*Please note, lots of these activities
and services I haven't personally checked out so don't take the entries as automatic endorsements. Buyer beware!
--------------------------------------------------------- ATTENTION DADS AND OTHER MALE CARERS: are you interested in meeting other fathers in the neighbourhood? Email us on nw3kids@yahoo.co.uk to get an invite for nw3kids yahoo groups. ------------------------------------------------------------
Allergies: www.FoodAllergyMums.com holds meetings once per month, with speakers and informal coffee mornings. Also provides a chance for parents to meet to
chat and share experiences. For more info call Lara Peperell - Tel 078011239001 or mail larapeperell@yahoo.com
Animals:
Golders Hill Park: North End Rd. This lovely park
is on the edge of Hampstead and Golders Green and while it is possible to walk from Belsize Park/Hampstead, the 268 bus lands
you at the front gates. As well as open spaces, the park also has formal flower gardens, a little zoo, butterfly house, duck
ponds, a well-maintained playground/sandpit and very nice cafe. Their ice cream is the best in North London. (NB butterfly
house currently shut for lack of inmates.)
Kentish
Town Farm: (www.ktcityfarm.org.uk) 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN. 0207 916 5421. Open 9-5, seven days a week. Visit the pigs, cows, chickens, horses,
ducks etc. in their (sort of) natural setting. The numerous train tracks are also a big plus. Pony rides on Saturday
and Sunday at 1pm but not in September/October. About a 20 minute walk from Belsize Park Tube station (C11 drops you
not far off) and it's a bit tricky to find so consult a map before setting off. Also has playgroups during
the week so worth checking their website.
London Zoo: Regent's Park www.zsl.org. Opens at 10 am and closes either at 4:30 or 5:30 depending on the season. The zoo also has a good-size
play-park, a merry-go-round and other amusements when children tire of looking at animals. Bouncy castle every day during
the summer. The indoor reptile house, the web-of-life insect room and the small aquarium are also good choices when
the weather is not cooperating. Not cheap but if you think you'll go more than 3 times in a year (you probably will),
inquire about the yearly pass. Public transport a bit of a toughie from Belsize Park but it is walkable.-------------------------------------advert  Lice to See You. Sit back and relax while we remove those nasty little bugs -- and train you
on how to spot and prevent further infestations! We can get rid of head lice & nits in just a few hours. Natural
products, flexible appointments. Call Melanie on 07950 811285.
---------------------------------------------------
Airplanes: The Royal Airforce Museum (www.rafmuseum.org.uk). I have lost count how many times I've visited the RAF Museum in Hendon. Hundreds of jet fighters,
bi-planes, helicopters and a whole area dedicated to children. It's about a 15 minute drive from NW3 or a 7 minute walk from Colindale Underground station on the Edgware branch of the Northern Line,
(5 stops from Belsize Park tube station.) They have special half-term activities -- check the website for details and directions.
Ante-Natal Classes:
Gilly Keith, a midwife, offers group classes from her home in Elsworthy Road, Primrose
Hill and private 1:1 lessons at a venue to suit you. Evidence-based education from a qualified midwife
and continuity of care is assured. Please see website for further information and detailed schedule of available
classes www.antenatalclasslondon.co.uk or telephone 07968 566396. Juliet Albert: private ante-natal and breastfeeding classes. A local mum and a
midwife for 15 years; at Queen Charlotte's hospital 3 days a week. www.midwifeonline.co.uk or call 07730 970 738.
Ruth Tamir, a National Childbirth Trust-trained
advisor and Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), runs 6-week "Birth and Beyond Childbirth Education" and
labour workshops from her home on Lawn Road, Belsize Park. Contact her on ruth.tamir@virgin.net about five months before you're due. Ruth also runs breastfeeding workshops. www.birthandbeyondbirth.com
Art classes and art activities:
Crafty Kids: (Debbie@dbourne.wanadoo.co.uk or 0207 483 1550 or 079101 24359) Art workshops in Belsize Park for ages 2-4 on Tuesday and
Thursday mornings 9:30 -1 pm and Wednesday afternoons at 3:45- 6:15 up to aged 6. Run by Ofsted-approved childcare
provider. Debbie builds rockets and paints with toothbrushes, makes glove monsters and pasta jewelry. Also has holiday
and half-term club.
Creativewizkids: (www.creativewizkids.com) St Lukes Church Kidderpore Ave., Hampstead NW3 7SU. Playgroups, mother and toddler groups, birthday
parties, after-school activites and holiday clubs, focusing on painting and music.
Culture Kids/Culture Craft: (www.culture-kids.com) Mia Holman Telephone: 0781 8440771. Arts and crafts -- small classes held at
the Pizza Express on Heath Street in Hampstead. Ages 2 to 6. Term-time only. The 46 and the 268 stop close
by.
Kentish Town Farm:
(www.ktcityfarm.org.uk) 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN. 0207 916 5421. Holds a pottery class called "Wednesday's Child"
for children of all ages from 4 to 5 on... Wednesdays!
Gymboree: (O2 Centre, Swiss Cottage Finchley Rd. 0207 794 8719) Art, music and movement classes for children
and parents from birth to 5. 268, C11 and 46 busses drop you close by or right in front. Classes throughout the year.
Sunshine Play Group (www.sunshineplaygroup.com) 37A Broadhurst Gardens, NW6 3QT: Not far from O2 center on the Finchley Rd. (C11 bus stop 2 minutes
away.) 12 months and up. Has 2 hour sessions that combine free play with arts and crafts and music. Drop off or drop
in depending on age. Also runs baking sessions and holiday sessions. Contact Agnieszka
at info@sunshineplaygroup.com or 0207 328 0713
Nathalie Frost is an artist and qualified teacher who creates unique works
of art with children for children. Should you require anything from a small canvas to a large mural to completely transform
an area then contact Nathalie by email violetannie@hotmail.com or on 0207 4490364. Nathalie also runs creative parties for
birthdays and special occasions. Please visit www.nathaliefrost.com
Associations and Organisations:
The Anna Freud Centre: (21 Maresfield Gardens,
London Nw3 5SD, Hampstead) Research centre for childrens' development. They're always looking for volunteers for various
projects, like infants' interpretation of facial expressions. While I've never been, friends have said they enjoyed
participating -- and the Centre has great toys. Call 0207 443 2208 for information.
Hampstead Women's Club (www.hwcinlondon.co.uk) Not-for-profit group that organizes activities and interest groups. A good place to meet people, particularly
from North America, if you just arrived from out-of-town or are new to this neighbourhood. SATURDAY
MAY 8, 2010 10AM TO 2PM excellent used children's clothes sale.
London Jewish Cultural Centre is holding a family fun day this May Day bank
holiday with a wild west theme (www.ljcc.org.uk, admin@ljcc.org.uk or 020 8457 5000 96 North End Rd. NW110 which is very close to Golders
Hill Park. 268 bus goes right past). LJCC holds a Friday toddler play-and-sing session (see Term-time Day Planner for
more details) provides a fun, friendly and safe environment for children under four to come and play, sing and dance
(while parents, carers chat or socialize). A wide selection of toys and sing along complete with puppets, instruments
and of course Challah! www.ljcc.org.uk, admin@ljcc.org.uk or 020 8457 5000 96 North End Rd. NW11, which is very close to Golders
Hill Park. 268 bus goes right past
Royal Free Women's
Health Service: Helps with a whole host of women's issues, including post-natal depression. Call 0207 830 2791
ext. 34687. Royal Free is in Hampstead.
Tufnell Park Parents Support Group
(www.tppsg.org) Great resource for people living in that area. Their website has lots of good articles on
childcare.
Ballet: also see "Dance"
First Steps Dance: ( www.firststepsdance.info ) Recommended by one mother for not being too "angelina-ballerina like." Pre-school ballet
held at the Royal Free Hospital Recreation Club on Fleet Rd. in Belsize Park. Phone Miss Kit or Miss Sue on 07904
93166 or 0208 926 4012.
Rona Hart School of Dance and Drama:
Rosslyn Hall , Willoughby
Rd, Hampstead, NW3 Phone 020-7435 7073
Hampstead Ballet
School: www.hampsteadballetsch.co.uk Ballet classes for kids 3+ as well as adults at various venues in NW3. Particularly recommended by one
mother. For more info, call Ana on 0207 794 8107 or 0776458 7851 or balletballet@hotmail.com.
Swiss Cottage School of Dance: Ballet
classes for ages 2 and up at the Swiss Cottage Community Centre on Saturdays. Call Angelina 01932 350 444
Birthdays: see dedicated section
Breastfeeding:
-----------advertising  Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding Support Ruth Tamir,
a National Childbirth Trust Childbirth Educator and IBCLC Lactation Consultant, runs regular
antenatal classes and labour workshops from her home on Lawn Road. Breastfeeding support in your own home is
also available. Email ruth.tamir@virgin.net www.birthandbeyondbirth.com -----------------------------------------------------
Hampstead Group Practice (75 Fleet Rd.
0207 435 4000) Breastfeeding support group meets during the baby clinic on Thursday 1:30 - 4pm.
Gospel Oak Health Centre
(Lismore Circus NW5 4RA) Many will know this place from infant's hearing tests. Tuesday
1-3 pm drop-in sessions.
Juliet
Albert, a local mum and a midwife at Queen Charlotte. Private emergency breastfeeding visits at home, as well as
antenatal and parental information classes in Acton. www.midwifeonline.co.uk or call 07730 970 738. See "free ads" section for more information.
Ruth Tamir, a National Childbirth Trust-trained
advisor and Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) does private consultations at clients' homes as well as local
workshops. Contact her on ruth.tamir@virgin.net. Ruth also runs ante-natal classes at her home in Belsize Park. www.birthandbeyondbirth.com
Books:
Daunt Books (two shops: Haverstock Hill and South End Green, Belsize Park and Hampstead) has
nice little reading nooks with childrens' books. Well worth supporting! My son loves Story Hour on Thursdays at
4pm at the South End Green branch.
Waterstones (68-69 Hampstead High Street Nw3 1QP, 0207 794 1098) Relatively
new story time on Tuesdays 4-4:30 up to age 5-6. Four books and a little song and dance at the end.
Cafes and Restaurants:
Most places in this area are used to children so there's lots to recommend. The following list is where I tend to end
up but I welcome suggestions.
---------Because she remembers every child's name at her wonderful Thursday
and Friday singalongs (see term-time day planner), please visit Caroline's very
kid friendly cafe on 92 Belsize Lane: Oliver's Cafe! ----------------------------
ASK Pizza or Pizza
Express: (Haverstock Hill, a few minutes from Belsize Park Tube station) A good selection of pasta and pizza.
The Cafe at the Heath: Very close to the tennis courts
on the Dartmouth Park side. The pasta is delicous but on a beautiful weekend day it can be a bit of a zoo and you don't
always get your food at the same time. Picnic tables outside as well as indoor seating.
The Cafe at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre (Del Aziz): Lovely spot and the food is supposed to be
quite good but don't expect solitude or quiet on the weekend. Packed with children, particularly if they're hosting
a birthday party. The Cafe at Swiss Cottage Community Centre:
On the other side of the football pitch. On the weekend, an oasis of calm compared to the cafe at the leisure centre. Standard
caf (diner) food -- chips, pasta, fishfingers, etc... Giraffe
(46 Rosslyn Hill): Staff are friendly at this chain, food is good and nobody seems to mind screaming children but it's
a bit of a squash during busy periods. Starbucks: The branches
at the end of England's Lane and in South End Green are particularly spacious and child-friendly and you will meet
lots of post school-run mothers and Caroline's singalong refugees on Thursday morning. Ask for a free baby-cinos - small
cups of foam milk to which you can add chocolate powder. Zara
(South End Green, next to Starbucks, 0207 794 5498): Very good, unfussy Turkish food that children enjoy; reasonable
prices, wonderful staff and plenty of space. My favorite, especially after a Heath walk.
The Cafe at the Heath: Very close to the tennis courts on the Dartmouth Park side. The pasta is delicous
but on a beautiful weekend day it can be a bit of a zoo and you don't always get your food at the same time. Picnic tables
outside as well as indoor seating. The White Horse Pub: (154 Fleet Rd.) In the middle
of South End Green, where Constantine Rd. meets Fleet Rd. I can't think of another pub in London that has a sticker
on the door saying "breastfeeding welcome." Nice people, good Thai food -- a nice place to meet during the
day, especially as Caroline's sing-along is opposite and it's on the way to the One O'Clock Club.
Childminders: Childminders
take care of children in their homes and are regulated and inspected by local authorities. On the plus side, they tend to
be more ecomical than nannies (particularly if you only have one child) and replicate the home environmnet more than a nursery.
But they won't be as flexible as a nanny and they do get ill/need holidays etc... For the record, everyone I've
known who have used this service, including me, had a great experience. Get in touch with Camden Children's Information
on 0207 974-1679 for an up-to-date-list.
NB: The Tufnell Park
Parents Support Group website (www.tppsg.org) has a few interesting articles on finding an au-pair and childcare-related issues like nanny taxes.
Christmas 2009: see separate section
Cinema: Scream! Parent and Baby Screenings at the Everyman Cinema in Hampstead and Belsize Park for
parents with babies up to 12 months. Hampstead – Thursday 12.00pm
and 3.00pm, Belsize
Park – Tuesday 11.30am. www.everymancinema.com. They are also starting
a Saturday Morning Picture Show for children aged 4-10 years and their families. They are going to run every Saturday from
March 7 to May 9.
Chiropractor: Natural Health Chiropractic 1st Floor 5 Heath Street NW3 6TP, Hampstead. See Dr. Balazic's
article on crying babies and chiropractic treatments in Articles by Local Experts
Cooking:
Sunshine
Play Group 37a Broadhurst Gardens, NW6 3QT: Not far from O2 center on the Finchley Rd. (C11 bus stop 2 minutes
away.) Specializes in baking playgroups as well as baking birthday parties. Contact Agnieszka at info@sunshineplaygroup.com or 0207 7328 0713
Kitchen Fairy: Home cookery sessions. Choose from a wide range of 'cook sessions' including:
stocking up your freezer, quick & easy meals for kids, tired mum rescue, thrifty menu planning and back to basics. Cook
sessions start at £37.50 per head. More information on www.kitchenfairy.co.uk
Dance and Drama: also see "Ballet"
Allsorts
Drama for Children: South Hampstead High School, 3 Maresfield Gardens NW3. Drama classes on Saturdays for ages 4-6,
10am. 02089693249 or 02087675298 www.allsortsdrama.com
C# Minors:
folk dance, songs, music and singing games for 4 - 5 year olds. Tuesdays 4 -- 4:45 at Cecil Sharp House 2 Regents Park Rd.
nw1 7ay 0207 485 2206 www.efdss.org
Centrestage School: (www.centrestageschool.co.uk): 0207 328 0788 Saturday and holiday classes in drama, singing and acting held
at Trinity Walk, Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5SQ) for 3 to seven year-olds.
Culture Kids: (www.culture-kids.com) Mia Holman
Telephone: 020 8540 4203. Music, singing, dance
and lots and lots of toys/instruments from all over the world. Small classes held at thePizza Express on Heath Street,
Hampstead. Particularly good if you have a baby and a toddler/preschooler. Term-time
only.
Creative Movements: 6/8 Kemplay Rd., Hampstead 020 7435 8217(www.creativemovements.co.uk). From 10 months, classes incorporate dance (i.e. running around for the wee ones) with
storytelling. Weekly classes as well as holiday and half-term classes.
Creative
Wizkids: Art, music, dance imaginative play, story-time, cake making. St. Lukes Church 12 Kidderpore Ave., Hampstead NW3
7SU. Call Francis on 0207 794 6797 www.creativewizkids.com
Mini-Movers Dance Class --
Mums with Tots (www.mumswithtots.co.uk) will offer dance class for 1 to 3 year-olds at the Royal Free Recreational Centre
on Fleet Rd. (off South End Green) from April 25. Call 0800 141 2664.
Debutots- Interactive storytelling and
dramatic play classes. Parent/carer and child classes in Hampstead on Monday mornings at Friends Meeting House, Heath Street,
Hampstead. FREE TRIAL SESSION. Early Years Drama for 2-4 year olds from 10.00-10.50 and Baby Story Play for 6 months-2 year
olds from 10.50-11.45 (includes coffee and chat time!). Contact Jennifer on 020 8442 2380 or jennifer@debutots.co.uk and visit www.debutots.co.uk. ‘Debutots Play Dates’.
If you and a group of friends are interested in having your children (6 months – 4 year olds) entertained and stimulated
by the fun of Debutots in the comfort of your very own homes, one of our teachers can bring our unique sessions to you on
a weekly or one-off basis.
Dramarama, Dramatots: (www.dramarama.co.uk) 0208 4460891. Holiday and half-term drama courses for 3-4 year-olds 10 am-1 pm (pack a lunch),
held at South Hampstead High School. Mainly girls but my son enjoyed it too. Saturday classes at 15 Netherhall Gardens 10am-11am.
Perform: (www.perform.org.uk) Saturday venues at The Hall School on Eton Avenue and Tuesday and Thursday sessions at the
Friends Meeting House at 120 Heath Street, Hampstead. Music, movement and play sessions for children from 0 to 4. The Mini
P program is aimed at the little ones.
Dentist: Mr. Dentist, aka Jeremy Kaufman, 0208 458 4455 (www.mrdentist.co.uk) 7 North End Rd. Two minutes from Golders Green station or 10-20 minutes on the 268 bus from Belsize
Park Tube. DVDs and toys in the waiting room and a friendly dentist who knows all the tricks.
Depression: See
your general practitioner, health visitor or midwife if you suspect you may have post-natal depression.
Royal Free Women's Health
Service: Helps with a whole host of women's issues, including post-natal depression. Call 0207 830 2791 ext. 34687.
Easter 2010 - (see Easter page)
Entertainers: (see birthday page)
Environmental activities: Camden
Street Natural Park (12 Camley Street, NW1 0PW, 0207 833 2311.) Not really in this neighbourhood but interesting enough (and
close enough) to mention. I'm told buggies are difficult to bring,as are very little ones, so best leave toddlers
home unless supervised one-to-one.
Exercise: Also see "Gyms"
Ergotec Action:100A Belsize Lane, Belsize Village,
NW3 5BB. Moms with Teenies (0 to 3 years) Monday's at 10am (45minute mommy workout with creative tots-inclusive exercise
science). Course Fee: £18 per session, booked in advance for a six session course. Chaline Church Phone 07747 613 321
www.ergotechealthstudio.co.uk
Pushymothers (www.pushymothers.com): A buggy work-out fitness program for postnatal moms in Hampstead and Primrose Hill. Lots of praise
from all around!
Mums With Tots
(www.mumswithtots.co.uk) offers Pilates classes at the Swiss Cottage Community Centre (£10 per session, paid in advance.) Call 07943
953850. Crèche provided.
Pilates Control: Pilates by Maria. www.pilatescontrol.co.uk/ 0207 7586 2286 or 0781 461 9529
-----------------------------advert
FIRST AID COURSES:
Mums with Tots (www.mumswithtots.co.uk) offers first aid courses for mothers Mondays at 1.30pm- crèche provided. at
Swiss cottage community centre. The course is taught by Julia Douglas ,
a qualified certified paramedic. Please contact Pamela on 07943 953850.
For details of paediatric first aid courses in your area please call safe and Sound on 0208
445 8998 or go to www.safeandsound.uk.net For
information about Safe and Sound Paediatric First Aid Courses www.safeandsound.uk.net or email info@safeandsound.uk.net tel: 0208 445 8998
Football:
League One Summer Holiday Football/Sports Courses: (0208 446 0891 or www.leagueone.co.uk) Held at South Hampstead High School at Maresfield Gardens, NW3, Hampstead.
Little Kickers: (www.littlekickers.co.uk) Little Kickers classes enable pre-school children (aged 2 -5 years) to develop their co-ordination,
balance and agility through football. Year round classes held at the Swiss Cottage Community Centre on Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons and at the Hampstead Quaker Meeting House on Friday afternoons. Please phone Julia or Zara on 0208 201 1084 for
details and how to enrol as advance booking is necessary.
Talacre Community Sports Centre: Dalby Street 0207 9748765 (www.camden.gov.uk/sport). A variety of football classes during the week and on Saturdays from age 3 and up. French:
Ma Petite Ecole: Classes for little French
or Italian speakers -- they learn to read and write properly in those languages. The Rosary, 238 Haverstock Hill, Belsize
Park, NW3 2AE Saturday mornings, Italian : 10h30-11h30, French : 10h00-12h00 (french classes on thursday afternoons at a different
location). From 3 and a half years old onwards. £10 per hour for first kids, £7 per hour for siblings CONTACT
DETAILS: Italian: Ms Silvia La Greca (Mob: 07958 076704. email: silvia.lagreca@yahoo.co.uk)), French: Ms Florence Zinzen (Mob: 079 4196 4609, email: MaPetiteEcole@yahoo.fr)
Jolie
Ronde: small classes, role play, songs and conversation for 3-11 year-olds taught by local nursery teacher -
recommended by one mother as being gentle and fun. Call Vivien Chappell on 0207 435 7812 or 07817 181686 for location times
etc...
Gyms (with childcare):
Esporta:
(0207 644 2424) O2 centre on the Finchley Rd., Swiss Cottage. Health club with all mod cons plus swimming pool, creche and childrens' activities. C11,
268 go near or past.
Springhealth
Leisure: (0207 483 6800,). Creche available from six weeks on. Everyone agrees the ladies at the creche are
wonderful. I kept my membership up for years purely to dump the kids for a couple of hours, take a shower and read the
paper over a cup of coffee.
Swiss Cottage Leisure
Centre (Adelade Rd 0207 974 2012) Creche available and quite reasonably priced. C11, 46 stop close by.
Gymnastics:
Gymboree: (O2 Centre, Swiss Cottage Finchley
Rd. 0207 794 8719) Art, music and movement classes for children and parents from birth to 5. (see ad on "Classes
in NW3" section)
Talacre Community Sports Centre: Dalby Street, NW5 0207 9748765 (www.camden.gov.uk/sport). Gymnastics classes, which start at age 3, are so wonderful that parents (including me, dear
reader) queued for hours in the dark, cold winter to get a spot. (NB My son refuses to go now.) There is also a wildly popular
9:30 am and 10:30 am "baby gym" program, where the child/ren attend with parent/carer, parituclarly good if you
have two kids to look after. Four-year olds even like it. Get there in plenty of time as it sells out quickly.
Tiny Tots Sport Academies: sports class for 2-5 year olds. Yoga, Capoeira,
Karate Chop, Happy Feet, Tiny Tennis, Mini Muscles, Funky free-running, Olympic Glory and more. Wednesday
10.30-11.45am & 4.00-5.15pm at The Interchange Studios, Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park alex@sportacademies.com
Toddlers World: Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre (Adelade Rd 0207 974 2012) Drop-in gym sessions from walking age
to 5. Inflatables, rockers and soft-play equipment. Monday, Wednesday 10:15 to 11, 11 to 11:45. Sunday 9:15 to 10
and 10:45 to 11:30.
Swiss Cottage
Leisure Centre (Adelade Rd 0207 974 2012) Gymnastics program.
Ergotec Action's ERGOTEC KIDS' DEVELOPMENTAL CLASSES
Ages:
(4-5 year-olds, Tuesdays) (5-6 year-olds, Wednesdays) (limited to 6 kids per class) Time: 4pm to 5pm (One hour
of physical developmental classes on our floor-to-ceiling climbing wall, crash mats, balls, hoops, tunnels, mini tramp etc) Fees:
£17 per class, payable termly in advance Autumn Term: 6 Sept to 15 December 2010 (no classes in holiday
ie 25, 26, 27 Oct & 1 Nov) Venue: Ergotec Health Studios, 100 & 100A Belsize Lane, Belsize Village, NW3
5BB Co-ordinator: Chaline Church Phone 07747 613 321
|
Little Bears' Parties: We plan and manage the special day from invitations
to party bags, (including the venue: Hampstead Hill School!) 