Bellenden Belle

Nature Play south East London meet in a Friday morning in Dulwich woods. You can search and find their Facebook groups and sign up as places are limited this week.an absolutely terrific age group for mixed ages and abilities - I have a three year age gap so feel your pain!

https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/ I sent my five year old here because I wanted specifically to find a place that would encourage his imagination and his collaborative skills, rather than a "stagecoach" approach. (I come from a drama background). Highly recommend it. It's also one of the very few National Portfolio Organisations of the Arts Council - a seal of approval in my books. And it's reasonably priced, meaning it naturally encourges a mixed and diverse group of kids - which was also very important to me.

I'm trying to arrange a day out in London for a mixed age group of kids. Two, five, 12 and 14. Help! I think the younger three would be fine but not sure what might appeal to the 14 year old. So far I'm thinking trampolining but I'm also wondering about the Kensington Memorial Park water feature. Is that way too young for a teenager? I have no idea about this age group! Other ideas hugely welcome.

Nimble arts

I think there are very few schools that regard reception as "optional" - unless you are referring to the private sector. Reception is a very different experience to pre-school. There is learning - in particular reading and basic maths - and I would genuinely worry about any child joining in year one. But it's also about friendships -my son is about to start his third term of reception. He has close friends, with whom he has close bonds, and there are also children in his class that he's not interested in playing with. I think it might be hard to go into those established groups. Most schools have separate play areas for reception kids. There are lots of holiday clubs available to help working parents. If he's born in December he will be one of the older children in reception - all the more reason to bite the bullet. Finally, some families find the jump from reception to Year 1 is actually much sharper than the jump from preschool to reception. Year 1 is much more formal in many schools, so might be even more of a shock to your child. Just a few thoughts though - you will know what's best for you and your family,

www.nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk I asked a similar question a while back and a couple of people here recommended Danny's Nutty Parties. We booked him and he was extraordinary! We had 25 five year olds entranced and entirely under his spell for the most brilliant Star Wars party. He does lots of other themes too. A mixture of drama adventure and traditional party games. Highly recommended.

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the suggestions. We went for Daniel the Space Warrior following two recommendations above. He was amazing. The kids were throughly engaged for two hours and his energy and commitment was breathtaking. I got tons of great comments from parents too. Would recommend and will definitely use him again. http://www.nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk/

A heads up for half term - there's a two for one ticket offer at the Unicorn Theatre for their production of the Iron Man. They are offering two for one on all Saturday 11am performances. The promo code is IRON241 It's had some amazing reviews including being this weeks Time Out's Top Pick. Suitable for eight plus. https://www.unicorntheatre.com/whatson/150/the-iron-man http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/the-iron-man-theatre-review-beguilingly-lowfi-piece-of-scifi-a3455136.html

Laddy Muck Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > That sounds like a fantastic cause. Will you be > accepting things like lights, pumps, helmets etc. > too, or "complete" bikes only? Bikes only. All refugees do receive light and helmets along with a bike and cycle training when they receive a bike though.

I know this is on the Dulwich Hamlets thread but I thought it was worth a heads up in the main section too. "The Trust and the Football Club are teaming up with The Bike Project at this Saturday's game against Tonbridge Angels. The Bike Project are based in Denmark Hill and refurbish bikes for refugees. We are asking fans to bring their old unused bikes down to the game to donate to the project" For more information on what the Bike Project does and how your donated bike can make a difference have a read of this lovely article by The United Nations Refugee Agency: http://www.unhcr.org/uk/news/stories/2016/12/58516c847/life-cycles-the-project-getting-refugees-cycling-in-london.html And for more information about tomorrow's event click here: http://dhst.org.uk/dulwich-hamlet-vs-tonbridge-angels-refugee-bike-collection/ And if you don't have a bike to donate but would like to support a brilliant local charity then visit their website at www.thebikeproject.co.uk to find out how to make a contribution - including gift cards as an alternative to presents.

You're welcome Knomester - I got Christmas on Exeter Street out of the library today. This thread has inspired me to wrap 24 christmas books as an advent calender alternative. A mixture of favourites we already have, books borrowed from the library, and some newly bought, I am ridiculously excited at the prospect!

Here's a link to the old thread.... http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,1431942,1442514#msg-1442514

http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,1271050,1271379#msg-1271379 This might be useful

Looking for a Jedi- training style party for my five year old. Anyone have any recommendations?

I would say that whilst I have heard amazing things about it, three might be a little young. It's worth thinking about theatre spaces with the very young - if you go to a dedicated children's theatre you also get a far more tailored experience, often in a much smaller space, designed with the very young in mind. I would highly recommend Boing at the Unicorn Theatre, https://www.unicorntheatre.com/whatson/152/boing

http://www.littleherocompany.com/ This company did a party for 16 four year old superheroes earlier this year and it was absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend them.

Am I the only one who read this and thought it was a group for Dads?

Oh Karen - I'm so pleased you and your little one enjoyed it. I've always found out about cool things from people on this forum which is why I always try and post myself. Your little one will be the perfect age for Sencational when it starts - it's for 18 months to three year olds. https://www.unicorntheatre.com/sensacional It's been on before and it was great. I love the fact shows are repeated at Unicorn - I get a chance to introduce to child number 2 all the things I enjoyed with number one!

I actually saw this yesterday and it was as gorgeous as I'd hoped! It was lovely watching my little one sit still for the whole time, transfixed. And what I didn't realise is that they have created a new space for the show so there are probably no more than 16 babies at each performance - so it's very gentle and tailored so each baby and parent is able to be involved. It's running sporadically for a year so even if your baby is too young right now, it might be worth remembering for when they are slightly older! (My two saw their first theatre shows at four months and six months)

This is a truly gorgeous show for babies ages six months to 18 months. I've seen lots of this directors work and it's always special. With both my little ones our first theatre experiences have been my most memorable days. Go while there are still tickets! https://www.unicorntheatre.com/babyshow

Crossroads cafe on Bellenden Road. Two years on I still miss their egg and bacon sandwiches on white bloomer

Thirty years ago, aged ten, I went to Camp Beaumont which I think still exists. It was wonderful. I still have vivid memories (mostly of riding a motorbike which I'd promised I wouldn't do and holding hands with a boy called Mark.) One of the best weeks ever!

A friend has just alerted me to this which looks absolutely fab. For my little one that's a day out which I'll combine with a trip to the newly refurbished Mudlarks gallery at Museum of London. http://canarywharf.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/canary-wharf-arts-events-family-summer-festival-2016-leaflet.pdf

We are at Little Elms. Not the one nearest the spa but the one on the opposite side. My little one has been there since nine months and I am thrilled. Lovely staff, great space inside and out. Great communication. He claps when he arrives!

https://about.me/jennifer_warwick Jenn is local, lovely and does home visits in the area.