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Events

8 Christmas Shows For Children (2 – 18)

There are some spectacles in London this Christmas. I have avoided the dancing on ice kind of shows and have suggested some shows that are suitable for children (see age recommendation) and performances that you will happily sit through too.

Read and book soon!

Cinderella at Chiswick House

16th – 31st December

A beautiful modern take on the classic in a stunning setting. 4+

The Red Shoes at Sadlers Wells

6th – 30th December

Most hotly anticipated ballet this season. 8+

Peter Pan at The National Theatre

24th November – 29th December

This Peter Pan is a riot of magic, mischief, music and make-believe, exploring the possibilities and pain of growing up. 7+

The Little Match Girl & Other Happier Tales at The Globe Theatre

24th November – 22nd January

For adults and brave children alike, expect music, puppetry, dark magic… and perhaps some modern truths that we would all rather remain hidden.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at The Ambassador Theatre

2nd December – 7th January

This is my pick as it is age appropriate for my team and they are all familiar with the book. (Who isn’t – it’s almost a classic now)

Big Sing Christmas Carols at The Royal Opera House

Thursday 15th December, 7.15pm

Spice up your Christmas and warm up those vocal chords in this interactive singing session to find your voice and practice your favourite carols before Christmas Day! 14+

Father Christmas at The Royal Albert Hall

6th- 22nd December

Go on a magical adventure through the Royal Albert Hall, led by a captivating Victorian doorkeeper who knows all of the Hall’s secrets. Together you will solve puzzles and follow clues to find the key to Father Christmas’s grotto, where a wonderful visit awaits!

Children of all ages will be delighted by this interactive festive experience. 2+

Father Christmas & Paddington Bears First Concert at Cadogan Hall

22nd December (2 performances)

A good introduction to listening classical music with a fun and varied program.

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Activities Events

Half Term Theatre Fix

If you have kids under 8 and a slot in your half term schedule – go and immerse yourself and the little ones in a bit of culture and see Mrs Armitage and The Big Wave at the theatre.

It is a fast passed (only 1 hr long) multi sensory adaption of Quentin Blake’s popular book about a women and her dog Breakspear and the adventures they embark on at the beach. Simple but not boring!

Developed by The Gaga Theatre Company, they are touring London in October. We went to a viewing at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill.

Although that ship has sailed, Mrs Armitage will be at Clapham, Brixton & Chelsea (Royal Albert Hall is sadly sold out) this week and there are still a few tickets left.

I recommend reading the book before you go so they can you compare the book with the play (make it educational) and also the little ones will have a vague idea of whats going on.

Surprisingly, our 2 year old sat through it too, thanks to the bright lights, the huge interactive screen and the music.

That’s our theatre fix until Christmas….

Book Now

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Events

Have You Heard of Kidtropolis?

No, I hadn’t either until an email dropped into my inbox about a 3 day event over October half term, aimed at kids under 12… Kidtropolis is a brand new family event coming to ExCeL London this October Half Term on 25th, 26th and 27th October.

It sounds like the perfect fun-filled experience for all the family (I can’t wait!) and a good reason to stick around the capital in half term.

The main aspect I was most surpised about was the price – just £13.50 in advance and £15.50 on the door. Your all-inclusive ticket includes admission to all activities including interractive activities and new experiences. Bargain for a days fun! You can buy tickets here

Here are the activties I we are going to head to, in no particular order!

The 8.5 metre inflatable helter skelter.

Meeting Optimus Prime & his Truck

KIdtropolis Optimus Prime Truck photo DSC_5535

Testing out the Nerf Tri Strike & Vault

Image result for nerf tri strike kidtropolis

Getting creative at the Playdoh workshop

Meeting Paw Patrol characters & Angry Birds characters

Exploring Equistria on the My Little Pony double decker bus

My Little Pony Tour, Intu Trafford Centre

Virtual Rockpooling

Racing Scaletrix Arc Air

Boot Course Inflatable Assault Course Challenge

And – excuse the cliche – so much more!!

We are going to drive & park in the excel car park, but you could also take the Emirates cable car over from the docklands. Plenty of tranport options here

Looks good, doesn’t it? See you there? If you want to see it first hand, follow my Instagram as I will be doing a few Stories when we go on Tuesday 25th… xx

kidtropolis.co.uk

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Activities Days Out Events

Flat White Masterclass With Costa Coffee

I have converted! Having been a plunge coffee kinda girl, after creating my own Flat White on last week , there is no turning back. Perhaps it is like getting your children to cook their own food – they are more inclined to like it, however the creamy texture, strong kick AND expertly created florette (that all the Costa barista’s have mastered to perfection), will now be my regular.

My friend Jess and I headed to Great Marlborough Street in Soho for a preview of the ‘Flat White Masterclass‘ that Costa is hosting in 170 Costa Coffee’s across the UK on Wednesday 21st September 7-8pm THIS WEEK! (They are FREE too! Get a babysitter – it’s all about interractive ‘dates’ nowadays anyway!) Sign up here

We were given a bit of background into Costa and how it was started by two brothers in 1977. We learnt how & where they are grown, about the types of beans, how & when they are picked, roasted, transported and delivered. It was fascinating! The most interesting topic was the different types of coffee’s you can order. Great for the novice’s amongst us who usually just say ‘cappuccino!’

IMG_3190(1)

All Costa’s beans are 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified and in 2006 Costa set up a foundation to provide coffee growing communities, 70 countries along the ‘Bean Belt’ (above and below the Equator) and to date they have set up 40 schools. Then it was time to have a try ourselves. It is easier than it looks!

How a florette on a flat white is meant to look…

How mine looked… (We thought like a sad, fat, genie!) Free pouring isn’t that easy though!

xxxlatte

If you are a coffee lover or simply want to do something other that sitting in the pub, grab a friend, sign up and head along. See who can make the most beautiful florette. It wasn’t me that’s for sure but don’t judge until you have tried!

Costa Masterclass

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Days Out Events

Theatre For Kids : 3 Shows You Should Book Now

A few shows I have my eyes on between now and … Christmas (I did whisper that by the way). If you want to get ahead of the herd and nab the best seats, don’t guffaw at the thought of booking a theatre show now (you don’t have to tell anyone!)

Mrs Armitage and The Big Wave – Gaga Theatre Company

5th October – 30th October

This established theatre company are visiting several Theatres including the Royal Albert Hall, The Tabernacle, Hackney Picture House, Clapham Picture House and the Chelsea Curzon in London between 5th October and 30th October. We are going to the Tabernacle in Notting Hill and now the children are faniliar with the book, we can’t wait. It looks so fun!

Image credited to Quintin Blake 1999

Cinderella – Chiswick House

17th December – 3rd January

Brought to you by Humdalila Productions, specialists in Immersive Theatre, this thrilling version of the classic tale combines an eclectic mix of first-class performers. Expect dancing mice, acrobatic lizards, ballerina snowflakes and a crazy magician. Set ot be spectacular.

The Snowman & We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Orchestra – Cadogan Hall

17th December ONLY

What a combination! A great way to introduce children to classical music with a familiar story.

Stay cool everyone, it’s set to be the hottest September day on record today!

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Activities Days Out Events

9 Summer Holiday Camps

One of the things I planned to do before the end of term was to sort out holiday camps. With only three weeks to go, I haven’t done so yet and have been spurred into doing so by the plethora of emails circulating from school and nursery friends about what to book the kiddios into. I have been collating a file of holiday camps over the last 3 months that I am interested in or have done before. Here they are!

Wild Learning

This summer club is a young intrepid explorer’s dream. Between fire making, shelter building, mud sculptures, making dams, whittling, making whistles and crowns, making mini towns, giving the trees faces, making Viking knitting machines or puppets, finding stick men, playing stealth games, learning how to make rope bridges, making and tackling assault courses, making bread or cakes on the fire, mini beast hunts, scent tracking, magic listening stones, ground pictures, story chains, drum and music games, being explorers and much much more no day is the same.

Various locations across the South East including Wimbedon Common and Putney Common in London.

Call Rachel or Julie 01483 424 400

Dance Grooves

Get your kids active and one step ahead of the curve with dance lessons from Dance Grooves.

All over London.

Book here

Clarendon Inspires

If you are keen to get your child educated both culturally and academically, you must try Clarendon Tutors for their cultual itiniaries for kids around London. Not only will it include an hours tutoring, they will be exercised and invigorated at various interesting locations around London.

Contact Henry or Orlando to book here

Danceworks International Ballet Academy

Open to all students 6 to 18 years of age July 18th – 29th 2016

DIBA welcomes you to our second International Ballet Summer School Intensive. This unique two-week programme held in Danceworks London studios for children and teenagers, is founded on the belief that the arts have a unique power to motivate and engage young dancers to achieve excellence. Classes are taught by internationally renowned dancers from leading ballet companies.

Mayfair, London

Apply here

Summer Music Camp in French

Perfect for tiger parents. Music and french in one. If you child is between 8-12, this fun interractive music camp finishes with a performance for parents at the end of the week.

Clapham, London

Book here

Little House of Science

My 5 year old did one of their morning workshops on space and absolutely loved it. Small groups and fully interactive, this is great for a budding scientist.

Various locations in London.

Contact here

My Little Boarders

No, I am not suggesting you pack them off to boarding school for the summer (!) this holiday camp is perfect if you have a budding skate boarder in your midst.

Westway Sports Club & Westminster Academy.

Ages 6-13

Book here

Shooting Starz Holiday Camp

My ultimate favourite football camp (and we have done ALOT of football clubs and classes). The teachers are so kind, interested in the kids, know all the children by name and give specific feedback. The days are super fun and the boys love it.

Ravenscourt, Acton, Fulham.

Book here

Or call Luke to discuss age and siblings (they welcome my 3 year old as he is footy mad!) 07549 982 243

Miss Sophie’s Holiday Club

A spin off from Sophie’s Taste For Knowledge website which supplies cooks and tutors, Sophie has deeveloped days out for children in London. See below!

Contact Sophie here

For more indepth search of holiday camps, try Kidsorted who are up to speed on everything, everywhere! Also, if you want to go it alone in the smoke, sign up to London’s Little Thinkers newsletter with lots of information on what’s on, in and around the Capital.

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Events Family Life Places

Tea Fit For A Queen… And The Kids

I don’t know about you, but I have never considered taking the kids for a smart afternoon tea in a hotel before. It is something I equate with adults and luxury and not something I want spoiled by having to keep the children quiet! That was before I heard of the St Ermin’s Hotel in St James’ who are specifically welcoming little ones with a children’s afternoon tea in commemoration of the Queen’s 90th Birthday year.

We made an afternoon of it (you can park on a yellow line nearby at the weekend). We visited St James’ Park and Buckingham Palace working up an appetite barging through the crowds.

We gave the kids the ‘chat’ about behavior before we arrived, so of course they kids immediately went potty, particularly about the sweeping staircase, running up and down it until we finally managed to pin them down. Then the oldest stubbed his toe pretty badly but to his delight he was swooped on by the resident doctor who swaddled it up with a bandage and gave a him a light up yo yo for his woes..

This was all before we were shown to our beautiful table on the terrace over looking the courtyard. Thank goodness for the glass of bumbles that arrived once we sat down!

The children’s tea was presented in a very novel way which gave us 10 minutes peace whilst they plowed their way through penny sandwiches and crown shaped chocolates. The adult tea was a taste sensation too, with a plethora of treats I hadn’t tried before.

I know some of you like a menu so here you go… Adults starts at £35pp

Children’s

We definitely didn’t need supper afterwards and as we sat down at 5pm it doubled up as kids tea too.

St Ermin’s is also home to 350,000 bees on the terrace on the 3rd floor. It is a fantastic sight and finished off the afternoon superbly.

They are also hosting a Courtyard Tea Party on 12th June or if you would prefer to go one afternoon it is running until August. Book online.

sterminshotel.co.uk

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Activities Days Out Events Places

An Adventure Far Far Away

When it comes to entertainment and theme parks I thought the Americans couldn’t be beaten but from the moment Shreks Adventure commenced I realised it was up there with the big guns over at Universal (speaking of which did you know Disney World are opening up a Star Wars WORLD next year?)

Anyway, Merlin Entertainments strike again!

Set amongst the tourist trail on the South Bank, nestled between Sea Life and London Dungeons, Shreks Adventure is situated in County Hall overlooked by the London Eye. It is an impressive building and the entrance lends itself to making a great first impression.

The queue moved quickly and we found ourself in a group of about 40 people aged between 4 and 80. I wouldn’t recommend younger than 4 as this interactive adventure with real actors made even my bullet proof 5 year quake with nerves, especially when the real life witch dangled her finger in his face and asked him what his name was!

I don’t want to give too much away about this 1.5 hours walking adventure to the Far Away Land, through different well known fairy tales to finally meeting the ‘real Shrek’ but take it from me it was a spectacle.

There was lots of interaction with the characters (Sleeping beauty falling asleep during her monologue raising lots of laughs) and the decoration is second to none – I nearly freaked out from claustrophobia in the mirror maze and the sound affects and 4D affects such as water spraying and rats crawling over your bottom were brilliant.

If you have a Shrek fan or a movie fan for that matter (Kung Fu Panda and Toothless to name but a few featured throughout) it is an absolute must and would make a wonderful birthday treat (starting from £18 a ticket it isn’t a walk in the park!)

There was also a ‘play area’ at the end which was super fun, although it leads into the most expensive gift shop I have ever seen although I managed to leave with just a bit of Shreks slime at only £3.50…

The book that they hand to your little one on exit is an artwork with photos of yourself on the journey already printed which if money is no object would make a great memento!

shreksadventure.com/london/

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