present themselves

effectively and react positively to pressure. They will teach children to valuecollaboration and imagination, to be unafraid of complex challenges and todevelop a positive and robust approach to setbacks.The Summer Confidence & Resilience Courses are for Years 3 & 4 and Years 5-7 fromJuly 18-22 (10am – 3pm) in Wimbledon, Pimlico and Hampstead and from Aug 30-Sept 2 in Clapham, Chelsea and Marylebone. Please see the link for moreinformation or contact us: 020 7164 6397 / [email protected]:www.rolemodels.me/summer-confidence-resilience-courses-2016/

Stagecoach Summer Workshops performing arts holiday workshops for 4-6 year olds (half day) and 6-18 years (fullday). Learn a show in a week, make friends, learn new skills working with industryprofessionals – with a costumed performance on the Friday to family and friends!www.stagecoach.co.uk/holidayworkshops

Super Camps The school summer holidays are a time for children to have fun whilst keepingactive in body and mind. Super Camps give children the opportunity to do justthat, with a range of camps and courses to suit everyone. Camps are full of greatnew activities for 2016, with a guarantee of water activities at all camps during thesummer. You can also rest assured knowing that your children are at the best campin town after receiving yet another Outstanding Ofsted rating in 2016. Camps runfrom 8am – 6pm for ages 4-14. Activities include Multi-Activity; RAW Adventure;The Great Super Camps Bake-Off; The Great British Takeaway; A Passion For…Arts &Crafts & A Passion For…Super Science. Standard prices start from £42 per day and£190 per week, call 01235 467300 or visit www.supercamps.co.uk for details.

SushiArt Specialise in hosting tailor-made Japanese inspired events, and will be holdingweekly summertime origami classes with the option of two different classes perweek (one for children aged 5-9 and another for children 10+) Children will learnhow to make beautiful 2D and 3D origami fruits, ice-creams, flowers and evenJapanese fans! These classes will last 90 minutes and there will be a small breakduring this for children to enjoy some Japanese snacks and healthy homemadesummer sushi! [email protected] 07891 203 860

Willows Activity Farm Activity Day Camps every school holiday. Book the kids into Willows Activity Farmfor holiday adventures they love! As well as all the fun of Willows Activity Farm, thechildren enjoy indoor play in their exclusive playrooms. Lunch and a two coursehot meal plus all drinks and snacks are also included. Activities include farmyardanimals, funfair rides, bouncy castles, The Big Dig - sand and water play, indoor playbarn, treasure hunts and den building. With changing seasonal events there’ssomething new each school holiday. Willows Activity Day Camps are OFSTEDregistered. 01727 829535 www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Summer Camps

Kiddikicks

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw


Enfield, Southgate, New Barnet & North Finchley

please email: [email protected] call 0207 684 7969 / 0208 809 6433

Mill Hill, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, GoldersGreen, Muswell Hill & Friern Barnet

please email: [email protected] call: 0208 201 1084

Where Learning’s a Ball

Days Out Over the Summer

Summer Reading Challenge - Gloriumptioustreats and squiffling surprises are in store with themost exciting Summer Reading Challenge yet- ‘TheBig Friendly Read’- which launches Saturday 16 July2016! The challenge is for children of all ages to readsix library books over the summer holidays and thengo back to the library to tell them about it. They canread anything: story books, factual books, talkingbooks or even e-books. Celebrating 100 years sincethe birth of Roald Dahl- the world’s number onestoryteller- ‘The Big Friendly Read’ features some ofhis most loved characters, wonderfully illustrated byQuentin Blake. There are limited edition QuentinBlake collector cards up for grabs, and medals andcertificates will be awarded to children who finishtheir six books. www.bigfriendlyread.org.ukAlexandra Palace (N22) There are a whole wealth of activities to keep thefamily entertained over the holidays – the ice rinkwhich is open year round, pitch and putt, soft playand the boating lake, as well as the Garden Centreand café. www.alexandrapalace.com

Alton Towers (ST10)Go and explore CBeebies Land - the only place whereyou can meet, join in, and play with all your favouriteCBeebies characters. All children under three go free!Whilst there you can check out all Alton Towers hasto offer, such as the Water Park, Tree Top Quest, andExtraordinary Golf. Why not enjoy an enchantingbreak in one of the Woodland Lodges, great forgroups and family time. Experience a land full offorest sprites and little fable folk that live amongstthe trees in the Enchanted Village.www.altontowers.comBank of England Museum (EC2R)Gold bars, Banknotes, a crown and even a cat (yes acat!) are just a few of the treasured items foundwithin the Museum, each with its own story to tell.Explore the Museum this summer and discover thestories behind your favourite objects, then makeyour visit a day to remember by creating your ownphoto album. Choose from a selection of Museumimages and use your creative talents to tell your ownstory. www.bankofengland.co.ukBelmont Farm (NW7)A children’s farm with over thirty different types ofanimals for visitors to see, meet and feed. You canjoin in with petting sessions which run throughoutthe day and jump on the tractor & trailer ridethrough the beautiful Belmont Estate. After visitingthe farm, visitors can relax with a variety of delisnacks and delicious freshly made waffles at the on-site Waffle Cafe. With a good selection of childfriendly food and classic dishes, the Waffle Cafe is aperfect way to round off a trip to Belmont Children’sFarm. www.belmontfarm.co.ukChiltern Open Air Museum (HP8)This summer enjoy lots of exciting family events andliving history at Chiltern Open Air Museum. ‘TerrificTuesdays’ are back every Tuesday throughout Augustwith themed family crafts and activities, and therewill be re-enactment events every weekend. Go and

see the Ragged Victorians on 23 – 24 Jul and meetauthentic Victorian characters. Take your life intoyour hands when you meet the Highwaymen on 30 –31 Jul. Be transported back to the Napoleonic era inSharpe’s Rifles on 6 – 7 Aug. Learn about MedievalEngland in Medieval Pageantry on 13 – 14 Aug andwatch out for the Vicious Vikings on 20 – 21 Aug,where you can visit their encampment and watchbattle displays. Discover what life was like in TudorTimes and gather with the Militia to oppose theArmada in a spectacular August Bank Holiday event28 – 29 Aug. Take the whole family for unforgettabledays of discovery and explore 2000 years of history!www.coam.org.ukDrayton Manor Park & Thomasland (B78) Keeping your little ones entertained on a budget canbe a challenge but Drayton Manor Park has a greatvalue solution - Adult and Toddler entry tickets forjust £20 Mon – Fri during term time. There’s plentyfor little ones to enjoy, from the 15 acre zoo to the 4Dcinema, not to mention Europe’s only Thomas Land™which boasts over 25 rides and attractions.www.draytonmanor.co.ukGulliver’s Land (MK15)Designed for children aged 2-13 years, comprisingthrill rides, fun rides, family rides, indoor rides,attractions, shows and play areas. From the RunawayTrain in Discovery Bay to the Jungle River Ride andclassic Dodgems there are plenty of exciting rides toensure that all the family have a fun day out. Guestsare welcome to take their own lunches to enjoy inthe picnic areas, helping to make this an affordablefamily day out.www.gulliversfun.co.ukHistoric Royal PalacesExplore amazing sights and stories from some of thegreatest palaces ever built – The Tower of London,Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House,Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and HillboroughCastle. Families (whether royal or not) have alwayslived and worked at these historic royal palaces -

Chiltern Open Air Museum



WITH SOMETHING FOR THEWHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY...

Knebworth House Gardens & Park, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX (For Sat Nav)

www.knebworthhouse.comT. 01438 812661

Book online: knebworthhouse.com

FIND US JUST OFF

JUNCTION 7 A1(M)

Discover the Dinosaur Trail & Fort Knebworth Adventure Playground -or relax and enjoy the historic Park and Gardens. All for just £9.50 ppMany seasonal events included. Entry to House extra. Gift Shop & Garden TerraceTea Room. Discounted family tickets. Come and discover Knebworth this summer.

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kings and queens, princes and princesses, servantsand soldiers - and they all have stories to tell. Goalong and visit for fun-filled family adventures toexplore, discover and make the palace histories partof your family’s story. www.hrp.org.ukJW3 (NW3)Head along to JW3 throughout the summer for yoursummer getaway, on the Beach at JW3. Relax with acocktail on a deckchair, see who can build the mostelaborate sand castle or enjoy great Beach food fromZEST, the acclaimed restaurant, café and bar. Just popin when you need some time on the sand, book ontoone of the many specially planned Beach activities.Open from Sun 5 Jul - Mon 31 Aug.www.jw3.org.uk/beach-jw3Knebworth House and Gardens (SG3)Knebworth Park offers a great day out for all thefamily, with fun activities for children and lots to dofor all ages, including Adventure Playground,Dinosaur Trail, a walk through history in KnebworthHouse and Gardens and special events throughoutthe summer. Our Tea Room offers a deliciousselection of home-made and locally sourced lunchand teatime treats. www.knebworthhouse.comLegoland Windsor (SL4) The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is an exciting dayout with thrills and fun for the whole family. Playyour part with over 55 interactive rides andattractions. Fly through the treetops to escapefearsome dragons, ride the thrilling rapids with aViking Fleet, join LEGO® divers on a magicalunderwater adventure on Atlantis Submarine Voyageor enjoy the UK’s only LEGO® Star Wars™ MinilandModel Display. You can also stay at the LEGOLANDWindsor Resort Hotel featuring fully themedbedrooms and splash pool. www.legoland.co.ukNew Forest Water Park (SP6)Set in 50 acres of beautiful New Forest countrysideand lakes, there’s something for everyone at the NewForest Water Park – whether you’re on holiday or justfancy a great day out. The New Forest Water Park hasbeen a friendly, family-run business for more than 25years and has become the New Forest’s favouritevenue to learn and enjoy a host of WaterSports –including WakeBoarding, Kayaking and Stand-upPaddle Boarding! www.newforestwaterpark.co.ukParkside Farm Pick Your Own (EN2)Nearly 20 different fruits and vegetables are grownexclusively for Pick-Your-Own between June and

October. Crops include “table-top” strawberries (nobending required), raspberries, beans and sweetcorn.The farm is set in the beautiful rolling greenbeltcountryside just to the north of Enfield, and yet iseasily accessible from all the surrounding areas.www.parksidefarmpyo.co.ukPaulton’s Park & Peppa Pig World (SO51)This summer head along to Paulton Park’s newestattraction – the Lost Kingdom Dinosaur Theme Park!It will be home to a whole host of Dinosaurattractions including two world class rollercoasters,life-like animatronic Dinosaurs, Jurassic themedfamily rides, a prehistoric Dinosaur adventure playpark and an amazing opportunity to come face toface with 'living' walking animatronic Dinosaurs!Whilst there you can also check out Peppa Pig World,a fully themed and immersive experience with 7rides, an indoor and outdoor playground andnumerous other interactive experiences designed forchildren between the ages of 1 to 6 years old.Paulton’s Park also has a huge range of rides foryounger and older children.www.paultonspark.co.ukTate Modern (SE1)Take a trip to the gallery this summer and check outthe new 10 storey extension, which features a freeviewing platform with 360 degree views acrossLondon, and a new ‘Start Gallery’ - a dedicated spacefor families and young people offering an accessibleand enjoyable introduction to modern andcontemporary art. www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modernV&A Museum of Childhood (E2)The V&A Museum of Childhood has lots of free funthings to do for all ages, from exhibitions anddisplays to activities for children. A great way tospend a day!www.vam.ac.uk/mocWarwick Castle (CV34) Experience a full day out with more than 1,100 yearsof jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and adventureat Warwick Castle! Visit the new Horrible HistoriesMaze and choose your path through time to unravelhistory. Face fun challenges: invade a Viking ship,survive the trenches, uncover evil plots and escapethe maze before things go horribly wrong! As youexplore the maze you can learn Horrible Historiesfacts and collect stamps for your time passport. Onceyou have completed your passport you can collect aprize! www.warwick-castle.com

Willows Activity Farm (AL4)A wholesome day out the whole family will enjoy,with farmyard animals, shows, fun fair rides,inflatables, Tractor Ride, acres of outdoor and undercover activities. Fans of the animated CBeebies series‘Peter Rabbit’ will love the new Peter RabbitAdventure Playground where children can explorethe Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery area, check out thekitchen and laundry of Mrs Tiggy-winkle and try outthe state of the art Great Invention sensory game,created by Mr. Bouncer.www.willowsactivityfarm.comZSL London Zoo (NW1)Land of the Lions, the Zoo’s newest and most breath-taking exhibit transports visitors from the heart ofLondon to India’s vibrant Sasan Gir, where they canget closer than ever before to mighty Asiatic lions.Three walkways cover the 2,500sqm exhibit withthrilling, immersive Indian-themed areas to explore -including a train station, crumbling temple clearing,high street and guard hut. Land of the Lions willinform, inspire and excite wildlife lovers of all agesand promises to be an experience unlike any other!www.zsl.org

Tate Modern


“This Tiger is the cat’s meow”

The Times

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8 The Tiger Who Came to TeaLIVE ON STAGE a musical play adapted anddirected by DAVID WOODbased on the bookby JUDITH KERR

SAT 6 AUG - SUN 4 SEPTBOOK NOW 020 7730 4500 cadoganhall.com

THE HIT MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE AWARD WINNINGPICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER

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LYRIC THEATRE FROM 6 JULYBOOK NOW 0330 333 4812 nimaxtheatres.com gruffalolive.com

“MONSTROUS FUN!”

Daily Mail

“ A FINE PIECE OFCHILDREN’S THEATRE”

The Sunday Times

What’s On Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

Fri 1, 8 & 16 Jul - Sunset Safari at ZSLLondon Zoo (NW1) Travel through the Zoo atdusk - relax and be entertained as the sun goesdown in the company of some of the world’s mostfascinating animal species while watching animalthemed acrobats, discovering great food, andlearning more about the science of animals.Prepare for music, face painting and festival fun asyou embark on one of the most unique evenings ofthe summer - transporting you and your friends ona safari adventure across the Zoos bathed in fairylights and animal lanterns. Tickets must be bookedin advance. 0www.zsl.org/sunset-safari Sat 2 Jul - S.Mary's Church Summer Fete(N17) Summer fete - Fun for all the family from 2-4pm. Games, races, side shows, tom bola, cakes,live DJ music, bouncy castle, soak the vicar and lotsmore. Finishes at 3.30pm with tug of war & conga. [email protected] Sat 2 Jul - Beatrix Potter Garden Party(NW3)Go and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the beautifulgarden at Keats Community Library. They willentertain your children while you have tea anddelicious cake provided by Gails, on the lawn. Facepainting, a craft table and colouring in, rhyme-time, a treasure hunt with prizes, and books forsale. This is a Hampstead Summer Festival eventwhich raises money for three popular localcharities: Age UK Henderson Court, HampsteadSchool of Art and Keats Community Library. 0207 431 1266 [email protected] Sat 2 Jul - Fab Fest (NW1) The family friendlyInternational Fabrication Festival takes place from2-5pm at 35 Marylebone Road, celebrating designand making with live music and entertainment.Kids can try their hands at cardboard robotmaking, paper engineering, mask making andsketching, and parents can get involved in all theactivities too or enjoy the music and play judge tothe more than 50 hand-built pavilions in theexhibition space. The festival will continue in theevening from 7-10pm with film screenings andmusic performances for those who like staying uplate. Entry is free and everyone is [email protected] www.fabfest.londonSat 2 – Sun 3 Jul - Come Away With TheFaeries (EN2) Enter the secret world of faerie folkas the Funky Festival Company and Friends of FortyHall Park bring to the grounds ‘Come Away withthe Faeries’. The perfect venue for a magical daywith plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy.Re-energise your mind, body and soul in theholistic area, indulge your creative side in one ofthe arty workshops, learn circus skills, dance to livemusic or simply relax and unwind at the bar!www.fortyhallfarm.org.uk

Sun 3 Jul - Big Fair Day HampsteadSummer Festival (NW3) One of the biggeststreet fairs in North London, taking place on HeathStreet. Over 100 stalls of gifts and crafts, fabulousinternational food and drink, a funfair, falcons,donkey rides, a circus school, live music, hiphopdancing, sports demonstrations in the SportsZone,a chess cafe with Jean-Paul Wallace a famousinternational tutor who will pit himself against allcomers. Something for absolutely everyone toenjoy. 0207 794 [email protected] Sun 3 Jul - Enfield Greek Festival (N9) Getyour Greek on for this Big Fat Greek Festival takingplace at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Goalong for a fun-packed day of Greek food, musicalentertainment, traditional games, souvlaki, bakedtreats, church tours, cultural demonstrations andcooking workshops Open to all 12:30pm-5pm. www.saintdemetrios.org.ukSun 3 Jul - Firs Farm Primary SchoolSummer Fete (N13) Head along to the annualsummer fete! Lots of fun for all ages - BBQ, GiantSlide, Raffle, Tombola, Inflatable Obstacle Course,Ponies, Drinks, Local Business Stalls and lots more. [email protected] 3 & 24 Jul, Sat 6 & 20 Aug, Sun 28 Aug- Wild Adventure Club (N16) Gives your child achance to learn about nature and explore the greatoutdoors in a safe environment at WoodberryWetlands. The sessions include a tour of thereserve, active outdoor games & interactiveexperiences and learning sessions about wildlifeand natural world. Sessions run from 10am –12:30pm and are suitable for ages 5 – 11. Book inadvance to secure your place.www.woodberrywetlands.org.ukWed 6 Jul – Sun 4 Sep – The Gruffalo ThisJuly everyone’s favourite furry monster roars backinto the West End in celebration of his 15thanniversary on stage! The most fearsome creaturethat never was - but is - takes to the stage in thisenchanting production combining songs, laughterand storytelling theatre with just the right amountof scary fun! Set to a wonderfully catchy score withoriginal music and lyrics, The Gruffalo is a must-seeshow which continues to entertain audiences theworld over. Lyric Theatre, W1D 7ES, 0844 482 9674www.nimaxtheatres.comSat 9 Jul - The Youth Fest Event (N17) A freeevent and open to all young people in Haringey,taking place at Lordship Rec from 1pm to 5pm. Theaim is to promote regular activities for youngpeople taking place in Haringey, from sports toarts, dance and more.0208 885 5684 www.haringey.gov.ukSat 9 Jul - Eid Festival 2016 (WC2N) All areinvited to go and join in the Eid celebrations at

Trafalgar Square. The festival will celebrate andhost a variety of special activities for the wholefamily to enjoy, with some delicious food fromaround the world, as well as live music anddancing. There will also be a range of fun activitiesfor children to try like face-painting, henna,calligraphy and story-telling. www.london.gov.ukSun 10 Jul - Festival Under the Trees (EN4)Set mostly on the grassy trees lined area betweenMonken Hadley School and the Church House of StMary. There will be a coconut shy, welly wanging,crazy golf, a bouncy affair, pony rides, treasurehunt, games, a stage with demonstration andperformances, photo competition, food, BBQ anddrinks and produce from local companies. www.facebook.com/monkenhadleyPTA Sun 10 Jul - Parent and Baby Fest at JW3(NW3) Free one-day event for expecting parentsand families with children under 4’s. A fantasticopportunity to get the inspiration & informationyou’ll need for these magical first years ofparenthood, while meeting other families andspending a special Sunday with your loved ones.The day will be a mix of parenting talks andworkshops, a variety of children activities, andongoing family fun including balloon modelling,face painting, biscuit decoration, craft and games.www.jw3.org.ukSun 10 Jul - KCM Church 75th AnniversaryCommunity Fair (EN6) Family fun for everyone:children’s activities, classic cars on display,barbeque, teas and cakes on the lawn, ice cream,gift stall, ballet display, exhibition, musicalentertainment in the church, anniversarymerchandise, and much, much more besides. Allproceeds to KCM Church. 2-5pm- free admissionKing Charles the Martyr Church 0208 363 1361 www.kcm-church.org.uk

Lazy Town


Open daily 10am-5.30pmJust 200 metres from Junction 22 of the M25.Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Rd, London Colney,St Albans, Herts AL4 0PF

Tel: 0870 129 9718www.willowsactivityfarm.comProgramme subject to change. All inclusive and unlimited price includesadventure play activities, shows and demonstrations - excludes anycatering or product purchases.

© Frederick Warne & Co. Limited and Silvergate PPL Limited 2016. All rights reserved.

PB00847

Find your way out of our A-maize-ing Maze intime to enjoy a wholesome programme of familysummer fun.

buy yOUr tickets onlINe

ANd saVE up to 25%Our all inclusive price includes entry to the PETER RABBITTM Adventure Playground, Peter Rabbit and Lily Bobtail in live shows plus extra summerfun in the extended Big Dig sand & water play and goat racing around the animal race track.


What’s OnTue 12 – Sat 23 Jul - Postcards Festival (N6) For two weeks in July,Highgate will be home to a whole host of weird and wonderful acts as theypresent an eclectic mix of circus, cabaret and extraordinary performance. What’smore, Postcards 2016 is breaking the mould: for the first time at a Londonfestival, all ticket prices are up to you with the launch of the new Pay What YouDecide scheme! Tickets can be reserved in advance and after the performanceyou’ll have the opportunity to make a donation, either by cash on the door orcard at the Jacksons Lane Box Office. 020 8340 5226 [email protected] www.jacksonslane.org.uk Wed 13 Jul – Thu 1 Sep - Artsdepot Open 2016 (N12) Artsdepot'sannual exhibition is a celebration of art and artists. Submissions are encouragedfrom both emerging and established artists. Many of the artworks selected forthis diverse and vibrant exhibition are available to purchase.www.artsdepot.co.ukThu 14 Jul - Sensing Camden Town (NW1) The sights, sounds, smells,tastes and feel of Camden Town will come alive through a discovery walk led bythe Camden Tour Guides Association. This walk is suitable for everyone, advancebooking required. Meeting Point – Camden Town Tube Station.www.lovecamden.orgThu 14 Jul - Fenton Inside and Out (NW3) Go and explore Fenton Houseand Garden after hours with this special evening tour. Discover the architecturalhistory and vast collections in the house, and the gardens design, vision andhistory. Booking Essential. 08442491895 www.nationaltrust.org.ukSat 16 Jul - The Firs Farm Wetlands Community Summer Festival(N21) This exciting Wetlands will be transformed into a vibrant summercommunity festival with food, music and activities. - live music area - Zumba,dance & sports including 5 a side – Children’s funfair & climbing frame - over 50stalls selling food, drinks, local art & crafts & children's activities - localcommunity groups - events by the Wetlands group including pond dipping funfor all ages with Thames21 and Thames Water - model boats, tanks & others.www.firsfarmn21.orgSat 16 Jul - Something Happening for Kids Festival (WC1H) A wholeday of dance fun, performances, workshops,activities and surprises. For thisannual event, The Place building is completely taken over by an explosion ofcolours and dance in all its forms. Every year brings a completely newprogramme so there's always more adventures to be had and new memories tobe made. www.theplace.org.uk [email protected] 17 Jul - Stoke Newington Fire Station Open Day (N16) LondonFire Brigade are collaborating with Playmobil to celebrate their 150th year. Aperfect day out for anyone who’s ever fancied playing firefighter for a day -children big and small can meet real firefighters and life-sized Playmobil ones,plus explore a real life fire engine, as well as enjoy toys and activities galore.Their aim is to teach future generations what our firefighters do and ensure littleones know to call 999 in an emergency. 11am-5pm.www.playmobil.co.uk/LondonFireBrigadeSun 17 Jul - Music On The Lawn (EN2) Back by popular demand thisfamily event is a great day-out! Children will love the activities on offer includingbee, butterfly and ladybird workshops, croquette and bouncy castle. With plentyof food and drink stalls – you are welcome to take a picnic to enjoy in thegrounds of Forty Hall Estate. www.fortyhallfarm.org.ukSun 17 Jul - Family Day: Old Time Games (NW3) Go along to KeatsHouse where there will be games in the garden, including bubble blowing,skittle scattering and hula-hooping hi jinks. There’ll be games for all ages and achance to make and take home your very own [email protected] 17 Jul - Camden Mela 2016 (WC1N) A Community Festivalcelebrating the diversity of Camden - a fun day out for the whole family. Therewill be a stage with live music, funfair rides, stalls with delicious food, henna,face painting, lots of free goodies, clothing, jewellery and lots more. Takingplace at Coram’s Fields. [email protected] Sun 17 & Fri 29 Jul, Sun 14 & Fri 26 Aug - Crafty Kids NatureWorkshop (N16) Give your child a creative space to explore and be inspiredby nature with these fun, hands-on arts & crafts workshops at WoodberryWetlands. Each session will follow a different wildlife inspired theme and willresult in some wonderful finished project for the little artists to take home.10:30am – 12:30pm, suitable for ages 5 – 11. To ensure your place please book inadvance: www.woodberrywetlands.org.ukThu 21 - Sat 30th Jul - Beach & funfair at Enfield Market (EN2) Goalong to Enfield Market where there will be palm trees, deck chairs, and tiki barsselling fresh coconut milk and fresh juices. You will also find a fabulous foodcourt and an amazing market for you to look at if you get bored of sunbathing.A 30 second walk away will be funfair rides for the kids – bungees, tea cups anda giant deckchair and kids entertainers. [email protected] 23 Jul - Race for Life 2016 - 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy (N4)Ladies, it’s time to lace up your trainers, and walk, jog, or charge your wayaround Finsbury Park's Race for Life 2016. Through raising money at Race for Lifeto fund groundbreaking research into new drugs and treatments, you can helpbring forward the day when all cancers are cured. www.raceforlife.orgSat 23 Jul - Happy 150th Birthday Beatrix Potter! (N7) The creator ofPeter Rabbit is 150 years old on 28 July! Celebrate at this special themed teaparty at North Library with nibbles, crafts and a treasure hunt! 2:15pm - 4:15pm,book in advance. 020 7527 7840 [email protected] Sat 23 Jul - Bountagu Community Festival (N9) A festival organised bylocal people for the community; with world food and music and much more!Take a picnic along to the Recreation Ground on Montague Road and getinvolved in fun activities. www.enfield.gov.uk


Sat 23 Jul – Summer Festival at AlexandraPalace (N22) Three live music stages headlinedby DJ Yoda, a 100m giant waterslide, an outdoorcinema screening of ET: The Extra Terrestrial, awoodland silent disco and family raves with BigFish Little Fish. Also free kid's activities from facepainting to arts and crafts, ice skating, a fun fairand even an adventure zone including zorbing,Segway and tree climbing will make sure there issomething for everyone. Throughout the festivalsite street food and craft beer villages will beshowcasing some of London's finest tradersalongside award winning beers and summercocktails.www.summerfestival.alexandrapalace.comSat 23 Jul – Sun 4 Sep - SummerSpectacular at Willows Activity Farm (AL4)A-maize-ing Maze, Summer Sports Day Races and afull days programme of family fun including thenew Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground. Withfarmyard animals, adventure play, funfair rides, JCBYoung Drivers Zone, bouncy castles and inflatableslide. If the sun decides to have a day off there'splenty of undercover play in Woolly Jumpersindoor play barn, Cottontail Village and CaptainChicken's Egg Dodge. 0870 129 9718www.willowsactivityfarm.com Sun 24 Jul - It's a Knock Out & Family FunDay (EN2) Go along and enjoy the fun at EnfieldTown Park! Food, games, stalls, rides, inflatables -Something for everyone! Plus the main event "It's aKnock Out”. In aid of The Nightingale CancerSupport Centre Enfield. www.enfield.gov.uk25th July - 1st Aug - Live Like A Celt atCeltic Harmony Camp (SG13) A unique familyexperience, where your very own Celtic guide willlead you through a day in ancient Britain and you’lltry your hand at the skills and activities used inprehistory. Pre-booking is essential. Go tocelticharmony.org/events or call 01438 718543Tue 26 Jul - Festival of Archaeology(WC2N) As part of the annual Festival ofArchaeology, children will explore BenjaminFranklin House’s fascinating archaeological history.They will discover why human bones were found inthe basement and the story they tell about thehistory of medicine. Suitable for 7-14 year olds.Free, donations welcome! Advanced bookingrecommended.www.benjaminfranklinhouse.orgWed 27 Jul, 3, 10, 24 & 31 Aug - Animated!Family Film Festival (E2) Inspired by theClangers, Bagpuss & Co exhibition, the V&AMuseum of Childhood will present a series ofinnovative animated films, from the world’s oldestsurviving animated feature film, The Adventures ofPrince Achmed (1926) to Frances’s visualmasterpiece Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998). Takepart in a craft activity and pick up a trail related tothe films for a full experience, or just grab yourpopcorn from the café, sit back and enjoy themovie! www.vam.ac.uk/moc29th, 30th, 31st July and 5th Aug - WildSummer Sleep Out (SG13) Celtic HarmonyCamp are hosting an overnight adventure for thewhole family - just bring your tent and we’ll do therest! A cooked BBQ in the evening along withstorytelling, fire breathing, a bat walk and mothhunt, and wake up to a delicious cooked breakfastthe next morning. Pre-booking is essential. Go tocelticharmony.org/events or call 01438 718543Sat 30 Jul - Livestock Music Festival (EN2)The unmissable musical extravaganza of thesummer is back for it's 5th year. The all-day festival,comprising of more than 20 high-quality anddiverse acts on three separate stages, has beenconceived and organised by local Enfield residentsand has something for everyone: rock, blues, folk,reggae, gypsy swing and virtually every othergenre you could wish for. All in the glorioussettings of Forty Hall farm and complete with foodstalls, bars and children’s entertainment.www.livestockuk.comSun 31 Jul – LazyTown Live on StageSportacus, Robbie Rotten, Stephanie & Ziggy hitthe stage in a brand new concert show. Go, go, go,get up LazyTown – enjoy a non-stop, highly-interactive and energetic treat, jam-packed withsinging, dancing, spectacular acrobatics, music andfun. All the songs from the legendary TV show

feature, including No One’s Lazy in LazyTown, BingBang and Never Say Never, as the benefits of“sports candy” are introduced in inspirational style.Meet your favourite LazyTown characters and learnhow to be a real super hero in this wonderful stageshow spectacular! Ages 3+ Artsdepot N12 0208369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Mon 1 – Sun 28 Aug – Camden Fringe(various) The Camden Fringe returns this Augustfor another celebration of theatre, comedy andfringe fun. There will be over 250 differentproductions on at 25 venues, with everything fromopera and musical theatre, to poetry, cabaret and afilm screening. www.camdenfringe.com

Tue 2 & Tue 9 Aug - Olde Time Olympics(WC2N) With the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio deJaneiro on the horizon, geton your starting blocksfor some OlympicGames, Georgianstyle atBenjaminFranklinHouse! Enterthe 18thcentury games,including tossing quoits andmarbles, and compete for a GoldMedal! Suitable for 5-8 year olds.Free, donations welcome! Advancedbooking recommended.www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Wed 3 – Thu 4 Aug - Discovery Day -Meadow Madness (W2) Drop in at theEducation Centre in Hyde Park any time between11am and 3pm to take part in a host of free andexciting nature inspired activities including: Sweepnetting for creepy crawlies with the experts;Visiting the nature discovery rooms; Following theeducational and fun nature trail unearthingmagical meadow facts; Plenty of nature inspiredarts and crafts including crafting your very ownseed animal to take home (suggested £2donation). Everyone is welcome but they ask for nomore than 3 children per adult and can only admitassistance dogs. Booking is not necessary - feel freeto just drop in! www.supporttheroyalparks.org

Thu 4 - Wed 17 Aug - Film4 Summer Screenat Somerset House (WC2R) London’sgroundbreaking open-air film festival returns witha prestigious programme of contemporary classics,popular favourites and premieres of forthcomingreleases. Projected on London’s largest outdoorscreen in full surround sound, there will be specialon-stage introductions from the stars at selectedscreenings and sundown DJ sets before the filmsbegin. 0844 847 1715www.somersethouse.org.uk

Sat 6 Aug - Kings Cross Sports Day (N1C)Lace up your trainers and get ready for a sports daylike no other! Can’t fly to Rio for the Olympics?Then why not try something sporty at King’s Cross?Have a go at yoga, bootcamp training or rock-climbing, or try your hand at tightrope walking,sack racing, or even competitive egg and spoon.Fun Kings Cross Sports Day events will be takingplace all day in Granary Square and Lewis CubittSquare. Events are completely free, and suitable forall ages and abilities.www.kingscross.co.uk/event/kings-cross-sports-day

Sat 6 – Thu 11 Aug - Sport the Difference(N22) This August, North London shopping centreThe Mall Wood Green will be launching its brandnew summer initiative, ‘Sport the Difference’, whichaims to keep kids active during the summerholidays while celebrating and cheering on TeamGB at the 2016 games. Activities include anopening ceremony on Sat 6th Aug from 12-2pm,featuring Brazilian dancers, live music and aheaddress making workshop. Sun 7th Aug from 12-4pm will see hours of entertainment and fun asparticipants in two giant inflatable sumo wrestlingsuits will take to the ring to battle it out to becomeWood Green’s sumo wrestling champion. The funcontinues on Mon 8th Aug with a hoola hoopingworkshop from 12-4pm, exciting Karatedemonstrations on Tue 9 Aug, A crazy golf courseon Wed 10 Aug, and a bike powered smoothiestand on Thur 11th Aug. www.themall.co.uk

Sat 6 Aug – Sun 4 Sep – The Tiger WhoCame to Tea - The doorbell rings just as Sophieand her mummy are sitting down to tea. Whocould it possibly be? What they certainly don’texpect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!Packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs andclumsy chaos, this is a stunning stage adaptation ofthe classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to besurprised! A musical play adapted and directed byDavid Wood based on the book by Judith Kerr.Ages 3+ Cadogan Hall, SW1X, 020 7730 4500www.cadoganhall.com

Sat 6 – Sun 7 Aug - The Luna Cinema (N22)The UK's number 1 outdoor cinema companypresent two nights of classic cinema under thestars at one of London's most beautiful settings,Alexandra Palace. Choose from ‘Star Wars the ForceAwakens’ on Saturday or ‘Labyrinth’ on Sunday.www.thelunacinema.com

Sat 6 Aug – Sun 4 Sep - Our Studio:Summer Events for Families (E2) Take yourfriends and family to Our Studio at the V&AMuseum of Childhood this summer, to create andcollaborate with artists, musicians, theatrecompanies and more. A series of workshops,activities and pop-up performances throughoutthe summer will mean you can contribute to agrowing display at the Museum.www.vam.ac.uk/moc

Sun 7 Aug - Family Craft (NW3) An EnglishHeritage Event at Kenwood House. Families will getto work together to try out different art and craftswhilst exploring the house and finding out moreabout its collections. Sessions will take place in thehouse - just turn up between 12pm-4pm to takepart. 0370 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Tue 9 – Wed 10 Aug - Summer Quest &Craft (NW3) A creative workshop to bringKenwood House’s world famous paintings to life.Families will get to work together to try outdifferent art and crafts whilst exploring the houseand finding out more about its collections.Sessions will take place in the house every Tuesdayand Wednesday in August - just turn up between12pm-4pm to take part. 0370 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sun 14 Aug - Indonesia Day 2016 (WC2N)Discover a little of Indonesia - the world’s largestgroup of islands - in Trafalgar Square! There will belots of food to try and buy, music to get your feettapping and watch the graceful Indonesian folkdancers. You can also try your hand at traditionalarts and crafts and much more.www.london.gov.uk

Tue 16 – Thu 18 Aug – Painted Pathways(WC2N) Free drop in sessions at the NationalGallery. Follow a path through the NationalGallery's paintings and create your own hanginglandscape masterpiece.www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Sun 21 Aug - Family Day: Creepy Critters(NW3) Creepy critters are lurking in the KeatsHouse garden, waiting for you to discover them inthis fun trail for all the family. Find them and makea bug bopper hat inspired by your favouriteinsects. A free event from 1 - 4pm. 020 7332 3868 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

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Willows Activity Farm


Teaching your child to ride a bike has neverbeen easier with these seven simple steps.

1.

Teach your kids to ride a bike in 7 easy steps

Begin with a balance bikeBalance bikes are great because they have no pedals or stabilisersand are much lighter. Because children can use their feet to balanceand move themselves along, those as young as two can learn tobalance on their own.

3. Teach them to use the brakeAt the age of two and a half to three, children are able to operate a handbrake, as long as it’s gentle enough for their fingers. Begin by showingyour child how the brake works and encourage her to practise.

5. Look for safety add-onsA steering limiter is highly recommended as this will enable your child to keep inthe right direction and prevent falls. While you’re looking at safety equipment,it’s worth purchasing bright coloured clothing or safety vests to ensure she isseen by others at night time.

7. Upgrade to a bigger bikeWhen your child has developed enough skill andconfidence you can transfer them to a pedal bikewithout stabilisers.

2.Start on flat ground

Always begin to teach your child on flat ground – so at a local parkor area with no traffic. You can work your way up to small hills.

4.Always wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet is a must. The sooner your little one gets used to it, thebetter. We recommend that you shop for a helmet together to ensure

your little biker likes it and will therefore wear it.

6.Get an adjustable seat

Try to choose a bike that has an adjustable seat as this means the bikecan be adjusted to suit their height. When your child is on the bike, both

feet should be firmly on the ground – not just the toes – and the kneesshould be slightly bent.

Tue 23 & 30 Aug - Faces of Franklin (WC2N)Ben Franklin, like many of the most important figures in history, has beenimmortalised in sculptures such as the famous bust by Jean Houdon, ondisplay in the Louvre in Paris. Learn sculpting techniques and put them touse by creating a variety of fun sculptures including Franklin’s head, andyours to take home! At Benjamin Franklin House at 11am, suitable for 7-11year olds. Advanced booking recommended.www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Sat 27 Aug - A Family Summer Fair & Craft Fair (N10) Theholiday summer break is coming to an end so go and have fun at thisfamily summer fair taking place at St Mary & St George Hornsey ParishChurch. There will be stalls, arts, crafts, decorative gift items from artists,designers & craft makers, and also community information. [email protected]

Sun 28 – Mon 29 Aug - Enfield Food Festival (EN2) August BankHoliday sees the return of the Enfield Food Festival at Forty Hall Farm, achance to enjoy and try the great food and drink produced in Enfield andits neighbouring areas, with lots of fun on the farm for all the family.There’ll be seasonal cooking and food demonstrations, artisan producerson their food stalls, and festival competitions for the most weird andwonderful veg sculptures, plus The Great Enfield Bake Off. 11am to 5pmeach day. www.fortyhallfarm.org.uk

Sun 28 – Mon 29 Aug - Notting Hill Carnival 2016 (W11)Europe’s biggest street festival takes place over the bank holidayweekend, with Sunday being Children’s Day. An exuberant Parade forChildren will take place as the whole carnival team put their extravagantcostumes on show and spin, whirl and twirl along the carnival route to themesmeric rhythms supplied by numerous sound systems and sensationalsteel bands. Throughout the day, on almost every corner you can findtantalisingly tasty Caribbean food, drink and much more!www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Wed 21 – Fri 30 Dec – Disney on Ice presents Frozen (Ticketson sales now!) Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyondimagination when Disney On Ice presents Frozen, and be magicallywhisked away to wintry Arendelle by dazzling special effects andastonishing skating. Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarioussnowman Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, as they journey to discover that true loveis the most magical power of all! Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, withspecial appearances by beloved Disney Princesses and characters, thisunforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your familywith memories to last a lifetime. The O2 Arena, SE10, 020 8463 2000www.theo2.co.uk

35 minutes from London WaterlooEntry included with palace admission ticketBook online now to save

Some gardens have dragonflies. Ours has a dragon.Give your kids a day out their friends won’t believe at the Magic Garden. Open every day until the end of October at Hampton Court Palace.

Documents

Families North London Magazine Issue 119 July/Aug 2016