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Days Out

12 Family-Friendly Theme Parks To Visit This Summer

Theme parks are the best post-lockdown treat for kids of all ages. With parks reopening their doors this month and everyone wanting to blow off steam, the tickets are selling out quick! I love that so many of the big theme parks have super-cool rides and play areas that cater to younger kids too. I’ve picked out the best theme parks that offer a good selection of activities for the little ones, as well as brilliant family activities and attractions. Do let me know if I’ve missed one that you and your family absolutely love.

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SOUTH

Peppa Pig World, Paulton’s Park

All toddlers seem to be mad about Peppa Pig. So, a meet-and-greet, along with a chance to immerse themselves in the world of their favourite character, will be a dream day out. Paulton’s Park has plenty of family rides, water splash parks, as well as birds and animals. It’s really worth booking accommodation near the park and making it a short break out of it.

Location: New Forest, Hampshire

Find out more on PaultonsPark.co.uk

The Gruffalo, Chessington

Ever since the Gruffalo moved into Chessington, the park has been a delight for young children. While the Lazy River ride is the main attraction, Chessington also has short-break options with the chance to stay in a hotel room decked out in all things The Gruffalo. Spend a day in the theme park and a day in the zoo. New for this year, Chessington has unveiled The Rainforest – three new jungle-themed family-friendly rides.

Location: Chessington, Kingston upon Thames

Find out more on Chessington.com

Angry Birds, Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park has some of the absolute best rides for adults but there’s a good balance of family fun too. Angry Birds Land is best for kids four years and above with the Angry Birds 4D experience, dodgems and Detonator, the ride with a birds-eye-view. The park also has rapids, teacups and water rides.

Location: Chertsey, Surrey

Find out more on ThorpeBreaks.co.uk

Duplo Valley, Legoland

Legoland is one of the best places for young kids and even I love walking through miniland looking at the miniature landmarks made of Lego! Duplo Valley is just perfect for toddlers (or Little Builders, as Legoland call them!) with its Dino Coaster, Playtown and theatre. Under 3’s can enjoy Playtown and Splash Safari. Don’t forget to get their L-Drivers license in Lego city.

Location: Windsor

Find out more on Legoland.co.uk

MIDLANDS

CBeebies, Alton Towers

I’m not sure anyone ever grows out of Alton Towers. There was so much for the little ones to do before CBeebies Land and that has also been a fantastic addition to the park. Join Peter Rabbit, In The Night Garden, Teletubbies and the rest of the CBeebies gang your kids have fallen in love with. Don’t forget to book a day in the water park too!

Location: Alton, Stoke-on-Trent

Find out more on AltonTowers.com

Thomas Land, Drayton Manor

Full steam ahead to Drayton Manor! Thomas Land goes all out for kids: it has 25 rides and attractions! All of the Thomas and Friends characters come to life here through brilliant rides, including Toby’s Tram Express, Cranky’s Drop and Harold’s Helicopter Tour. I recommend a day in the zoo and a day in the theme park as neither can be rushed. To read more about my trip there, click here.

Location: Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire

Find out more on DraytonManor.co.uk

WEST

Neverland, Oakwood Theme Park

Rollercoasters, rides and attractions for all ages are what you’ll find at Wales’ biggest theme park. Kids will love Neverland for an adventure with Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys. My favourite place is Dahland where all the best Roald Dahl characters come to life.

Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales

Find out more on OakwoodThemePark.co.uk

NORTH

Nickelodeon Land, Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Join Spongebob, The Backyardigans, PAW Patrol and other characters from Team Nick at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – a classic theme park day out if you’re based in the North of the UK. I also love a visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not which will have plenty of surprises for everyone.  

 

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire 

Find out more on BlackpoolPleasureBeach.com

Angry Birds Activity Park, Lightwater Valley

Suited for children from one year old, Lightwater Valley is an amazing place for a family adventure. It’s also the home to the Angry Birds Activity Park. Your young adrenaline junkie will be thrilled to ride the Twister, the Eagles Claw and the Falls of Terror. With 40 rides to choose from, they’ll be something for everyone to enjoy. 

 

Location: Ripon, North Yorkshire 

Find out more on LightwaterValley.co.uk

EAST

Heart Kid’s Zone, Pleasurewood Hills

Pleasurewood has a good mix of entertainment and attractions, including sea lion and parrot shows. As for rides, enjoy the classics, including dodgems, carousel, wave swinger and a couple of roller coasters. The kids can go for the spin in the teacups and sail the seas on the mini pirate ship in Heart Kid’s Zone. 

Location: Lowestoft, East Anglia

Find out more on PleasurewoodHills.com

You might also like: Nine Day Trips From London

Multiple locations

Gulliver’s World

This is one of the oldest theme parks I can think of (it’s over 40 years old!) and now they have four parks and another one opening soon. Don’t expect any big rides though, as these parks are specially designed for those under 12. I’m only familiar with the Matlock Bath Park which is built into a hillside in the beautiful Peak District – take the chair lift ride for the best views. The park has something for everyone, whether your little one loves princesses, dinosaurs, pirates or diggers!

Location: Warrington, Milton Keynes x 2, Matlock Bath, Rother Valley (opens 2020)

Find out more on GulliversFun.co.uk

Diggerland

Diggerland is much bigger now than I remember it and it’s truly a digger-themed experience for the whole family. For the kids, there’s the digger train, knocking down skittles and hunting for treasure on a digger, go-karts, mini tractors and land-rovers. For adults, get behind the gears of an actual digger.

Location: Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire

Find out more on Diggerland.com

You might also like: Luxury Staycations The Whole Family Will Absolutely Love

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!

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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.

Bubble kid 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!

Story Centre


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”.

Robot Zoo

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.

Little Art Society

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.

Virry

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.

Mrs Wordsmith

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.

 

Events

What’s On Television For Kids Over Christmas?

Last year I did a summary of programs and films over the festive period (mostly terrestrial)  and some of you have asked for it again as you found it helpful to have it all in one place. To be fair, a monkey could do this (going through the Radio Times) picking a few programs for the kids, alas – there are no monkeys to do it, so it’s down to me. (We do it anyway actually,  so I am so happy to share it with you!) Be warned however, I am no TV Critic so don’t blame me if some things are rubbish!

Anyway, I hope you find it as helpful as last year.

Just quickly – yesterday’s post has had great feedback form you – thank you!! If you missed it you can catch it here  8 Tips For a Happy Christmas With Your Other Half

 

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Wednesday 21st December 

The Borrowers 5.20pm C5

Puss in Boots 1.45pm BBC1

 

Thursday 22nd December 

James & The Giant Peach 12.30pm C5

How To Train Your Dragon 3.40pm BBC1

 

Friday 23rd December 

A day to do something other than television as there isn’t much on that day!

 

Christmas Eve Saturday 24th December 

Father Christmas 8.40am C4

Zootropolis 1215 & 6.15pm Sky Premiere

The Snowman & The Snowman & the Snowdog 4.45pm & 5.15pm C4

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt 7.30pm C4

 

Christmas Day Sunday 25th December 

Still baffles me why there is so much watchable TV for children on Christmas Day, which is actually the one day you don’t really need it! Swap it the 27th I say! Anyway…

The Cat In The Hat 7.35 BBC2

Tom Thumb 8.50am BBC2

CBeebies The Nutcracker 9am BBC1

The Bee Movie 1020 BBC2

The Croods 11.50am BBC1

The Polar Express 1.05pm ITV2

The Farmers Llamas 1.20pm BBC1 (Featuring Shaun The Sheep)

The Jungle Book 1.30pm & 8pm Sky Premiere

The Lion King 3.10pm ITV

The Wizard of Oz 3.35pm TCM

Annie 4.30p, W

Oliver 7pm W

 

Boxing Day Monday 26th December 

The Flintstones 9am ITV

The Adventures of Tintin 11am BBC2

Brave 2.40pm BBC1

The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe 4.10 C4

 

Bank Holiday Tuesday 27th December 

Gnomeo & Juliet 9.10am BBC1

Kung Fu Panda 3 1.40pm & 7.15pm Sky Premiere

Mr Peabody & Sherman 3.50pm BBC1

 

Wednesday 28th December

Snow Babies 8.25am CBeebies

Tinkerbell & The Secrets of the Wings 9am BBC1

Muppets Most Wanted 3.35pm BBC1

Ethel & Ernest 7.30pm BBC1

 

Thursday 29th December 

Chicken Run 1050 BBC1

Room On The Broom 3.55pm BBC1

Shrek the Third 4.20pm BBC1

Inside Out 9.35am & 8pm Sky Pixar

 

Friday 30th December 

Shark Tale 9am BBC1

Flushed Away 1050am BBC1

Stick Man 3.40pm BBC1

Wreck It Ralph 4.10pm BBC1

The Fox & The Child BBC Iplayer Free to view

 

So these are what have caught my eye. I am especially excited about We’re Going On  A Bear Hunt as that book is a firm favourite in our house.

We are going to try and remember to Sky Plus this and a few  other favourites before we head off for Christmas as I forgot last year!

I know most people have Netflicks, Amazon Prime etc for movies on demand but I think Christmas is the one time of year it is good make your children wait for something special on TV.

What do you think?

Anyway, have a very Happy Happy Christmas! xx

 

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

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

 

The Red Shoes at Sadlers Wells

6th – 30th December

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Most hotly anticipated ballet this season. 8+

 

Peter Pan at The National Theatre 

24th November – 29th December

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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

 

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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

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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)

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Big Sing Christmas Carols at The Royal Opera House

Thursday 15th December, 7.15pm

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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

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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)

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

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TLM Monthly Edit

TLM Monthly Edit : October 2016

Hope you are having a lovely half term and found a few pumpkin related activities in the run up to Halloween. We are heading to Garsons Farm Shop in Esher Surrey to choose our pumpkin from their extensive ‘pick your own’ crop.  Apparently it has a gorgeous Gift Shop too. Can’t wait!

pumpkins

Some immense and helpful discoveries this month – lots of useful services in particular to make life simpler. I have also added 10 new listings in the TLM Ultimate Directory, so be sure to take a look if you need something (or even if you don’t – it will certainly prompt your grey matter!)

 

Digital Mums

Digital Mums retrains professional women with children who are looking for flexible, part-time work as social media managers. Get in touch with them if you want to become a social media manager, or if you want to hire one of these Digital Mums!

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One Lane App

Need a hand with the school run or need someone to ferry your child from school to a class after school. This is a great app to link you up with the other mums who can help you. Perfect if you don’t need a nanny but do need a bit of help with logistics.

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The Pandolly Podcast

I have only just ‘got into’ podcasts and this is the first one I have subscribed too. Pandora and Dolly are journalists at the Sunday Times, among many other accolades and their weekly podcast is both hilarious and informative covering current affairs to the latest fashions. I also love Dolly’s weekly email ‘thedollymail’ that I just savour. Sign up to it here

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Treasure Trails

If you have a little Sherlock at home, head to Treasure Trails which is a website to download a Treasure Trail in your area. Perfect on a dull day when you are wondering what to do or if you are on holiday and want to explore the local area. We did the Putney one and it was brilliant and took us to places we didn’t know existed (and also got our grey matter working!)

Fun ways to exercise

 

Times Table Songs – Quick Brown Fox

I love this. If you are in the throes of learning timetables (your young ones, not you – you should know yours already…) Quick Brown Fox are a duo who have take popular pop songs and change the lyrics to learn your times tables. You will find yourself watching on your own – so catchy! Definitely a YouTube channel to subscribe to so you can be the first to know when they release new songs.

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&Breathe Postnatal

If you have just had a bambino and quite rightly need a little downtime, & Breathe Post Natal are one day retreats in London and the UK (Woolley Grange) and rural one week retreats in France. The retreats are centred around wellbeing, fitness, resting and healthy food.  It sounds heaven! Both of you can go – dad and baby and they also have facilities for older siblings.

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Luxe In The Country

This is a great website geared at ‘city girls who live in the country’ – although I have subscribed despite living in London – Sophie, the editor has so many glamorous ideas and fashion & lifestyle recommendations for country chic.

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Eek. This could be dangerous. An app to find every sample sale imaginable. Need I say more…

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Glammrags

Emma, who runs The Glam Mummy blog & her friend Astrid, have set up a one stop destination for little girls accessories. Lots of bright colours and sparkles… That’s the Christmas stocking sorted!

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If you would like to receive The London Mummy emails straight into your inbox (no more than x2) a week – please subscribe here.

 

 

 

 

Events Family Life Places

What’s On : Television For Little Ones Over Christmas

As soon as the Christmas TV line up was announced, we bought a Radio Times and sat with our highlighter and marked appropriate films over the Christmas holiday season for the little ones.  (I’m not actually exaggerating!)  Obviously we plan to play family games most of the time so this was just in case they needed some downtime in front of the television… 😉

I have included films that are showing on terrestrial (between 0700 and 1900) as there is a problem nowadays with too much choice, so easiest to keep it ‘old school…’ and some grandparents don’t have Sky!

 

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Saturday 19th December

1355 THE MUPPETS BBC1

1710 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS C4

 

Sunday 20th December

1505 TOY STORY 3 BBC1

1515 THE ADDAMS FAMILY C4

1705 PINOCCHIO C5

1800 HOME ALONE C4 (This is an absolute favourite in our house.)

1930 SOUND OF MUSIC SING ALONG ITV (My husband insisted I should include this!)

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Monday 21st December

1035 JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH C5

1210 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK C5

1350 THE BORROWERS C5

1550 SHREK 2 BBC1

 

Tuesday 22nd December

1120 THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS C5

1225 FIVE CHILDREN AND IT C4

1550 SHREK 3 BBC1

1610 THE SECRET GARDEN C5

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Wednesday 23rd December

0735 THE RUGRATS MOVIE C4

0925 SHORT CIRCUIT BBC1

 

Christmas Eve

0905 BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS BBC2

1030 SANTA CLAUSE BBC1

1230 STUART LITTLE C4

1550 FINDING NEMO BBC1

1655 SNOWMAN C4

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Christmas Day

0820 HERBIE RIDES AGAIN BBC2

0945 THE CAT IN THE HAT BBC2

1345 THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL C4

1510 THE WIZARD OF OZ C5

1510 BRAVE BBC1 (This is the Radio Times kids pick)

1645 STICK MAN BBC1

 

Boxing Day

1310 JURASSIC PARK ITV

1525 PUSS IN BOOTS BBC1

1645 THE CROODS BBC1

 

Sunday 27th December

0915 FLUSHED AWAY BBC1

1040 SUPERMAN ITV

1350 MARY POPPINS BBC1

1535 HUGO C4

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Monday 28th December

0900 BEE MOVIE BBC1

1625 MADAGASCAR BBC1

 

Tuesday 29th December

0900 SHARK TALE BBC1

1020 CARS 2 BBC1

1755 FINDING NEVERLAND BBC2

 

Wednesday 30th December

0900 THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG BBC1

1030 CHICKEN RUN BBC1

1230 WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY ITV

1555 ROOM ON THE BROOM BBC1

1620 MONTERS INC BBC1

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New Years Eve

1055 TINTIN

1450 UP BBC1

1520 HONEY I SHRUNK THE KIDS C4

1845 ET ITV2 (exception to the above rule)

 

New Years Day

0900 TURBO BBC1

0935 THOMAS AND FRIENDS C5

1630 WRECK IT RALPH BBC1

1800 TANGLED C4

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Right, i’m off to Sky Plus as much as I can, as nothing like having a back log of movies saved up for after school in the winter months!