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Fun Days Out:
Hampstead Heath Fun Fair:
From about toddler age (there are a few rides that little ones can go on alone.) Pretty cheesy but my children adored it.
I had to pry my son's fingers off of his first ride. In the car park. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead Easter Egg Hunt at Kenwood House: For info
on this and other Easter Egg Hunts in London, see http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/easter-at-kenwood-house-article-6294.htmlKentish 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. TBA
****I
would seriously avoid the London Zoo on Easter weekend. The queues are enormous. The Science Museum, Natural History Museum
and Transport Museum will also be jammed throughout the entire break. I recommend the The
Royal Airforce Museum (www.rafmuseum.org.uk) but you need a car to get there (about 15 minutes from NW3). Their special activity during the Easter
break is Secret Identity Hunt.Classes and Drop-Off activities:
Creative Movements: 020 7435 8217(www.creativemovements.co.uk). Various Easter workshops in Hampstead and Primrose Hill.
Creative
Wizkids: Art, music, dance imaginative play, story-time, cake making. St. Lukes Church 12 Kidderpore Ave., Hampstead NW3
7SU. April 12-16 10am to 1pm. 0207 794 6797 www.creativewizkids.com
Puss in Boots: Music, Crafts and other nursery fun for 2-5 year-olds.
Drop-off, nursery hours. Agincourt Rd., NW3, Hampstead April 6-9. Call Amelia for more information 0207 267
2181
Sports Academies: Interchange
Studios, Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park. Tiny Tots 6-9th April, 3-5s, 9am-12pm, £75 for 4 days, Multi-Sport
Academy for 6-14s, 9am-1pm, £100 for 4 days. 12-16th April - Tiny Tots for 3-5s, 9am-12pm, £90
for the week Multi-Sport Academy for 6-14s, 9am-1pm, £125 for the week. www.sportacademies.com 020 7713
8232 alex@sportacademies.com
Centerstage
School: 0207 328 0788 April 5 to April 9 drama, singing and acting held at Trinity Walk,
Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5SQ, Hampstead for 3 to seven year-olds. www.centrestageschool.co.uk
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.
Mystical Fairies: 12 Flask Walk, NW3
1HE in Hampstead 0207 431 1888. www.mysticalfairies.co.uk. Various fairy school dates April 5 to April 16 from age 3, 10:30 to 1.
League One: Football course for girls and boys aged 3 to 11 years old. 0208 446 0891 www.leagueone.co.uk Held at South Hampstead High School at Maresfield Gardens, NW3. Little League 1 (3 and 4 year-olds) from
10am to 1 pm. League One (5-6 year-olds) from 10am to 3.
Globe Tennis
Club: 190 Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AL (next door to Belsize Park Tube Station.) www.londontennisacademy.com Gaddo Guidotti on 07837 720736 or gaddo9@hotmail.com. For 3-5, 45 minute classes Mon-Friday. Fives and up, 3 hour sessions per day. March 29 to April 16.
Camden Swiss Cottage Swim Club: Intensive swimming classes from age 4. Two sessions: April 6 to 9
and april 12 - 16. www.camdenswisscottage.co.uk or call 0207974 5440
Sports Galore www.sportsgalore.co.uk 01285 656098. Particularly good if you have a child who never tires. Lots of sports (of course)
with drama and arts and crafts. March 30 to April 17 at The Hall School, Hampstead.
Easter Holiday Club at St. John's Church,
Downshire Hill NW3 1NU, Hampstead. Games, Crafts etc... for children 4 to 11 April 6-9 from 10am -12pm. Call to book
Isobel Mott 0207 099 9360
Various:
One
O'Clock Club: (In the Heath just down from the playground. Opens 10-12 and 1-3:45 weekdays. One of the only playgroups
that stays open year-round. Indoor-outdoor toys, sandpit, painting, crafts and singing.
For Easter arts and crafts to try at home: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/easter%20activity%20links.htm
Egg Dyeing Kits: Happy
Returns: 36 Rosslyn Hill 0207 435 2431. (Buses 46, 268 go past.) White eggs work best but they are hard to
find. Marks and Spencer usually has white duck eggs.
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Summer 2009
Please let businesses know that you found them through nw3kids!
Summer holiday officially starts on July 21, the last day of school for Camden pupils. Many centres, playgroups and
activities either end on this date or go on to a different schedule -- make sure you know the new hours before setting off.
Surestart has lots of playgroups open during the summer but not in NW3 so contact them for venues in NW6 and
NW5. In the last two weeks of August, most things come to a grinding halt. You might want
to plan for it and save certain activities for this rather dull period. In this section, I've
included drop-off schemes, drop- in schemes, staying cool if the weather ever turns warm again, and one-off actitivies. Please
let me know what I've missed and what I've gotten wrong. Many centres and groups haven't yet published
their summer schedules so keep looking at this page for updates and tell us if we missed anything! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drop off -- Part
or full-day, various activities
2-5 year-olds:
Puss
in Boots Summer Camp (Gospel Oak Methodist Church, corner of Lisburne Rd. and Agincourt Rd. 020 72672181): Summer
Holiday CLub at Puss in Boots for 2 weeks starting from 3rd August through to the 14th August. For children aged 2-5 and there
will be music, craft activities, physical games, and lots of play. The day will start at 9am and finish at 3.30pm.
Sunshine Play Group 37a Broadhurst Gardens, NW6 3QT: Not far from O2 center on the Finchley Rd. (C11
bus stop 2 minutes away.)
| | Painting, experimenting with texture, gluing, sculpture,
collage. Sifting, mixing, stamping out shapes, making
delicious biscuits. SUMMER ART & BAKING WORKSHOPS FOR 3-5+
YR OLDS! (drop-off) JULY 13 - 17th or JULY 20 - 24th 2009. Each day a different project inspired by a story.
Lots of fun in small friendly groups of max 8 - 10 children. Morning: 10.00 a.m - 12.30 p.m or afternoon: 1.30 - 4.00 p.m.@ £27 per child per session (snack + drink inclusive). Contact Agnieszka
at info@sunshineplaygroup.com or 0207 7328 0713 |
3-5 year-olds and up: Camden Summer camps
Camden
runs Summer Holiday Schemes 2009 for children from 4 to 16 yrs in camden, though most of the sites for under 5s are not in
NW3. Visit www.camden.gov.uk/summer for more information. For the younger children, Camden provides intergrated early years services
from 3 to 5 years (22 July to 14 August) between 8am and 6pm (£189 per week.) Acol Children Cenre NW6, Teresa
Barker - 02076244677; Gospel Oak Children s Centre Nw5 , Sue Rushton - 02072674517; Hampden Children s Centre, Nw1 , Lydia
McEwen - 0207387 1822; Harmood Children s Centre, Nw1, Paulette Dallas - 0207974 5207; Kilburn Grange Children s Centre, Nw6,
Carol Lyness-Barr - 0207974 2771 For 4 yo 12 year-olds : Camden Play Service. Holiday playschemes
July 22 to 28 August; arts, crafts, sports, games, music and trips out. Please contact 0207 974 1519 or visit www.camden.gov.uk/play. Hampstead Community Centre, Nw3 contact Richard Weaver or Dittany Bak Olesen on
tel 0207 794 8313 from more info. Three Acres Community Play Project at Parkhill Road , Nw3. Contact
Emma Wiener tel 0207722 38122/0331 Talacre Actoin Group, Contact: Lloyd Heath tel 0207 267 9755 WAC
Performing Arts and Media College, Interchange Studios, Hampstead Town Hall Centre on Haverstock Hill, Nw3. Contact
Melanie Ancliff tel 02o07 692 5871 Winchester Project nw3 contact Kim Mabbutt tel 0207 586 8731 Kentish
Town City Farm Cressfield Close, Nw5, contact Simone Uncle tel 0207 916 5421
Drop-off -- mainly sports
Globe Tennis Club: 190 Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AL (next door to Belsize Park Tube Station.) www.londontennisacademy.com Gaddo Guidotti on 07837 720736 or gaddo9@hotmail.com. July 13- Aug. 21. For 3-5 yrs. 3h 45 min / week eye/ball coordination exercises, games, introduction
to groundstrokes. For 5to 8 yrs 15hours/week ( basic techniques, rallying, intro to litlle matches and competitions and other
sports) 8 to 11 yrs 15 hours/week (progressive techniques for general match play and other sports) Sports Galore. www.sportsgalore.co.uk 01285 656098. From age 4ish -- all day. Particularly
good if you have a child who never tires, and for working parents, as they will do early monring starts. Lots of sports (of
course) with drama and arts and crafts. Various NW3 locations including, Sarum Hall School on Eton Avenue and
The Hall School, just down the road. Near Swiss Cottage Tube, not terribly far from C11.
Hwarang
Academy Taekwondo Summer Camp: TBA: Last summer halfday and full day www.taekwondo-london-2012.com. 0208 386 0547 or 07941 081 009 at the Swiss Cottage Community Centre.
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. Little League 1 (3 and 4 year-olds) from 10am to 1 pm. League
One (5-6 year-olds) from 10am to 3. Ergotec Action's
term time and holiday fit-fun climbing and physical development classes for kids 5+. Summer Holiday Clinic planned for
park or indoors at Ergotec Action's kids' studio if it rains. Call Kate Steele for bookings on 07951 728
238 Camden Swiss Cottage Swim Club: Intensive swimming classes
from age 4. Two sessions: April 6 to 9 and april 12 - 16. www.camdenswisscottage.co.uk or call 0207974 5440 Drop-off --Mainly Dance and Drama Centre Stage School www.centrestageschool.co.uk. Age: 4-14 years. July 27th to July 31 and August 3 to August 7. Time: 10 am to 4 pm Location:
Hall School (23 Crossfield Ave.) Booking: Vicki Wolf, 020 7328 0788 Creative Movements: Dance, drama and art work for little ones and big ones. Three-day workshops, different themes depending on age. Bookings:
020 7435 8217 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.
Perform www.perform.org.uk Lots of activities and venues for under 5s too many to list here. Best look at the website to find something
that suits age and location. Drop off -- mainly art
Crafty Kids: (Debbie@dbourne.wanadoo.co.uk or 0207 483 1550 OR 07910 124359) Three-hour art workshops for ages 2-7 run
by Ofsted-approved childcare provider. Debbie plans to build rockets and paint with toothbrushes, make glove monsters and
pasta jewelry. Runs throughout the summer so call for availablity. NOW HAS VEGETABLE GARDEN. Very close to c11 bus
stop. Very homey -- my children enjoyed it.
Hampstead
School of Art: ( www.art-school-hampstead.co.uk) 19-21 Kidderpore Avenue London NW3 7ST 0207 794 1439) Has various pottery and painting workshops throughout the
summer 10- 3pm for children 5 to 12. Playgroups:
Drop in
One O'Clock
Club: (In the Heath just down from the playground. Opens 10-12 and 1-3:45 weekdays. One of the only playgroups that
stays open year-round. Indoor-outdoor toys, sandpit, painting, crafts and singing. The train track opposite the
centre provides endless entertainment. For £1, it's a bargain.
Activities together with your child
Hampstead Heath: The Heath hosts magicians and other entertainers thoughout the summer in the bandstand
by the cafe as well as in Golders Green. Pick up a "Heath Diary" at the playground or ring 0207 482 7073 for more
information - July 21 fairy spangles. Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill
Park Bandstand 3pm
- July 22 Magic Fun with Richard -- same
- July 23 Magical entertainer Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
- July 28 Johnny Slapp Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
- July 29 Topper the Clown Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders
Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
- July 29 Teddy Bears' Picnic Preachers Hill play area
(0207332 3820)
- July 30 Mr. Tickle Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand
3pm
- Aug. 4 Magicked Michael Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill
Park Bandstand 3pm
- Aug. 5 Bugliest Bug -- same
- Aug. 6
Absent-minded Professor Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandtand 3pm
- Aug. 11 Clown
Jenny Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandtand 3pm
- Aug. 12 Global
Games Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
- Aug. 13 Larger
than Life Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandtand 3pm
- Aug.
18 Poz Magic Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandtand 3pm
- Aug. 20 Franco
the Magician Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
- Aug.
25 magic man and balloonatic Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
- Aug.
26 Petsa the Clown Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
- Aug.
27 Captian Bluster Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
********** There are also Teddy Bears Picnics and other special events so please check the Heath Diary, available
at the playgrounds********
London Zoo: Regent's
Park www.zsl.org. Bouncy castle and slide every day of summer holidays. Has indoor attractions in case it rains and sometimes has special
workshops.
Talacre Sports Centre: Babygym parent and toddler sessions call to find out summer sessions.
Treetops in holiday times. Mo to Fr. 9.45 to 11.30 for under 5; 11.45 to 1.30 all ages under 11 1.45 to 3.30
and 4.00 to 7.00 all ages Swiss
Cottage Leisure Centre TBA Staying Cool in and around NW3
Archway Pool: ( www.aquaterra.org 0207 281 4105) Both the Underground and the C11 stop right in front of this wave pool with bubbles and slides.
Water can be very cold and changing rooms are a fright but children love it.
Marriott Hotel : (0207 722 7711) Both adults and children need to take out a membership to use the
pool but sometimes a tenner per person (£5 per child) will do it. C11, 46 not far.
Paddling
Pool and Lido: The paddling pool next to the playground in Parliament Hill (in the Heath) is a God-send on hot
summer days -- limited shady areas. The
pool is about 2-3 feet at its deepest and slopes down gradually. Do not assume you will be alone. The outdoor
pool (Lido) is near the running track. NB LADIES SWIMMING POND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 8
Somerset House ( www.somersethouse.org.uk): While no where near NW3, the fountains at Somerset house are special enough to be worth a mention, particularly as
the 168 bus drops you right in front of the building before turning left on to Waterloo Bridge. There are about
fifty small fountains flowing up from the ground that children love to catch or jump through. Bring a bucket or small container;
snacks and drinks normally available. Be aware that the water is cold and there is limited shade if babies are involved
in the trip. Call to make sure fountains are working or there are no special events!
Swiss Cottage Pool (Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, Adelaide Road, 0207 974 2012. Always
call before heading out because the teaching pool is quite often closed and the main pool is probably too cold for little
ones.
Swiss Cottage Fountains: (Behind the Leisure Centre) Water jets and sloping cement fountain provide some
relief from summer heat. Call the parks and open spaces (Camden) department if you want to make absolutely sure
its open: 0207 974 1693. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Christmas 2009 VILLAGE CHRISTMAS FAIRS
AND BAZAARS, SINGING:
Hampstead Women's Club will hold
it's holiday market at the Rosslyn Hill Chapel Nov. 28 from 10am to 3pm
NW3 HAMPSTEAD UNITING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY has organized a Hampstead
Christmas Festival on Sunday 22nd Nov. Free everyman Cinema Film Show 12 noon (The Muppet Christmas
Carol) Children's workshops, Punch and Judy show, Vintage fire engine, chocolate factory, Live Reindeer, Sleigh ride with
Santa, Birds of Prey display, Local Fire brigade fire safety display, Vintage Carrousel, Treasure Hunt
Primrose Hill Christmas Fair: 29th November 2009,
Sunday, 11am - 5pm, Regents Park Road. Food items and drinks, exciting rides, clothes, hot roasted chestnuts, crafts and jewellery,
etc.
Kentish Town Farm: Sunday
December 6th. Starts at midday. Santa arrives at 1pm. Adults
£1 - Kids 20p. Santa's grotto £3. Come and meet Santa, enjoy a pony ride, enter the raffle for your
chance to win a signed Arsenal Football, dance to music by the Unknown Band, pick up a bargain at the Bric-a-Brac
stall, eat lots of mince pies, get your face painted and enjoy some arts and crafts.
Belsize Village Saturday, 19th December: 4:30pm. All welcome
to join the singing. Donations and proceeds from the sale of mince pies will go to the Marie Curie Hospice.
SCHOOL FETES: This is a good opportunity to see schools (and the parents!) outside
the official tours.
St. Paul's School: Saturday 28 Nov. from 12pm
-3pm. Elsworthy Rd. NW3 2NN. Christmas fair.
Rosary School Christmas, Haverstock Hill,
Dec. 4 from 3.30 pm
Fleet Primary School, Fleet Road, NW3 2SY, Saturday 5 December 2009 from
12 - 3 Santa's Grotto, Tombola, Lucky Dip and Raffle, Fabulous Games, Homemade Handicrafts, Christmas Puddings
and more lovely treats, Bric a brac and used books Hampstead Parochial School
Christmas Bazar is on Sat the 5th Dec from 11amNew End: Dec. 6, 12pm to 3pm. Santa, tombola,
arts and crafts, christmas food and drink and more. Streatley Place, NW3 1HU Fitzjohns School
christmas bazar Friday 11th Dec from 3pm Swiss Cottage Library Dec. 15, 2:30 - 3pm: Christmas
songs and carrols HOLIDAY PROGRAMS (sports,
arts, cooking)
Dramarama, Dramatots: Drama courses for 3-4 year-olds 10 am-1 pm (pack a lunch), held at South Hampstead High School.
Dec. 18 -23. (see A to Z for contact detailsCreative
Wizkids: Holiday camp for 3 to 7 year-olds Dec. 14 to 18. Art, music, dance
imaginative play, story-time, cake making. St. Lukes Church 12 Kidderpore Ave. NW3 7SU. Call Francis on 0207 794 6797
www.creativewizkids.com
Christmas Activities at Mystical Fairies (see "Birthdays"
for website and contact details) 12 Flask Walk Tel 0207 431 1888 Tea Time with Fairies as well as Fairy School 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.) Decorating biscuits Dec. 14, 15, 16 drop off ages 3 to 5
for 1 hour 45 minutes. Contact Agnieszka at info@sunshineplaygroup.com or 0207 7328 0713. Sport Academies is running a multi-sport course for 3-7yrs at UCS Active. Yoga,
Capoeira, Karate Chop, Happy Feet, Tiny Tennis, Mini Muscles, Funky free-running, Olympic Glory and more. Mon 21st
- Weds 23rd Dec, 9am-12pm. To book please call Alex 020 7713 8232 or email alex@sportacademies.com. Web www.sportacademies.com.
Tea with Santa: Come
have tea with Santa and decorate gingerbread cookies. Dec. 11-Dec. 23 St. Stephens Church, Pond Street
3-4pm £15 per child elena@littlebearsparties.co.uk
Various: Meet Santa at Brent Cross. Come and meet Santa in his
grotto, which takes pride of place among the lights and decorations. 0207 8202 8095 Christmas Fun at Keats
House. Visit Keats House during Dec to see the house in Christmas splendor. Regular festive peotry readings by staff
and volunteers in their Christmas finest. Free with admissions ticket to Keath House. 0207 332 3868 Until Dec. 20.
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