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Things To Do With Kids in London This Half Term

With half term around the corner, its time to do a bit of planning with the kids. I don’t know about you but there is only so much park I can take, so some days out are much needed. I know it can be exhausting taking kids across London, but if you plan well (download Citymapper – game changer), take an Uber back 🙂 and have a great destination – it can refresh everyone! This list compiled by the team at Hoop should inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and explore a new hood whilst also learning a thing or two.

1. The Amazing Bubble Man at Underbelly Festival Southbank

The Amazing Bubble Man presents a combination of comedy, artistry and spellbinding
bubble tricks! Suitable for all ages and with shows daily from May 27th to June 4th, this is a perfect half term treat that parents will love as much as kids.

We also love the look of Ali Cook: Principles of Deception (May 27th), an offbeat comedy and magic show for ages 8+.

The Underbelly Festival will be running all summer with a great programme of family
activities.

2. Chocolate Truffle Making Workshop at The Chocolate Museum

One for mini-chocoaholics! Children will make their very own chocolate truffles to take home – from choosing, tempering and moulding the chocolate to painting and creating the packaging.

1st & 2nd June for ages 4 to 16.

3. Hokusai: Making Waves at the British Museum

A perfect activity for arty kids, this free drop in workshop explores traditional Japanese crafts, colours and stories – add to a paper mural and make something to take home. Once you’ve finished, take a look around one of London’s favourite museums!

Suitable for ages 1+, running daily from May 29th to June 2nd.

4. Aliens Love Underpants – Tenth Anniversary Party at Greenwich Book Festival

Celebrate ten years of popular children’s book Aliens Love Underpants with at an interactive event for ages 3+ with storyteller Liz Frost – and look out for monstrous guest appearances! .

Greenwich Book Festival on May 27th has lots of fab family-friendly events – we also love the idea of Making Awesome Comics with Neil Cameron, an imaginative workshop for ages 6-13.

5. Spin at the Polka Theatre

Join word wizards at this interactive performance – there’ll be incredible rappers, poets and storytellers, each with their own distinct style to send you spiralling into a poetry revolution!

27th May, for ages 6+.

6. Dalston Flower Show for Kids at the Dalston Eastern Garden Curve

Perfect for budding gardeners! This is a flower show especially for children, packed full of plant-related activities and workshops. For ages 4+, from Saturday 27th May, at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden.

7. Zebra Skate Wheel Excitement Day at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington

Take your child from zero to roller hero with these rollerblading and skateboarding camps in Kensington Gardens. There’s something for all abilities with both beginners & advanced groups, and pads, helmets and skates are provided free of charge. Suitable for ages 5-13.

8. Little House of Science: Archimedes & Simple Machines, Imperial College also in
Shepherd’s Bush & St. John’s Wood

A fun, hands-on science workshop for mini-scientists ages 4-10 who want to know more
about how the world works! This is a chance for curious kids to explore Archimedes’
inventions and the science behind them.

9. This Is Your Trial (PG) at the Bill Murray, N1

An award-winning improvised comedy show in which top comedians play lawyers
prosecuting and defending charges set against audience members! Each show is shaped by
the audience. Kids also get to discover what a trial is & how law works, albeit by comedians and can put parents before the judge! Saturday 27th May at The Bill Murray in Islington,

Suitable for ages 6+.

10. Investigate for Families at the Natural History Museum

A chance to get an inside look at a favourite museum! Kids can have a go at being a
scientist in this hands-on exploration of real nature specimens that Museum scientists use in their work.

This free, drop-in activity is suitable for ages 3-11 and runs from 11am on
weekends and 3:40pm on weekdays.

If you’re looking for more half-term inspiration, find these and loads more fun family-friendly events and activities on Hoop. You can download it in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Have a happy half term! xx

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Days Out Food

T Rex Grill : A New Restaurant To Take The Kids

It is always a delight taking the kids to restaurants where kids are the majority. I have written about our ability to restaurant clear in the past so a place that is aimed at kids is preferable. There wasn’t a table without a little nipper at The Natural History Museum’s newly opened T Rex Grill.

This family-friendly eatery is the perfect place to take your little grillers for a burger, mini pizza or ice cream sundae with a triceratops twist.

T Rex Grill is nestled near the Dinosaurs in the Green Zone.

The entrance has a few ‘live’ dinosaurs which kept the kids amused if there is a little bit of a queue.

At 1230 when we went there wasn’t much of one, but by the time we left a short one had built up.If you are really organised, you can book a table.

Drop them an email here to book (open 11-4pm)

The kids menu has a sweet prehistoric take on the words, although the choice is mainstream. This works for us though!

The adults menu is all freshly prepared in the vicinity. I (greedily) went for spare ribs that I had to wrestle off the kids and Alex (obviously) went for T bone steak.

The particular highlight was the pudding – to share. It included mini eggs and handmade dinosaur shaped chocolates!

If you are planning a day out at The Natural History museum, which if you haven’t done for a while – you should get down there. Yes it is majorly busy at the weekends but totally worth it.

As your kid gets older it becomes even better – you aren’t just going to see the ‘real’ T Rex!

If you like trying new places and need refuelling whilst you are at the museum, T Rex Grill is the restaurant to go to!

T Rex Grill

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Activities Events

Easter Holidays Covered with London’s Little Thinkers

With the Easter holidays imminent, London’s Little Thinkers is on hand to fill your ‘Little Thinker’s’ time with educational and engaging activities. Below are some of LLT’s top tips of things to do both in London and at home to get your little ones thinking! They always have fantastic ideas and I know you will enjoy this post that Rebecca (from London’s Little Thinkers) has crafted for you… Wow, that sounds like a bit of tongue twister but the tips are as clear as a bell!

Activities in London

We are incredibly excited to introduce you to Bubble Kids Yoga, London. This impressive new venture will immerse your Little Thinker in both yoga and mindfulness in a fun, stress free and interactive way. Bubble Kids offer age appropriate classes for children aged 4-12 during holidays and in term time – our favourite being the storytelling through yoga.

Are you Looking for an Easter Holiday Course for your Little Thinker? Sign up to one of their Easter workshops (2 hours per day) for a bouncy, fun, dynamic and imaginative yoga and mindfulness course. Location: Parsons Green (4, 5, 6th April) or Wimbledon Village (11,12,13th April). Price: £65 (sibling discount applies). Email here for more details.

Events at Discover Children’s Story Centre are both educational and fun for Little Thinkers. Check out their range of literacy inspired events on offer over the Easter Holidays. Why not head over for their Dr Seuss inspired Easter egg hunt. Head out into the Story Garden for a Green Eggs and Ham inspired egg hunt, dreamt up by our Children’s Forum. Your Little Thinker will have to complete the literacy focused challenges before winning their chocolate goodie!

The Robot Zoo at The Horniman Museum will give your Little Thinker the chance to discover the mechanisms which give animals their unique abilities. Why do grasshoppers jump so high? Why do chameleons change colour? All of these questions and more will
be answered through the use of larger-than-life animals that have been “innovatively
recreated using a variety of familiar machine parts and gadgets to reveal how their real life counterparts see, eat, hunt and hide”.

Interactive exhibits also give your Little Thinker the chance to try jet-propelled squid racing, shoot a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’ and even design their own ‘mutant’ robot creature.

Child ticket £4.

The Little Art Society was set up by two specialist Art teachers. They run Art, Craft ad Design workshops for Little Thinkers during weekends and the school holidays. Their 3 hour long sessions expose children to new techniques and a diverse range of new skills and materials.

Book your session for the Easter Holidays here

At Home

Shaving Foam Fun: simple yet effective, this is an excellent way to encourage emergent writing or letter/number formation. Cover a big tray in shaving foam and let your Little Thinker get messy whilst practicing their school work. When I taught Reception, the children’s increased enthusiasm to write (especially boys) when shaving foam was involved was amazing to see. My biggest tip would be to keep learning fun, interactive and sensory; when you do this the results are amazing! It’ll leave your house smelling delicious too!

Download Virry : children can discover a world of animal adventures through wild animal live cameras, interactive videos and countless hours of captivating entertainment and learning! Created in collaboration with leading child development researchers and world-renowned wildlife experts, Virry is specifically designed for animal lovers aged 2–7 years olds with a hunger to explore and discover the animal kingdom. Trusted by parents and educators around the world, you can download their app via the App Store.

Mrs Wordsmith: We are a big fan of Mrs Wordsmith vocabulary cards here at LLT. They are hilariously illustrated vocabulary cards which will nourish, support and develop your Little Thinkers vocabulary bank. This subscription-based programme has been academically researched by specialists and will be delivered straight to your door. Your Little Thinker will enjoy vocabulary exercises, daily placemats, flashcards and rewards too.

Order here

If you have enjoyed this post – I certainly have! please sign up to London’s Little Thinkers for information on what’s on and what to do with little ones.

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Food

Healthy Fudge Brownies with Comvita Manuka Honey

Last week I was sent ingredients to make healthy fudge brownies using Comvita Manuka Honey. The ‘healthy’ and ‘brownie’ may seem like an oxymoron however the ingredients that I was sent to make them was all good ingredients, such as coconut oil and coconut flour. I have never used either of those for cooking. Neither something I have in the house. In fact, the only ingredients for the recipe that I had in the house were eggs!

Growing up with a Kiwi mother (I am half NZ!) I was brought up on Manuka Honey, not only on my toast but as a health food too. It can heal scars, shake off a cold and give you lots of nutrients that no other honey can do.

Comvita has been producing world-renowned UMF® Mānuka honey since 1974 in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. Certified by the UMF® quality mark, Comvita ensures your Mānuka honey is authentic so you can enjoy all the goodness from nature.

You have to buy the genuine Manuka Honey so make sure you always look for the UMF® quality mark.

When I was asked to make this recipe, I jumped at the chance as it was quick, healthy and ummm they were brownies!

I enlisted the help of as assistant to oversea the technical aspect so I could take photos and a video and we were delighted at the results!

The recipe for Healthy Fudge Brownies was simple to follow.

Ingredients

Makes 16 brownies
½ cup or 50g of coconut flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup coconut oil (Or melted butter if preferred)
3 eggs (Best if left at room temperature)
½ cup Comvita® Manuka Honey UMF® 5+
(Use ¾ cup for a sweeter taste)
Tastes great with an added dash of vanilla extract
Add crushed nuts if you wish. (We added almonds)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 150C and grease a baking dish or tray.
Make sure that the tray does not cause the mixture to spread too thin, approximately 1 inch in depth works well.
Mix together all of the ingredients thoroughly.
Pour into the tray and bake for 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Once baked, leave to cool for 30 minutes (if you can wait!) before cutting or removing from the pan.
These brownies last well, kept in the fridge in a container, unless of course you can’t help yourself!
This recipe produces delicious, dense brownies which taste rich and decadent.

They were ready in 20 minutes!

Despite being advised to wait 30 minutes for them to cool, we flipped them out of theory after 10 minutes to coincide with the kids pudding.

Please take a look at the video I have put together!!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYktpuhIw2A[/embedyt]

Happy Baking!

Buy Buy Comvita Manuka Honey

“>Comvita Manuka Honey

This post is a collaboration with Comvita but all opinions are my own!

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Days Out

6 Destination ‘Farm Shops’ From London For All The Family

Whenever we are staying with family in Suffolk, I always try to squeeze in a visit to Wyken Vineyards. It has been called the ‘Daylesford of East Anglia’ and rightly so. Not only does it have an acclaimed restaurant, upmarket gift shop and a beautiful garden to peruse, there are are alpacas, sheep and peacocks to give your children their farm fix!

I started thinking about places similar to this close to London. It is easy to find theme parks or straightforward farms (see my previous post on 6 Farms Close to London) within throwing distance of London, but a place to visit away from the humdrum of London that can satisfy every member of the family (with a bit of shopping and top nosh for example) are few and far between.

The good thing about these ‘destination farm shops’ (that I am bracketing them them all under) is that, excuse the cliche, there really is something for everyone.

Whether it is being inspired by new interiors, stocking up your present draw, eating ‘farm to fork’ produce or getting some fresh air – I just think they are a great destination to go with a friend in the holidays or all the family at the weekend.

Priory Farm, Surrey

Not only does Priory Fram have all the jazz mentioned above, it’s USP for me Discovery Walk. Meander through tunnels, peak into little houses and a try to conquer the sunflower maze – this is a wonderful walk (don’t take a push chair though!!!)

GOOD IF YOU HAVE ENERGETIC CHILDREN

Cowdray Estate House, Midhurst, West Sussex

Not only farm shops and cafe’s – why not have a golf lesson on their famous course. If it was all a bit too much excitement you could also extend your stay in one of their little cottages!

GOOD IF YOU APPRECIATE A BEAUTIFUL SETTING

Gog Magog Farm Shop, Cambridge

Not only does this place have a playbarn (son good winter destination too), it is famous for the Shack. Bring the great outdoors indoors, enjoy delicious food in an unusual and relaxed setting. Perfect after a dog walk!

GOOD IF YOU HAVE A DOG

Fox Holes Farm, Hertfordshire

This is a great place for a rural day out near Hertford and if you are looking to amuse the little ones in half term and want something completely different what about the ‘sausage linking‘ workshop? You won’t find that in London!

After you have learnt to string sausages, tuck in to Granny Smith’s high tea for two! So English!

GOOD FOR STOCKING THE FREEZER

Middle Farm, South Downs, Sussex

Not only do they have a newly laid out ‘Hay Playbarn’ there are numerous ways to get involved with the animals. With entrance to the farm only £5 per person, you will be able to fill the day easily and also stock up your cupboards with a bit of shopping at the gift shop and take some plants back from the lovely nursery.

GOOD FOR A COUNTRYSIDE DAY OUT

Trading Boundaries, Uckfield, East Sussex

This place is like no other I have visited! With a large courtyard full of boutique shops, there is a fab play area for the kids (with a vast area for the kids to run free) and a really lovely cafe / restaurant. They have a fantastic kids menu and also a Jazz Sunday Brunch if that takes your fancy!

They also sell furniture!

GOOD IF YOU LIKE SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT

All of these places may seem like a hike, but they are all worth it once you get there!! Hopefully the kids will doze on the way back into London! I am going to visit a couple in half term, so if you want to see how we get on, head over to Instagram and click follow!

Do you know of any other destinations from London? Please let me know as I would love to visit!

Also, if you are looking for some day other types of trips from London, you might find these 9 Day Trip Ideas helpful.

Have a lovely day xx

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Activities Days Out Family Life Food

Review of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

Restaurants that really welcome children? Few & far between. I am always on the hunt for fun, relaxed & reasonable restaurants to take the kiddies where we won’t be looked upon like we have taken a bunch of leprechaun’s into the restaurant. So when newly opened Bubba Gump Shrimp Co asked us to come and visit them, we were delighted to.

After arriving in the West End slightly early, we killed some time Lillywhites for old times sake (which I might add is still pretty cheap despite being in the centre of tourist mecca). After that brief interlude of looking at junior cricket bats (I am outnumbered) we headed to the restaurant, where we found the neon lights of Bubba’s pretty easily.

It is a stone’s throw from Piccadilly tube, based in the classic Trocadero. Be warned there is a shop at the entrance though. We say in advance ‘Just so you know, this is a treat in itself. We are not buying anything extra,’ which now seems to do the trick if they know ahead of time.

The restaurant is a tribute to the film ‘Forrest Gump’ and features a menu of comfort food from the American South that reflects the film’s setting in Alabama. Shrimp is of course the specialty but there’s something to delight everyone on the menu.

After an excitable wait downstairs, we were led upstairs past all the original memorabilia.

I especially liked all the words of wisdoms that were sporadically placed over the walls in amongst costume’s and prop displays.

We were given a booth opposite the a large TV that aired rolling repeats of all the Tom Hanks movies he had been in.

We had Forrest Gump which was fun.

First things first, we ordered drinks. Not usually one for cocktails – I entered the spirit of things and went for their Alabama Southern Punch. That definitely chilled me out!

We ordered their signature dishes such as ‘After The Storm – Bucket of Boat Trash’ and ‘Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp’ which were vast and delicious.

The kids had the ‘Bus Bench Burger & Hubba Bubba Popcorn Shrimp which kept them quiet for a considerable amount of time.

For pudding, I ordered Chocolate Chip Cookie Sunday. It was basically the size of my face and I thought there is no way I will be able to eat it all… Will leave it your imagine whether I did or not! ha

The children’s pudding was pretty unbeatable. Move over Build a Bear, this was ‘Build Your Own Sundae!’ A trio of toppings and a mountain of ice cream.

We had a great time and will definitely head back for a special occasion. If you are looking for a fun place to take the family one weekend, I highly recommend Bubba’s.

Not only is it an education in deep South American history (!) it is relaxed – you want have to be shhhhing them every 5 seconds! (or is that just me!), easy to get to and pretty reasonable.

Make sure you book though as it is very popular!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

13 Coventry Street, London W1D 7AB

0203 7 635 288

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Family Life Services

How To Host A Kids Party At Home

At the end of August, I had 48 kids to a party. In our house. Sometimes I can’t even handle a playdate with a couple of kids, so what possessed me? I thought it was time that my sons, less than two years apart, both summer boys – should have a joint party. They like the same things and have ALOT of pairs of other sibling friends, so it seemed ludicrous to have 2 similar parties within a month of eachother.

Why so many? I like to be inclusive! Ok, if I am truthful, I thought as it was summer alot of people would be away, but you know what – people aren’t on holiday ALL THE TIME and so they around. (I am very happy everyone could come btw.)

So, here’s my advice to make it as smooth as possible, also without breaking the bank.

Email the invitation. Go to Canva and design a funky one yourself. It’s free too.

The party should be two 2 hours max. Don’t want any meltdowns. From you.

Get a good entertainer. A great one should be able to keep the children happy & engaged and take the pressure of you by organising them for tea and the cake etc. We have used Mr Marvel 3 years in a row as he does precisely this. He has become a family tradition!

Another recommendation is The Bubble Lady who gives an interractive bubble display.

Check out Hot Hire if you have a fire engine lover. They park outside the party, let the kids explore the engine and then give them a drive around the block!

Kids don’t eat much do they? Especially when they are excited. I spent a lot of time constructing a lunch box in previous parties only to see so much waste. Now I just do a plates to hand round. It is slightly chaotic and survival of the fittest but if children are old enough to walk and talk, they can express to an adult that they are famished and the food has passed them by!

What I would serve –

Jam on brown bread or cream cheese on white bread seems to be popular.
Fruit shoots (take all the plastic lids of first so you aren’t treading on them for the rest of the party – ouch)
Bowl of hula hoops. Old school.
Bowl of mini sausages.
Half a pineapple with pineapple (from a tin – you don’t want to mess around with the actual pineapple) and cheese chunks on cocktail sticks (my attempt at a hedgehog!) and a tomato and cucumber crocodile!

Then pudding is the cake… I ordered and collected these football boots from M and S

For something more bespoke and special, try Victoria Defty Couture Cakes.

If you want to make one yourself… Try Craft & Crumb. They will send you everything you need to make your own celebration cake!

If you don’t have time to do the food – M and S also do kids party platters

Children's Jigsaw Platter - 24 Pieces

If you have tables and chairs for your little darlings, you really should get Lottie from Crate a Party to kit you out with plates, napkins and cutlery all to your chosen theme.

7.PiratesPackage 5.PrincessPackage

She delivered a huge box filled of Star Wars themed goodies – including balloons, confetti, personalised Happy Birthday bunting AND two giant helium darth vadars. Now that is service! All we had to do was blow up the balloons!

Lottie is offering 20% off her HALLOWEEN package if you mention The London Mummy.

Below is a photo of the personalised Halloween bunting! (The numbers were from when we took the boys to Lords!)

If your kids want a pinata, get a pull one, not a whack one. That means everyone gets to hold a piece of the string and pull at once. It saves time and a few broken noses too. We actually had two – one for the 4 year olds and one for 6 year olds. It was amazing how ordered it was.

As a bit of fun, I bought a helium Storm Trooper from Card Factory. The only problem was getting it home in the car….

With regards to party bags, Jasmine Guinesses honeyjam do great party bags and fillers if you want to do them yourself. Personally I go to poundland and buy 50 toys. If you can, wrap them!

If a party at home doesn’t appeal, here are some great London venues.

I hope this post has helped. The most important aspect to remember when you are having a party at home is to make sure you have a chilled bottle of vino in the fridge for you afterwards!!!

For more recommendations, check out TLM Directory.

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Days Out Travel

Child-Friendly Hotels Within 2 Hours of London

This selection was compiled by Britain’s Finest – a useful website with plenty of special offers, to help you track down the finest places to stay, dine and unwind. There is also an excellent search facility with over 400 ‘Child Friendly & Family Hotels.’ Here are 5 of the best within 2 hours of London..

Brooklands Hotel, Surrey

Children under 12 years stay for half price, under 3’s goes free. They have serval family packages available, from a Spa day for mum and daughter to family driving experience with Mercedes-Benz.

Tylney Hall Hotel, Hampshire

Children under 2 go free, treasure hunts for 3- 9’s with the use of an outdoor & indoor pool. You can even feed the residence of ducks in the beautiful grounds of this grade two list hotel.

Maison Talbooth Hotel, Essex

Offers canoeing on the river Stour, cycling (with a variety of bikes to suit all ages and stages), tickets to Colchester Zoo, tennis lessons on the hotel’s court and access to outdoor swimming pool.

Rubens at the Palace Hotel, London

Perhaps you would prefer a hotel in London? The Rubens is rolling out the red-carpet for families! Children of all ages are well catered for with a host of family friendly features with your very own director of fun and concierge team. Children under 12 years old stay free when sharing a room with parents.

Old Swan & Minister Mill, Oxfordshire

Children are made to feel welcome as soon as they arrive with bath ducks, teddy bears & treats. Plenty of activities for the children from cycling to fishing. A family holiday package is also available for 2 adults & 2 children under the age of 18 years.

Britains Finest

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