Summer 2009

Summer 2010

Please let businesses know that you found them through nw3kids!

Summer holiday officially starts on July 23, 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 and Camden 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!

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Drop off -- Part or full-day, various activities

Sunshine Play Group 37a Broadhurst Gardens, NW6 3QT: Not far from O2 center on the Finchley Rd. (C11 bus stop 2 minutes away.)

DROP-OFF ART & BAKING WORKSHOPS FOR 3-5 YR OLDS.

12-16 July and 19-23 July 2010 Fun-filled workshops is small groups of only 8 -10 children. Baking yummy biscuits, muffins and many more, painting, gluing, sculpting. Each day devoted to a different creative project inspired by a story. Morning or afternoon, snack + drink inclusive. Advanced booking essential. Call 0207 328 0713 or email info@sunshineplaygroup.com

Fun Works boys and girls aged 4-7 (10am-3) arts, crafts, cooking, drama, dance, exploring, games. "Informal and fun, but equally, have structured our activities to cater to our age groups. We aim to promote confidence, develop social interaction, and help every child achieve." "Monday 23rd August to Friday 27th August; Monday 30th August to Friday 3rd September, including Bank Holiday St Luke's Church, On Kidderpore Avenue, NW3 Call Caroline 078030 02492 www.fun-works.co.uk

Camden Summer camps

Camden runs Summer Holiday Schemes 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 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 Action 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.

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.

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 TBA 2010 schedule

Tiny Tots Sport Academies 12th-16th July 19th-23rd July 26th-30th July 2nd-6th August 9th-13th August 9am-12pm, Monday to Friday at UCS Active, Frognal NW3 6XH £90 per week / £22 per day. 0844 335 8217 info@sportacademies.com www.sportacademies.com

Camden Swiss Cottage Swim Club: Intensive swimming classes from age 4. www.camdenswisscottage.co.uk or call 0207974 5440

UCS Active (www.ucsactive.org.uk) Frognal, Hampstead NW3 6XH 0207 433 2121 On the University College School campus. Also, Paul Dillon Swimming holds 5 day intensive one-to-one swim programs. 0207233 9415 or enquiries@pdsc.co.uk.

ERGOTEC KIDS' FIT-FUN HOLIDAY PARK PLAY
Ages: 5-9 year olds, grouped into movement maturity (limited to first 14 booked kids)
Dates: Tues 31 Aug & Wed 1 Sept (you can do one or both days)
Times & Fees: 1pm to 4pm (3hours of fabulous fit-fun games, obstacle courses, balance and confidence building physical play) at £55 per day or £50 per day if both days are booked in.
Venue: Hampstead Heath Park, entrance off Hampstead Way, NW11 (or if raining, Ergotec Health Studios, 100 & 100A Belsize Lane, Belsize Village, NW3 5BB)
Co-ordinator: Chaline Church Phone 07747 613 321
. See www.ergotechealthstudio.co.uk

Drop-off --Mainly Dance and Drama

Centre Stage School www.centrestageschool.co.uk. Age: 4-14 years. 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.

Mystical Fairies – Fairy Summer Camp
www.mysticalfairies.co.uk
Location: Flask Walk, Hampstead
Booking: 020 7431 1888

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. Very close to c11 bus stop. Very homey -- my children enjoyed it. July 26, 27, 28 10-1 Cost £30 for one session £55 for two sessions.

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

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.

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. Play groups during the week and 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. Singsong sessions will be running on Mondays 9:30 am and 10;30 AM.

Activities together with your child

Hampstead Heath: Pick up a "Heath Diary" at the playground or ring 0207 482 7073 for more information

Aug 3 the great green picnic; Golders Hill Park 11 to 4 pm
Aug 4 the secret summer garden Parliament Hill 11- 4
Aug 4 Save the World Girl 11am Parliament Hill; Golders Hill Park 3pm
Aug 5 Zooday Golders Hill Park 11-4
Aug 5 the great green picnic Parliament Hill Bandstand 11 -4 pm
Aug 10 the secret summer garden Parliament Hill 11- 4
Aug 11 Bugliest Bug Parliament hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
Aug. 12 Climb, Swing Bounce Parliament Hill 11am -4 pm; Bugs and Butterflies Golders Hill Park 11-4
Aug. 17 the secret summer garden Parliament Hill 11- 4 wild play day golders hill park 11-4
Aug. 18 Sticky the Squirrel and rosie the robin show Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandtand 3pm
Aug. 19 Zooday Golders Hill Park 11-4; Wild Play Day Parliament Hill 11- 4
Aug. 24 Circus Play day Golders Hill Park 11-4pm ; the secret summer garden Parliament Hill 11- 4
Aug. 25 Global Games Parliament Hill 11-1 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandtand 3pm-5pm
Aug. 26 Zooday Golders Hill Park 11-4pm; Circus Play Day Parliament Hill 11- 4
Aug. 31 Animal Olympics Golders Hill Park 11-4pm
Sept.1 Mark Jameson entertainer Parliament Hill Bandstand 12 pm; Golders Hill Park Bandstand 3pm
Sept. 2 Animal Olympics Parliament Hill 11- 4

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.

Singing: refer to www.greenmeansgo.co.uk for Caroline's "minibeat" and songsters with Neil's summer schedule.

Talacre Sports Centre: Babygym parent and toddler sessions call to find out summer sessions. Treetops in holiday times tba for 2010 last year,. 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.

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EASTER 2009

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.html

Kentish Town Farm: (www.ktcityfarm.org.uk) 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN. 0207 916 5421. Open 9-5, seven days a week. Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday 1pm to 3pm and egg blowing on Monday same time. See website for more activities. Play group meets as usual. 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.

****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 0207 974 5440

Paul Dillon Intensive Swimming at UCS Active UCS Active (www.ucsactive.org.uk) Frognal, Hampstead NW3 6XH 0207 433 2121 On the University College School campus. Two sessions: April 6-9 or April 12-16. One-to-one 30 minute classes. info@pauldillonswimming.com or www.pauldillonswimming.com 0208 830 9939

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 Caroline's Minibeat and Songsters with Neal see website www.greenmeansgo.co.uk for schedule. Refer to A to Z or Term-Time Day Planner for address and other information.

Talacre "Baby Gym" session during Camden holiday time is Monday to Friday 9.30 (45 minutes) and 10.30 for 1 hour. Sunday 9.00 for 1 hour. See "A to Z" or "Term-time Day Planner" for Talacre address and other information. Treetops is also on a holiday schedule www.camden.gov.uk/ccm/content/leisure/sports-and-activities/sports-centres/talacre-community-sports-centre/talacre-treetops.en

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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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 11am

New 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 details

Creative 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.