The other week I took my girls to see Chester Tuffnut at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon and we had a brilliant time.
Polka recommend that the show is suitable for 2-5 year olds, so with one two-year-old and one five-year-old it seemed like a perfect match for us!
It was shown in Polka's "Adventure" theatre which is smaller and more relaxed than their main theatre, and perfect for toddlers.
We arrived in plenty of time so the girls had a chance to do some colouring, try out the rocking horses and rocking lion, and play outside for a bit before the show began.
We went in to the Adventure Theatre and settled down on the softly-carpeted floor to enjoy the show. (There were some benches around the back of the room too for adults who didn't want to sit on the floor).
The girls were captivated right from the start. The show was very gentle but full of fun and lots of laughs.
Chester is a "tree mole" who loves adventure, sleeps very little and is always on the lookout for new friends. The show is the story of a few days and nights in his life, during which he seeks out new adventures with new friends, with varying degrees of success.
The set is beautiful with lots of lovely details to spot, and the woodland creature puppets were wonderful.
At the end of the show the children get a chance to "meet" some of the puppets and give them a gentle stroke. My daughter was thrilled when one of the bats landed on her head!
I would definitely recommend this show to anyone with young children. It's a wonderfully fun and gentle introduction to theatre and the setting of the Adventure theatre is perfect for the very little ones.
Showing posts with label indoor fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indoor fun. Show all posts
Monday, 8 August 2016
Tuesday, 26 July 2016
Ten rainy day ideas around Croydon
When it rains, it's often a challenge figuring out how to keep the kids happy and cabin fever at bay. Here are some ideas of places to take your kids around Croydon this summer when it's wet out but you just have to get out of the house.
1. Most kids seem to absolutely love soft play. They can climb and jump and crawl to their heart's content. The only trouble when it's raining is that everyone seems to have the same idea, so it can be a good plan to get their early to avoid the crowds. There are quite a few options around Croydon, including Kidspace on the Purley Way (good for older kids too), the Phoenix Centre in Wallington, Antics in Warlingham which has a bouncy castle, toys and outdoor play areas for if the rain stops, the Kidplay Cafe in Addiscombe, Little Lambs in Sutton, Henry's in Caterham, Layhams Farm Shop in Keston and Mother Kitty's in a park in Coulsdon.
2. The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is great for kids and has plenty to see indoors including an aquarium, a natural history museum, a "hands on" base and a music gallery. It also has a lovely outside area with an animal walk, gardens and nature base.
3. Croydon has libraries all over the borough and they are always a good option when it's wet. As well as being able to read and borrow books, there are lots of events on over the summer and kids can sign up for the Big Friendly Read summer reading challenge. They even get a badge just for signing up!
4. Swimming is a great option when it's wet outside as it still involves plenty of exercise. Plus, swimming at any of Croydon's pools is free for kids over the summer holidays.
5. Garden centres are often a good option for when it feels a bit too wet or drizzly for a park but some fresh air would be good. Woodcote Green in Wallington is a great option as it has a lovely farm shop, a fish section which my kids love to see, two cafes and, if it's dry enough, an outside play area.
6. Going to a cafe is another fun way to get out of the house. There are quite a few nice independent cafes around Croydon now (although, in my opinion, there's still plenty of room for more!) including eBear's Attic in Hamsey Green, which is also a charity shop with a lovely selection of kids toys and books, Priscilla's Tea Room in Sanderstead, the Tram Stop Cafe in Addiscombe and Amano in Warlingham.
7. Little ones love to use public transport and there are lots of options around Croydon. Why not take them on a bus, tram or train trip? Or combine a couple of these for a fun round trip, possibly involving a cafe stop at the Tram Stop Cafe or London Victoria? Under 11s can travel free on London buses and trams. Children with a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard can travel free on most National Rail services where pay as you go is accepted. However, they are charged child-rate pay as you go fares on Southern and Thameslink services between Coulsden South and Gatwick Airport.
8. There's nothing quite like live entertainment and the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is a brilliant option for kids shows, even for the very young. This summer it has on James and the Giant Peach for children aged 5-11 and Chester Tuffnut for children aged 2-5.
9. The Remembering 1916 exhibition at Whitgift School in South Croydon has received great reviews and could be an interesting place to take school-aged children. For younger visitors and their families, Reynard, a ‘flying’ fox, can guide them around with a series of trails, hands-on displays and special activities.
10. Put on your wellies and waterproofs and get outside anyway! There are heaps of parks and woods to choose from around Croydon and, if it's raining, you'll most likely have the place to yourself. There will also be no need to worry about sun cream. Why not go and feed some ducks at one of Croydon's ponds?
1. Most kids seem to absolutely love soft play. They can climb and jump and crawl to their heart's content. The only trouble when it's raining is that everyone seems to have the same idea, so it can be a good plan to get their early to avoid the crowds. There are quite a few options around Croydon, including Kidspace on the Purley Way (good for older kids too), the Phoenix Centre in Wallington, Antics in Warlingham which has a bouncy castle, toys and outdoor play areas for if the rain stops, the Kidplay Cafe in Addiscombe, Little Lambs in Sutton, Henry's in Caterham, Layhams Farm Shop in Keston and Mother Kitty's in a park in Coulsdon.
2. The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is great for kids and has plenty to see indoors including an aquarium, a natural history museum, a "hands on" base and a music gallery. It also has a lovely outside area with an animal walk, gardens and nature base.
3. Croydon has libraries all over the borough and they are always a good option when it's wet. As well as being able to read and borrow books, there are lots of events on over the summer and kids can sign up for the Big Friendly Read summer reading challenge. They even get a badge just for signing up!
4. Swimming is a great option when it's wet outside as it still involves plenty of exercise. Plus, swimming at any of Croydon's pools is free for kids over the summer holidays.
5. Garden centres are often a good option for when it feels a bit too wet or drizzly for a park but some fresh air would be good. Woodcote Green in Wallington is a great option as it has a lovely farm shop, a fish section which my kids love to see, two cafes and, if it's dry enough, an outside play area.
6. Going to a cafe is another fun way to get out of the house. There are quite a few nice independent cafes around Croydon now (although, in my opinion, there's still plenty of room for more!) including eBear's Attic in Hamsey Green, which is also a charity shop with a lovely selection of kids toys and books, Priscilla's Tea Room in Sanderstead, the Tram Stop Cafe in Addiscombe and Amano in Warlingham.
7. Little ones love to use public transport and there are lots of options around Croydon. Why not take them on a bus, tram or train trip? Or combine a couple of these for a fun round trip, possibly involving a cafe stop at the Tram Stop Cafe or London Victoria? Under 11s can travel free on London buses and trams. Children with a 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard can travel free on most National Rail services where pay as you go is accepted. However, they are charged child-rate pay as you go fares on Southern and Thameslink services between Coulsden South and Gatwick Airport.
8. There's nothing quite like live entertainment and the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is a brilliant option for kids shows, even for the very young. This summer it has on James and the Giant Peach for children aged 5-11 and Chester Tuffnut for children aged 2-5.
9. The Remembering 1916 exhibition at Whitgift School in South Croydon has received great reviews and could be an interesting place to take school-aged children. For younger visitors and their families, Reynard, a ‘flying’ fox, can guide them around with a series of trails, hands-on displays and special activities.
10. Put on your wellies and waterproofs and get outside anyway! There are heaps of parks and woods to choose from around Croydon and, if it's raining, you'll most likely have the place to yourself. There will also be no need to worry about sun cream. Why not go and feed some ducks at one of Croydon's ponds?
Monday, 25 July 2016
Ten places for kids to see animals around Croydon
Have you got a little one who loves animals? Here are ten great places to take them to see animals around Croydon.
1. Beaver Water World is a short drive from Croydon, just outside Biggin Hill, and it has loads of animals to see including snakes, lizards, beavers (if you're lucky!), birds and meercats. It's great for little ones as it's not too big and it also doesn't cost much. It has a small play area and cafe too.
2. Deen City Farm in Wimbledon is also a short drive, or tram trip, from Croydon. It is free to visit (although they are happy to accept donations!) and has loads of farm animals to see including pigs, goats, cows, horses, chickens, ducks, owls, rabbits and alpacas. There are lots of different activities on over the summer holidays. It also has a riding school and cafe. It can be nicely combined with visit to Morden Hall Park as the two are linked by footpaths.
3. Godstone Farm is also a short drive from Croydon and is a large farm attraction with heaps of farm animals to see, great indoor and outdoor play areas and a cafe. There are lots of different events on over the summer as well.
4. The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill has a lovely aquarium and also an Animal Walk where you can see lots of different animals including alpacas, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits and chickens. The Horniman Museum also has gardens and a natural history museum to visit, as well as a great cafe. It's a short train ride from East Croydon Station.
5. Battersea Park Children's Zoo in Battersea Park is a great place to take small children as it's not too big but still has a great selection of animals to see, and a wonderful play area. It can of course be combined with a visit to Battersea Park itself as well.
6. Bockett's Farm Park near Leatherhead is another big farm attraction with loads of animals to see and some fantastic indoor and outdoor play areas. There's always lots on and not-to-be-missed is its famous pig race!
7. Hobbledown Farm near Epsom is yet another big farm attraction but this time with the emphasis being on "mysterical" adventure, with its amazing adventure play area and indoor play space. It too of course also has loads of animals to see.
8. Chessington Zoo has some wilder and more exotic animals compared with other places on this list, including tigers, gorillas, monkeys, penguins and sea lions. It can be combined, of course, with a day a the theme park as well.
9. Crystal Palace Park Farm is a small, free farm in Crystal Palace Park, run by Capel Manor College. It has farm animals such as goats, chickens, Shetland ponies and pigs, rodents, such as rabbits and guinea pigs and exotics, such as reptiles.
10. The British Wildlife Centre on the A22 in Lingfield is home to over forty different species of British wildlife, including snakes, minks, owls, moles, badgers, voles, otters, rats, rabbits, birds of prey, deer, foxes, stoats, weasels, wildcats, mice and hedgehogs.
1. Beaver Water World is a short drive from Croydon, just outside Biggin Hill, and it has loads of animals to see including snakes, lizards, beavers (if you're lucky!), birds and meercats. It's great for little ones as it's not too big and it also doesn't cost much. It has a small play area and cafe too.
2. Deen City Farm in Wimbledon is also a short drive, or tram trip, from Croydon. It is free to visit (although they are happy to accept donations!) and has loads of farm animals to see including pigs, goats, cows, horses, chickens, ducks, owls, rabbits and alpacas. There are lots of different activities on over the summer holidays. It also has a riding school and cafe. It can be nicely combined with visit to Morden Hall Park as the two are linked by footpaths.
3. Godstone Farm is also a short drive from Croydon and is a large farm attraction with heaps of farm animals to see, great indoor and outdoor play areas and a cafe. There are lots of different events on over the summer as well.
4. The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill has a lovely aquarium and also an Animal Walk where you can see lots of different animals including alpacas, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits and chickens. The Horniman Museum also has gardens and a natural history museum to visit, as well as a great cafe. It's a short train ride from East Croydon Station.
5. Battersea Park Children's Zoo in Battersea Park is a great place to take small children as it's not too big but still has a great selection of animals to see, and a wonderful play area. It can of course be combined with a visit to Battersea Park itself as well.
6. Bockett's Farm Park near Leatherhead is another big farm attraction with loads of animals to see and some fantastic indoor and outdoor play areas. There's always lots on and not-to-be-missed is its famous pig race!
7. Hobbledown Farm near Epsom is yet another big farm attraction but this time with the emphasis being on "mysterical" adventure, with its amazing adventure play area and indoor play space. It too of course also has loads of animals to see.
8. Chessington Zoo has some wilder and more exotic animals compared with other places on this list, including tigers, gorillas, monkeys, penguins and sea lions. It can be combined, of course, with a day a the theme park as well.
9. Crystal Palace Park Farm is a small, free farm in Crystal Palace Park, run by Capel Manor College. It has farm animals such as goats, chickens, Shetland ponies and pigs, rodents, such as rabbits and guinea pigs and exotics, such as reptiles.
10. The British Wildlife Centre on the A22 in Lingfield is home to over forty different species of British wildlife, including snakes, minks, owls, moles, badgers, voles, otters, rats, rabbits, birds of prey, deer, foxes, stoats, weasels, wildcats, mice and hedgehogs.
Thursday, 7 July 2016
Croydon Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge
My little girl is coming to the end of her first year at school year, and what a year it has been.
One of the most important things she's learned this year has, of course, been to read. She's always loved books and has really enjoyed the books her teacher has sent home for her to read with us, so I'm keen to continue reading with her over the summer.
The other day I mentioned Croydon Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge to her. This year it is called "The Big Friendly Read" and is celebrating 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl. As she's a huge BFG and Roald Dahl fan, this immediately caught her interest and she can't wait to start.
The Challenge is open to all children aged 4-11 and you can sign up at any of Croydon's libraries. Once your child has read six books then they get a medal and a certificate.
The Challenge opens on Saturday 16th July and runs until Saturday 10th September, so there is plenty of time for those six books to be read.
Over the summer, the libraries are also running a whole heap of different activities related to the Challenge, to keep your little ones busy. Some you have to sign up for so it's worth having a look now to see which ones take your fancy.
If you have an older child, aged 13 years or older, then they are also invited to help run the Challenge at the local libraries. They can pick up an application form at a library, or download it here.
One of the most important things she's learned this year has, of course, been to read. She's always loved books and has really enjoyed the books her teacher has sent home for her to read with us, so I'm keen to continue reading with her over the summer.
The other day I mentioned Croydon Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge to her. This year it is called "The Big Friendly Read" and is celebrating 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl. As she's a huge BFG and Roald Dahl fan, this immediately caught her interest and she can't wait to start.
The Challenge is open to all children aged 4-11 and you can sign up at any of Croydon's libraries. Once your child has read six books then they get a medal and a certificate.
The Challenge opens on Saturday 16th July and runs until Saturday 10th September, so there is plenty of time for those six books to be read.
Over the summer, the libraries are also running a whole heap of different activities related to the Challenge, to keep your little ones busy. Some you have to sign up for so it's worth having a look now to see which ones take your fancy.
If you have an older child, aged 13 years or older, then they are also invited to help run the Challenge at the local libraries. They can pick up an application form at a library, or download it here.
Monday, 4 July 2016
30 places to visit with kids in and around Croydon this summer - all in one post!
I've realised that my earlier posts here, here and here about "30 places to visit with kids in and around Croydon this summer" might not be the easiest to read as I split the 30 places up into three groups of ten.
So I've now created this post consolidating all thirty ideas into a single post. I hope it's helpful!
Here you go:
1. Coombe Wood - we'll probably go here quite a lot as it really is so so nice. For more details see my earlier post here.
2. Lloyd Park - this park is big, great for flying a kite on a windy day, has a good play area including a zip-wire. The cafe closed recently though, so you'd need to take your own refreshments. It's right by the aptly-named Lloyd Park tram stop.
3. Littleheath Woods - not been here before but they look very pleasant and fun to explore.
4. Woodcote Green - this garden centre in Wallington has two cafes, one right next to a small play area with a sandpit which my two can happily spend an hour or so playing in. There is a great farm shop and lots of fish to see.
5. Kelsey Park - this is a fabulous park in Beckenham. It has a large lake with tarmac paths around it which are great for scooting on. There are lots of lovely areas to picnic and it has a huge play area, with a small cafe right next to it.
6. Wandle Park - this is in Croydon. We've not been here before but I'm keen to try it out for a change. It's on the tram route too which should make it easy to get to. I hear it has a good sandpit and also a bandstand.
7. Park Hill Recreation Ground - this is close to the centre of Croydon and has a play area and a walled garden which is fun to walk around. It has lots of flowers but is on quite a steep slope so not such a safe place for the two-year-old (who has no fear) to scoot.
8. Sanderstead Recreation Ground and duck pond - the Recreation Ground has a good play area, which is all in one enclosed rectangular area (good when you're trying to keep your eye on two kids at once). It also has an enclosed skating/scooting area which my two love scooting around. There is a path around the perimeter of the Recreation Ground which is great for riding a bike around, and Priscilla's Tea Room, which is just next to the play area, is lovely for a drink or lunch. Priscilla's often runs crafts activities for children too (good for a rainy day). The duck pond isn't in the recreation ground but is just a short walk further down Limpsfield Road. There is usually a good number of ducks to feed.
9. Morden Hall Park - this isn't in Croydon, but it's not far and is also very easy to reach by tram. It has lots of grass and woody areas, a play area, a river (good for Pooh sticks), a cafe and also a garden centre. It's a National Trust property but is completely free to visit and often has activities on during the holidays for children.
10. Addington Hills - as these wooded hills don't have toilets or a cafe, we haven't made a trip to them yet. However, they are high on my "to do" list (another of my lists..) and look like fun to explore with the girls. There is a viewing point which might be a good spot for a picnic.
11. Croham Hurst Woods - a bit of a challenge but I think that the promise of a picnic at the top should be enough to lure my two up this hill, which has stunning views to the south from the top.
12. Beddington Park - this is a great park for scooting and riding bikes in. It's a mixture of trees and open grassy spaces, with a river flowing through it. It also has a lovely big play area and a cafe too.
13. Wimbledon Park - this isn't in Croydon but it's not too far by car or by tram and tube. And it might be worth the trip one hot day for its paddling pool. It also has a lake with swans and ducks, a cafe, two play areas, a crazy golf course and beach volleyball courts. Probably best avoided during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships though, as it's usually full of campers then.
14. Emmett's Gardens - these National Trust gardens are a little over half an hour drive or so from Croydon but well worth it. They have a glorious meadow for picnicking in, a play area, a cafe and lots of gardens to explore.
15. Chartwell - another National Trust property, again about half an hour from Croydon. The woods are great to explore and boast some enormous tree swings which are wonderful for swinging (and singing) in.
16. Tandridge Leisure Centre - this leisure centre in Oxted has a great swimming pool for kids, with a wave machine, water features, slide and flume.
17. Library - Croydon has lots of libraries, many of which have events on for children over the school holidays, as well as regular weekly rhyme times and story times for younger children. Plus of course the summer reading challenge. Even when there's nothing on though, they're worth a visit to borrow some new books and maybe do a spot of colouring.
18. Priory Farm - this is also about half an hour from Croydon. There is a cafe, two play areas, a "Discovery Walk" nature trail , a garden centre and a farm shop - plenty to keep everyone occupied.
19. WW1 exhibition at Whitgift School - this "Rembering 1916" exhibition is on until the end of August and looks quite interesting. I think my five year-old would especially like the Edwardian house scenes and, of course, the Edwardian cafe.
20. Horniman Museum - this museum in Forest Hill is brilliant for young children with lots of interesting natural history exhibits, an aquarium, a lovely cafe and lots of outside space to explore. It also has lots of special events on over the holidays.
21. Crystal Palace Park - I've mentioned lots of parks in this list, but this one is the only one with dinosaurs! It also has a maze, a lake, a play area and a cafe, so it makes a great day out.
(Photo from Wikipedia)
22. Mayfield Lavender - I love Mayfield Lavender (the background photo for this blog is from there) and I can't wait to go back again this summer. Located near Banstead, it's a short drive from Croydon. It is utterly beautiful and so much fun to wander around. Last summer they offered tractor rides around the field and the cafe, with lots of lavender-flavoured treats (ice cream, cakes, biscuits..) was lovely. Kids are invited to take a jar from the cafe to collect the beetles which are harmful to the lavender (but harmless to kids!).
23. High Elms Country Park - I've not been here yet but have driven past a few times and it's one of those places that I've always said we should go to to see what it's like. It is a nature reserve with a cafe (yay!) and visitor centre. It's in Farnborough, near Bromley (not the other, larger, Farnborough).
24. Oaks Park - this is just next to Mayfield Lavender (see above) and has a great mixture of gardens, trees and open grassland to explore. It also has a cafe!
25. Heathfield - no cafe here, but the walled garden is a lovely calm spot for a picnic, with great views. Perhaps due to the lack of a cafe, I've always found Heathfield to be pretty quiet (a good thing!). It has some great gardens to explore and small streams to cross over via stepping stones. This is in Croydon.
26. Kenley Aerodrome - a great open space for scooting or riding bikes.
27. Reigate Priory Park - a bit further afield but worth it as it's so attractive. It has a super play area with a large sandpit and water play area. There is a cafe and the rest of the park is made up of gardens, a lake and woodland.
28. Richmond Park - a bit of a drive away, especially in traffic, but this is a great option for a more "wild" park, with its deer. Although it does still have a cafe! It's also a great park to cycle round and bikes can be hired here too if you don't have your own.
(Photo from Richmond Park website)
29. Deen City Farm - this free City Farm makes a lovely visit with heaps of animals to see including sheep, cows, pigs, horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens, owls... There are often opportunities for kids to touch the animals.
30. Pottery cafe in Purley or Wallington - OK so this is really two places, but it's the same idea and so you'd probably only want to visit one. Purley pottery cafe is called Get Fired! and Wallington's is Glazed all over.
So I've now created this post consolidating all thirty ideas into a single post. I hope it's helpful!
Here you go:
1. Coombe Wood - we'll probably go here quite a lot as it really is so so nice. For more details see my earlier post here.
2. Lloyd Park - this park is big, great for flying a kite on a windy day, has a good play area including a zip-wire. The cafe closed recently though, so you'd need to take your own refreshments. It's right by the aptly-named Lloyd Park tram stop.
3. Littleheath Woods - not been here before but they look very pleasant and fun to explore.
4. Woodcote Green - this garden centre in Wallington has two cafes, one right next to a small play area with a sandpit which my two can happily spend an hour or so playing in. There is a great farm shop and lots of fish to see.
5. Kelsey Park - this is a fabulous park in Beckenham. It has a large lake with tarmac paths around it which are great for scooting on. There are lots of lovely areas to picnic and it has a huge play area, with a small cafe right next to it.
6. Wandle Park - this is in Croydon. We've not been here before but I'm keen to try it out for a change. It's on the tram route too which should make it easy to get to. I hear it has a good sandpit and also a bandstand.
7. Park Hill Recreation Ground - this is close to the centre of Croydon and has a play area and a walled garden which is fun to walk around. It has lots of flowers but is on quite a steep slope so not such a safe place for the two-year-old (who has no fear) to scoot.
8. Sanderstead Recreation Ground and duck pond - the Recreation Ground has a good play area, which is all in one enclosed rectangular area (good when you're trying to keep your eye on two kids at once). It also has an enclosed skating/scooting area which my two love scooting around. There is a path around the perimeter of the Recreation Ground which is great for riding a bike around, and Priscilla's Tea Room, which is just next to the play area, is lovely for a drink or lunch. Priscilla's often runs crafts activities for children too (good for a rainy day). The duck pond isn't in the recreation ground but is just a short walk further down Limpsfield Road. There is usually a good number of ducks to feed.
9. Morden Hall Park - this isn't in Croydon, but it's not far and is also very easy to reach by tram. It has lots of grass and woody areas, a play area, a river (good for Pooh sticks), a cafe and also a garden centre. It's a National Trust property but is completely free to visit and often has activities on during the holidays for children.
10. Addington Hills - as these wooded hills don't have toilets or a cafe, we haven't made a trip to them yet. However, they are high on my "to do" list (another of my lists..) and look like fun to explore with the girls. There is a viewing point which might be a good spot for a picnic.
11. Croham Hurst Woods - a bit of a challenge but I think that the promise of a picnic at the top should be enough to lure my two up this hill, which has stunning views to the south from the top.
12. Beddington Park - this is a great park for scooting and riding bikes in. It's a mixture of trees and open grassy spaces, with a river flowing through it. It also has a lovely big play area and a cafe too.
13. Wimbledon Park - this isn't in Croydon but it's not too far by car or by tram and tube. And it might be worth the trip one hot day for its paddling pool. It also has a lake with swans and ducks, a cafe, two play areas, a crazy golf course and beach volleyball courts. Probably best avoided during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships though, as it's usually full of campers then.
14. Emmett's Gardens - these National Trust gardens are a little over half an hour drive or so from Croydon but well worth it. They have a glorious meadow for picnicking in, a play area, a cafe and lots of gardens to explore.
15. Chartwell - another National Trust property, again about half an hour from Croydon. The woods are great to explore and boast some enormous tree swings which are wonderful for swinging (and singing) in.
16. Tandridge Leisure Centre - this leisure centre in Oxted has a great swimming pool for kids, with a wave machine, water features, slide and flume.
17. Library - Croydon has lots of libraries, many of which have events on for children over the school holidays, as well as regular weekly rhyme times and story times for younger children. Plus of course the summer reading challenge. Even when there's nothing on though, they're worth a visit to borrow some new books and maybe do a spot of colouring.
18. Priory Farm - this is also about half an hour from Croydon. There is a cafe, two play areas, a "Discovery Walk" nature trail , a garden centre and a farm shop - plenty to keep everyone occupied.
19. WW1 exhibition at Whitgift School - this "Rembering 1916" exhibition is on until the end of August and looks quite interesting. I think my five year-old would especially like the Edwardian house scenes and, of course, the Edwardian cafe.
20. Horniman Museum - this museum in Forest Hill is brilliant for young children with lots of interesting natural history exhibits, an aquarium, a lovely cafe and lots of outside space to explore. It also has lots of special events on over the holidays.
21. Crystal Palace Park - I've mentioned lots of parks in this list, but this one is the only one with dinosaurs! It also has a maze, a lake, a play area and a cafe, so it makes a great day out.
22. Mayfield Lavender - I love Mayfield Lavender (the background photo for this blog is from there) and I can't wait to go back again this summer. Located near Banstead, it's a short drive from Croydon. It is utterly beautiful and so much fun to wander around. Last summer they offered tractor rides around the field and the cafe, with lots of lavender-flavoured treats (ice cream, cakes, biscuits..) was lovely. Kids are invited to take a jar from the cafe to collect the beetles which are harmful to the lavender (but harmless to kids!).
23. High Elms Country Park - I've not been here yet but have driven past a few times and it's one of those places that I've always said we should go to to see what it's like. It is a nature reserve with a cafe (yay!) and visitor centre. It's in Farnborough, near Bromley (not the other, larger, Farnborough).
24. Oaks Park - this is just next to Mayfield Lavender (see above) and has a great mixture of gardens, trees and open grassland to explore. It also has a cafe!
25. Heathfield - no cafe here, but the walled garden is a lovely calm spot for a picnic, with great views. Perhaps due to the lack of a cafe, I've always found Heathfield to be pretty quiet (a good thing!). It has some great gardens to explore and small streams to cross over via stepping stones. This is in Croydon.
26. Kenley Aerodrome - a great open space for scooting or riding bikes.
27. Reigate Priory Park - a bit further afield but worth it as it's so attractive. It has a super play area with a large sandpit and water play area. There is a cafe and the rest of the park is made up of gardens, a lake and woodland.
28. Richmond Park - a bit of a drive away, especially in traffic, but this is a great option for a more "wild" park, with its deer. Although it does still have a cafe! It's also a great park to cycle round and bikes can be hired here too if you don't have your own.
29. Deen City Farm - this free City Farm makes a lovely visit with heaps of animals to see including sheep, cows, pigs, horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens, owls... There are often opportunities for kids to touch the animals.
30. Pottery cafe in Purley or Wallington - OK so this is really two places, but it's the same idea and so you'd probably only want to visit one. Purley pottery cafe is called Get Fired! and Wallington's is Glazed all over.
Thursday, 30 June 2016
Wet and dry weekend plans
The weather is decidedly changeable at the moment, which really doesn't help with plan-making. However, I'm considering a few options for a day out this weekend, and the final decision will of course come down to whether the weather is wet or dry.
Here's what I'm considering:
Dry-weather options
1. Strawberry picking at Flower Farm. Flower Farm, near Godstone, is open 9am - 5pm for strawberry picking. The two year-old has recently decided that she does, in fact, like strawberries but has yet to experience the joys of fruit picking so this weekend might be the time to do it before the strawberry season is over. The cafe here is lovely too, and it has a huge selection of teas, so it would be great for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea afterwards.
(Photo from Flower Farm website)
2. Reigate Festival - this is running in Reigate Priory Park from 10.30 am - 10.30 pm on Saturday and has an enormous list of fun and family-friendly things going on, including a "Kidzone" with lots of different activities for children such as an obstacle course, wet sponge stocks, peg-shooting tin can alley, giant Jenga, quoits, climbing wall and a 'Get a Gory Shakespearian Wound' photo opportunity. Looks like it would be a brilliant day out.
3. Mayfield Lavender - the lavender is out and blooming, and we will definitely go at some point this summer. This weekend might be the time. My five year-old loves creepy crawlies and is very keen to do some beetle-collecting with the jars that they provide as well. These lavender fields are near Banstead.
Wet-weather options
1. Whitgift School's Remembering 1916 Exhibition - this local exhibition has had some great reviews and is only on until the end of August. This weekend there's half-price admission on Saturday and Sunday (and it's free on Friday) so it could be a good time to go. There is also a nice-looking Edwardian cafe which could be fun to try.
(Photo from Remembering 1916 Exhibition website)
2. Croydon Airport - this is open on the first Sunday of every month, 11 am - 4 pm and is completely free. They are also giving out free stickers for kids. I've never been before but would love to find out more about this fascinating part of Croydon's history.
(Photo from Croydon Airport website)
3. Shirley Windmill - this is also only open once a month, and this Sunday is its day for July. It's open from 1 pm - 5 pm. It's free to enter (but they accept donations) and a guided tour is provided. We drive past this windmill quite often but have never been inside so this could be the time to do it.
(Photo from Shirley Windmill website)
Here's what I'm considering:
Dry-weather options
1. Strawberry picking at Flower Farm. Flower Farm, near Godstone, is open 9am - 5pm for strawberry picking. The two year-old has recently decided that she does, in fact, like strawberries but has yet to experience the joys of fruit picking so this weekend might be the time to do it before the strawberry season is over. The cafe here is lovely too, and it has a huge selection of teas, so it would be great for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea afterwards.
2. Reigate Festival - this is running in Reigate Priory Park from 10.30 am - 10.30 pm on Saturday and has an enormous list of fun and family-friendly things going on, including a "Kidzone" with lots of different activities for children such as an obstacle course, wet sponge stocks, peg-shooting tin can alley, giant Jenga, quoits, climbing wall and a 'Get a Gory Shakespearian Wound' photo opportunity. Looks like it would be a brilliant day out.
3. Mayfield Lavender - the lavender is out and blooming, and we will definitely go at some point this summer. This weekend might be the time. My five year-old loves creepy crawlies and is very keen to do some beetle-collecting with the jars that they provide as well. These lavender fields are near Banstead.
Wet-weather options
1. Whitgift School's Remembering 1916 Exhibition - this local exhibition has had some great reviews and is only on until the end of August. This weekend there's half-price admission on Saturday and Sunday (and it's free on Friday) so it could be a good time to go. There is also a nice-looking Edwardian cafe which could be fun to try.
2. Croydon Airport - this is open on the first Sunday of every month, 11 am - 4 pm and is completely free. They are also giving out free stickers for kids. I've never been before but would love to find out more about this fascinating part of Croydon's history.
3. Shirley Windmill - this is also only open once a month, and this Sunday is its day for July. It's open from 1 pm - 5 pm. It's free to enter (but they accept donations) and a guided tour is provided. We drive past this windmill quite often but have never been inside so this could be the time to do it.
Monday, 27 June 2016
30 places to visit with kids in and around Croydon this summer - part 3
Following on from my earlier posts here and here, here are the final ten places from my list of "30 places to visit with kids in and around Croydon this summer".
Since starting this series of posts, I have (unfortunately?) thought of more places which I could have included. However, since these posts all say "30" now, I will have to leave those for later!
Here you go:
21. Crystal Palace Park - I've mentioned lots of parks in this list, but this one is the only one with dinosaurs! It also has a maze, a lake, a play area and a cafe, so it makes a great day out.
(Photo from Wikipedia)
22. Mayfield Lavender - I love Mayfield Lavender (the background photo for this blog is from there) and I can't wait to go back again this summer. Located near Banstead, it's a short drive from Croydon. It is utterly beautiful and so much fun to wander around. Last summer they offered tractor rides around the field and the cafe, with lots of lavender-flavoured treats (ice cream, cakes, biscuits..) was lovely. Kids are invited to take a jar from the cafe to collect the beetles which are harmful to the lavender (but harmless to kids!).
23. High Elms Country Park - I've not been here yet but have driven past a few times and it's one of those places that I've always said we should go to to see what it's like. It is a nature reserve with a cafe (yay!) and visitor centre. It's in Farnborough, near Bromley (not the other, larger, Farnborough).
24. Oaks Park - this is just next to Mayfield Lavender (see above) and has a great mixture of gardens, trees and open grassland to explore. It also has a cafe!
25. Heathfield - no cafe here, but the walled garden is a lovely calm spot for a picnic, with great views. Perhaps due to the lack of a cafe, I've always found Heathfield to be pretty quiet (a good thing!). It has some great gardens to explore and small streams to cross over via stepping stones. This is in Croydon.
26. Kenley Aerodrome - a great open space for scooting or riding bikes.
27. Reigate Priory Park - a bit further afield but worth it as it's so attractive. It has a super play area with a large sandpit and water play area. There is a cafe and the rest of the park is made up of gardens, a lake and woodland.
28. Richmond Park - a bit of a drive away, especially in traffic, but this is a great option for a more "wild" park, with its deer. Although it does still have a cafe! It's also a great park to cycle round and bikes can be hired here too if you don't have your own.
(Photo from Richmond Park website)
29. Deen City Farm - this free City Farm makes a lovely visit with heaps of animals to see including sheep, cows, pigs, horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens, owls... There are often opportunities for kids to touch the animals.
30. Pottery cafe in Purley or Wallington - OK so this is really two places, but it's the same idea and so you'd probably only want to visit one. Purley pottery cafe is called Get Fired! and Wallington's is Glazed all over.
So, that's it, my suggestions of 30 places to go in or around Croydon this summer with kids. I'd love to hear from you if you visit any of them, and what you think. Also if you have any other suggestions of places that could be added!
Since starting this series of posts, I have (unfortunately?) thought of more places which I could have included. However, since these posts all say "30" now, I will have to leave those for later!
Here you go:
21. Crystal Palace Park - I've mentioned lots of parks in this list, but this one is the only one with dinosaurs! It also has a maze, a lake, a play area and a cafe, so it makes a great day out.
22. Mayfield Lavender - I love Mayfield Lavender (the background photo for this blog is from there) and I can't wait to go back again this summer. Located near Banstead, it's a short drive from Croydon. It is utterly beautiful and so much fun to wander around. Last summer they offered tractor rides around the field and the cafe, with lots of lavender-flavoured treats (ice cream, cakes, biscuits..) was lovely. Kids are invited to take a jar from the cafe to collect the beetles which are harmful to the lavender (but harmless to kids!).
23. High Elms Country Park - I've not been here yet but have driven past a few times and it's one of those places that I've always said we should go to to see what it's like. It is a nature reserve with a cafe (yay!) and visitor centre. It's in Farnborough, near Bromley (not the other, larger, Farnborough).
24. Oaks Park - this is just next to Mayfield Lavender (see above) and has a great mixture of gardens, trees and open grassland to explore. It also has a cafe!
25. Heathfield - no cafe here, but the walled garden is a lovely calm spot for a picnic, with great views. Perhaps due to the lack of a cafe, I've always found Heathfield to be pretty quiet (a good thing!). It has some great gardens to explore and small streams to cross over via stepping stones. This is in Croydon.
26. Kenley Aerodrome - a great open space for scooting or riding bikes.
27. Reigate Priory Park - a bit further afield but worth it as it's so attractive. It has a super play area with a large sandpit and water play area. There is a cafe and the rest of the park is made up of gardens, a lake and woodland.
28. Richmond Park - a bit of a drive away, especially in traffic, but this is a great option for a more "wild" park, with its deer. Although it does still have a cafe! It's also a great park to cycle round and bikes can be hired here too if you don't have your own.
29. Deen City Farm - this free City Farm makes a lovely visit with heaps of animals to see including sheep, cows, pigs, horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens, owls... There are often opportunities for kids to touch the animals.
30. Pottery cafe in Purley or Wallington - OK so this is really two places, but it's the same idea and so you'd probably only want to visit one. Purley pottery cafe is called Get Fired! and Wallington's is Glazed all over.
So, that's it, my suggestions of 30 places to go in or around Croydon this summer with kids. I'd love to hear from you if you visit any of them, and what you think. Also if you have any other suggestions of places that could be added!
Thursday, 23 June 2016
Sanderstead library rhyme time and lunchtime visit to Layhams Farm Shop
Yesterday we managed two outings in a row.
First stop was Sanderstead Library for its toddler rhyme time.
We were a very select group yesterday although a couple of late arrivals (who didn't actually realise rhyme time was on but joined in anyway) gave a welcome boost to our numbers.
We started, as usual, with a rousing rendition of "Happy and you know it" and made our way through various other toddler classics including "Sleeping bunnies" and "Wind the bobbin up" and ended with, ummm, I can't remember what now but I'm sure it was another classic.
Then the toy box came out for a little play, we checked out a few new books, and made our way.
I deliberated for a few minutes at this point whether to head up to Sanderstead Recreation Ground and have lunch at the cafe there (Pricilla's), or to try out Layhams Farm Shop for the first time. Since it was threatening to rain, and as you can probably guess from the title of this post, I opted in the end to go to Layhams Farm Shop.
Layhams has just (this June, I think) opened a new tea room and toddler play area. The play area is indoors, right by the tea room, and signs said that an outdoor play area would be coming soon as well.
We got down to the important matter of lunch straight away and, although the cakes looked extremely tempting, we opted for sandwiches. My two-year-old had a ham sandwich, which was served on a plate with a few crisps and slices of cucumber, and I had a cheese and pickle salad sandwich. Both of them were made to order, the ham was thick slices of proper ham, and the bread was soft, fresh and tasty. I had a cup of "tea pigs" tea with mine, which was lovely. It was a really nice lunch, very good value, and I'd be very happy to eat there again (especially if it included trying one of the cakes as well).
The only downside was that the table was slightly sticky and could have done with a wipe. The cafe was quite busy though (we arrived just after a morning story-time session) and I got the impression that the staff were still finding their feet a little. With more frequent table-wiping, I'd say lunch would have been near perfect.
In terms of play areas, there was a fenced area with foam mats, play tents, tunnels, small see-saws and various ride-on toys which my daughter explored for a short time, but she was more interested in going to the soft play area in the room next door, which consisted of some large soft blocks of various shapes arranged around some soft mats. She had soon figured out a circuit around these blocks and was happily climbing around, sliding and jumping for quite some time. Fortunately, there were tables and chairs around the edge for parents to sit and watch from.
I'd really like to come back to Layhams and try some of the many activities that they are putting on (including story-time, toddler fruit and veg sessions, music time..) as it seems like they're making a real effort to make this a great place to take toddlers. I'd also like to try the cake.
First stop was Sanderstead Library for its toddler rhyme time.
We were a very select group yesterday although a couple of late arrivals (who didn't actually realise rhyme time was on but joined in anyway) gave a welcome boost to our numbers.
We started, as usual, with a rousing rendition of "Happy and you know it" and made our way through various other toddler classics including "Sleeping bunnies" and "Wind the bobbin up" and ended with, ummm, I can't remember what now but I'm sure it was another classic.
Then the toy box came out for a little play, we checked out a few new books, and made our way.
I deliberated for a few minutes at this point whether to head up to Sanderstead Recreation Ground and have lunch at the cafe there (Pricilla's), or to try out Layhams Farm Shop for the first time. Since it was threatening to rain, and as you can probably guess from the title of this post, I opted in the end to go to Layhams Farm Shop.
Layhams has just (this June, I think) opened a new tea room and toddler play area. The play area is indoors, right by the tea room, and signs said that an outdoor play area would be coming soon as well.
We got down to the important matter of lunch straight away and, although the cakes looked extremely tempting, we opted for sandwiches. My two-year-old had a ham sandwich, which was served on a plate with a few crisps and slices of cucumber, and I had a cheese and pickle salad sandwich. Both of them were made to order, the ham was thick slices of proper ham, and the bread was soft, fresh and tasty. I had a cup of "tea pigs" tea with mine, which was lovely. It was a really nice lunch, very good value, and I'd be very happy to eat there again (especially if it included trying one of the cakes as well).
The only downside was that the table was slightly sticky and could have done with a wipe. The cafe was quite busy though (we arrived just after a morning story-time session) and I got the impression that the staff were still finding their feet a little. With more frequent table-wiping, I'd say lunch would have been near perfect.
In terms of play areas, there was a fenced area with foam mats, play tents, tunnels, small see-saws and various ride-on toys which my daughter explored for a short time, but she was more interested in going to the soft play area in the room next door, which consisted of some large soft blocks of various shapes arranged around some soft mats. She had soon figured out a circuit around these blocks and was happily climbing around, sliding and jumping for quite some time. Fortunately, there were tables and chairs around the edge for parents to sit and watch from.
I'd really like to come back to Layhams and try some of the many activities that they are putting on (including story-time, toddler fruit and veg sessions, music time..) as it seems like they're making a real effort to make this a great place to take toddlers. I'd also like to try the cake.
Tuesday, 21 June 2016
30 places to visit with kids in and around Croydon this summer - part 2
Following on from my earlier post, here are the next ten places from my list of 30 places to visit with kids in and around Croydon this summer:
11. Croham Hurst Woods - a bit of a challenge but I think that the promise of a picnic at the top should be enough to lure my two up this hill, which has stunning views to the south from the top.
12. Beddington Park - this is a great park for scooting and riding bikes in. It's a mixture of trees and open grassy spaces, with a river flowing through it. It also has a lovely big play area and a cafe too.
13. Wimbledon Park - this isn't in Croydon but it's not too far by car or by tram and tube. And it might be worth the trip one hot day for its paddling pool. It also has a lake with swans and ducks, a cafe, two play areas, a crazy golf course and beach volleyball courts. Probably best avoided during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships though, as it's usually full of campers then.
14. Emmett's Gardens - these National Trust gardens are a little over half an hour drive or so from Croydon but well worth it. They have a glorious meadow for picnicking in, a play area, a cafe and lots of gardens to explore.
15. Chartwell - another National Trust property, again about half an hour from Croydon. The woods are great to explore and boast some enormous tree swings which are wonderful for swinging (and singing) in.
16. Tandridge Leisure Centre - this leisure centre in Oxted has a great swimming pool for kids, with a wave machine, water features, slide and flume.
17. Library - Croydon has lots of libraries, many of which have events on for children over the school holidays, as well as regular weekly rhyme times and story times for younger children. Plus of course the summer reading challenge. Even when there's nothing on though, they're worth a visit to borrow some new books and maybe do a spot of colouring.
18. Priory Farm - this is also about half an hour from Croydon. There is a cafe, two play areas, a "Discovery Walk" nature trail , a garden centre and a farm shop - plenty to keep everyone occupied.
19. WW1 exhibition at Whitgift School - this "Rembering 1916" exhibition is on until the end of August and looks quite interesting. I think my five year-old would especially like the Edwardian house scenes and, of course, the Edwardian cafe.
20. Horniman Museum - this museum in Forest Hill is brilliant for young children with lots of interesting natural history exhibits, an aquarium, a lovely cafe and lots of outside space to explore. It also has lots of special events on over the holidays.
11. Croham Hurst Woods - a bit of a challenge but I think that the promise of a picnic at the top should be enough to lure my two up this hill, which has stunning views to the south from the top.
12. Beddington Park - this is a great park for scooting and riding bikes in. It's a mixture of trees and open grassy spaces, with a river flowing through it. It also has a lovely big play area and a cafe too.
13. Wimbledon Park - this isn't in Croydon but it's not too far by car or by tram and tube. And it might be worth the trip one hot day for its paddling pool. It also has a lake with swans and ducks, a cafe, two play areas, a crazy golf course and beach volleyball courts. Probably best avoided during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships though, as it's usually full of campers then.
14. Emmett's Gardens - these National Trust gardens are a little over half an hour drive or so from Croydon but well worth it. They have a glorious meadow for picnicking in, a play area, a cafe and lots of gardens to explore.
15. Chartwell - another National Trust property, again about half an hour from Croydon. The woods are great to explore and boast some enormous tree swings which are wonderful for swinging (and singing) in.
16. Tandridge Leisure Centre - this leisure centre in Oxted has a great swimming pool for kids, with a wave machine, water features, slide and flume.
17. Library - Croydon has lots of libraries, many of which have events on for children over the school holidays, as well as regular weekly rhyme times and story times for younger children. Plus of course the summer reading challenge. Even when there's nothing on though, they're worth a visit to borrow some new books and maybe do a spot of colouring.
18. Priory Farm - this is also about half an hour from Croydon. There is a cafe, two play areas, a "Discovery Walk" nature trail , a garden centre and a farm shop - plenty to keep everyone occupied.
19. WW1 exhibition at Whitgift School - this "Rembering 1916" exhibition is on until the end of August and looks quite interesting. I think my five year-old would especially like the Edwardian house scenes and, of course, the Edwardian cafe.
20. Horniman Museum - this museum in Forest Hill is brilliant for young children with lots of interesting natural history exhibits, an aquarium, a lovely cafe and lots of outside space to explore. It also has lots of special events on over the holidays.
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