Pugwash Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 My daughter, a single parent, has been let down by her children's' father, who was supposed to have them for part of the school holidays, So we are helping out. Our grand daughter aged 11 is no problem, but 9year old is more difficult to please. Has an interest in computers and coding, does not like crowds (neurodiverse) Is keen n how things work and enjoys taking things apart. He is already going to the transport museum and has been to the science museum Husband and I have some mobility problems so nothing too strenuous. have done Horniman's a number of times. Is there any local holiday schemes where we can enrol him in for 2/3 days. There seems to be a number relating to singing/dancing and drama but nothing science/maths based. He does not have an interest in sport at the moment. Grand children live in Sussex and will be attending Holiday Clubs for a couple of weeks Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprout Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 Why not have a chat with the Maths school on Lordship lane? Just down from library - in front of bus stop opposite side of road to Sainsbury. Libraries sometimes offer coding …not sure if it still tuns but in Brockwell Park they use to have a little train - maybe they might have stuff that needs fixing. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1714098 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs C Posted July 18 Share Posted July 18 This might be an option? https://www.southwark.gov.uk/southwark-presents/coding-and-robotics-workshop-peckham-library-0 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1714100 Share on other sites More sharing options...
IlonaM Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 Also, if he enjoys design or drawing (alongside his maths & tech) he might like the Greenpeace competition for a poster (see Lounge post) - 5 days left to enter. Something more for some time at home, but ... Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1714254 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprout Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 Try Alleyns School - ask about Sparks for Kids Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1714258 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted July 28 Author Share Posted July 28 At the time of posting previously, we had no idea of the dates we would be having the children. The maths place - you pay for a course of lessons . The coding session would be good but you need to book well in advance. Also grandson has been doing coding since 6 years old. He now has a 'mentoring role' at his primary school as his knowledge of this subject is years above his chronological age. Dates are still up in the air as their father is trying to juggle leave from a new job in the north of the country. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715221 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprout Posted July 28 Share Posted July 28 Best you post when you have an idea of dates - waste of everyone’s time 2 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715237 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadNun Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 16 hours ago, beansprout said: Best you post when you have an idea of dates - waste of everyone’s time How charming. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715294 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprout Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 Makes sense though… or do you not think so? Can’t book anything without dates!! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715295 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadNun Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 I see some possibly overloaded grandparents, with mobility issues, trying to help their overloaded daughter. They put some feelers out in anticipation of having to look after their grandson who, it seems, it extraordinarily smart and requires extra stimulation. A big ask all round. That they weren't yet aware of exact dates hardly warrants your complaints of time-wasting. 1 1 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715298 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprout Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 Don’t see you making any positive contribution so with respect each person is allowed their opinion - matter closed Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715301 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelina Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 (edited) Regardless of not having booked in advance, I would still reach out and explain your circumstances - they may have cancellation or be able to accomodate. I typed this into search and it cam up with a number of options "london kids science school hol clubs" Edited July 29 by Angelina Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715304 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted July 30 Author Share Posted July 30 Thank you all for your input- we had the children with their mother for a few days. individually the children went out - one to the theatre and Camden Market and Horniman's. The other to the transport museum and Leicester Square (could not get in to the Lego place so went into M & M place) also Dulwich Park with his Aunty and cousin. My daughter is a special needs teacher in Sussex and even though schools have closed, she had to work 2 days (INSET Days) one day she had a 3 hour zoom call with her colleagues as could not find a child minder, so worked from home, the next day the 9 year old spent the day with friends so she could go to work. At least with us she could get some respite from child care. After much negotiation, their father in Liverpool has managed to get some leave from his new job for 2 weeks. My daughter will drive them to Oxford where Dad will pick up. This gives my daughter a few days without children to catch up with various friends in the Midland's and Yorkshire. I will search the science school link as above as there maybe something in the October or February Half Terms which we could enrol the 9 year old in. We try to support our 3 daughters with child care but most of the grandchildren are grown up which leaves us with 9,11 and 15 year olds. We have not been asked to look after the 6 year and 3 year old great grandchildren - !!! We are firm believers that grandparents should be active in their grandchildren's lives and offer support where they can. I looked after my eldest granddaughter when she was a baby and toddler one day a week so my daughter could work. My granddaughter is now 26 and we are very close as she is the only one living in London. The others are scattered around Kent, Sussex and Essex. 4 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715456 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted August 4 Author Share Posted August 4 Looked up the science holiday clubs in London as mentioned by Angelina. There were none south of the river- most of them in Kensington area. Some had a price of £242 per day (for 5 hours), Also looked to see if there was anything in the Worthing area which we could pay for in the future, Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1715917 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 On 04/08/2025 at 15:28, Pugwash said: Looked up the science holiday clubs in London as mentioned by Angelina. There were none south of the river- most of them in Kensington area. Some had a price of £242 per day (for 5 hours), Also looked to see if there was anything in the Worthing area which we could pay for in the future, £242 a DAY? For 5 hours? What on earth are they doing with them, alchemy to make gold to take home?! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1716315 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprout Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 You clearly do not know, how much it costs.. An example, little change from £100 if granny & gramps plus 2 want to do an activity in London ..& that is not adding in kids pick a toy each at the end or, ice cream - that alone for 4 - no change from a tenner. Yes, of course one can take a picnic, drinks etc & do it cheaply, & yes - plenty of attractions for free, kids go free etc but, at the end of the day, if you are grand parents & only see your grand kids a couple of times a year, if you are lucky.. that is what it costs..!! Times have moved on - I am old ..looking as an example.. Paddington Bear experience for a family,, Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1716324 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Posted August 7 Share Posted August 7 36 minutes ago, beansprout said: You clearly do not know, how much it costs.. An example, little change from £100 if granny & gramps plus 2 want to do an activity in London ..& that is not adding in kids pick a toy each at the end or, ice cream - that alone for 4 - no change from a tenner. Yes, of course one can take a picnic, drinks etc & do it cheaply, & yes - plenty of attractions for free, kids go free etc but, at the end of the day, if you are grand parents & only see your grand kids a couple of times a year, if you are lucky.. that is what it costs..!! Times have moved on - I am old ..looking as an example.. Paddington Bear experience for a family,, Eh? I'm not sure whose post you are responding to, but if it was mine, you "clearly do not know how much it costs"? I have two granddaughters who have frequently stayed with my partner and myself in London, since the younger one was four. I wasn't commenting on the cost of taking children out in London. I was asking exactly what a holiday science club was doing with the children to warrant charging £242 for five hours! You "clearly" did not read my post! You don't have to take children on expensive outings. As you say, there are plenty of free/cheap things for children to do in London, and children enjoy choosing things to go in their packed lunch which they can carry themselves in a little backpack. As for buying toys etc, you can give them pocket money at the start of their stay, to spend how they want, and if they make poor choices and then run out of money, it's a learning experience, isn't it. And I suspect I am at least as old as you, and quite possibly older! But in any case, Pugwash was not asking for general comments, s/he was asking for specific suggestions for a specific boy with specific interests. 1 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1716328 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctovey Posted August 8 Share Posted August 8 If you are a resident in Southwark, Tower Hamlets or City of London, you can buy tickets for the Tower Bridge Experience for £1 each. There are lifts. I found it ok to navigate around as an older, less able person. You get entry to the Engine Room as well, which is very interesting. Best to book in advance as the queues can be long. Afterwards, a walk around St Katherine's dock is free and a pleasant experience. The (old) Queen's royal barge is currently berthed there and worth a look. 1 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1716373 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted August 10 Author Share Posted August 10 Years since we have been to St. Katherine's Dock. Used to take our now 39 year old and now 52 year old daughters when they were young. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1716609 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprout Posted August 10 Share Posted August 10 Tough getting there by train, when you have disabilities but, you know what, is possible…Elizabeth line is step free, just all the walking around and escalators but, if I was not so stubborn, staff are always there to help. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1716611 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctovey Posted August 13 Share Posted August 13 Not sure where you live, but 42 (from Dulwich Sainsburys) or 78 (from Peckham) go to Tower Bridge. Bit of a long winded journey, but gets you there. 1 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1716869 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cancerian Posted August 14 Share Posted August 14 Just a thought but after reading through these posts it looks like the OP is trying to do too much to the detriment of their own health. I’ve been there and done it with family members and wished I’d done it differently. Maybe just take the grandkids to the local park for a picnic? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1717016 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted August 18 Author Share Posted August 18 Re previous post. . Our youngest grandchildren only come up to London around 4 times a year and usually stay overnight. This holiday was different as their father in Liverpool had just changed jobs and had difficulties in getting time off for the 2 weeks he normally has the children for in the summer holidays so everything was up the wall. Daughter had booked a few days away (she had not had a holiday for 3 years) and we were the backup if all had failed with Dad. As it happened, he could not get much time off, but his new partner looked after the children most of the time. We had the children for a few nights to support our daughter. We normally travel to Sussex to meet up with everyone (either by train or car) Whilst we have our own health issues (physical) for our emotional health it is important that we play a significant part in our grandchildren's life, Our eldest grandson (30) is very close to his grandfather who supported him emotionally and practically since he was a teenager. Grandson is now has a 6 year old son, named after his grandfather, and credits his paternal/fathering skills etc to us grandparents. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1717349 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cancerian Posted August 18 Share Posted August 18 Well done to you for your input over the years to your family Pugwash but it does make for a very exhausting read! Maybe take a stand back and let them get on with it!? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1717371 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Posted August 19 Share Posted August 19 16 hours ago, Cancerian said: Well done to you for your input over the years to your family Pugwash but it does make for a very exhausting read! Maybe take a stand back and let them get on with it!? We are all different, in different situations and with different personalities. Pugwash has said that it is important to them to play a significant part in their grandchildrens' lives. You might do things differently, but you are not Pugwash! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/364553-where-to-take-a-9-year-old-during-summer-holiday/#findComment-1717440 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now